Author: Simon Chester

Friends Around Me is a mobile app for iPhone and iPad that searches around you for nearby friends — or anyone else willing to say hello — and enables you to view their profile, look at and rate their photos, chat with them, or send them virtual gifts.

The service joins together your Foursquare, Twitter, and Facebook networks, allowing you to check in to venues and update your Twitter/Facebook status from one place. Best of all, the service doesn’t require yet another social network registration: you can sign in using Facebook Connect or the Twitter API.

One cool thing about the service (that will probably freak out the privacy paranoid) is that there are no restrictions on whose profile you can view, or who you can chat to. Plus, you get to see and respond to everyone who has viewed your profile, making it a great tool to meet new people. Of course, there are options to hide yourself from strangers, but where’s the fun in that?

While the big Steve said that you would have to go to Android for your porn fix, I guess he didn’t mean you would have to go there for help hooking up with like-minded leather fans.

In a first for the App store, gay fetish hook-up site, Recon.com, has managed to get their iPhone app approved for release. The company has said that they “invested a lot of effort in designing an application that ensures that [they] walk the right side of the line as far as content and imagery is concerned.” which is why they were able to get through the app store approval process. Really, it’s just a location-based chat service.

The free app uses your GPS to show photos of guys nearby, allowing you to chat with them and… well… I’m sure you can figure out the rest.

Today Acer officially announced their latest Android handset, the Stream (coz a whole lotta Liquid makes a Stream).

The device will rock Android 2.1 UI atop a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 3.7″ 800×480 AMOLED screen, 5MP camera with 720p video, 512MB RAM, 2GB on-board storage (+ an 8GB MicroSD card), and the usual connectivity options (ie WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, HSDPA, GPS).

So, yeah, pretty much the standard “high-end” Android device.

As promised, LG’s mid-range, QWERTY, Android-powered slider (phew), the Ally, is now available from Verizon.

Just think: somewhere out there, keen LG/Iron Man 2/Android fans are braving the harsh Spring conditions, waiting for their favourite Verizon stores to open. The less adventurous of the devout would have just pre-ordered it, but where’s the honour in that?

You can grab the Ally for $99.99 after a not-at-all-annoying $100 mail-in rebate on a two-year contract from Verizon. Rocket boots not included.

Vodafone UK now have the Nokia N8 on their “Coming Soon” page, so it seems a pretty safe bet that Nokia’s new top-end Symbian ^3 powered handset will indeed be “Coming Soon” to Vodafone UK.

You can probably also safely bet that the phone is “Coming Soon” to other carriers, too… but I don’t have a handy reference page for any other operators. Sorry.

There is no official release date yet, but rumours have it pegged for August 24th, and pre-order pages over at Amazon.de are asking €469.50 (that’s US$575 for the curious Americans in the audience) for the flagship device.

The strong-point of the handset so far seems to be it’s video recording, which looks, well, superb, even though some people are questioning the device’s very existence.

We’ll just have to wait and see how production models stack up against the first impressions given by the pre-release samples/leaks.

[via Engadget]

Do you like your screens crisp, but your phones a little less wavey? Do you like teh Gigahertzes, but are fearful of dragons?

Well, I’m happy that you’re so sure of yourself, but I’m even happier that the Galaxy S ticks all of your boxes AND will be released sometime in June!

But calm down a sec, mmmkay? There is something more I need to tell you. First of all, the June release is for Asia only at this point.

Second of all, the price won’t be cheap: 1098 Singaporean dollars, to be exact (which is about 780 US dollars). Steep, considering a very similar HTC Desire runs for S$898, but reasonable, considering this is the only Android phone with a Super AMOLED screen.

Also, while a date hasn’t yet been announced, Amazon.de do have the device up for pre-order for a very similar €649 (790 US dollars), so all you eager Europeans will be able to join the party soon, too.

All this comes on top of the news from CNET that the device will receive that tastiest of Android desserts, Froyo, sometime in the near future.

Great news all ’round, really.

[via Engadget]

While AT&T are still happy to be rolling in the money brought in from the iPhone exclusivity agreement, they aren’t stupid enough to ignore the other mobile platform completely.

AT&T have previously announced that there will be 5 Android handsets launching in 2010, and we now have word that the first of these 5 (the second in their history) will be the HTC Aria.

Phone Dog say that the new device will be announced at an event on June 7 (no, not that event), which is… strange.

So far, the only shots of the device have come from its time at the FCC, and, sadly, there is hardly any info on specs.

So far we know it rocks Android 2.1 with Sense UI, a full QWERTY keyboard, and… that’s it. It is rumoured, however, to be a competitor to the Incredible, Nexus One, and (dare I say) EVO 4G, so let’s hope AT&T/HTC deliver something impressive.

It still remains to be seen if AT&T will continue their peculiar stance of disabling non-Market installation of apps (as seen on the Motorola Backflip), but we’re allowed to dream, right?

[via Phone Arena]

Another day, another leak, right? Next up we have the Samsung LiMo-R3-powered i8330. The device will form part of the Vodafone 360 lineup in Europe, and will be known as the H2.

The specs so far seem decent, with a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor, an 800×480 Super AMOLED screen, 8MP autofocus + flash camera with HD video recording, and the usual GPS, and WiFi, as well as a touch of HSDPA.

Now, if you’ve got a thing for obscure phone OSes, then this phone could be the thing for you, but with so many tasty Android handsets around, even the most obsessive of Linux fans will surely find more joy elsewhere.

Admittedly, the phone does build a strong bridge over the uncanny valley that divides higher-end feature phones from feature-laden smart phones, so there could be an interested market for it… if the price is right.

Samsung Firmwares (the site that provided the leaked images) say that the device should see a release sometime before the World Cup (June 11th), so Europeans can expect it soon. No word on prices or a US release just yet.

[via Slash Gear]

It seems like only hours ago that a leaked shot of the yet-to-be-announced Motorola Shadow emerged, yet here we are with another shot of the possible successor to the Droid.

This time around there is no wacky story accompanying the leak, but this is the first shot of the device that hasn’t been directly front-facing (you can clearly see the HDMI connector on the side there), so at least that’s interesting.

Sadly, this Shadow looks nothing like the totally rad render that appeared back in April (I can’t see any slide out keyboard, let alone a sweet-lookin’ grey/white one), so that’s a bit disappointing. Maybe April’s render will appear as something other than the Shadow, but for now: sad face.

Here’s something a little fishy, though: the leak yesterday claimed that the device had a 4.3″ screen, 16 gigs of internal storage, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and an 8MP camera.

Today’s leak, however, claims a 4.1″ screen, 8 gigs internal storage, a Texas Instruments OMAP 3630 (720MHz ARM Cortex A8) processor, along with the same 8MP camera.

So… pick which leak best suits you, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, even combine the two leaks to create some kind of wünderphone. The choice is yours.

[via Unwired View]

We’ve already gotten word of the T-mobile myTouch 3G Slide specs. We also know that it will be released on the 2nd of June for $179.99. We’ve even had our own hands-on. But there is one little maneuver left in the dance of phone revelations: the unboxing.

And here it is.

Android Community have gotten their hands on the retail packaging for the upcoming QWERTY Android device, and I felt that it was nice enough to share with you. It comes in a metal box! I don’t know if it’s just the 10 year old in me, but I think that’s pretty cool.

They also have a slew of photos of the device, including UI shots, and the included accessories.

Check the video out, below!

(Pro tip, stay on past the 3:30 minute mark for some merengue beats. Most suitable for this final manoeuvre!)

Like the camera sitting on the face of every single leaked iPhone HD hasn’t been proof enough, or like the references to video chat in the beta SDKs didn’t mean anything, now we have even more proof that there will be video chat capabilities in the upcoming iPhone HD (or whatever it will be called).

Right now, filming is underway for the new iPhone commercials (directed by Sam Mendes, of American Beauty fame), and Engadget have it on good authority that one scene will feature a mother and daughter video-chatting to each other using their next-gen iPhones. Aw, how sweet.

Of course, don’t expect any official confirmation before June 7th, but I think this one’s a pretty safe bet.

With the announcement of the next-gen iPhone just weeks away, Walmart have taken it upon themselves to lower the price of the soon-to-be-replaced 16GB iPhone 3GS to a borderline bargain basement price of only $97 on a two-year contract.

There isn’t really much more to say on this one. If you’re looking for a cheap, functional smartphone on AT&T, you can’t really go wrong with this deal. Unless you dislike Apple of course. Or can’t handle the thought of impending obsolescence. Or whatever.

I’m sure you know what you’re doing.

[via Gizmodo]

It seems that all it takes is a class-action lawsuit to get some companies to start treating their customers right.

As a settlement of said lawsuit, today it was announced that AT&T will provide customers with a free unlock code for their device after only 90 days of service. Now, now, don’t get too excited yet: it’s not quite as clear-cut as it may seem.

The “90 days” doesn’t apply to “handsets for which AT&T has an exclusive sales arrangement with a manufacturer of less than 10 months”. If you have one of those handsets, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a much-less-reasonable 10 months before you can get your mitts on an unlock code.

“But what about those devices that have an exclusivity period of more than 10 months, like my iPhone?” I hear you ask. First of all: you’re a sharp little button, aren’t you? Second of all: stiff. AT&T aren’t obliged to offer you an unlock code at all. Ever.

Now that I’ve got the bad news out of the way, here are the actual terms stating who is eligible, as stipulated by AT&T:

(1) Customers with postpaid accounts who have completed a minimum of 90 days of active service and are in good standing and current in their payments.

(2) Customers with prepaid accounts who have provided a detailed receipt or other proof of purchase of the handset.

(3) Customers who own handsets for which AT&T has an exclusive sales arrangement with a manufacturer of less than 10 months will have to wait until the 10-month period expires before they can receive an unlocking code.

If you want to opt out of the settlement or object to it, you have until June 4, 2010 to post mark your filing. The final approval hearing will be held July 2, 2010. For more information, visit www.attlockinglawsuits.com.

Customers will also be limited to 5 unlock codes a year, so don’t think this is your ticket to an ebay-funded retirement just yet.

[via Boy Genius Report]

Would ya looky here! Looks like someone over at Innovative Singapore has posted a video that shows what it would be like to turn on a WinPho 7 phone for the very first time.

The device shown in the video (and to the right) is the LG Panther, which has been making its way around the webs for a little while now.

It seems that LG will ditch the “Panther” monicker for a much more memorable “GW910″, which is an issue I’ll be taking up with their marketers directly*.

It’s clearly mentioned in the video (and original article) that this is still a pre-production device, sent out so apps can be tested on real hardware (rather than an emulator), and, as such, it’s stll very rough around the edges. Still, it’s nice to see the kind of UI experience you can expect from the Big M’s much overdue Windows Mobile revamp.

However, the most interesting thing in the video is the boot time: if you’ve ever booted a smartphone from the last 2 years or so, you’d know that it can often be an excruciatingly long experience. It remains to be seen if the production device can retain this speedy boot time after the final OS has been loaded, but it’s encouraging to see speeds like this at this time.

Also, prior to previous reports, a Live ID isn’t needed to boot the device (but will be for Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace integration). But, once again, pre production model blah blah…

Anyway, enough of me, go check out that video!

*not really.

[via WM Poweruser]

So you’ve just updated your shiny Nexus One to Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) complete with flash support, and you’re jonesing to watch your favorite episode of Glee while on your way to work on this dreary Monday morning.

If you were a true Gleek, you’d have already fired up the browser, navigated over to Hulu, and found nothing but disappointment. You’ve been burned by licensing deals yet again. Sad face.

So whaddaya do? Well, you lucky dawg, there is a way. Follow me, I will show you how.

To all those Samsung enthusiasts living in Europe: this one’s for you.

Samsung today announced that the Bada-powered Wave is now available in the UK and France (it has been available in Germany for about a week).

UK Vodafone fans can grab the phone for free on a £25 per month plan, but no outright prices have yet been announced for the UK or France. However, eager Germans can pick it up for €429.

In case you don’t know, the Wave is powered by a 1Ghz CPU, has a 3.3″ 480×800 AMOLED screen, 5MP autofocus camera with LED flash, and can record 720p Video. It also has GPS, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and a mysterious OS.

Current rumours say that it will make its way to North America in June, but not with who, or for how much.

But in the mean time, you can grab a Beta SDK to start developing for the new OS. Just don’t expect to get rich from it, mmmkay?

[via The Unwired View]

Uh-oh. Looks like the latest update to the HD2 from T-mobile has caused a few “issues” and has had to be removed from the T-mobile update site.

Different users have reported different issues ranging from a not-so-terrible reduction in battery life, to a much-more-serious bricking of the phone.

So, if you’ve already downloaded the update, but were holding off for a special day in May to actually apply it, you’ve dodged a bullet.

T-mobile are looking into the problem now, and will post an update to their update page when it’s available, but, if I were you, I’d probably wait for the eager guinea pigs to try the update out before you go and apply it, just to be sure.

[via Boy Genius Report]

By now we’ve all seen the many, many, many and more photos (and video) that have been leaked of the up-n-coming BlackBerry 9800 slider phone.

So you’re probably not that amazed by the new batch of photos that have emerged over at The Berry Fix.

However, the photographer behind this latest photo shoot does have some interesting news for y’all: the new slider won’t be using RIM’s trademark, annoying SurePress technology.

For those not in the know, SurePress was RIM’s attempt at replicating the tactile feel of a physical keyboard on a touch-screen device by making the screen a big, clickable button. The technology débuted on the BlackBerry Storm, and wasn’t received well.

The removal of SurePress from the 9800 could be to do with the fact that the slider already has a physical keyboard, so those that are truly fearful of The Touch needn’t ever use the on-screen keyboard, and thus don’t need the assurance of SureType.

Don’t think that RIM have given up on SureType just yet.

The device should be released on AT&T in June.

[via SlashGear]

So, you’re the kinda person who keeps in shape by doing laps in your money pit. Now, despite the fact that actually having a money pit may set you apart from most other people, I know that you are constantly looking for that special something that truly makes you unique.

Versace also know this, and have just announced a luxury phone designed especially for you. They’re calling it the “Unique”, because that’s what you are.

The hand-assembled-in-France device touts an “impossible to scratch” sapphire touchscreen of unknown resolution (not that you care about that anyway), and to my knowledge, this may be the first luxury phone to have a touch interface. I bet you can’t wait to show your buddies at the country club that little technological marvel! I scoff at their Vertus!

LG provide the innards, which will allow you to call people (over 3G!), check your email, take 5MP flash photos, listen to mp3s, and even watch movies. It may not best an Ally, but don’t Versace believe that it’s what’s on the outside that counts, anyway?

Now, just in case the purple leather clashes with the interior of your Ferrari, you can rest assured that the phone can also be purchased in black, with your choice of 18k gold or 316L grade stainless steel accents.

But here’s something interesting: apparently the 5MP camera has both a flash and a netbook! I don’t know what that means, either, but the press release seems adamant. I’ve emphasised it for you, below.

Oh, the price? If you need to ask…

Versace announces the launch of Versace Unique

Seoul (Korea Newswire) May 20, 2010 — Versace, in collaboration with ModeLabs Group, announces the launch of Versace Unique, the first luxury touchscreen and full-featured multimedia creation that will be sold through the most important exclusive watch and fine jewellery networks and Versace flagship boutiques worldwide from early June 2010.

Versace Unique unites all essential functions for professional and personal use, crafted from the finest materials, hand-assembled in France and built to the uncompromising standards of all the Versace products. The face is constructed from pure high-tech ceramic or handmade lacquers delicately framed with an 18K yellow gold finish or 316L grade stainless steel inlay. The back is wrapped in the finest handcrafted leather, embossed with the Medusa head. The Versace Unique sapphire crystal screen is the largest single piece of this high-tech material ever produced for consumers. Impossible to scratch, smooth and receptive, it provides an ideal conductivity and precision control of the touchphone interface.

Beneath the precious exterior of Versace Unique lies a world of advanced technology created by LG that guarantees a seamless interface between life and technology, design and usefulness. Versace Unique handles all the duties of a phone, 3G network, client e-mail, media player, full-powered 5-megapixel flash camera and netbook. It features unprecedented Dolby Mobile surround sound technology for high quality in ringtones, MP3 music files and video with 30 hours of playtime.

Gian Giacomo Ferraris, Chief Executive Officer of Versace Group said: “We are excited about Versace Unique. Our team has worked well with our partners at Modelabs to manufacture a very innovative product which perfectly blends luxury materials, craftsmanship and the advanced technologies of LG. As we move forward in the development of our business, we are particularly happy to be able to strengthen the offer of luxury accessories that complement our core fashion products in line with Versace`s DNA.”

“The creation of a mobile phone for a luxury brand is first and foremost a matter of passion. At the origin of a new product, a mysterious alchemy takes form between the brand’s creative style and our own know-how allying tradition and innovation whilst at the same time respecting the highest criteria of design, selection of materials, technologies and great attention to appearance. Such is the passion that makes our mobile phones unique,” commented Stéphane Bohbot, ModeLabs CEO.

For more information please visit: http://www.versace.com/mobile

Samsung’s successor to the Symbian-powered i8910 (aka OmniaHD) has just bust its pipes, and is now leaking all over the internet (too soon?).

The leaks thus far point to a 4″ Super AMOLED screen, a 12MP camera with both Xenon and LED flash (why not?), 30fps 720p video recording (just like its older sibling), and 16 or 32 GB internal storage, all running atop Symbian^3.

Oh, and it also includes the soon-to-be-standard-on-high-end-phones WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0.

No details of screen resolution were leaked, but some people are suggesting 640×360. That resolution on a 4″ screen would be… lousy… so let’s hope for something better when and if more details trickle out.

Now, here’s some salt (you know, the grains of which you should be taking with this): the left-hand side of the screen looks a little dodgy, so it could be ’shopped.

…aaand it’s Symbian. Now, no offence to the OS, but I’m finding it pretty hard to get excited about any phone running Symbian when there are so many better alternatives out there (well, two of them). Also, Unwired View add that Samsung are rumoured to stop making Symbian phones by 2011, so this could very well be the last Symbian phone from the Korean manufacturer.

[via Unwired View]