LG Officially Unveiled Chocolate BL40

LG officially unveiled their sweetest addition to their Black Label series, the BL40 Chocolate. Nothing spectacular with its entry though, as this handset has already been featured in their own photo shoot and made its unofficial YouTube debut. The red-trimmed handset has a 4-inch wide screen 800×345 pixel display with a distinctive 21:9 aspect ratio, 5 megapixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, 7.2Mbps UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, Wi-Fi, and aGPS. With regards to release details, all we know is that it will debut in 3rd quarter 2009 in 54 countries worldwide. We all can’t wait to see how typing on this sleek and sexy gadget works out considering how long and thin it is.





Press Release:

Jul. 30, 2009
New Chocolate Comes with Big Surprises

Seoul, Korea / July 30, 2009 - LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, officially revealed today the full image and key specifications of the new LG Chocolate phone (model: LG-BL40).

The fourth handset of the Black Label Series boasts a distinctive 4.0-inch wide screen high-definition LCD with an 800 by 345 pixel resolution for a superb viewing quality. The wide screen breaks away from conventional screen designs with a 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality and optimal mobile computing experience.

With the enlarged screen, users will experience a surprisingly convenient and efficient mobile environment. Browsing the Internet is made incredibly easy because with 800 pixels at one’s disposal, there is no need to scroll horizontally to read entire web pages. The 4.0-inch display also features a Dual Screen UI that can efficiently display two different types of content simultaneously.

The wide HD LCD “Real VGA” screen provides a full range of natural colors for displayed images, making photos more crisp, videos more true-to-life, games more dynamic and documents more readable.

“The initial response to the new LG Chocolate phone has exceeded our expectations by a wide margin,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “Although much interest seems focused on the striking shape of the handset, the real surprise will be when people discover the advantages of the 4.0-inch screen in terms of viewing pleasure and ease of use.”

The new LG Chocolate’s wide screen is overlaid with curved tempered glass and is seamlessly encased in a glossy black finish and iconic red highlights. Although the screen may be much wider, the new LG Chocolate makes an incredibly slim and chic style statement that was also inherent in the original Chocolate.

The new LG Chocolate will be available beginning Q3 in 54 countries. More information is available at www.lgmobile.com.

Nikon D300s with 720p Video Mode Now Officially Announced

After getting rumors and leaks for weeks left and right, the much anticipated top-level DX camera, the D300s is now officially announced by Nikon. The new $1,799.95 D300s can shoot 24fps 720p video with contrast-detect autofocus and offers an external mic input. It could have been 1080p, but who's complaining? I think 720p is just enough for a pro-level DX. Other features include a 12.3 megapixel DX sensor, 51-point autofocus, and 7fps burst shooting, 920k pixel screen, as well as dual CF and SD card slots. It sure looks this new beast is the new pro-cam to beat.






Press Release:

NIKON D300s revitalizes the standard and measure of agile, pro-level DX-Format d-slr design and performance

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.

The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.

"Today's photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "It's no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s' HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility."

The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability
Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio-either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s' bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.

Nikon's applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.

The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon's AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.

The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.

The D300s also incorporates Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon's Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to
8 fps*2.

The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.

World Class Versatility
With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride's intricate white dress and a groom's tuxedo in the same frame, for example.

Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots-one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users' preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers "overflow" or "backup" modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.

Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting "Q" on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.

To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon's Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.

System Expandability
In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

New Nikon D3000 Entry-level DSLR Announced

Two Nikon DSLRs were introduced today, the D300s top level DX camera and the entry-level D3000. It may not be carrying much but it looks pretty solid for a budget Nikon DSLR. For $600, you're getting a 10.2 megapixel sensor, 11-point autofocus system, a 230k pixel screen, a new Guide Mode that should make it easier on beginners, and an 18-55 NIKKOR VR lens. Good enough, but we're sure a lot of Nikon fans are all eyes and lusting after the D300s instead.





Press Release:

THE NEW NIKON D3000 PROVIDES AN EASY PATH TO FANTASTIC PHOTOS
Combines Proven Technology with Easy-to-Use Interface to Create Affordable, Approachable Entry-Level D-SLR Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y. (JULY 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D3000 digital SLR camera, an affordable answer for users looking to experience the superiority of digital SLR photography or enthusiasts seeking a capable, compact D-SLR. The 10.2-megapixel D3000 has features that make it easier than ever to take great pictures, including the new Guide Mode, which lends a smart helping hand to new D-SLR users, and an extensive Retouch Menu, enabling consumers to edit photos, even without a computer. The D3000, which offers an 11-point autofocus system, also leverages proven Nikon D-SLR technologies, including the exclusive EXPEED™ image processing, Active D-Lighting system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, enabling entry-level D-SLR shooters to take stunning pictures.

"The D3000 combines the best of both worlds, providing picture takers with the ease-of-use currently offered in point-and-shoot cameras alongside the speed, precision and exceptional results that have made Nikon D-SLRs so popular," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. "The D3000 offers everyone the ability to discover the superiority of D-SLR photography at an affordable price point. We look forward to enabling more consumers to explore the possibilities of D-SLR picture taking and, more importantly, capture life's memories faithfully."

Intuitive Assistance On-the-Fly
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images.

Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000's Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.

Small in Size, Big on Features
With elegant ergonomics, softly rounded corners, and a comfortable grip, the D3000 packs powerful technology into a compact form factor. Though the D3000 is tiny when compared to professional D-SLR cameras, it boasts a large, bright three-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen, and now features an easier-to-read font size, 20 percent larger than in previous Nikon D-SLRs.

Quick performance and response are at the core of the D3000's design and its 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus system makes it easy to find and focus on a subject. Also, the D3000 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag, as well as the ability to capture images up to three frames per second, allowing users capture every moment. Users can enjoy the benefits of Nikon's advanced 3D Subject Tracking, which continuously focuses on a fast moving subject throughout the frame.

The D3000 provides multiple ways for users to engage with their pictures, post capture. It uses Nikon's extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which allows users to easily apply a variety of fun and dramatic effects to their images even when away from a computer. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models. The D3000 also inherits the Soft Filter and Color Outline Retouch options from the D5000, allowing users to express their photography in a new and artistic way. As with all Nikon D-SLRs, the camera creates the new retouched image, while preserving the original.

For users who want to take their creativity to the next level, the D3000 also includes the ability to capture images in the NEF (RAW) format, in addition to traditional JPEG. Images captured with D3000 in the NEF (RAW) format include a greater amount of image data, which in turn, affords finer image control and higher uncompressed lossless image quality. With NEF (RAW) images, users can fine-tune the appearance of an image with simple adjustments to things like exposure, color saturation, brightness, and overall tone – especially in the post-production process. Users can use Capture NX 2, Nikon's powerful image editing software, to achieve these desired effects.

Nikon extends the creativity with Stop-Motion Movie Mode. With this mode, users can choose a collection of images within the D3000's Retouch Menu, and the camera then compiles and stitches them into a fun and creative video file.

Renowned Nikon Technology
The D3000 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture taking experience for consumers. The D3000 delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range, due to its 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED image processing system. The D3000's normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 1600, allowing for low light versatility. Additionally, the D3000's ISO range can expand to a Hi-1 setting of ISO 3200, furthering the opportunities for shots that other cameras miss.

The D3000 also makes use of Nikon's Active D-Lighting system, which automatically compensates to reveal veiled details in shadows and highlights in high-contrast situations. For instance, when selected, Nikon's Active D-Lighting can improve the appearance of fine detail in a person's face that was previously hidden in dark shadows or bring out the highlights in a beautifully backlit landscape.

Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D3000's ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D3000 to ensure beautiful exposures-even when conditions are extreme.

The D3000 also incorporates Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera's image sensor. The system not only utilizes an active sensor cleaning function that activates whenever the camera is turned on or off, but also the Airflow Control System to redirect dust particles, limiting their ability to reach the sensor.

System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D3000's system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories, including a broad assortment of legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.

The D3000's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D3000 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

Price and Availability
The D3000 outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $599.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Super Talent Pico USB Drive: Still World's Smallest at 32GB

Super Talent unveiled another variant of their world's smallest USB drive, now squeezing 32GB of NAND flash into a new water-resistant casing. There are six new models included in the new offering all boasting transfer rates of up to 30MB/sec.



These half-dozen models are expected to ship within the week, with prices ranging from $85 to $99. Measuring merely 1.50" x 0.50" and weighing around 5g, their first tier models include nickel and 24k gold-plated steel casings with 2k gold-sliding lid. Second row 32GB models are available in the same finishes but include AES-256 hardware encryption.

Source: Super Talent

Apple's Tablet Out in September According to Financial Times

There you go folks. Smacked off the faces of all Apple tablet rumors and claims. Financial Times spilled it all when they reported that Apple is aiming a September launch this year of the much anticipated Apple Internet tablet. Apparently, it was also mentioned that the Cupertino-based company has an unusual partnership with companies like EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal Music Group for this device. Accordingly, the partnership, codenamed Cocktail, is an effort to address the sinking music sales by creating albums that include stuff like liner notes and video clips.



September is just around the corner so expect more influx of news and information to follow if Financial Times report really has credibility.

Source: Financial Times

Skype 2.8 Gold for Mac: Now with WiFi, Screen Sharing and Better Audio Video

Mac users were treated last January with the release of the most popular VOIP application Skype 2.8 Beta. Now they are getting more treats with the new Skype 2.8 Gold which added more awesome features screen sharing, integration with Wi-Fi access service Boingo (where you can pay your WiFi access using your Skype account balance), better audio and video, and several other improvements. Here’s some of updated features included with the Gold edition:

* Improved chat management (sort chats, set priorities)
* Quick add (self explanatory but let’s you add new people to chats)
* Mood message chat (”it’s a bit like Twitter”)
* Support for large profile pictures
* Hidden avatars in incoming contact requests
* Add notes to contacts

Skype 2.8 Gold is a freeware and available for download immediately from Skype’s website.

Download link: Skype 2.8 Gold for Mac OS X

Windows 7 Rolling Out on August 6

Windows 7 will officially get RTM status some time this month, but as to when we'd be able to get our hands on it, turns out to be the big question. According to the official Windows blog, OEMs will get it approximately two days after Windows 7 goes RTM, and beta testers who are already subscribed to TechNet can download RTM immediately after that happens for free. Independent software and hardware vendors can download it via Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6th. Same goes for MSDN-subscribed developers and IT Professionals with a TechNet account, but only the English language version. Microsoft Partner Program Gold / Certified members will get it August 16th via Microsoft Partner Network portal on the 16th, and Action Pack Subscribers on August 23rd. All other language versions for those groups will have to wait until October 1st.



And for most of us ordinary consumers who don't fall in any of those categories, Windows 7 will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting October 22nd. Microsoft is also reminding us that Release Candidate doesn't start giving the annoying reboots until March 1st, 2010, with full expiration happening June 1st -- plenty of time to avoid picking up a copy if you didn't get a chance to pre-order at the much more reasonable discount price.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X3 Rachel Specs Revealed

eXpansys confirmed and posted the full specifications of the previously rumored Sony Ericsson Xperia X3 also known as "Rachel". Listed on the online retailer's site as the SEMXP3_BLK_UK, the Android smartphone has an 8-megapixel camera, dualband 900/2100MHz HSDPA (10Mbps) and HSUPA (2Mbps) as well as Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi b/g and A-GPS.



The Xperia X3's camera has an 8x digital zoom with LED flash, plus image stabilization, smile shutter and face detection. It can also record VGA-quality 30fps video. Additionally, the smartphone also supports SMS, MMS, POP, IMAP and Exchange email, has a microSDHC card slot and a mini-USB port, plus a standard 3.5mm headphone socket.

No word on pricing yet but eXpansys is already accepting pre-orders.

Technical Details:
• Display:
- 800 x 400 pixels/4"
- Touch Sensitive
• Network:
- 2G 850/900/1800/1900 (Quad-Band)
- 3G: 900/2100 (Dual-Band)
- HSDPA (10Mbps)
- HSUPA (2Mbps)
• Camera:
- 8 mega-pixels (auto-focus)
- 8 x Digital Zoom
- LED Flash
- Image Stabilization
- Smile Shutter
- Face Detection
• Video:
- VGA Video Recording
• Music:
- Supported formats: MP3, AAC, eAAC+
• Ringtones:
- Monophonic
- Polyphonic (64)
- MP3
- AAC
• Messaging:
- SMS
- MMS (with video)
- E-mail (POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, MS Exchange)
• Memory:
- Phone Book
- Dialled Calls
- Missed Calls
- Received Calls
- microSDHC (external)
• Call Features:
- Hands Free
- Caller ID
- Voice Dialling
• Connectivity:
- miniUSB
- 3.5mm AV connector
- Bluetooth (2.1)
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11g)
• Navigation:
- AGPS

Latest Tip-off from Nokia's Arsenal: The Xseries and Cseries

Last Saturday, it was reported that Nokia filed a trademark application for a Cseries. Apparently for a new line of smartphones, netbooks or MIDS to complement their existing E and Nseries line up. The C could stand for computer or something like that.



Now the Xseries has been tipped-off and discovered in a Finland trademark database. Although there are no clear definition between these devices, but strong speculations are pointing the Xseries to the Intel-Nokia Maemo collaboration. We are hoping that all these will be announced at the Nokia World conference this coming September.

Sony Initiates "Snackable" PSP and PSP Go! mini games

Sony has revealed its development strategy as explained by Zeno Colaço, Sony's head of developer relations. They have revealed plans for “snackable” titles that gamers could download to their PSP Go in less than a minute, taking on Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch in the process. Sony announced its intentions to bring more developers to the PSP platform at the big E3 gaming show last month. And the move to simplify its development tools was seen as a hint of new PSP applications beyond games.

"One of the things that has been exciting in my time at Sony is the big shift changes we have seen – the latest is that consumers have been consuming digital content in a totally different way. Sony’s been working very hard to find our position in that and bring top-end gaming to not just the consumers who were there for the launch of PSP, but extending to an audience that is changing how it consumes entertainment and applications. We’re introducing new initiatives for the PSP which take it beyond traditional gaming, but still includes elements from gaming, and also includes new developers” Zeno Colaço, head of developer relations, SCEE"

To better encourage developers to dip into these mini-titles, Sony has has dramatically cut the cost of the PSP SDK by 80-percent. They’ve also removed many of the barriers that typically stand in the way of getting games published, including removing concept approval, streamlining the quality assurance process, and allowing for very low price points for new titles. It seems their stratefy is working, as apparently over 50 studios (including CandyStand and iPhone developer Subatomic Studios) are working on "new kinds of games and applications" that will be sold via a "specially-branded separate area" of the PlayStation Store accessible by PSP and PSPgo owners.

Unlike Apple’s, Sony's PSP SDK will not be free and will still require a team – albeit “a small team” says Colaço – Sony believes the changes will alter the restrictions of disc-based gaming. One of the only confirmed titles will be Subatomic’s Fieldrunners tower defense game.

Sony Ericsson Introduces New Walkman Phones W205 and W205a

Budget conscious Sony Ericsson Walkman lovers will definitely rejoice over these two new SE Walkman Phone offerings. Sony Ericsson has just announced the W205 and W205a Walkman phones, a pair which Sony Ericsson promises to be the most affordable handsets to ever included in their Walkman line.



Specs at a glance:

* Enjoy your music with the high quality Walkman experience
* FM radio – catch up with the latest news and views
* TrackID – name that tune at a press of a button
* 1.3 megapixel camera – take great shots and share the fun instantly
* Video recording – capture your favorite moments on film
* Bluetooth™ – share your favorite songs, pictures and video clips, or connect to a wireless headset
* Multiple phonebook – keep your contacts in order and share your mobile phone with your family
* Memory Stick Micro (M2) support up to 2GB

While the press release prominently mentions the word “affordable”, no pricing information has been provided at this point. There’s also no word on exactly when the W205 or W205a will be released — SE says they’re both expected to launch within three months — though noticeably, USA is missing from the W205a’s local availability list despite the presence of GSM 850/1900. This either means a carrier deal is still in the works or SE is skipping the US. Two more photos of SE W205 below.

Apple iPhone SDK 3.1 and iPhone OS 3.1 beta 2 Officially Released to Developers

A lot of things are still hazy about what's new in this batch of Apple iPhone beta releases, but we thought that you would like to be kept in the loop. Registered Apple developers should cancel everything and prepare for another series of sleepless nights as Apple has just posted iPhone SDK 3.1 beta 2 and iPhone OS 3.1 beta 2 (Build 7C106c) to the iPhone Dev Center.

iPhone SDK 3.1 beta 2 and iPhone OS 3.1 beta 2 are now available on the iPhone Dev Center. These versions are for development and testing only and should be installed on devices dedicated to iPhone OS 3.1 beta software development. Please read the iPhone OS beta Pre-Install Advisory and the iPhone SDK 3.1 beta 2 release notes before downloading and installing.

No word yet on what’s changed, although newer is always better, right? We will try to update you on this as more new features are discovered. If you downloaded this new update too, feel free to report any changes you find in the comments.

Windows 7 Build 7600 Rumored RTM Via Torrent

Once again, in drooling anticipation, Windows 7 build 7600 made its way to the file sharing service pipes. Quite interesting here is the major jump in build revisions from the current 72xx to 7600 build. It might be suggesting, but does not guarantee, that 7.7600.16384.090710-1945 is the Release To Manufacturing (RTM) build rumored for a July 13th release (yes today) -- the same Windows 7 build that will be handed out by Microsoft to its partners in the Microsoft's October 22nd consumer launch.



Please note that 7600.16384 may not be the final build of Windows 7 RTM and that any subset of build 7600 (7600.16385, 16386, etc...) can be RTM. And if it is the RTM build then we'd expect to hear some kind of announcement with the kickoff of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner conference in New Orleans later today. Let's see.

Google's Chrome OS, Coming to Netbooks Next Year

I always knew this one is coming. But still, it's hard to believe it's actually here. After hearing all the hums of a Google OS which seems like ages now, the company's now gone official with its plans. According to the official developer blog, it'll be an open source, lightweight platform that can "power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems," and will be capable of running on x86 (including Intel Atom) and ARM chips. Addressing potential overlap with Android-based netbooks, the official line is that "choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google" -- hmmm... sounds a little wild, but hey, it's still all Google. A large portion of its fresh out of beta Google Apps suite already supports an offline mode, so it looks like the groundworks has been laid out. The company says it's currently working with a number of OEM manufacturers and that it'll initially appear on a number of netbooks coming to market sometime in the second half of 2010.



Source: Google Official Blog

GSM Palm Pre Goes Exclusive on Movistar

Yes Finally, Palm Pre GSM! There it is folks, the first official press shot (notice the HSDPA icon) of the GSM version of the Palm Pre. The "more information" link is still not working but it's clear that Movistar has exclusive rights to the Pre in Spain. Movistar, like O2 in the UK, is owned by Telefonica which so far seems to have clinched exclusivity throughout Europe. We're still waiting for all this to get ultimately official sometime this week.



Source: Palm, Inc.

An Online Tour of Michael Jackson's Ultimate Mega Geek Arcade Den

I came upon panview.com today and had a glimpse of Michael Jackson's personal arcade. The whole arcade has been posted online as a fully explorable panorama. It got everything every Peter Pan syndrome infected geek will die for. From Crazy Taxi to Guitar Freaks to Han Solo frozen in carbonite to the 360-degree spinning Sega R360 jet fighter cabinet, Jackson amassed a daunting collection of arcade games and general geek paraphernalia—much of which was auctioned off earlier this year.



It's very notable that the collection seems to be frozen in time somewhere in the 90s. Approximately right around the time of Michael Jackson's notorious $22 million molestation settlement. Though, more fairly, it's also the same era that consoles really started to cut into the arcade experience.

Source: panview.com

2 New SE Phones: Xperia Android Named "Rachael" and the Transparent Display Phone "Kiki"

Two new Sony Ericsson handsets are currently getting detailed. Consider these unconfirmed rumors for the time being, but it looks like SE’s first Android handset could be a gem and its first transparent display-equipped handset could be the strangest thing we’ve ever seen.




Seen above is the sleek full touchscreen handset codenamed “Rachael”, it will be Sony Ericsson’s first Android offering should this push through. According to rumor, it will bear the Xperia brand and will feature a big touchscreen along with Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor, an 8 megapixel camera with auto-focus, a 3.5mm audio jack, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and 3D graphics capabilities. It will be announced later this year and, if all this holds up, could very well be the first truly must-have drool-worthy SE handset we’ve seen in quite a while.



Next up, is a bizarre handset with a peculiar codename “Kiki”. Beyond the unique design, the Kiki is said to feature a glass display that can be viewed from either side of the device. The handset doesn’t seem to feature anything resembling a traditional keypad so we’re not sure how interfacing is going to work. But still — this is likely a very early mock up that will be changed drastically if and when it ever reaches market.

Source: Unwiredview.com

Nokia N97 firmware update (11.0.021) now available

As speculated, the latest firmware release on Nokia's flagship handset N97 is now available. In such little time has gone by and so much has been written about the Nokia N97. Both good and bad. But looks like this new firmware update 11.0.021 will have some solid bug fixes and a few new additions in place on your shiny new Nokia N97. The firmware should be available in most regions and if you can’t get it OTA, fire up Nokia Software Updater and give it a go. As for what you can expect from this release, changelog for the new N97 firmware update 11.0.021 are listed below:

* USB detection error fix
* PC does not detect N97 or USB charging connection not detected.
* Widget
* Home screen online/offline widget crash fix
* Fix for “Alphabetical and Number input are mixed in facebook until end key is pressed.
* Widget UI improvement - New facebook widget fixes a problem of Home Screen background visible on soft-key area.
* Browser fixes to improve widgets stability.
* MfE related fixes
* Partial fix for Messaging/calendar entry lost.
* Mail for exchange calendar entry synchronization error fix.
* UI transition error fixes (Portrait <-> landscape transition, there is a home screen corruption.)
* UI transition (Slowness and bad effects)
* Slow Touch UI response
* Picture of the device lock appears half of the screen when transitioning the UI sometimes
* Landscape: in some cases the soft buttons on touch (right hand) show the Home Screen in background (install maps.google.com)
* Photos thumbnail performance and stability improvements
* Device performance deteriorates when lots of content in the device - especially photos
* Partial fix no display backlight illumination when unlocking lock-key - CAP Genius reported already
* New version of Accueweather to improve the “Connection error” situation
* Device reset when browsing with high speed packet access (for Malaysia)
* “Browser soft key UI doesn’t work after putting Chinese character with qwerty keyboard”
* Java fixes (TCK, Pre-install app disappearing, *#7370#*)
* Operator fixes (CMCC, Hutchson and Telefonica, Vodafone)
* Ovi store client now embedded in the core image




The N96 was updated today as well to 30.033.

Palm Pre UK Release to be Revealed July 7th Next Week?

According to confirmation received by T3, Palm is preparing to disclose everything about the UK launch next week. The whos (O2 or Vodafone), when, and how much will all be answered. Word from our source across the island suggests Palm has pegged next week — possibly Tuesday, July 7th to be the official Palm Pre UK announcement. We know it's agonizing, after waiting for almost a month since its US launch. At least you've a time frame to circle in your calendar now, right chums?

T-Mobile Dash 3G by HTC Unboxed Plus First Impression Video

T-Mobile’s latest Windows Mobile smartphone, the Dash 3G by HTC, is all set to hit the market this week, but the guys at PhoneMag have already been playing with the QWERTY candybar. Vincent has suffered a bout of nostalgia with the new handset, comparing it to the original Dash, but the new Dash 3G keyboard racks up the kudos as “one of the best if not the best” he’s used.



There’s also compliments for the dualband UMTS/HSPA, though the absence of a flash for the 2-megapixel camera is noted. Still, that’s not enough to counter Vincent’s favorable first-impressions, aided no doubt by Windows Mobile 6.1 running fast on the smartphone.



All that is left is the price, which T-Mobile has yet to confirm. For the full gallery and all the first-impressions, check out PhoneMag’s post.