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Google To Challenge iPhone 5 With Nexus 4G?

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Even though Android has already proven itself by dominating the smartphone market, Google has yet to realize a single Android device that can match iPhone sales.

That could potentially change as Google is rumored to unveil the Nexus 4G phone, which could help the search giant launch a device that can go head-to-head against the rumored iPhone 5 and win.

We have been told that the Google Nexus 4G will feature a next-generation dual-core 1.2GHz or 1.5GHz CPU, and contrary to reports about it featuring an NVIDIA Kal-El processor, our source indicates it’s most likely an OMAP 4460 or a, ultra low-power 28nm Krait-based Snapdragon. The display is said to be a 720p HD “monster-sized” screen, and it won’t feature physical Android menu buttons below the screen anymore — everything will be software-based. (Boy Genius Report) [Read more…]

Originally posted on June 16, 2011 @ 2:25 pm

Android: Toshiba Thrive Trying To Undercut iPad 2?

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After watching Motorola’s more expensive iPad 2 rival fail spectacularly, Toshiba is attempting to attract consumer attention by selling their Android tablet below the $500 price point erected by Apple.

Toshiba is selling their Android tablet for the low price of $429 (for the 8 GB model), with their high end device being offered to customers for $579 (for the 32 GB model).

Although it’s unclear how much profit Toshiba is sacrificing in order to gain market share, their cheaper prices could help set Toshiba apart from rivals like Samsung (who is rumored to be matching Galaxy Tab 10.1 prices against iPad 2’s).

While the price of  Toshiba’s Thrive might be right, the Android tablet’s success heavily depends upon Google perfecting Honeycomb (note: no more Flash issues please), as well as convincing developers to take a second look at building Android tablet apps.

For those of you considering buying a decent tablet this summer, would you consider owning a Toshiba Thrive over rival Android tablets? Or are you holding out for HP’s TouchPad instead?

Hat Tip: TFTS, Image Credit: Toshiba

Originally posted on June 13, 2011 @ 3:13 pm

Syria To Syrians: No Internet For You

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Reports are coming in that the Syrian government has shut down most (or at least large portions) of the internet after suffering months of protests from citizens.

Starting at 3:35 UTC today (6:35am local time), approximately two-thirds of all Syrian networks became unreachable from the global Internet. Over the course of roughly half an hour, the routes to 40 of 59 networks were withdrawn from the global routing table.

This image shows the current state (green: reachable, red: unreachable) of each network prefix in the Middle East this morning, visualized as a packed Hilbert-curve representation. (Renesys Blog)

Apparently the Syrian regime hasn’t learned from the (now obsolete) dictatorship of Egypt, whose former leader tried a similar stunt only to end up hastening his own demise.

Syrians still might be able to access the digital web via the phone lines (which will be extremely slow), although those lucky enough to afford satellite phones might be able to keep the world updated through various tweets.

Note: If anyone has any ideas on how those outside Syria can help feel free to let us know in the comment section below.

Originally posted on June 3, 2011 @ 1:39 pm

iPhone Inherits iWork

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After many months of waiting, it looks like iPhone fans will finally be able to use iWork upon their mobile device (albeit for a price).

Now you can use Keynote, Pages and Numbers on iPhone and iPod touch to create amazing presentations, documents and spreadsheets right in the palm of your hand,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The incredible Retina display, revolutionary Multi-Touch interface and our powerful software make it easy to create, edit, organize and share all of your documents from iPhone 4 or iPod touch.” (Apple)

Why Apple failed to do this sooner is a mystery, especially in light of Google releasing an official Docs app for Android.

Despite the belated entry, Keynote, Pages and Numbers are available upon the App Store for $10 a piece (which is pricey as most third party office suites supporting Excel, Powerpoint and Word range between $10-$20).

Although I’m personally not an iWork fan (due to Excel having no equal), for those of you who enjoy iWork, what are your thoughts regarding the app?

Also does the small screen ideal for the app or should have Apple simply stuck with keeping iWork and iPad app?

Originally posted on May 31, 2011 @ 3:52 pm