Selasa, 01 Februari 2011

What's new on SlashGear.com

What's new on SlashGear.com

Honeycomb will Make Android King of Enterprise, So Says Aaron Levie

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 03:11 PM PST

Mister Aaron Levie is the chief executive of enterprise cloud storage company Box.net, and he’s been so bold and so kind as to say that Google’s Android will soon be the winner in the enterprise tablet race. Why not iPad? Why not the upcoming tablet from RIM, BlackBerry PlayBook? Because Android is an open system, Levie says Android’s tablet operating system version 3.0 Honeycomb will bring with it an avalanche of enterprise applications for Android tablets. Levie notes that with this more open development ecosystem there comes more support for enterprise apps and a bigger IT community creating applications for Android.

We must assume he means “on a large enough device” since Android isn’t an extremely new operating system, and has been on handheld devices for some time now. Levie continues that since Android focuses on multiple carriers, their ability to be on the fastest network (amongst always competing groups) will be another giant bonus point.

Apparently we’re to understand that this same fellow Levie has “shot from the hip” before (his last claim being that HTML5 would kill desktop software,) but in this case we’re inclined to believe he may have a point. Several points.

On the other hand, if you’d like to play devil’s advocate, you’d note that not only is the iPad already established, but the Fortune 100 list of top companies in the world, 80 of them have begun testing or deploying iPad applications. Android devices currently take up around 30 percent of enterprise activations, while Apple scoops up a giant 65 percent. All of this of course is excluding RIM’s gigantic presence, one that we’re not sure will ever be extinguished.

Also a point to note: Box.net has recently launched its first Android application (Q4 2010) and now says they’d like to make it “as slick as its current iPad and iPhone versions,” and is in negotiations with Samsung to release the app with what we expect to be a future version of the Galaxy Tab. Box.net’s app has seen around 70k downloads in the Android Marketplace while it’s been downloaded 250k times in Apple’s App Store.

Do you agree with Aaron Levie? Will Android overtake Apple and (god forbid) RIM as well? Welcome to a world of possibility.

[Via Venture Beat]

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Verizon Educates Users with Fact Sheet About Data Usage

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 02:34 PM PST

If you’re not one of the thousands and thousands of world citizens that have subscribed to the idea that you need a smartphone to function normally in society, you undoubtedly have you reasons. Cost is of course prohibitive, and some people just don’t see the need (weird!), but I’d wager to guess one of the most giant reasons people do not seek to further their understanding of this new handheld device world is the fact that they’re confused about data costs. Verizon today seeks to change your mind with an easy-to-read fact sheet.

What this fact sheet appears to be is a response to last year’s FCC fiasco for Verizon in which they were investigated on “mystery fees” billed to 15 million users of their services. Verizon’s sheet (pictured above and below) is being sent out to subscribers who use their “pay as you go” data plans. One side of the sheet is title “Understanding your Data Charges” and shows all the ways a user can get charged for data usage, including downloading apps, mobile web surfing, using apps that regularly update themselves or your info, browsing online application stores, and more. It also shows the maniacal price of Verizon’s pay as you go plan ($1.99 per megabyte) and shows its tools for tracking said data usage.

The other side of the sheet lists 15 Verizon apps often/always installed on Verizon-purchased smartphones including V Cast Music, which has no charges outside of its SONG ID feature, and Verizon’s ESPN MVP app and VZ Navigator GPS app that don’t use bandwidth for use but do for upgrades. Email, in contrast, uses data no matter what you’re doing with it.

This move comes right on top of AT&T receiving a heavy charge insinuating it’s been overcharging for iPhone and iPad data. Verizon spokeswoman Debi Lewis told Forbes today that these sheets did indeed find themselves born out of the “mystery fees” case last year, the case resulting in Verizon singing a consent decree noting how transparent they had to be in the future.

These sheets, in combination with free text message updates on data usage as well as a dedicated section inside it’s user homepage “My Verizon,” are meant to deter themselves from ever making as costly a mistake as was made last year. The case with the FCC last year cost Verizon a $25 million dollar fine as well as a $52.8 million dollar refund to customers.

Is this sheet, that site, and the text messages enough? Or is Verizon (and not to mention every other carrier with smartphones) bound to repeat a history of pain?* *History of Pain would be an amazing name for Slayer’s next album. You hear me Slayer?!

Click the thumbnail in the gallery below to see the Verizon sheet larger.

[Via Forbes]

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NOOKcolor Owner Creates Custom BOOKcase

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 01:51 PM PST

This is not the first time that someone’s carved out a book to put electronics inside (everyone in the worlds’ favorite case being, of course, in the The Matrix ala Neo’s hacker disks,) but it is the first time we’ve seen one with a NOOKcolor in it. And not only that, but this particular book is heavily ironic, a great choice to be cutting up: Future Consumer .com, a book by Frank Feather.

Inside of this book, carved out by XDA Developers forum member JF-WS6, you’ll find a well-out space for his NOOKcolor. Well rounded edges, perfect fit, and even a little space near the spine of the book where he can stick his finger to pop the device out should he wish to do so. Of course this is also the location of the power button, for those of you that don’t know, so he really won’t have to pop the device out at all until he needs to charge it up. Brilliant!

[Via XDA Developers Forum]

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Coming Soon: Monty Python Cow Tossing for your iPhone

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 01:10 PM PST

If flinging turds at island invaders hasn’t helped you get out your pent up aggressions, help is on the way. Soon you will be able to use a spiky catapult to fling cows at angry Englishmen in flimsy wooden huts, all on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. This is thanks to the popular physics puzzler, Monty Python Cow Tossing.

The game seems to be loosely based on the popular Angry Birds, but it has several additional features. For example, there are Holy Grail and other power-ups on each of the 80 levels of the game. You can also purchase upgrades for your catapult and use different types of animals for throwing, including the African swallow.

Monty Python Cow Tossing will be available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and select mobile handsets in the next few weeks. No price has yet been released.

See the video of the iPhone game here.

[via PocketGamer]

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Intel Completes Purchase of Infineon

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 12:53 PM PST

Intel has finished the purchasing process of Infineon's Wireless Business and that means problems for everyone making processor chips for mobile devices. The industry giant has so much clout that when it tells the rest of its competitors to jump, they reply with "how high?" Well, not really, but Intel does have enough power that when they make a move the rest of the industry follows its lead.

Intel wasn't always in this prestigious position as only a few years ago it was getting beaten handedly by chief competitor AMD. That is until Intel corrected its processor architecture to use less power and coupled that with its massive manufacturing capacity to relegate AMD to its lower status. The new competitor Intel now looks to have set its eyes on is British company ARM, leader in processor chips in mobile phones and tablets.

The problem Intel had was that it could produce chips that had the sufficient processing power and energy efficiency but they didn't have any experience in wireless radio technologies like GSM, UMTS, HSPA, and LTE. Intel's acquisition of Infineon solves this and allows them to offer manufacturers processors that will combine Intel's expertise in processing speed and power with wireless connectivity. Everyone get ready to hear Intel's "BUUUM bum-bum bum bum" for a long time.

[Via IntoMobile]

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Apple Releases Third beta of iOS 4.3 to Developers

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 12:49 PM PST

Today Apple released the third beta of iOS 4.3, called 8F5166b,  to developers for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. This is the third beta release from Apple in three weeks. Details were not immediately available as to what is included in the release.

The first release on January 12th featured the new Personal Hotspot feature which allows an iPhone to share its 3G Internet connection with up to 5 devices over WiFi, and allowed third party applications to use AirPlay for streaming video. It also included a software option to change the iPad hardware switch between mute and orientation lock.

The second beta issued on Jan. 19 was a preview of the new iPad multi-touch gestures, which included four-finger gestures to switch between multitasking operations or return to the home screen. This feature will not be enabled in the final release, but is planned for the future.

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Google Exec Missing In Egypt

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 12:35 PM PST

Wael Ghonim, marketing head for Google in the Middle East and North Africa, was reported missing by Google earlier today. Ghonim was last seen Thursday night in central Cairo. The country has been engulfed in civil unrest and anti-government protest for the past week.

Massive protests of Egyptian citizens have been calling for the resignation of current President Hosni Mubarak and a regime change. The Egyptian government has shut down internet service for the entire country on Thursday night except for Noor Group, the lone ISP available. They have cut off cell phone services as well as social networking sites Twitter and Facebook in hopes of disrupting the protest movement. The only way to get information out is through Noor, calling someone through a land line, or using a dial-up modem.

Google asks that if anyone has any information to call +44 20 7031 3008.

[Via Reuters]

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GoPro Launches LCD BacPac Detachable Screen

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 12:28 PM PST

GoPro announced today the availability of the LCD BacPac, a detachable LCD screen for its HD HERO video camera.  The screen attaches to the camera via a small expansion port located on the back of the camera. The screen can be attached to the waterproof housing of the camera, as well as the wrist housing.

Since the screen is detachable, it allows the camera to be small and light, and still have and LCD screen for easier shooting. According to Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s CEO: "At the core, we've kept the HD HERO camera as small and light as possible, cutting out everything that isn't required for capturing incredible HD content. Our wide angle lens allows for the omission of an LCD screen for most uses, but of course there are times when an LCD screen comes in handy.”

The detachable screen sells for $79.99. See the video here.

[via GoPro]

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Android Smartphone Sales at 43 Percent and Rising

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 12:10 PM PST

43 percent of smartphone sales are Android based, according to Nielsen. Android devices currently hold a 27% market share, putting Android in a close race with Apple and RIM. As you can see from the graph below, Android is climbing sharply, while Apple is staying roughly even, and RIM is declining.

This is particularly interesting when you consider that this huge climb in marketshare has happened in just one year. This is likely helped by the fact that the Android platform is available on a large range of devices, while the iPhone OS and the RIM BlackBerry OS are only available on their branded devices. Likely, this growth will continue over 2011, with the Android OS quickly becoming dominant.

[via Android Community]

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Beatles Grammy Winning Album and Documentary Debuts Exclusively on iTunes Worldwide

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:58 AM PST

The Beatles "Love" album and the "All Together Now" documentary are digitally debuting exclusively on iTunes worldwide later this month. The album includes special versions of old songs as well as previously unreleased songs while the documentary will have many extras. Both will be priced at $12.99 with the album being available on February 8th and the documentary following soon after. Pre-orders start today.

Press Release:

The Beatles’ Grammy-Winning ‘LOVE’ Album and ‘All Together Now’ Documentary Film to Make Digital Debuts Exclusively on iTunes Worldwide

iTunes Pre-Orders Start Today for Both Titles; Two Previously Unreleased ‘LOVE’ Tracks Offered Exclusively on iTunes

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Beatles’ ‘LOVE’ album and ‘All Together Now,’ the feature-length documentary about the making of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil®,will make their worldwide digital debuts this month exclusively on the iTunes Store® (www.itunes.com). Both titles are available for pre-order on iTunes starting today in most countries. ‘LOVE’ will be released on iTunes worldwide February 8 and ‘All Together Now’ will follow soon after.

The ‘LOVE’ album (US $12.99) includes exclusive, previously-unreleased ‘LOVE’ versions of “The Fool on the Hill” and “Girl,” and comes as an iTunes LP featuring an art gallery that blends images of the Beatles with colorful photos from the acclaimed stage production. ‘LOVE’ will also be available to purchase and download as individual songs.

The ‘All Together Now’ documentary (US $12.99 HD) will be offered with iTunes Extras including the 84-minute film, three bonus featurettes and a trailer for the ‘LOVE’ stage production, and is also available to rent.

‘LOVE,’ a Cirque du Soleil creation and co-production with The Beatles’ company, Apple Corps Ltd., celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatlesandis presented exclusively at The Mirage in Las Vegas. This joint artistic venture, born from the personal friendship between George Harrison and Guy Laliberte, marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. Since opening to rave reviews on June 30, 2006, ‘LOVE’ has played to more than four million audience members.

To create the lush soundscape for ‘LOVE,’ producers Sir George Martin and Giles Martin worked with the entire archive of Beatles master recordings at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. This unique approach to assembling the music for a live show was rapturously received by the critics and Beatles fans and resulted in the groundbreaking album The Beatles ‘LOVE’ garnering two GRAMMY Awards®, in the categories of Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Medium and Surround Sound Album.

The GRAMMY®-winning ‘All Together Now’ documentary, directed by Adrian Wills, and its bonus features detail the fascinating story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of ‘LOVE.’

On November 16, 2010, The Beatles’ 13 legendary remastered studio albums, the two-volume ‘Past Masters’ compilation, and the classic ’1962-1966′ (‘Red’) and ’1967-1970′ (‘Blue’) collections were released on iTunes® worldwide as albums or individual songs. On the same date, a special digital ‘Beatles Box Set’ was released on iTunes featuring the “Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964″ concert film, a worldwide iTunes exclusive which captures The Beatles’ very first U.S. concert. The exclusive box set features all of the remastered audio and visual elements included in The Beatles’ stereo box set, released on CD in 2009 and GRAMMY®-nominated this year in the Historical Album category.

The Beatles have now sold more than five million songs and one million albums on iTunes worldwide.

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Samsung Issuing Refunds for PCs with Faulty Intel Chipset

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:49 AM PST

Yesterday, Intel stopped shipments of its 6 Series support chip, used in personal computers, because of a design flaw. Today, Samsung announced it will issue refunds or exchange for products containing the chipset. Intel will be paying for the refunds and replacements, so the move will not affect Samsung financially.

The faulty chipset affects the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD drives. The chipset is used in PCs with Intel’s latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, aka Sandy Bridge.

There is one PC lineup affected by this chip in the US, and 6 in South Korea.

[via Samsung Hub]

could in turn affect the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD drives. The chipset will be used in PCs with Intel’s latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, also known as Sandy Bridge.

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Google’s Chrome Passes 10% of Market

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

Google's Chrome web browser has earned itself a double-digit share and a third place ranking in the market place with 10.7%. This is a big jump from the 5.2% share Chrome had at the beginning of 2010, according to market research by Net Applications. This marks a big achievement for Chrome since it was launched only in 2008 and does not have a dedicated platform to run on.

Market leader Internet Explorer from Microsoft still enjoys a comfortable lead at 56%, but saw its numbers drop slightly from 58.41%, while second place Firefox remained at 22%. Coming up right behind Chrome is Apple's Safari taking in 6.3%, crossing the 6% barrier for the first time.

2011 is looking to be a big year for Chrome as Google is preparing to launch the ChomeOS on notebooks running the new OS from Samsung, Acer, and others by mid-2011. I'm sure Google is hoping the rising popularity of its browser will translate into similar results for ChromeOS in the competitive OS market.

[Via CNN]

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FarmVille Cake. What’s Next, Mafia Wars Theme Park?

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:24 AM PST

Last year, 7-11 started selling FarmVille-inspired food, and now Fiesta Fun Cupcakes in Puerto Rico has created a FarmVille Cake. It looks pretty good, too. The cake features a full range of produce, including pumpkins, watermelons, corn, etc.  Fortunately, no animals are included.

Too bad that the cake is all the way in Puerto Rico, but maybe some state-side bakeries will pick up on this as well. It also makes us wonder what is next? A real CafeWorld restaurant, or a Mafia Wars theme park?

[via games.com]

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AT&T Allegedly Over Billing on iPhone and iPad Data Plans

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:56 AM PST

A new federal class action lawsuit alleges that "AT&T's bills systematically overstate the amount of data used on each data transaction involving an iPhone or iPad account." The legal document submitted on behalf of plaintiff Patrick Hendricks, goes on to say that AT&T's scheme is similar to a rigged gas pump that "charges for a full gallon when it pumps only nine-tenth of a gallon into your car's tank."

A two month study done by a consulting firm hired by the plaintiff 's lawyer discovered that web traffic was typically overstated by 7 to 14 percent and potentially in excess of 300 percent. For instance, if an iPhone user downloaded 50KB of web data that AT&T would bill that as 53.5KB and potentially as high as 150KB.

The suit also alleges that AT&T not only over bills but bills customers even when they aren't using data. The consulting firm purchased an iPhone from an AT&T store and left it inactive for 10 days—no push notifications, locations services, email accounts or apps—and the account still received a billing for 2,292KB of data spread over 35 transactions.

AT&T has just responded with the following: "Transparent and accurate billing is a top priority for AT&T. In fact, we’ve created tools that let our customers check their voice and data usage at any time during their billing cycle to help eliminate bill surprises. We have only recently learned of the complaint, but I can tell you that we intend to defend ourselves vigorously."

[Via Electronista]

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Teen Creates Death Ray with Brightness of 5,000 Suns

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:53 AM PST

19 year old Eric Jacqmain created a “death ray” using 5,800 tiny mirrors placed in a 5’9" dish mounted on a wagon chassis. When objects (including a wood plank, a metal disk, an aluminum can, and a piece of mud) were placed in the focal point, they were quickly obliterated. It’s pretty doubtful that the ray could produce the HEAT of 5,000 suns (which would be 30 million °C), but maybe it could equal the brightness of 5,000 suns.

The cost of the death ray? Only about $90. We wonder if this could have useful properties, other than destroying things. Solar energy, maybe? The video is here.

Unfortunately, the solar death ray was destroyed by, you guessed it, fire. He is working on a new, more powerful version.

[via HotHardware]

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Google Latitude Check In Introduced

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:51 AM PST

Take a peek at Google’s newest mobile offering – an upgrade of Google Latitude that includes a “check in” option that’s bound to scare the pants off the folks over at FourSquare. This new functionality starts in Google Maps 5.1 today. Where before you were only able to show your location to friends (and foes,) now you’re able to do that in specific locations with names, names such as Big Brain Comics, Pump’n Joes Gas, or Punch Pizza.

In this new version, you’re using Latitude to do the following things with the following features:

Notifications: turn on check-in notifications so that you’ll get a notification to check in at each location you enter.

Automatic Check-Ins: just like it sounds, this option checks out in automatically when you enter locations (but only locations you’ve pre-specified, so no Big Brother.)
Check Out: Latitude automatically checks you out of locations once you’re out of range.

Also, features include:
Place Page: Each location that’s integrated into this system already has a Place page with reviews, links, directions, etcetera.
Status: Like FourSquare, you can earn special statuses if you’ve checked into a place enough times, (and possibly if you’re the one with the most check ins, though its unclear at the moment.) You can be Regular, VIP, or Guru.

Sharing: Google is careful to note that everything in Latitude is 100% opt-in, from sharing your location to allowing your location to be automatically shared. Share with the whole world, your friends only, or just with yourself. Coming later this week you’ll be able to see your whole history of check-ins at google.com/latitude on your computer.

To begin your journey on this new system, download the latest version of Google Maps from Android Marketplace, [DIRECT LINK FOR ANDROID USERS WITH VERSION 1.6 AND HIGHER], and join Latitude from the main menu. If you’re using iPhone, check out the new Latitude app to see your cool Android friends’ check-ins, and Google will be updating your app soon so you’ll be able to check in as well.

[Via GoogleMobile]

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Call of Duty: Black Ops Offers First Downloadable Content

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:47 AM PST

Popular first-person shooter game, Call of Duty: Black Ops, has released its first downloadable content–a map pack with five all new locales spanning the globe available on Xbox Live. Proving its popularity the Xbox Live status page is warning users that its servers are buckling under the massive demand and the service is in alert. "Users may be unable to purchase the following DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops: First Strike: Pack 1 when using the Xbox console. This content is available in the COD Black Ops in game store and from Xbox.com"

Microsoft is telling gamers to either purchase the First Strike DLC straight from the Call of Duty: Black Ops in-game store or the Xbox.com web portal in lieu of using Xbox Live Marketplace. It's not surprising gamers are having problems purchasing the map pack since it comes in at 646.37 MB.

The five new maps include four original multiplayer maps and one new of zombie level that Call of Duty is famous for:

-Berlin Wall: Action takes place at Checkpoint Charlie and players are thrown into the Cold War Berlin

-Stadium: Close-quarters fighting inside a pro hockey rink

-Kowloon: Taken from the single-player campaign. Players will traverse the iconic rooftops of Kowloon City, Hong Kong.

-Discovery: An abandoned Nazi outpost abandoned on the coast of Antarctica

-Ascension: Zombie map where gamers will fight Soviet zombies, zombie monkeys in Cold War Soviet launch facility

"The team has given it their all, as we crafted maps in First Strike while taking into account our community to make sure that this content delivers compelling unique experiences that will appeal to all different play styles," said Mark Lamia, studio head of Treyarch.

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC map pack is available now for 1,200 MS points of $15.

[Via Pocket-lint]

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PinkBerry? RIM Releases Fuschia BlackBerry 3G

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:15 AM PST

Research In Motion has just released a 3G BlackBerry Curve in pink, officially called Fuchsia Pink. This phone has the same features as the original black version, with a 2MP camera, 2.5″ (dia.) color display, and 320×240 TFT LCD.

This may well be the perfect Valentines gift. I know I would prefer it to chocolates. Other features: WiFi technology, BlackBerry push technology, VZ Navigator™, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Music w/Rhapsody and V CAST Video on Demand, Mobile Broadband Connect.

I only found it available through Verizon in pink, but I’m sure other carriers will be following shortly.

[via Pocket-lint]

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Traffic Signals on Trees

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 10:09 AM PST

A good way to green a city is to plant more trees and what better reason to do so than have trees replace traffic signal poles. Designers have conjured up the traffic signal of the future, called the Wearable Signal, in the form of a flexible LED solar panel that can wrap around any cylindrical form.

Easy to install, easy on the eyes, easy on the environment, and easy on the city's checkbook, this flexible traffic signal can wrap around trees or existing utility poles.

[Via Yanko Designs]

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Notion Ink Apps Ported to GTab

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 09:35 AM PST

For those seeking an alternative custom ROM to boost speed and improve user interface of the Viewsonic GTab, there's some good news. Developers over at XDA have successfully ported over a portion of Notion Ink 's Eden firmware.

According to postings in the XDA-Developers forum, the developer has so far ported over 7 applications, including the Notion Ink Canvas, Calculator, Browser, Calendar, Keyboard, Sniffer, Mail, and tablet version of QuickOffice. In theory, the apps should work on any ROM since they are Android based.

[Via XDA-Developers]

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Honeycomb, Galaxy Tab & the 7-inch stumble

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 09:30 AM PST

It’s hardly been a good week for Samsung. Not only has the company been forced to backtrack on its Galaxy Tab sales figures, admitting it was counting vendor shipments rather than end-user purchases, but return rates are also said to be far higher than expected. Considering the Galaxy Tab has been the poster child of Android slates so far, it’s an embarrassing showing against the nigh-unstoppable Apple iPad. Question is, was it Froyo that scuppered the Tab – a smartphone OS asked to do tablet duties it simply couldn’t fulfil – or is 7-inches simply the wrong size? And, with Honeycomb fast approaching, can Google’s new OS turn the tide?

It’s fair to say that Froyo – Android 2.2 – was never intended for tablets; even Google confirmed that. Back when we first reviewed the Galaxy Tab we praised Samsung for the work it had done on creating custom apps for the slate, replacing the native calendar, address book and other software to suit the 7-inch display and 1024 x 600 resolution. It went some way to disguise the feeling that the Tab was an oversized phone, certainly, though it was nowhere near perfect.

Still, we’ve seen a gradual flow of tablet-centric apps for Android, including some high profile launches from the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. They’ve targeted Tab owners and borrowed design cues from iPad apps to make the most of the resolution, carving out a 7-inch niche where even Google didn’t think there was potential.

However, to paraphrase Jurassic Park, just because we can, doesn’t necessarily mean we should. In the most recent SlashGear poll we asked readers to vote for what tablet screen size they were most interested in, and – as of writing – a full 50-percent of over 3,000 respondents told us they were looking for a 10-inch scale slate. In contrast, a little over a quarter preferred a 7-inch model, like the Galaxy Tab (or, indeed, RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook).

Now, we didn’t ask for justifications of each selection, so we can’t say exactly why more people prefer a larger slate than a smaller one, but there are some common reasons we’ve been hearing since the Tab was first rumored. One is a basic preference for bigger-scale web browsing, with smaller tablets not perceived as offering a big enough leap in screen real-estate over a smartphone. Another is portability; while the Galaxy Tab can fit into a coat pocket (or even your jeans pocket, if you’re not a fan of skinny fit), how many people actually do take it out with them?

The absence of phone support undermined Samsung, with carrier wariness of potentially cannibalized handset sales leaving North American Tabs unable to make regular voice calls. Whether the target audience for an Android tablet – more likely, perhaps, to already have a smartphone – would bother carrying both around sapped some of the slate’s portability potential. We’ll have to wait until European sales and return figures for the Tab emerge, given versions there allowed for voice calls and thus it could fully replace a cellphone, to see what sort of impact that artificial crippling had.

Should Samsung have waited, or avoided the contentious 7-inch size altogether? It’s perhaps telling that, of all the big-name Android slates launched at CES 2011 last month, the vast majority had displays in the 10-inch range. Dell’s Streak 7 mimicked the Galaxy Tab, but with an 800 x 480 display that’s rightly being criticized in reviews; it also misses out on Honeycomb, at launch anyway, despite having a dual-core Tegra 2 processor at its heart.

The others – Motorola’s 10-inch XOOM, LG’s G-Slate with what’s believed to be an 8.9-inch screen – plumped for more direct iPad-rivalling scale, and indeed Samsung is expected to bring a 10-inch Galaxy Tab, with Honeycomb in its sights, to Mobile World Congress in just a few weeks time. From what we’ve seen of Android 3.0 so far, it’s a vast improvement over previous iterations when it comes to accommodating a big touchscreen. It’ll work on 7-inchers, of course, just like it will work on smartphone-scale devices, but it’s pretty clear Google had 10-inch tablets in mind throughout development.

We’ll know more after Google’s Honeycomb event tomorrow, where the Motorola XOOM is expected to take center stage, and with the Android team expected to outline not only what makes 3.0 special but the longer-term vision for the platform. Honeycomb on the Galaxy tab could well be the reboot the 7-inch slate needs.

Looking for everything we know about Android 3.0 Honeycomb today? Check out the Android Community Honeycomb User Features Preview and the Android Community Honeycomb Developer Features Preview.

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SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: February 1 2011

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 08:32 AM PST

Two rather odd bits of news from over on Android Community – one, there’s an Australian whose figured out a way to connect phones directly without the use of carriers, and two, mister Chad Ochocinco has his hands on a Motorola XOOM, so you know it’s about to get weird. Next get a glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy S2 – or is it just a Video Dummy? On SlashGear we’ve got a post on how Android Honeycomb lead designer Matias Duarte notes that Android 3.0 is for more than just tablets. The CEO from Netgear apologizes about his remarks regarding Apple and her leader, Google offers speak2tweet to keep Egyptians connected, and Google accuses Bing of copying search results. All this and MORE on SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up!

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice
Galaxy Tab sales "smooth" not "small" insists Samsung
Galaxy Tab returns sky-high say analysts: Froyo to blame?
Samsung Galaxy S2 teaser stars an FX blooper [Video]
Notion Ink Adam Blotchy Pixel Qi Screen and Defective Camera Shown Off by Rambler
Android 3.0 Honeycomb ROM for NOOKcolor released [Update: Video]
Google offers speak2tweet to keep Egyptians connected
Puget Systems talks about fix for Intel Sandy Bridge flaw
RadioShack announces Fresh Phone February
Yahoo! Mail cause of Windows Phone 7 phantom data use

SlashPhone
Samsung Galaxy Player Pre-Order Available on February 4th
Introducing "SG Comics Presents"
BlackBerry Torch 9800 Covered in 18K Gold

Android Community
HTC Inspire 4G due at AT&T Feb 13 priced at $100
Galaxy Tab sales "smooth" not "small" insists Samsung
Linux Foundation offers Android dev courses
Honeycomb for NOOKcolor ROM released [Update: Video!]
Aussie develops software that connects phones directly without a mobile carrier
Motorola XOOM gets football flaunt as Chad Ochocinco shows off slate
Galaxy Tab returns sky-high say analysts: Froyo to blame?
Cowon D3 Android MP3 player hits pre-order
Sony Ericsson XPERIA update released: Multitouch for X10, ANT+ for X8
Samsung Galaxy S2 teaser stars an FX blooper [Video]
LG Optimus 3D official: 3D display & camera, coming to MWC 2011
Notion Ink Adam Blotchy Pixel Qi Screen and Defective Camera Shown Off by Rambler
Dell Streak 7 Review by Ben Bajarin

SlashGear
Google accuses Bing of copying search results
AT&T HTC Inspire 4G hits February 13 for $100
Panasonic LUMIX GF2 priced plus Camcorders & Point-&-Shoots
Samsung: Galaxy Tab sales "quite smooth" not "quite small"
Android 3.0 Honeycomb for more than tablets says UI head Duarte
Android 3.0 Honeycomb ROM for NOOKcolor released [Update: Video]
HTC 7 Mozart headed to T-Mobile USA?
Boxee Netflix delayed again: DRM to blame?
Roku announces official support for USB drives
GSLO gets first shipment of Volt solar iPhone cases for testing
Sony patent app hints at future thin camera design
Samsung Galaxy Tab returns as high as 16% researchers claim
Best Buy offers big screen deals for the Super Bowl
Planar adds new 55-inch LED backlit HD resolution LCD to Clarity Matrix video wall line
Google offers speak2tweet to keep Egyptians connected
Epson unveils PowerLite 915W and PowerLite 905 projectors
Cowon D3 hits pre-order in UK packing Android under the hood
Sony HX100V packs in 30x optical zoom while HX9V offers 16x optical zoom
Puget Systems talks about fix for Intel Sandy Bridge flaw
Free In-flight Gogo Facebook access: Get poked at 30,000 feet
RadioShack announces Fresh Phone February
Satin Silver PS3 is Sony Japan exclusive from March
Sony Move Server project to push PlayStation Move to PCs
Apple blocks Sony Reader app: new in-app purchase rules could scupper Kindle
Netgear CEO apologizes for Apple comments
Yahoo! Mail cause of Windows Phone 7 phantom data use
Samsung's Galaxy S2 makes unplanned teaser appearance [Video]
LG confirms Optimus 3D ahead of MWC 2011: 3D camera & HDMI
Apple Posts iOS 4.2.6 Firmware – Verizon iPhone Ahoy!

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]

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Anybots telepresence robot now shipping

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 08:13 AM PST

Anybots‘ telepresence business robots have now begun shipping, offering remote control of a balancing robot with two-way audio and video. Billed as a challenge to business travel, Anybots went up for pre-order back in July 2010; those customers will start to get their ‘bots this week, while new orders will ship in March.

There’s also a new high definition zoom for the 5-megapixel onboard camera, and support for WiFi b/g/n. Anybots reckons battery life is up to eight hours, and they can shuttle around at up to 3.5mph.

Collision avoidance and a collapsable design make for easier transportation, and the whole thing is controlled by a regular Mac (with PC support due in March). Yours for $15,000.

Press Release:

Anybots Starts Shipping Business Robots

Anybots Ship with a Slew of New Features, Business Travel Changes Forever

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., February 1, 2011 – 8:00 a.m. PT

News Facts:
· Anybots, maker of telepresence business robots, today announced that it has begun shipping product.

· Customers who pre-ordered an Anybot will begin receiving their orders this week. Customers who order today will begin receiving their units in March. To order an Anybot, go to www.anybots.com/#buy.

· The Anybot is the first professional-quality telepresence robot to allow you to work remotely through a simple web interface.

· Here's how it works:

o You are sitting on your sofa, enjoying your morning coffee.

o At the same time, you can be the eyes and ears on the ground at a remote office or factory via an Anybot.

o You control the Anybot from anywhere in the world via the web, letting you work effectively and personally without ever having to step on an airplane.

o You can leap into an Anybot in just one-click of the mouse and immediately be interacting with your team.

o And, when you are done, you can jump out and be back on the couch enjoying your coffee in no time. Meanwhile, another colleague located somewhere else around the globe, can leap into the Anybot for a meeting at the office.

· The Anybots telepresence business robot will ship with new features:

o High definition zoom

o Seamless roaming on wireless

o Two-way streaming video

o Touch screen enabled Wi-Fi configuration

· Anybots also feature:

o High quality audio and clear, stabilized-video (five megapixel high-resolution video camera) for a great interactive experience

o Two wheels so it can run at 3.5 mph to keep up with groups of people and provide a safe way to get around that prevents damage to walls and other objects

o Collision avoidance technology that guides the Anybot around obstacles, such as doors

o A lightweight design (35 pounds) to be easily pushed, carried or adjusted to fit in a car seat

o A professional and friendly appearance so people pay attention and take you seriously

o Easy and inexpensive installation, all you need is Wi-Fi and a computer (currently available on the Mac and PC-compatible by March)

o The ability to sit in a corner when idle and charge

o Sharing capabilities so it can be used by company users at a time

o Eight hours of battery life and support for 802.11n Wi-Fi

Quotes:
Attributable to Trevor Blackwell, Founder & CEO, Anybots
After years of work and months of beta testing, we're looking forward to seeing the various uses the market comes up with for Anybots. Beyond just letting you be in two places at once – which changes the world of the business traveler – we're seeing a lot of use with industry verticals. Everyone from a cookie manufacturer looking to manage remote factories to a CEO who simply can't make it to every meeting in person – teleporting via an Anybot has already given these people a new perspective on work.

Attributable to Phil Libin, Founder & CEO, Evernote
After a few months of beta testing for Anybots, I’m completely in love with it. At first I thought the bot would pay for itself if it could just replace one international trip, but now I realize that the real value is letting me preserve spontaneous interactions at the office even when I’m thousands of miles away. I can jump into the bot at any time and work casually with my team. There’s no need to schedule formal meetings or herd everyone around a speaker phone. It’s easy to use and it keeps me connected. And it’s got a laser beam attached to its head – which, let’s be honest, is just good product design.

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Google accuses Bing of copying search results

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 07:49 AM PST

Google has accused Microsoft of copying its search results in Bing, having set a “honeypot” trap in December 2010 that spotted mirrored results on both networks for meaningless search terms. According to Search Engine Land, Microsoft has been using tracking tools to identify Google search results according to user queries, then tweak its own Bing results accordingly.

“It's cheating to me because we work incredibly hard and have done so for years but they just get there based on our hard work. I don't know how else to call it but plain and simple cheating. Another analogy is that it's like running a marathon and carrying someone else on your back, who jumps off just before the finish line” Amit Singhal,Google

Google first noticed overlap when its spelling correction results seemed to be replicated in Bing searches, and then again when the similarities between the top ten results from both engines overlapped even more. To test more conclusively, Google set up 100 synthetic searches with staged results, and found that 7-9 subsequently turned up as Bing’s top results as well.

Both the Bing toolbar and the Suggested Searches feature in Internet Explorer have been highlighted as potential sources of tracking information, and it’s worth noting that both give users the choice to not send usage information back to Microsoft. For its part, Microsoft denies any wrongdoing, suggesting instead that it’s normal practice to use opt-in programs to better educate its systems.

“As you might imagine, we use multiple signals and approaches when we think about ranking, but like the rest of the players in this industry, we're not going to go deep and detailed in how we do it. Clearly, the overarching goal is to do a better job determining the intent of the search, so we can guess at the best and most relevant answer to a given query.

Opt-in programs like the [Bing] toolbar help us with clickstream data, one of many input signals we and other search engines use to help rank sites. This "Google experiment" seems like a hack to confuse and manipulate some of these signals.” Stefan Weitz, director of search, Microsoft

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AT&T HTC Inspire 4G hits February 13 for $100

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 07:36 AM PST

AT&T has confirmed pricing and availability for the HTC Inspire 4G, announced back at CES 2011, which is now expected to hit shelves on February 13 2011. Priced at $99.99 with a new, two-year agreement, the Inspire 4G has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, runs Android 2.2 Froyo with HTC Sense and has access to AT&T’s HSPA+ 4G network.

It’s also the first smartphone on AT&T to run the carrier’s mobile hotspot application, sharing the 4G connection out with WiFi-connected clients. As we’ve heard before, AT&T says the Inspire 4G will be the first of “more than 20 4G devices” launching in 2011.

There’s also an 8-megapixel camera with HD video recording, Dolby Mobile and SRS WOW HD surround sound, and access to the HTCSense.com management site. AT&T Mobile Hotspot will require a DataPro Tethering Plan.

Press Release:

HTC Inspire 4G Arrives for AT&T Customers on Feb. 13

AT&T 4G Smartphone is the First of Many Planned for the Nation’s Fastest Mobile Broadband Network

Key Facts
AT&T* will begin selling the HTC Inspire™ 4G on Feb. 13.
The first 4G mobile phone offered by AT&T, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first to run the Android 2.2 platform and AT&T Mobile Hotspot application.
The 4.3-inch super LCD display on the HTC Inspire 4G will be the largest in the AT&T portfolio, and the first to offer the next-generation HTC Sense experience.
HTC Inspire 4G will cost $99.99 after a two-year agreement beginning Feb. 13 in company owned retail stores and online at www.wireless.att.com.

4G Portfolio
AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S. in 2011 and said it plans to offer two 4G smartphones in the first quarter. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul.
HTC Inspire™ 4G
The HTC Inspire™ 4G will be the first 4G smartphone in AT&T stores and will have the largest screen of any AT&T smartphone, with a 4.3-inch super LCD display, and will offer an 8-megapixel camera with HD video recording. Running on the Android 2.2 platform, the HTC Inspire 4G will be the first smartphone in the U.S. to feature the next-generation HTC Sense™ experience with cloud services. The HTC Inspire 4G will also be the first to introduce AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built into the smartphone, allowing users to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Exclusively available to AT&T customers for $99.99 after a two-year agreement, the HTC Inspire 4G will include a 1 GHz processor, Dolby® Mobile and SRS WOW HD sound, and a premium, aluminum unibody design. HTC Inspire 4G comes preloaded with a Blockbuster and eReader application to keep users entertained on the go. For more information, visit www.att.com/inspire4G.
With the next-generation of HTC Sense, the HTC Inspire 4G offers even more ways to stay connected, including FriendStream™, which delivers Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. The HTC Inspire 4G also offers customers the ability to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map and send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode – through the htcsense.com website. If needed, owners can also remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number.
Quotes
“We are kicking off an exciting year for AT&T’s smartphone portfolio, and leading off with our first 4G phone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With its iconic design, 4G speeds and awesome features, Inspire 4G is going to attract new customers and please existing AT&T subscribers.”
“With a 4.3 inch screen, latest version of the HTC Sense experience and a sleek unibody aluminum design, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first true superphone to launch at under $100, bringing unparalleled power to more people than ever before,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas.
1 Mobile broadband coverage is not available in all areas. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Will be available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Learn more at att.com/network.
2 Limited time offer. Two-year contract required. Qualified customers only. Early Termination Fee up to $325. HTC Inspire 4G requires a minimum data service starting at $15/mo.
3 Mobile Hotspots requires a DataPro Tethering Plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot use data from your DataPro Tethering Plan. DataPro Tethering Plans are not unlimited and significant charges may be incurred if the included data allowance is exceeded. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

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Panasonic LUMIX GF2 priced plus Camcorders & Point-&-Shoots

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 07:19 AM PST

Panasonic has outed pricing information for its 2011 camera range, including the much-anticipated LUMIX GF2. The Micro Four Thirds camera will drop in the US later this month – in a choice of black, silver, red or white – with a body-only price of $499.95. Alternatively, it’ll be offered with the 14-42mm lens at $599.95, or with the 14mm pancake Prime lens at $699.95.

The GF2 is compatible with Panasonic’s 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which be $249.95 on its own. Meanwhile there’s also pricing for the full camcorder and point-and-shoot digital camera ranges announced at CES 2011, which you can find in the press releases below.

Press Release:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR NEW LUMIX GF2, THE COMPANY'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH

Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Digital Camera Available in Mid- February 2011
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the LUMIX GF2 – the latest addition to the company's compact system camera (CSC) lineup. The LUMIX DMC-GF2 will be available in mid-February 2011 and will come in black, silver, red, and white models. The LUMIX GF2 (body-only) will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $499.95.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2 is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. The LUMIX GF2 is also compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take their own 3D photos anywhere.

The LUMIX GF2K (14-42mm) lens will have an SRP of $599.95 while the GF2C (14mm) lens will have an SRP of $699.95. Also available is Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which will have an SRP of $249.95.

For more information on the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 and all its accessories, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2011 LINE OF CAMCORDERS, INCLUDING 3D-CAPABLE, FULL HD MODELS

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its 2011 line of full-High Definition (HD) 3MOS models, the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800; as well as its Full-High Definition 1MOS models, the HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80, HDC-HS80, HDC-SD80, HDC-SD40 and HDC-TM40; and the standard definition models, HDC-H100, HDC-T70 and HDC-S70. All 13 models, in addition to a new optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1), will be available in March 2011.
The Panasonic Full-HD camcorders will be available for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,399.95 for the HDC-HS900; $1099.99 for the HDC-TM900 and $849.99 for the HDC-SD800. The new Full-HD camcorders feature 1920 x 1080 resolution with 1080/60p recording to create crisp, detailed videos, and can also shoot 3D videos when used with Panasonic's optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1). The 3D conversion lens has an SRP of $349.99 and can capture vivid 3D imagery, which can be played back on a Panasonic VIERA 3D TV* or AVCHD-compatible player/recorder. The HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900 both feature a manual ring for increased creativity, a 20x zoom and an intuitive 3.5" touch-screen LCD. All three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM900 has 32GB** of internal memory and the HDC-HS900 has a hard disk drive that holds up to 220GB.
Panasonic's Full-HD camcorders with a 1MOS sensor will have SRPs of $599.99 for the HDC-TM90 and HDC-HS80; $549.99 for the HDC-SD90; $499.99 for the HDC-TM80; $449.95 for the HDC-SD80; $399.99 for the HDC-TM40 and $349.99 for the HDC-SD40. These camcorders have 1920 x 1080 resolution with wide-angle lenses. The HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 are capable of shooting Full-HD video with 1080/60p recording and can also record 3D video with the optional 3D conversion lens. The HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 both feature exceptional zooming power with a 42x Intelligent Zoom. The HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40 are Panasonic's lightest Full-HD camcorders, weighing approximately 0.39lbs. All seven models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM90, HDC-TM80 and HDC-TM50 also have 16GB of internal memory, and the HDC-HS80 has a 120GB hard disk drive.
Panasonic's standard definition cameras will have SRPs of $349.99 for the SDR-H100; $269.99 for the SDR-T70 and $249.99 for the SDR-S70. These camcorders pack advanced features including a 33mm wide-angle*** and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x. Like the HD camcorder models, all three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the SDR-H100 has an 80GB hard disk drive and the SDR-T70 has 4GB of built-in memory.
For more information on all Panasonic camcorder models, please visit www.panasonic.com/dvc.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR LUMIX POINT-AND-SHOOT MODELS INTRODUCED AT 2011 CES

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the eight LUMIX digital camera models the company introduced last month at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, which includes the LUMIX DMC-PF7, LUMIX DMC-FP5, the LUMIX DMC-FH27, LUMIX DMC-FH25, LUMIX DMC-FH5, LUMIX DMC-FH2, LUMIX DMC-S3, and the LUMIX DMC-S1. All eight digital camera models, available in March 2011, feature Optical Image Stabilization, High Definition video recording capabilities and Panasonic's iA mode, which makes them extremely easy-to-use to help take high-quality photos.

Panasonic's ultra-slim LUMIX and fashionable FP-Series will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $229.99 for the LUMIX FP7 and $199.99 for the LUMIX FP5. Both models maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens with folded optics. The LUMIX FP7 features a new 3.5-inch 16:9 touch-screen LCD.

The Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series are sleek and stylish digital cameras that feature a 28mm-wide-angle lenses. The LUMIX FH27 has a 3-inch touch-screen LCD with an SRP of $229.99 while the LUMIX FH25 has an SRP of $199.99. Both the LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 also feature an 8x optical zoom. The 16.1-megapixel LUMIX FH5 (SRP: $149.99) and the 14.1-megapixel LUMIX FH2 (SRP $139.99) feature a 4x optical zoom with a new retractable lens.

Finally, the company's entry-level digital camera models, the LUMIX S-Series, are extremely easy to use, making them ideal for consumers wanting an extremely intuitive experience. The 14.1-megapixel LUMIX S3 has an SRP of $129.99 and the 12.1-megapixel LUMIX S1 has an SRP of $119.99. Both models have a 28mm* wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens.

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Samsung: Galaxy Tab sales “quite smooth” not “quite small”

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 07:02 AM PST

The Samsung Galaxy Tab situation thickens, with the company now insisting that rather than admitting customer sales of the 7-inch tablet were “quite small“, executive Lee Young-hee said they were “quite smooth.” According to Samsung, mishearing of Young-hee’s comments have led to confusion over whether Galaxy Tab shipments have proved disappointing or not.

Samsung has even snipped out the relevant section of the financial call to illustrate it (you can find the whole thing here) and it certainly does sound like “quite smooth” to our ears. You can find that in the video below.

Still, it doesn’t address claims made by researchers today that the Galaxy Tab has seen significant return rates, reaching as much as 16-percent in the US following the holiday period.

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Android 3.0 Honeycomb for more than tablets says UI head Duarte

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 06:49 AM PST

Google’s focus at the Android 3.0 Honeycomb event tomorrow might be tablets like the Motorola XOOM, but the updated OS isn’t just about taking on the iPad. According to Honeycomb lead designer Matias Duarte, “tablet was the focus, but the changes we did also free it up to be more flexible for other contexts as well”; it’s part of Google’s attempt to not only suit devices larger than a regular smartphone, he told AllThingsD, but to evolve Android into something more intelligently capable at handling mobile computing tasks, and being generally more usable in the process.

“It’s about really eliminating all the barriers to all the different kinds of form factors that people might want to interact with” Duarte suggests, though he admits that “all of those are works in progress.” Still, just as existing versions of Android have been adopted by manufacturers for desk phones, STBs and more, Google expects to be surprised by what devices Honeycomb ends up installed on.

“Some of them might look more like a laptop… Some of them might not even have soft buttons. They might be purely gesturally driven” Matias Duarte, Google

That could include Honeycomb on fridges or multitouch tables, with the ex-Palm UI expert envisaging an “experience that you have 24/7, throughout the entire day.” Part of that will be improved notifications and task-switching. For more on Honeycomb, check out the Android Community deep-dive and join SlashGear tomorrow for all the news from the big Google event.

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Android 3.0 Honeycomb ROM for NOOKcolor released [Update: Video]

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 06:01 AM PST

Having seen Barnes & Noble’s NOOKcolor gifted with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, it’s now your turn to catch a jump on Google’s official reveal of the tablet-centric OS. The talented guys over at xda-developers have released a NOOKcolor Honeycomb ROM and it’s surprisingly functional: the touchscreen, wireless and graphics acceleration all work.

The hardware buttons are also functional, along with the accelerometer (for automatic screen rotation). Still to come are sound and hardware video decoding, though neither should stop NOOKcolor owners from getting a decent impression of what Honeycomb brings to the tablet table.

If you’ve not got a NOOKcolor of your own, then head over to Android Community for the full Android 3.0 Honeycomb deep dive, and remember to join us tomorrow, Wednesday February 2, for Google’s official launch event. We’re expecting Motorola’s XOOM to get rolled out for some serious playtime, and we’ll have all the photos and video you need.

[via Android Community]

Update: Steve Troughton-Smith has put together a walkthrough video:

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HTC 7 Mozart headed to T-Mobile USA?

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 05:40 AM PST

Microsoft may be playing a Samsung game when it comes to Windows Phone 7 sales and shipments, but just having handsets in stores should make a big difference to market penetration. According to TmoNews, T-Mobile USA is about to announce availability of the HTC 7 Mozart, joining the HTC HD7 and doubling the options for magenta-loving would-be WP7 shoppers.

The Mozart won our approval by virtue of its excellent build quality and above-average camera, offering 8-megapixels, autofocus and a proper Xenon flash. That’s unique among Windows Phone 7 devices and relatively unique among smartphones in general. No word on exact availability or pricing, but rumor has it T-Mobile will be offering both 8GB and 16GB versions.

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