June, 2011

Swype 3.0 beta released: plays nice with Android Honeycomb tablets

June 14, 2011 4:30 pm by Nick Marshall

Categories: Apps & Software Tags: Android, Android 3.0, Android 3.1, honeycomb, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Swype

The most popular alternative Android keyboard, Swype, has just been updated to version 3.0 beta. In order to participate in the beta, you’ll need to register for a Swype account and be willing to live with a few kinks here and there. The reward for your time is an Android Honeycomb-compatible virtual keyboard rockstar.

Swype 3.0 beta supports both landscape and portrait mode in Android Honeycomb. In addition to sliding your fingers across the screen, letter can be tapped out individually to use the keyboard’s predictive text function. Another nice touch is the keyboard can be resized much like the virtual keyboard found on webOS for the HP TouchPad. There’s also three positions to choose from: left, center, right.

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Why the HTC Desire Android 2.3 update was cancelled (UPDATE: Reverse ferret!)

June 14, 2011 3:58 pm by Ben Sillis

Categories: Mobile Phones Tags: andorid, Desire, gingerbread, HTC

UPDATE: HTC has just posted another memo to say that the HTC Desire will receive an Android 2.3 update. Quite the U-turn, but a good one!

HTC Desire owners, come in, have a seat. We’ve got some bad news for you. You know that Android 2.3 update HTC said was coming, bringing all the glorious Gingerbread features to 2010′s phone of the year?

Yeah, that’s not happening anymore. Here’s why.

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Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2 to use Tegra 3 processor, powered by Windows 8?

June 14, 2011 3:45 pm by Nick Marshall

Categories: Gadgets Tags: Android, Asus, Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2, Asus Transformer 2, eee pad transformer, Windows 8

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer entered the tablet scene as an underdog, but quickly rose to the top, becoming our favorite Android Honeycomb slate. Today, a report from Notebook Italia indicates the successor to the Eee Pad Transformer, rightfully named the Transformer 2, will launch in April of next year.

The rumored Transformer 2 will be both lighter and thinner than the current model, possibly on par with the iPad 2. The shocker is that in addition to an Android version, Asus will reportedly offer a more expensive Transformer 2 running Windows 8.

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HP webOS cloud-based music service: an iCloud competitor is born

June 14, 2011 2:45 pm by Nick Marshall

Categories: Gadgets Tags: Apple, HP, iCloud, TouchPad, webos

It appears Apple and Google are not the only cool kids on the block touting a cloud-based music streaming solution. Reports have surfaced HP is building out its own Google Music and iCloud competitor for its webOS range of device, like the soon-to-be-released HP TouchPad.

HP’s webOS cloud service is not a one-trick pony, it will feature music, movies and TV show streaming. According to Billboard magazine, HP is in discussion with a number of record labels to bring their libraries to webOS devices.

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Samsung Chromebook teardown shocker: materials alone are worth £196

June 14, 2011 2:05 pm by Nick Marshall

Categories: Computers & Accessories Tags: chrome os, chromebook, Google, Samsung Chromebook, Samsung series 5

The team over at IHS iSuppli has given the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook the formal teardown treatment. Tucked inside the 12.1-inch web-connected laptop is a dual-core Atom processor, 2GB of memory and a 16GB solid state drive (SSD).

“The Samsung Series 5 Chromebook is every bit a full-sized notebook PC,” said Wayne Lam, senior analysts, competitive analysis, at IHS iSuppli. After hearing the components (other than the dual-core Atom processor) are typical of a standard laptop, the cost of the parts is a little easier to swallow — nearly £196 before factoring in the manufacturing cost.

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The history of 3D in five parts: Boom, bust and porn

June 14, 2011 2:05 pm by Ben Sillis

Categories: Guides Tags: 3D, feature

This past week, we’ve been looking at the long and turbulent history of 3D, from the nineteenth century to the present day. Today, we’re looking at the 3D boom of the 70s and 80s, as well as the introduction of the first 3D sex romp. Join us won’t you? (SFW).

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Ricky Gervais talks tech, new MacBook Air and Nokia beats Apple: Lunchtime Lowdown

June 14, 2011 1:09 pm by Ben Sillis

Categories: Gadgets Tags: Amazon, Android, Apple, lunchtime lowdown, Nokia, Ricky Gervais

Pip pip! It’s Tuesday-lunchtime-o’clock, so stop what you’re doing, close that spreadsheet, finish your game of Windows Solitaire and tuck into everything that’s been happening this morning in our news roundup.

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New MacBook Air rumoured: what do you want to see?

June 14, 2011 11:35 am by Mic Wright

Categories: Gadgets Tags: Apple, macbook air, predictions, Thunderbolt

Rumours about a new MacBook Air are hotting up. Taiwan’s Economic Daily claims today that Apple is set to start selling the new MacBook Air at the end of this month with 380,000 units ready to rock just in time for the arrival of Mac OS Lion. Other reports claim we could see the new MacBook Air drop tomorrow.

All this chatter has got us wondering: what do you want to see in the next generation of the MacBook Air? While popping a Thunderbolt port in there seems certain to be at the top of Apple’s list, what else would tempt you to upgrade? We’d definitely like to see a backlit keyboard fitted in somehow. Hit the headline and head for the comments to share your ideas and we’ll round up the best suggestions.

Out TBC | £TBC | Apple (via Reuters)

June, 2011

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