LG Optimus L7 Review

Introduction: Coming with the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, the LG Optimus L7 is the top shelf representative of the company's new line of affordable handsets with supposedly more appealing L-Style design. Top shelf in the L line doesn't mean much in terms of specs, as the Optimus L7 still rocks single-core processor, WVGA screen resolution and 5MP camera, but it won't break the bank either. Now LG promised to introduce a new design paradigm with the new L series at rock-bottom prices, but did it succeed in achieving that goal...

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LG Nitro HD gets a leaked build of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

When 720p displays are no longer deemed as unique, we sometimes forget that the LG Nitro HD was actually the first AT&T smartphone to offer one – then again, it’s still sporting Gingerbread. So yeah, some people have probably tried looking at other things to quench their thirst for the latest and greatest Android build. Well, if you’re still in possession of the LG Nitro HD and fancy having Ice Cream Sandwich running on your device, you’ll be interested to know that a leaked build of it is now available. Sure, it’s an early build and might...

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Winning a Windows Phone is a piece of cake

A new contest makes winning a Windows Phone a piece of cake-literally. The rules are brief. Simply bake a cake inspired by Windows Phone (how about a slice of Metro UI?) and submit it to the official Facebook page of the contest which is Windows Phone Cake Contest. Then you sit back and let the voters judge which cake wins. Pictures can be submitted through May 30th and voting runs through June 6th. The top three vote-getting bakers will win a new Windows Phone. Microsoft's Michael Stroh said that The Windows Phone Blog had been receiving so many...

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Bid hello to updated eBay app for Android

Thanks to the mobile eBay app, there are many users of the site who are not handcuffed to a desk to make sure that they have the highest bid on an item that they really, really want. But that doesn't mean that eBay can't make some improvements to the software, which it has done for its Android application. For those who elect not to have their apps update automatically, you can head over to the Google Play Store (no need to get dressed, of course) and download the latest version of eBay for Android. Ready to hear the changes? Here we go. The updated...

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Samsung Galaxy Appeal is coming to Walmart as a prepaid GoPhone for $149.99

Are you considering trudging the prepaid path as opposed to the traditional postpaid one? Well, there’s a brand new member in AT&T’s GoPhone family that you might want to consider, as it boasts all of the wonderful functionality of a modern smartphone – while packing an ever useful QWERTY keyboard. Frankly, it’s going to raise some eyebrows since it bears the beloved Galaxy branding, but the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Appeal for AT&T’s prepaid GoPhone lineup is nothing more than an entry-level Android handset. Still, when it’s compared...

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Amazon Prime Instant Video is set to gain Paramount Pictures content

Good news to any Amazon Kindle Fire owners out there, that’s because Amazon’s Prime Instant Video service will be adding some lovable content in the near future to make good use out of the Kindle Fire. Netflix might be the undisputed indomitable king right now when it comes to video streaming services, but retailing giant Amazon isn’t backing down whatsoever, as they announced a partnership to bring forth Paramount Pictures content to its service. Essentially, Amazon Prime members will now have access to the huge library of Paramount Pictures...

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Assurance Wireless customers are now given free text messaging

You’ve probably seen their commercials on TV, but Assurance Wireless customers are being given yet another wonderful feature that some people simply take for granted. Today, Assurance Wireless announced the availability of text messaging with its various plan offerings. First and foremost, customers who are on the carrier’s existing free 250 minute plan will now be graced with 250 text messages each month – all for the wonderful no-contract price of free of course. Simply, that’s one of the great advantageous of Assurance Wireless, as they provide...

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Nielsen report shows US smartphone user has 9 more apps than last year

Research firm Nielsen Group surveyed US smartphone users and found that this year the average smartphone user has 41 apps installed on their smart phone, up from 32 last year. That's a 28% increase in just one year. The study went on to cite the smartphone adoption rate had increased significantly year over year as well. Last year they found that 38 percent of mobile phone users had a smartphone, and that number skyrocketed to 50 percent this year. We hear it all the time on TV, the radio, and in print media, "there's an app for that." It seems...

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Microsoft Launches So.cl, A ‘Social Search Experiment’ And Social Network [Updates]

Microsoft has just launched So.cl, their own version of a social network, but it is a little different from what you typically see from social networks. Generally, a social network is a place to share status updates, locations, photos and general information about what is going on with your life. Microsoft’s social spot is all about sharing web searches. The idea behind so.cl is that sharing searches on the web will lead to interesting discussion and conversation with your friends about the things...

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Angry Birds Friends Launches On Facebook [Updates]

Rovio has taken its hugely popular pig-popping game to the next social level by launching Angry Birds Friends on Facebook. Players can now compete against their Facebook friends in weekly tournaments, earning new trophies and power-ups as they play. The game launches with four new levels already available, with more due to be added on a weekly basis. Competitions run from Monday to Sunday and players with the highest scores can earn gold, silver and bronze trophies which are saved to their accounts...

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HTC Titan and Titan II are both out of stock on AT&T's web site

Could it be that the Nokia Lumia 900 has opened the flood gates for all Windows Phones? Well, who knows for sure exactly, but two new Windows Phone on AT&T’s web site are now currently out of stock – possibly indicating that people are taking notice of Windows Phones in general. Taking a quick look at the carrier’s offerings online, both the HTC Titan and Titan II are not available for purchase right now, since the two are out of stock. Naturally, it shouldn’t be surprising to see it with the original HTC Titan, since you know, its predecessor...

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Better iPhone Video: Shoot, Process & Edit Video Like A Pro With These Apps [iPhone]

Shooting a film on an iPhone might not seem like the smartest idea, but for many it’s a viable option for capturing decent HD quality video on the move. Monday’s Stuff to Watch featured a number of productions created using the iPhone, a few specialised apps and some extras which can really make the difference. Today we’ll be exploring the iPhone filmmakers’ toolbox, more specifically the apps that can help you get the most of your phone’s capabilities as a video recorder, processor and editor....

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Two versions of the Apple iPhone being tested says report, both with 3.999 inch screen

According to 9to5Mac, at Apple HQ, testing is taking place on a couple of prototype handsets, one of which will probably become the next Apple iPhone 5. The prototypes are disguised by being put in thick black shells which are designed to hide the true identity of the phone inside. Two of the models being tested have larger screens than the current 3.5 inches that used to be considered generously sized when the first Apple iPhone was launched in 2007. Since then, we have seen the envelope widen from the 4.3 inches that seemed so large on the HTC...

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Microsoft Office said to be coming to Android and iOS in November

Remember the leaked images of Microsoft Office for the iPad we saw a few months ago? The ones that Microsoft claimed were fakes? We were suspicious about their denials at the time, and it turns out the only “fakers” may have been Microsoft’s PR team. According to “a reliable source” speaking to BGR, Microsoft will be releasing tablet versions of Microsoft Office not just for the iPad, but for Android as well this November. The November date presumably lines up with the launch of Windows 8 – Microsoft most likely plans to release tablet versions...

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T-Mobile Prism can now be snagged at T-Mobile stores and online for $20

Sure it’s not the highest regarded Android smartphone on the scene, but nevertheless, the T-Mobile Prism has finally made its way to the carrier’s retail stores and online – albeit, it’s been made available since early May at places like Best Buy and Walmart. You heard that right people, the T-Mobile Prism can now be purchased at your local T-Mobile store, which is something a bit different seeing carrier own stores normally get first dibs on new devices. Then again, exclusive deals can make other things happen in the process.Surely, its $19.99...

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9 Fun Shooting Games Not Blocked by Most School Firewalls [MUO Gaming]

Let’s face it, shooting games are really fun. Kids love them! I wouldn’t say that kids like them so much necessarily because of the violence. I think it’s more about the whole “tag-you’re-it” mentality. From when kids are very small, they start playing tag. Once kids get into playing online games, “tag-you’re-it” turns into “bang-you’re-dead”.  Morbid, I know, but still…follow along with my logic here. From two or three generations back, kids have played shooting games. At different...

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Apple, Samsung CEO-level talks fail to produce any agreements

When Judge Lucy Koh of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ordered that Samsung and Apple sit down to negotiate a settlement of their patent war, she might have held some hope that getting the CEO's of both firms together would result in some give and take. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. An unnamed Samsung executive told the Korea Times that during the talks, both sides held firm to their arguments. Apple says that Korean based Samsung copied its designs while Samsung feels that Apple should license its...

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What Do You Do With Old or Outdated Hardware? [You Told Us]

Technology ages at an alarming rate. There is always something new and shiny on the horizon, meaning that at some point the device you were once excited about getting your hands on is no longer fit for purpose. At this point everyone has to make a choice. There are a multitude of different things that can be done with old or outdated hardware. From simply dumping it in the trash, giving it away to a good cause, selling it on for a fair price, or changing its use entirely. Inspired by seeing people...

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Samsung Galaxy S III is Vodafone's most pre-ordered Android phone ever

Not that this is a surprise, but Vodafone has announced that the Samsung Galaxy S III is the most pre-ordered Android phone in the history of the carrier. Vodafone didn't mention any specific number, but considering that the phone is the fastest selling gadget of all-time with 9 million units pre-ordered (and that obviously doesn't include the U.S.), it would make sense for Vodafone to be ringing up some impressive numbers for the handset. Vodafone customers can actually get the 16GB Samsung Galaxy S III for free with monthly plans as low as 41...

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3 Ways The Portable Apps Platform Will Make Your Life Easier

Portable apps have a huge place in my geeky heart simply because they are quite numerous (if you don’t believe me, check out the Best Portable Apps here). They don’t modify the registry, and can be used in different Windows machines (though there are portable apps for Linux as well). Up until recently though, maintaining portable apps was not pleasant for me. I’d have to go into Windows Explorer and click on the executable to launch the program every time, and if there was an update to the program,...

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RIM wants to help you convince your IT manager to buy new BlackBerry 7 OS phones

"Dear IT manager,I’m ready to upgrade to a BlackBerry® 7 smartphone, with features that are designed to help boost my productivity and help me manage my day more efficiently: Apps that will help make me more productive and connected, like BlackBerry Mobile Conferencing, BlackBerry® Traffic™ and BlackBerry® Travel™. A unified inbox, so I can stay on top of all my emails, texts and phone calls. BlackBerry Tag on NFC devices — so I can share contacts and files with my colleagues with a simple tap.HD video recording and playback, so I can capture...

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Yahoo launches Axis, it's new mobile browser that is also a search tool

Yahoo is entering the crowded and competitive world of mobile browsing on Wednesday night when it launches Yahoo Axis on the Apple App Store. The browser can also be used as a plug-in for IE, Safari, Chrome and Firefox. Obviously, with the Yahoo name, search is a major function and instead of  a list in blue print you get visual responses to a query. For example, search for a web site and you will get a visual representation of the site. Yahoo says it has images representing 85% of all web sites. Bing will still be used for algorithmic search,...

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Nokia's Israeli distributor first Nokia related person to confirm Windows Phone 8 launch

israeli publication Techit.co.il reported that a European distributor for Nokia has confirmed that Windows Phone 8 OS powered Nokia Lumia handsets will be available by the end of the year. The distributor distributes (what else would a distributor do?) the Nokia line in Israeli and stated that Eurocom Nokia will offer the Nokia Lumia series in Israel once the phones are loaded with Windows Phone 8, which supports Hebrew. Windows Phone brass obviously are familiar with the Apollo update as Windows...

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SmokedbyWindowsPhone takes over the city of Toronto

One of the most interesting promotions in the mobile phone industry, #SmokedbyWindowsPhone, went on the road to the city most often used by the motion picture industry to portray the Big Apple. We are talking about Toronto, of course. The current prize for beating Windows Phone is $100 and most walked away without the prize and either a new found respect for Microsoft's mobile OS, or else a feeling that someone cheated.Check out the video below of a young man named Corey putting...

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5 accessories to connect a smartphone or tablet to your TV

We've all been there, lounging on the couch with our phone or tablet and wishing we could stream videos from the internal storage, Netflix, YouTube and so on to the largest screen in the house right in front of us.  It is not a seamless task, as there are no universal standards yet, both for doing it with a cable or wirelessly, but there are some accessories out there that make it possible. Wireless streaming is, of course, preferable for our lazy ways, but we don't mind the occasional...

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Locks, relationships, and our smartphones - how they all intertwine with one another

Every day, we report on some of the intense news surrounding the always unpredictable mobile world, as we should no doubt since it’s in our veins to do so. However, with this piece, we’re taking a different spin on the usual geeky news that we’re so fond of reporting. Frankly, we can talk about some cool new innovation that’s about to hit the mainstream on a smartphone, or get all giddy about the next big thing to come out, but instead, we’re hitting it straight to the heart with a piece that’s...

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If you're wondering where the delay is for Android updates, Verizon has the answer

Everyone loves to complain about how slow Android updates can be, and more than that, everyone loves to play the blame game, which mostly means saying that Google should be acting more like Apple and locking down control over the ecosystem. Of course, no one bothers to really think through that option, because following that logic would destroy many of the things we love about Android. Still, it's becoming more and more clear where the major delays are coming from when in regards to Android updates.  It...

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Switching from Android to Windows Phone Part 1: initial impressions and missing features

Reminder: this is not intended to be a review of Windows Phone. This is intended as something of a running diary showing the process of an Android user getting to know and use Windows Phone.** Making a change or choosing a new mobile platform can be a big step. Our mobile devices are more and more important in our daily lives, so the choice we make for our hardware and software dictates a lot of how we interact on a daily basis. iOS has become more closely tied with Twitter, not to mention...

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