Hands-on with the Acer Liquid Glow at MWC 2012 (video)

Given the phone's name, you'd think the Acer Liquid Glow would be best shown off in an infomercial, but in reality it's the next in line for the long-running smartphone series. The Glow hasn't been quite as popular as the CloudMobile at this week's MWC, and for good reason - its bigger brother won an award in product design, after all. But that doesn't mean it should have to suffer the anguish of living in the shadows. The Liquid Glow is quite a bit smaller, offering a 3.7 inch WVGA display, 5MP rear camera, 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 CPU and 512MB of RAM.

Engadget, Hands-on with the Acer Liquid Glow at MWC 2012 (video)

Olympus OM-D E-M5 to ship on March 31st

If you are looking forward to the Olympus OM-D E-M5, then you will be pleased to know that this particular shooter is going to hit the market on the last day of March this year. Having appeared on Amazon's Japanese site with that particular estimated release date, the US counterpart remains mum on the situation though. It remains to be seen whether this Micro Four Thirds shooter will arrive in North America or not.

Ubergizmo, Olympus OM-D E-M5 to ship on March 31st

Deal of the Day – 23″ Dell Inspiron One 2305 2.8GHz Dual-core AMD All-in-one PC

The LogicBUY Deal for Wednesday is the 23″ Dell Inspiron One 2305 2.8GHz Dual-core AMD All-in-one PC starting at $449.99.  Features:  4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, integrated 8X DVD burner, 802.11n WiFi, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS, 1-year warranty, and more. $599.99 – $150 coupon code = $449.99 with free shipping. This is $50 less than LogicBUY's last mention.
This deal expires March 1, 2012 or sooner.

The Gadgeteer, Deal of the Day â€" 23″ Dell Inspiron One 2305 2.8GHz Dual-core AMD All-in-one PC

earSmart: Can You Hear My Noise Cancellation Now?

After schooling you on MHL this morning, we promised to provide you with part 2 this afternoon. Class is now in session. You've probably read and watched a lot of device reviews on Phandroid. In these reviews, you've probably seen us point out two microphone holes, usually with one on the bottom of the device and one on the top, that provide enhanced audio via noise cancellation.
Meet one of the companies that make this technology work:

Consumers usually get caught up in buzz words and surface specs such as screen size, megapixel count, and processor size.



Android Phone, earSmart: Can You Hear My Noise Cancellation Now?

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera to ship on March 31st?

If a ship date pops up on Amazon for a date in the not-so-distant future, we're typically inclined to listen up - after all, the world's largest e-tailer probably has a fairly good idea of when its products will first leave the warehouse. This time, it's the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which just appeared on the distributor's Japanese site with an estimated release date of March 31st. There's no mention of a date on the company's U.S. site, however, so it's still unclear whether or not the Micro Four Thirds cam will hit North American shores on the 31st as well.

Engadget, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera to ship on March 31st?

Contact centres must embrace new technology, says Datapoint

Commenting on the launch of the new WeQ4U app (“Have your revenge on call centres – make them wait”, Metro 29 February 2012) that allows users to put the phone down and be called back if held in call centre queues, Gordon Young, General Manager at Datapoint says:“It is great to see technology being used in new ways that can help consumers get through to contact centres in stress-free ways.“The drive to bring down the costs of call centres has generated a lot of technological innovation that moves people away from the phone and towards other cheaper methods of communication, such as email or so

Press Release Distribution

See also:
techcrunch, Contact centres must embrace new technology, says Datapoint

Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride

Toyota and Samsung are pairing up to get the latter's smartphones to work perfectly with the former's vehicles. The collaboration will see the integration of a wide array of Samsung's smartphone and mobile communication technologies with Toyota's cutting-edge IVI to add enhanced connectivity, multimedia capabilities and internet services. The Samsung Car Mode Application will leverage safety in-car UX, a state of the art voice command technology embedded within smartphones, to provide advanced functionality, navigation and location-based services.

2DayBlog.com, Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride

Xbox 360 gets limited edition all-white Kinect bundle

Not feeling the Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle. How about this all white special edition. For $300, you get a white 4GB Xbox 360, a white Xbox 360 controller and a white Kinect sensor. Microsoft is also tossing in Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures and a three month Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Engadget, Xbox 360 gets limited edition all-white Kinect bundle

Verizon Wireless Should Have Shared Data Family Plans Available By The Middle Of This Year

Speaking at an investors conference, Verizon's CTO Fran Shammo revealed that the long rumored “shared data family plans” will be made available to Verizon Wireless customers sometime in the middle of the year. Apparently, the carrier has spent a full year getting everything up and ready on their end. According to Shammo, the new plan wont include everyone at first with the carrier focusing on “long-term migration.” Instead, their new plans will be to made available for current 4G data subscribers initially.

Android Phone, Verizon Wireless Should Have Shared Data Family Plans Available By The Middle Of This Year

Corning Gorilla Glass 2 coming to devices in April or May

. Corning announced on Monday that the first shipments of Gorilla Glass 2 have been sent to the company's partners. Corning's second-generation of Gorilla Glass is 20% thinner than the original without sacrificing performance or strength. “Corning's new glass composition, Gorilla Glass 2, enables slimmer and sleeker devices, brighter images, and greater touch sensitivity, providing an ideal solution for the newest, most sophisticated smartphones, tablets, and personal computers," Corning's global director of marketing and commercial operations, David R.

Boy Genius Report, Corning Gorilla Glass 2 coming to devices in April or May

Mozilla Boot to Gecko hands-on (video)

Here it is, folks: Mozilla's assault on the smartphone. Known as Boot to Gecko, the OS is geared toward hobbyists and consumers alike. Mozilla tells us that all Android users (with unlocked bootloaders) will be able to install the operating system onto their phones, and for less tenacious individuals, the non-profit group has begun lining up partners. We were given a quick demo of Boot to Gecko on a Galaxy S II, which included peeks at the dialer, messaging system, system preferences and, yes, the Mozilla Marketplace.

Engadget, Mozilla Boot to Gecko hands-on (video)

MWC 2012: Hands-on with the HTC One V

Yesterday we brought you hands-on images and videos with two of HTC's three new One series Android smartphones. The third one that was announced on Sunday, the One V (which incidentally is also the most affordable of the bunch) though was nowhere to be found at HTC's booth here at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. So today we went digging, and we found an HTC One V floating around. Unfortunately it wasn't a working unit, so it's not turned on and we couldn't demo the software. Thus there was no point for a video, but we did take plenty of pictures.






Unwired View, MWC 2012: Hands-on with the HTC One V

MWC 2012 video: Hands-on with the Asus Padfone – the Android phone, tablet, and netbook all-in-one

One of the (very) few things that managed to impress me at this year's Mobile World Congress is the Asus Padfone. Sure, it's not new. In fact the concept is almost one year old and still hasn't shipped. But in a way I'm glad that Asus decided to wait one year and do this right. And I believe it has. Except for one thing, but we'll get to that later.

In case you've been living under a rock for the past year, here's the skinny: the Asus Padfone is an Android smartphone. Which can be docked inside a tablet. Which itself can be docked onto a keyboard.












Unwired View, MWC 2012 video: Hands-on with the Asus Padfone â€" the Android phone, tablet, and netbook all-in-one

Welcome to a Virtualised World of Work: NextiraOne Germany at Cebit 2012

NextiraOne demonstrates comprehensive solutions from the workstation of the future to the Data CentreTeltow, 28 February, 2012 – The most modern workstations with every possible means of collaboration with colleagues, customers and business partners: at Cebit 2012 (March 6-10) NextiraOne, Europe’s leading expert in communications services, will demonstrate how organisations can make their communications fit for the growing demands they face.

Press Release Distribution, Welcome to a Virtualised World of Work: NextiraOne Germany at Cebit 2012

Sennheiser MM 550 and MM 450-X headphones unveiled

If you're in the market for a set of headphones with a built-in microphone so that you can use it for music and talking, you're in luck as Sennheiser has announced two new sets of wireless headphones at MWC. They are the MM 550 and MM 450-X, both of which are apparently targeted at the audiophile crowd, and will be utilizing Apt-X file compression technology whose algorithm compresses files four times faster than before, thereby improving performance, or so they claim. Both headphones will also sport NoiseGard 2.0 technology, which reportedly will be able to cancel out up to 90% of background noise.

Ubergizmo, Sennheiser MM 550 and MM 450-X headphones unveiled

MWC 2012: Hands-on with the Huawei Ascend G300, a new affordable Android smartphone

Sure, the Ascend D quad/D quad XL and D1 stole the show yesterday, and we'll probably be talking about these devices for a long time to come. But those aren't the only new smartphones that Huawei brought to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. One intriguing device is the Ascend G300, part of the company's new ‘Gold' line. Like some of its competitors, Huawei decided to segment its smartphone offerings in a few different lineups.












Unwired View, MWC 2012: Hands-on with the Huawei Ascend G300, a new affordable Android smartphone

Canon EOS-1D X delayed

When the Canon EOS-1D X was first announced sometime in the middle of January last month, the world of photography came to a standstill, as this proved to be an example (on paper) in perfection – at least for the moment. You could safely assume that photography enthusiasts were looking forward to the release of the Canon EOS-1D X, but here is a wet blanket piece of news – this epic shooter from Canon is up against a foe that no product would ever want to face, that is, a delay.

Ubergizmo, Canon EOS-1D X delayed

HTC launches official company blog with a little Mobile World Congress tease

We're not exactly sure how we missed this, but HTC has launched an official company blog. The first blog entry is from February 23, introducing the new blog and detailing its scope. If you're hoping for the inside scoop on upcoming new devices, the official HTC blog is probably not the place to go, but their introductory post notes that they will be focusing on the design of new devices, Beats Audio, handset features and “what's going on inside HTC.”. Currently there are five authors listed on the blog:

We don't have super close ties to HTC, but we're heard a few of the names in passing.


HTC Source, HTC launches official company blog with a little Mobile World Congress tease

Intel reportedly delays Ivy Bridge launch until June, manufacturing process to blame

Looking forward to splurging for some tech decked out with Ivy Bridge. Well, you may have to wait a bit longer. Financial Times is reporting that Intel's new 22nm processor has been pushed from April to June. The site caught up with executive VP and chairman of Intel China Sean Maloney who said that the manufacturing methods used to make the heir to Sandy Bridge was to blame for the change in schedule. Furthermore, a spokesperson for the component manufacturer communicated that the Q2 shipping plans for Ivy Bridge remain the same.

Engadget, Intel reportedly delays Ivy Bridge launch until June, manufacturing process to blame

ASUS ZenBook UX21E Rose Gold

ASUS has introduced the new ZenBook UX21E Rose Gold at Milan Fashion Week. Designed for girls, the ultrabook comes jam packed with an Intel Core i5 2467M processor, a 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD and a 11.6-inch widescreen display. The ASUS ZenBook UX21E Rose Gold is priced at $1,344.

TechFresh, ASUS ZenBook UX21E Rose Gold

Super Mario fans will love this interactive Coin Box LED lamp

Any Super Mario fans out there. If there are, you guys probably recognize the image above as the Coin Block that Mario can jump and hit in order to gain coins. Well if you've always wanted to do that yourself, then this interactive Super Mario Coin Block Pendant Lamp might be worth checking out. Measuring 6" by 6", the lamp is made out laser-cut plexiglass and will be powered by LEDs inside it, and will be suspended by a 11-foot power cord, allowing you to hang it from your ceiling while plugged directly into an outlet.





Ubergizmo, Super Mario fans will love this interactive Coin Box LED lamp

Visa announces new mobile payment solution

. Visa on Monday announced a “one-stop” mobile payment solution that looks to compete directly with Google Wallet and the carrier-backed ISIS payment system. After a consumer purchases a “Visa-certified” NFC-equipped smartphone, he or she can contact the company and activate the handset for mobile payments. The device will be securely linked with a user's bank account and can then be used to make mobile payments anywhere Visa's payWave system is accepted.

Boy Genius Report, Visa announces new mobile payment solution

Hercules HD Twist Webcam

Webcams usually are now almost included in most desktop PC's and laptops. But most of them seem to still have the same problems when being used- they are not usually secured well and they are not easily positioned to get the best video angles. But that can be changed with the unique Hercules HD Twist Webcam. What makes the Hercules HD Twist Webcam stand out is not only by its brightly colored design and stylish looks for a portable webcam. It also comes with a flexible stand that allows users to adjust it in a way that would help provide the best video position. It can stand on a desk or can be clipped on top of a laptop display.

Gadget.com, Hercules HD Twist Webcam

Asus announces Padfone tablet/smartphone hybrid alongside low-end Transformer Pad 300

. Asus on Monday unveiled the Padfone from Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The hybrid device was first announced in May last year, however a bit has changed since the Padfone's initial announcement at Computex 2011. The unique Padfone tries to capitalize on separating itself from the pack, and is comprised of a 4-3-inch Android 4.0-powered smartphone docked inside a 10-inch tablet. The handset portion of the device features a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, an Adreno 225 graphics processor and an 8-megapixel rear camera.


Boy Genius Report, Asus announces Padfone tablet/smartphone hybrid alongside low-end Transformer Pad 300

Olympus board announces chairman and president picks, resigns

Olympus's entire board handed in its resignation this week, but not before picking a new president and chairman to head up the scandal plagued imaging company. Hiroyuki Sasa, from its medical equipment marketing arm, has been named for the president spot, and Yasuyuki Kimoto, who served as an executive for the Olympus-connected Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., has been picked for role of chairman. Both appointments are pending shareholder approval.

Engadget, Olympus board announces chairman and president picks, resigns

Exmobaby smart diapers

A couple of years ago, we looked at the possibility of the Exmobaby being realized, and boy has time passed. I am happy to say that the Exmobaby is a success – where this next generation "smart garment" line of apparel was specially designed for newborns and infants. Each garment under the Exmobaby line will boast sensor technology that is capable of monitoring baby's vital signs and movement, where its fully integrated capabilities have been built in to the clothing and apparel.

Ubergizmo, Exmobaby smart diapers

Speaker Diversity Enhances Global Focus at IP&TV World Forum 2012

Leading connected entertainment event increases international and industry reachLondon, 27 February 2012 – Specialist speakers from around the world are set to make this year’s IP&TV World Forum the most globally diverse programme yet. Top representatives in the IP and connected TV industry will share their experience and expertise on key topics in today’s market. The event unites operators, broadcasters and content providers from a variety of platform backgrounds including Smart TV, OTT, cable, satellite and terrestrial TV, and has been specifically designed to meet the evolving market place.

Press Release Distribution, Speaker Diversity Enhances Global Focus at IP&TV World Forum 2012

Hands-on: LG Optimus 4X HD [MWC 2012]

Last year at MWC LG brought us the first dual-core smartphone to hit the mass market. You can check with Guinness, they have it marked down as a world record. This year the mobile maker wants to recapture the magic by doubling down on the cores and adding a new sense of high-end style with the Optimus 4X HD. As the name implies, the phone rests its power upon two pillars: the aforementioned 1,5GHz quad-core CPU (a Tegra 3 chip) and a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display.




Android Phone, Hands-on: LG Optimus 4X HD [MWC 2012]