If you’re one of those very lucky guys, who have managed to put their hands on HP’s “not available anymore”  Touchpad devices, you need to pay close attention to possible opportunities arising from an early Alpha 0 build of CyanogenMod 9 that lets you run your own edition of Ice Cream Sandwich instead of the pre-loaded WebOS platform available on board. Of course you can have a triple boot tablet constructed from webOS, CM7 and CM9 all together, but that’s not really recommended. However, toying with the idea of bringing this new Android 4.0 into the Touchpad, definitely is (even though you may run into some minor issues when it comes to the camera, video acceleration and Android Market access). To learn more, please visit the RootzWiki link below, or click the jump to watch the video.

[via RootzWiki]

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Ladies and gentlemen, the real untethered iOS 5.0.1 jailbreak y’all been waiting for is finally out and ready to open a wide range of your personal Apple iDevices (including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1, iPod Touch 3G and iPod Touch 4G), except the iPhone 4S and iPad 2, which carry inside an upgraded A5 chipset. No sign as to when these two might get their own jailbreaking release, but be sure we’ll have this one sooner rather than later. Those with the pre-A5 machines can use a combination of tools to approach their hack, such as Pwnage Tool,  redsn0w 0.9.10, and Chronic Devteam’s Cydia package (look for “Corona”). Hit the link below to learn even more or click the jump to watch the video (courtesy of Cydiahelp). Happy jailbreak!

[via iPhone Devteam]

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Google’s newest Android operating system version has had experts and users alike sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting impatiently for the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) to be delivered on mobile devices with all the bells and whistles of the ice cream truck. Users have delayed purchasing new mobile phones and tablets until the new operating confection was available. After all the headlines and the anticipation, does Android 4.0.- finally beat Apple’s iOS?

In some areas and functions, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” In other facets, it’s, well, “not yet.” While Ice Cream Sandwich does make user control of apps easier, animation less jerky and the interface more user-friendly, it can’t yet claim the fame of toppling iOS yet. But it’s getting there, and it’s our opinion that Apple should be getting very, very worried.

Improvements

First, the good news: Many of the Gingerbread snafus, glitches and hang-ups are gone. Smoother operations are the norm with Ice Cream Sandwich. However, there still are a few that we’ll outline below.

The separated, dedicated Function keys permanently resting at the bottom of the screen are tremendous time savers. You want to return Home? Press the key. Want to head back one screen? Press that key. Want terrific apps management? Press that dedicated key. Forget a screen full of icons that you can’t see when surfing or texting or writing a note: The dedicated function keys are offset and separated from the used screen area. They’re always there – unless you deliberately use a full screen operation.

The user interface is a major improvement from Gingerbread (2.3) to Honeycomb (3.0) to Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0). Logical organisation is the key phrase. While there is still a learning curve for new Android users, learning to navigate the device is much simpler and shorter than ever. It’s not quite as intuitive and familiar as Win 7 or as easy as iOS, but it’s a major step up from Android 2.2 Froyo, Android 2.3 Gingerbread or Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

Quirks and Glitches

Alas, while apps are much more easily managed in ICS, many apps don’t work with ICS: The apps are made for Gingerbread; many won’t even download onto an ICS-driven device. Overall, Android apps are much fewer in number than Apple apps, and with the ICS compatibility issue, the Android number just dropped even farther.

The touch controls for apps might be nicer, but the touch controls still have a minute lag that is absent in Apple iOS. It’s better than it used to be, but the lag is still there. Because of that barely noticeable but noticeable delay, Ice Cream Sandwich can seem rather sleepy at times.

Future Possibilities

Android developers are extremely responsive to glitch reports, so much so that Ice Cream Sandwich has moved from the 4.0 original version to 4.0.3 in just a few weeks. It won’t be long at all before Android OS is a true, heads-on competitor with Apple iOS.

Apple has just rolled out iOS 5.0.1  (build number 9A405) for its iDevices lineup, now available through your iTunes app. The new update, which many iphone 4s owners have been waiting for, fixes the pesky battery-draining problem that users were suffering from in iOS 5. In addition, the new release is offering a bug fix for uploading documents to the iCloud service and brings some new multitasking gestures for iPad’s first-gen. Happy updates!

Update: It’s a 790MB download if you’ll choose the iTunes path, or 44.6MB delta for those who will update wirelessly (OTA).

Apple has just pushed out iOS 5, one of its biggest updates ever, now available for download through your iTunes account, for  iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, as well as both iPad 1 & iPad 2. iOS 5 includes more than 200 new features for your iDevices, among them: The notification center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, integrated Twitter app, photo enhancements (plus grid & edit features), iCloud sync and backup for your mail/calender/contacts/notes/reminders etc. (you get 5GB of storage for FREE), WiFi sync capabilities, Airplay mirroring, multitasking gestures and more. In addition, Apple has also released iTunes 10.5 filled with iCloud support and plenty other goodies you will all get to try with iOS 5 on board. And speaking about the cloud, looks like iCloud.com is now officially LIVE and ready for use (in case you have iOS 5 or OS X  Lion client). Check out the video after the break.

Update: Apple has also released two new iOS apps, including AirPort Utility and Find My Friends, which can be downloaded via iCloud.

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HP TouchPad has been getting a lot of attention lately, as prices have “mysteriously” dropped to $99 – which seems like a heck of a good deal, to say the least. But pricing aside, the WebOS (TouchPad’s platform), as good as it may be, simply doesn’t have, at the moment, enough applications to offer. In fact, there’s not much to find if you are looking for quality usage, beyond the usual stuff (e.g music, internet surfing, emails). Now, if we could just get the Android version to match up with the 9.7-inch touchscreen display, eh? Well, it might actually happen, with recent Team-Touchdroid announcement, indicating a very cool tweak which enables the HP slate to fully support a 10-point multitouch frame. Neat, isn’t it? Make sure you scroll down after the break, there’s a short video that proves it.

Update: As a matter of fact, there’s an app for that, which lets you smoothly run Google’s Android platform on top of HP’s WebOS along with apps and some other goodies, as demoed in vid with just a few clicks away, after the break.

[via Liliputing]

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Apple has just rolled out a new firmware update for the myriad of iDevices, with the latest release of iOS 4.3.1 which should fix several pesky bugs that users have been experiencing in AV-out, enterprise apps, iPod touch graphics and mobile network connections. The new update is now available for download via iTunes, so hook your stuff and get it done right.

Wel…well…well, what do we have in here? Guess it’s Google’s future android 3.0 platform (Honeycomb) that Mountain View has specifically designed to compliment and match tablets UI. To put it in different words, the 3.0 version is “Entirely for Tablet” – and boy! it looks great! But instead of crafting words, just checkout Google’s video to get a better impression.

Update: Looks like Google has just issued an early build of its upcoming Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. So if any of you Android Developers just so happen to log on, make sure to check out the platform’s uncompleted SDK version including the APIs. Video preview after the break.

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Say hi to the new Cowon D3 Plenue: At first sight, it looks like a basic mobile phone, same size, same shape, same overall appearance. But beneath the 3.7-inch, 800 x 480 AMOLED face lies an Android 2.1 PMP with 32GB of storage, SD card expansion, a built-in accelerometer and a T-DMB tuner. And if it wasn’t already cool enough, it also comes with an HDMI output, WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth 3.0 support. Sadly, we’re still not sure whether it is going to include an Android Market access at this stage – though we’re surely going to see some sort of applications on board – but one thing’s for sure, you can definitely expect to hear more about it in the coming months, weeks or perhaps in early January, at the 2011 CES show. Stay tuned.

Update: Amazon has just now listed a pre-order page for Cowon’s latest and greatest Android D3 Plenue player, priced at $370 and set on an undetermined release date. Is it just us that think this is way too much for a player, at this point?

[Cowon]

Almost a year and couple of days after introducing it, Google has launched a new, stand-alone version of an operating system, which became known as Crome OS. Offering it as a “one-stop shop” for all manner of cloud-based laptop usage, one-year-old Chrome will let users run their day-to-day portable apps like any of the other ones available on rival platforms, such as Linux or Windows 7, this time with a mission to make the web work faster, safer, and easier than ever. Surprisingly, it takes only four simple steps to set it up and have it running: Picking up your Internet connectivity, choosing a profile image, getting online right away, and cruzing the web the moment you get it to load. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t take more than 60 seconds, on average, to make it ready to work. Setting the OS to use multiple accounts is as easy as it gets, but there’s also a guest mode option that runs in Incognito mode (“Friends Let Friends Log-In Feature”). Of course you can use it offline as well if you want, but the most convenient way to use it, is probably when connected online.

On the same note, Google has just rolled out its very own Chrome Web Store which “like a phone app store,” features a gallery of different apps and extensions from different sources and vendors in various categories such as photos, music, games, news, blogging , fun, shopping, sports and web development. To test this new concept under operational circumstances, Google announced a test program for Chrome OS in which it will be offering 60000 Chrome Notebooks to those who registered. To find out more about the pilot program, just visit http://google.com/chromenotebook click in the boxes and fill in the missing answers.

Well guys, the day that iPhone 3G, 3GS users have been waiting for has finally come – Dev Team has just released their latest and greatest PwnageTool 4.1.3 and redsn0w 0.9.6beta5, which provide the first iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak that seamlessly works with carrier unlock support. Regretfully, it will only be useful with a baseband later than 05.13.04, but not to worry, fellow gadgeters, because the hack, that uses the 6.15.00 baseband from iPad firmware 3.2.2, will upgrade your modem during the quick and risky process, and hopefully turn it unlocked. Of course, it is not recommended to do this, only if you’re stuck on 05.14 or 05.15, and you’re willing to accept the risks it entails: no way back, you won’t be able to update again in the 05.xx sequence, warranty problems and inability to make a full stock firmware restore (You’ll need to only restore to custom IPSWs, which is what you’re probably doing right now).  If you’re still into it, after all, please proceed to the Dev-Team link below.

[Dev-Team Blog] 

Apple is finally pushing out its latest and most anticipated iOS 4.2.1, which technically can be downloaded right away via your iTunes dashboard app. The new version which weights about 624.3MB and supports miriad of cupertino devices, including iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch, is notable for being THE most important OS software update the iPad tablet has ever had. For those of you who are still trying to figure out what all the commotion is about, imagine having in one magical slate multitasking capabilities, along with folders, Airplay, AirPrint usability, Game Center arena, and unified inbox accounts. Want even more? From now on you can use the Find My iPhone feature, free of any charge (previously priced at $99 a year). Generaly speaking, it’s a GPS-based application that lets you remotely locate your missing Apple handhelds (iPhone 4, the iPad, and fourth-gen iPod touch), by using a web interface platform and online set of maps. You can also wipe important data, lock your device from far, display a messsage on it, or sound an alarm from any place you are – and it’s free, remember? Hit the jump for full PR.

Update: Dev-Team has just launched a new redsn0w version 0.9.6b4 jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1.Regretfully it’s a “tethered” update, which means that iPhone 4, iPad, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch users will have to reattach their personal devices, either to a PC or a Mac, to boot into a jailbroken state whenever they need a reboot or lose the battery power – bummer. In any case, that won’t unlock your handheld machines, if that’s what you were expecting for. Unlock hack for 3G and 3GS is expected to be out somewhere this week, while the iphone 4 solution should probably take a little bit more.

[Apple]

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For those of you who already purchased an unlocked version of Streak, you should check with your 5-inch slate immediately, as word on the street claims that Dell has finally started rolling out the Android Froyo update that you’ve all been waiting for. You may or may not find it available for a download right away but you’ll have to believe us, it’s there, so be patient. As for people who bought the locked version, make sure you check out again next month. In addition to that, the coming update will also include Dell’s new Stage UI layer, which I hope you’ll find useful in getting on top of Google’s Android 2.2 update. And finally, according to a StreakSmart report, unlocked Streak devices are said to arrive to the US, preloaded with Froyo OS platform, in the next month or so. Please stay tuned.

It looks like jailbreaking season has finally started folks, with Apple’s iOS 4.1 most anticipated hack tool, “Greenpois0n”, officially been announced and released to the pond. And while still available just for Microsoft Windows users at the moment (Macs should wait or use VMware/VirtualBox apps to install), this latest update, courtesy of Chronic Dev Team labs, will shine only with Cupertino’s iPhone 4 / 3GS, iPod touch (3rd / 4th generations), and iPad 1st gen devices, already preloaded with iOS 4.1 firmware which turns to be vulnerable to George “geohot” Hotz recent limera1in USB boot ROM jailbreak exploit, that Steve Jobs is likely to block. On his next firmware roll out, that is, of course.

Update: Well…it didn’t take long for both Geohot and the guys at Chronic Dev Team to introduce their own proprietary Mac format into the market (limera1n and greenpois0n), each with varying degrees of advantages and disadvantages of its own. As always, proceed with caution and back up your stuff first, you just never know where troubles might come from.

[Chronic Dev Team]

Apple has just released a preliminary beta version of iOS 4.2 for developers (and their friends). The new update, which has gone live two weeks after official announcement is most effective when it is integrated and linked with Apple’s iPad tablets. Why? Because it enriches the iPad with most iOS4 notable capabilities and even more. For this matter, we talk mainly about multitasking, but you will also be able to find folders, better email app, imported calenders and other assortment of goodies, installed. In addition to that, Apple has also stated in its recent PR announcement (after the break) that iPad owners who tend to use HP printers with ePrint technology can also enjoy the AirPrint and AirPlay wireless printing support – very cool, isn’t it?

Update: We’ve just added a quick walkthrough video of the new iOS4.2 update, courtesy of AppAdvice.com so check it out after the break.

[Apple]

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Apple’s just announced iOS 4.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, coming up free of charge via iTunes sometimes next week. According to Steve Jobs, the new update is going to fix a few bugs (including Bluetooth, proximity sensor and some iPhone 3G issues) along with some pretty neat add-ons such as High Dynamic Range photos, HD video uploads over WiFi, TV show rentals and the most anticipated Game Center which proved to be very impressive and will match you up with other players on the net.

Next on Apple’s future plans is the iOS 4.2 version, which was specifically designed for iPad devices and is supposed to bring in the entire iOS 4.1 features along with additional dedicated capabilities including the AirPlay feature which lets you stream music and video content over WiFi, or the wireless printing option that enables to remotely manage your entire print jobs. This new iPad iOS edition is claimed to go live somewhere around November.

Update: iOS 4.1 is officially live n kickin’ through your iTunes. That’s of course in case you own one of the following devices: iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch 2nd gen, iPod touch 3rd gen, or iPod touch 4th gen.

Android media player – that apparently looks like the latest greatest trend among audio-video gadgets across the pond, and the new joiner within that sphere is Philips and its most awesome GoGear Connect PMP. The slick silver device which you can find listed in online retailer store Argos, priced at €264.99 (about $340), boasts a 3.2-inch 480 x 320 display, running Android 2.1 platform and tucked with 16GB of flash storage, an integrated GPS navigation system, an FM tuner, a microSD, a 3.5mm headphone jack and battery pack delivering up to 25 hours of audio playback and 5 hours of continuous video work. It should already be available throughout the European continent while US release is yet to be determined.

Update: Philips just went official with its brand new 3.2-inch GoGear Connect PMP which apparently supports a very wide range of audio and video formats, including mp3, wma, .m4a (AAC), ogg, and flac audio; wmv, mp4, H264, and avi video; or JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF images. It is also said to have a built in camera inside, paired with microSD slot, android 2.1 for the OS and an integrated GPS platform to navigate your way on the go. Worldwide release (including the US) is scheduled for October of this year, with prices at €249 (about $315) for the 16GB flavor.

[Argos via Engadget]

Hey! What’s this…A new Samsung PMP running Android OS inside? Though not official yet, it still looks and feels like the real thing for us, and judging from the rumors, it’ll probably make an official debut soon – South Korean style. For a nondisclosure price you would get yourself a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, paired with 1GHz processor, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3mp camera and last but not least – Google’s Android OS platform swiftly running inside. The name is YP-MB2, in case you wondered, and y’all should stay tuned  for more juicy details to come.

[via Samsung Hub]

We knew it was just a matter of time before the Dev-Team fellows would eventually catch up with iPhone 4 jailbreaking technology and make it widely open for everyone to use. While not perfect yet (probably due to servers overload), the iphone 4 jailbreaking process has been making some significant strides, and yesterday was a big step, as the team (Comex) has finally released a very handy tool for all iOS devices, including both iPad and iPhone 4 running iOS 4.0 and 4.01 platforms. To get it, just go to www.jailbreakme.modmyi.com (via Safari Mobile) and start the “JailBreakMe 2.0 star” process, at your own risk. One thing’s for sure, it’s already legal to be used, now that a new DMCA exception was approved by the Library of Congress, specifically allowing jailbreaking Stateside.

Update1: Looks like the good guys at 9 To 5 Mac has managed to pull it off, and guess what…it works! Check out the video after the break.

Update2: Already going through the iPhone 4 jailbreaking process? Mind you there might be some issues with FaceTime video calling and MMS messaging, at the end of the road. But fret not, boys and girls, because those cool and very useful features can be easily and quickly restored, thanks to this iPhoneDelivery app which you can find on Cydia, in your phone. According to RedmondPie, it would automatically fix those problems and make them run again in a matter of seconds or just a little bit more.

Update3: And to fulfill completely their commitments to the Apple fanboys community, Dev-Team has just released a new ultrasnow app version that would easily unlock your new magical iPhone 4 device (with 01.59 baseband) or any 3G/3GS mobile phones running 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01 and 05.13.04 basebands. To learn more about how to jailbreak and unlock your handhelds (at your own risk) just hit the jump and watch the step-by-step video (the second one).

[Jailbreakme]

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As more and more people keep talking about Cupertino’s iphone 4 mobile device and this all antenna reception issues, it seems that Apple, the mother company, is finally realizing the time has come to start doing something about it – the sooner the better. And one of the steps the company has just taken in order to try and extinguish the flames is the new iOS 4.0.1 that Steve Jobs and the rest of his fellows has officially released to the pond (updating iOS4) and that apparently “improves the formula to determine how many bars of signal strength to display.” The platform itself is already available for a download via iTunes and supports only iPhone 3G, 3GS, and iPhone 4 machines.

Update: So Apple has urgently called a press conference to speak about the “Antennagate” reception issues and the good news is that everyone, I mean EVERYONE is going to get free bumpers (case) when buying a new iphone device. If you already bought one, just go straight into one of Apple stores next to your house and get a full refund. Here’s what Steve Jobs had to say about it:

“You know, we’re not perfect. We know that, you know that. And phones aren’t perfect either.”

Antenna reception problems are well known in the smartphones world and make a “challenge for the entire industry”

“.. the iPhone 4 drops less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS. Less than one.”

“A free case for every iPhone 4 buyer.”