T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm resigns Posted: 27/06/12, by Alan F.

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T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm has resigned from the carrier on Wednesday and will also leave parent company Deutsche Telekom. In the meantime, while the carrier searches for a replacement, COO Jim Alling will take over the CEO position. Humm moved to Bellevue,Washington in May 2010 to work at T-Mobile, leaving his family back home in Europe, and in November of that year he was named CEO of the carrier. He had joined Deutsche Telekom in 2005 and was in charge of the telecommunication giant's mobile business.

Humm could not deliver the Apple iPhone to T-Mobile customers

It has been an eventful term in office for Humm who was in charge when AT&T offered $39 billion to but T-Mobile. After the purchase was blocked by regulations in the States, AT&T pulled out of the deal and Humm turned his focus toward making T-Mobile the most affordable carrier amongst the nation's top four mobile operators. T-Mobile, though. has been losing post-paid customers and its pre-paid business has been bailing the company out.

Humm also was in the CEO's office at a time that T-Mobile became a force in 4G with its HSPA+ 42Mbps network. Recent tests showed that network beating Verizon's LTE pipeline in 11 cities. The mobile operator is currently planning out an LTE network of its own using its AWS spectrum for the service. T-Mobile has a deal with Verizon to buy some of the latter's AWS spectrum only if Verizon gets approval from the Feds to close a deal it has to purchase spectrum from a group of cable companies. Humm was never able to get the Apple iPhone for his customers, although 1 million unlocked units are said to be running over T-Mobile's pipeline.

source: FierceWireless

Assembled new iPhone 5 leaks, claiming it's the real deal Posted: 13 Jun 2012, 02:25, by Daniel P.

We've seen purported schematics, front and back panels of the next iPhone, but we haven't seen the thing assembled so far, and today's leak filled that inexcusable omittance.

The assembled iPhone back looks very much stuffed in that unibody backplate that leaked last week with the funky speaker grills, seems to be machined pretty well for a fake, despite the scuffs and scratches, and the source says there aren't traces of Photoshop wizardry, but we won't know until we see the real thing.

If the photos from an Apple blog are credible, the rumored smaller dock connector is confirmed, as well as a larger display and chassis that seems mostly metal, rather than glass. What piqued our interest were also the two circles on the back, which seem to be of the camera and the LED flash. While the camera one seems to be pretty interesting in itself, on one of the pictures the flash circle seems to be made of many LED flash "dots".

If you remember, we wrote back in 2010 that Apple has patented a flash that consists of an array of tiny light sources, that can shine with different intensity or some of them be completely shut off if the illumination calls for it. This achieves a more even lighting and filling of the scene, and it might have made it into the iPhone 5 eventually.

Of course, this is all pure speculation and wishful thinking right now, and we don't even know if the leak is real or not, so take a look at the pics in the slide below and tell us what you think of the eventual black housing - even the steel rim around the phone is dark now. Oh yeah, and don't ask us why is this thing running on AT&T, unless that screen is just a placeholder.

source: iPhone via AppleInsider

Assembled new iPhone leaks, claiming it's the real deal

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RIM denies Jekyl and Hyde solution to its woes Posted: 7 hours ago, by Alan F.

Over the weekend, we told you about the growing speculation that RIM would divide itself into two parts, one focusing on manufacturing handsets and the other centered around its popular messaging system. The idea would be to make the company more easily digestible for possible suitors like Amazon, Microsoft or Nokia, allowing a potential buyer to focus on the part of the company it is interested in. Stockholders would have paper in not one, but two companies. One would be a slower growth hardware manufacturer while the other would be involved in the fast growing software and network business. But RIM fans who were hoping to see the old gal sawed in two might as well turn away as there is nothing to see here.

RIM CEO Heins is committed to turning the company around, say sources

The hardware side of RIM accounts for 80% of company revenues, but the problems that RIM is having in this area are taking attention away from the services side of the company as many corporations and governments rely on BlackBerry for secure messaging. Splitting the company in two would be a way to unlock the value of that part of the business for investors, who have seen the value of RIM shares drop from $140 to less than $10 over the last few years.

People close to RIM told the Globe and Mail that RIM has no plans to divide itself in two and those sources close to the Canadian company call the idea "A silly fantasy," and "one of the most ridiculous I have heard in a while." RIM spokesman Nick Manning said that the company is focusing on turning itself around as an integrated firm with the release of new devices in the months ahead. Two former RIM executives  are saying that the powers that be at RIM do not take seriously the idea of splitting up the company. The Globe and Mail says that current RIM CEO Thorsten Heins is committed to the turnaround plan as is former co-CEO Mike Lazaridis.

source: GlobeandMail via Forbes

First BlackBerry 10 devices emerge: RIM introducing L-series in September, N-series in Q1 2013? Posted: 6/25/2012, by Victor H.

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Research in Motion is one company in dare need of new and exciting products, and BlackBerry 10 is expected to provide exactly that - a complete overhaul of the BlackBerry 7 platform and brand new devices. 

While previously we’ve heard about the BlackBerry London and Nevada handsets hitting the final production line, now a leaked slide shows that RIM is launching them under a different moniker, the BlackBerry L- and N-series.

First come the BlackBerry L-series, a lineup that seems to copy modern smartphones and do away with the physical keyboard. Here’s what we know about the L series so far:

• 768×1280 screen resolution
• 55mm wide
• 356 PPI

Next, the BlackBerry N-series are basically the new Bolds. They will come with a square screen and the traditional physical QWERTY keyboard. The specs on the N series break down like this:

• 720×720 screen resolution
• 52 – 53mm wide
• 330 PPI

Some sources point out that RIM is doing its best to deliver the handsets to the market as soon as possible and we could have the L series as soon as the first half of September. The N series will come much later in Q1 2013. How do these new devices look to you?

source: N4BB

Jeans made with transparent pockets save you the trouble of pulling out your phone Posted: 15 hours ago, by Alan F.

All handset owners have had to live through the scenario where they need to access their phone to get a quick look at the time or check the score of that big game. Whatever the reason, you need to take your phone out of your jeans pocket where it is stuffed in with a shoe horn, and what a hassle that is! And if you're watching something that changes often like an NBA game or the stock market, it means continuously reaching for the phone.

With these jeans, you no longer have to keep pulling the phone out of your pocket

One jeans manufacturer has the solution. The Delta415 Wearcom jeans are the latest in fashion for the smartphone user. The jeans have a transparent pocket that is covered by a piece of cloth that zips closed. So instead of reaching into the pocket to grab your phone, you unzip the cloth and can use the touchscreen right through the transparent material. This would be the perfect jeans to wear for those taking a big test, but then again, we don't want to condone cheating.

The Delta415 Wearcom jeans are available for $160 and the inspiration for them is said to have come from the pockets on a fighter pilot's G-suit. According to the manufacturer, the jeans are made from coated, 100% cotton premium denim and the transparent pocket is made of durable polymer film, allowing you to use the touchscreen on any phone.  There is even a hole that lets you thread the wires from your headphones into the right pant pocket.

In high crime areas, like New York City where Apple iPhone robberies are on the rise, you can hide your phone in the jeans and still sneak a peek when needed. If you are interested in ordering the jeans, just click on the sourcelink.

source: AlphynIndustries via Gizmodo

The Delta415 Wearcom jeans are great for smartphone owners

Concept design for BlackBerry 10 model shows Bold-esque QWERTY keyboard Posted: 3 hours ago, by Alan F.

A concept model of the first BlackBerry 10 model

Earlier this year, we showed you a concept design for the first BlackBerry 10 handset. The device, which is expected to launch before the end of the year, is the subject of another design concept, this one in white. Some of the features that we can see is a Bold-esque physical QWERTY keyboard which makes sense since the keyboard on the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 is universally considered one of the best QWERTY keyboards to be attached to a smartphone.

The bottom of the phone is tapered in a little to make the device easier to hold and the handset is thin keeping with the recent trend toward skinny smartphones. The designer of the phone, John Anastasiadis, says that the concept is realistic in that it could be released right now. The latest speculation has the first BlackBerry 10 model being the BlackBerry Colt 2. While a BB10 model with a physical QWERTY is being developed, according to RIM CEO Thurston Heins, the first model is expected to feature only a virtual QWERTY keyboard.

"I designed around the 9900 keyboard and kept to the most likely scenario regarding height, width and depth of the device. BlackBerry's have traditionally been organic with soft edges but I believe the new BB10 devices will be more angular with crisp surface transitions. This will allow RIM to break from the past and reinvent the brand with a new aesthetic. Think P'9981 crossed with 9900. You will notice that the front and side profiles are slightly tapered toward the bottom. This allows the keyboard area to be a comfortable gripping size while maximizing screen size. Also, the black rubberized sides help the user hold and grip the device securely. The reflection of the side view on the back of the device shows how thin it really is. It's important to note that this concept is an attempt to capture what the next phone will most likely be. A realistic approach in the sense that it could be introduced today"-John Anastasiadis

source: Crackberry

RIM thinking of splitting into two firms Posted: 2 hours ago, by Alan F.

 

According to Reuters and The Sunday Times, RIM is considering a major restructuring that would split the company into two parts. One part would feature the long-suffering handset manufacturing business while the other would contain RIM's popular messaging service. Once the split is accomplished, RIM would then consider selling the manufacturing half, according to The Sunday Times. Last month, RIM hired investment banking firms JP Morgan and RBC Capital to go over strategic options. Names mentioned as potential buyers include Microsoft and Facebook.

Current RIM flagship BlackBerry Bold 9930

There is speculation that RIM might want to also part ways with its messaging business, or open it up to rivals like Apple and Google as a way to generate income. Another option being kicked around would be to keep the entire company together, but to sell a stake in the whole company to a bigger tech firm like Microsoft. RIM has seen its once huge global smartphone market share decline into single digits, dropping from the 13.6% of the market it commanded in the first quarter of 2011 to the 6.7% slice of the global smartphone that the Canadian based manufacturer owned in this year's Q1.

At the end of last year, word had leaked out that Amazon,Microsoft and Nokia had considered buying RIM with Amazon the most serious of the trio. RIM is expected to launch its new BlackBerry 10 OS later this year in an attempt to catch up to iOS and Android. Even RIM's one time domination of the enterprise has vanished leaving the company hopeful that its new OS will turn things around. But with the stock at an 8 year low recently, rumors of a takeover are going to continue until the stock is finally bought out, turns the corner, or files Chapter 11.

source: Reuters

RIM's low stock price could lead to a takeover

What to expect from "amazing Google Maps" for iOS Posted: 4 hours ago, by Michael H.

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The big story from the iOS announcement a couple weeks ago was that Apple was finally killing off the neglected Google Maps in favor of Apple's proprietary Maps application. One question that we were left wondering was not if, but when Google would re-release Google Maps as a standalone app for iOS. As we said before, the only barricade to Google doing this would be if Apple decides to suddenly ban all maps/navigation apps from the App Store under the anti-competitive rules about creating apps that "duplicate iOS functionality". The same rule which held alternative browsers out of the App Store, and is still keeping back alternative media players. 

We don't expect Apple to take this route, because of the firestorm that would follow in user and media backlash, so that opens up the very likelihood that we'll see Google Maps hit the App Store soon enough. Google's Senior Vice President of Commerce & Local, Jeff Huber, even confirmed recently that Google is committed to "providing an amazing Google Maps experience on iOS". So, this obviously begs the question: What would that "amazing experience" entail? Obviously, Google already has a solid base to work from with the Google Maps app that has been integrated into iOS, which features Google's maps, satellite imagery, traffic, directions, and Street View. So, what else can we expect from a standalone Google Maps app for iOS, now that Google has been unleashed (within Apple's restrictions) to create the Google Maps it really wants?

Turn-by-turn Navigation

This is a no-brainer. This has been a staple for Android users for quite a while now, but never made it to iOS. We can't say if it was Apple holding back Google's updates, or Google refusing to Apple's terms, but the fact is that turn-by-turn navigation is the huge "new-for-Apple" feature that is coming with iOS 6 and Apple Maps. Apple isn't about to ban super popular apps like Waze (especially given that Waze is helping Apple to generate traffic data for its own mapping), so it's pretty much a guarantee that Google will be bringing its own turn-by-turn navigation to iOS, likely with spoken directions as well. 

The two features of Navigation that may or may not make it into the first iteration of Google Maps would be: car dock mode, and traffic avoidance. We certainly expect these features from Google, it's just a matter of how much Google wants to rush in order to get the app into the App Store. Google's philosophy has tended to be "release early, iterate often", which means there may have to be decisions made as to when to release, and what features won't make the cut. We would hope that Google releases a more fully realized product, because the iOS approval process doesn't allow for as fast of an "iterate often" option as Google would normally prefer. 

Alternate travel methods

One of the best of the newer features available for Google Maps is the built-in routes and information from many public transport systems around the world.  For anyone living in a city, having access to public transport directions and info is a huge benefit, and one that Apple Maps cannot replicate right now. The same goes for Google Maps built-in options for giving biking directions. Of course, Apple has a Transport API in its Maps app, and we know that one of the hooks in that will be available at launch will be an app to add biking directions, but as of yet there has been no app that is stepping up to add public transport info. 

Ultimately, because of this API, Apple's offering could eclipse Google's because it allows for hooks in for all kinds of transport services like taxis, ferries, etc., but it is all dependent on 3rd party services hooking in. As Apple has proven in the past, it can make deals with developers to do the work, so we don't expect a situation like Android's People app, which has a great API, but no support. Still, having all of this standard in a Google Maps app would be big compared to having to add-on services with Apple's offering. 

Street View/3D Maps/Indoor Maps

Street View won't be anything new for users who have grown accustomed to Google Maps on iOS, but it is a feature that Apple doesn't have an answer for. One of the best parts of Google Navigation is that when you reach the end of your journey, it will switch to Street View to give you a visual of your destination. This is huge because often the GPS location doesn't quite match your actual location, so the place you are looking for could still be a little bit down the road when the app says, "You have reached your destination." Beyond the useful aspects of it, we all know just how much fun Street View can be when people get caught on camera, and that's something Apple won't be able to offer. 

3D Maps, however, is something that Apple has something of an answer to, with its Flyover feature. It would be a new feature for Google Maps on iOS though, and would be a nice addition to a Google offering. The question here would be whether or not Google would transition its entire library of maps data on iOS to vector graphics or not, like it has on Android. It seems like a good idea, because vector graphics are both more versatile, and faster to load than traditional bitmaps. 

The newest addition to Google Maps data has been indoor maps. This is a feature that's still early beta and doesn't have a lot of coverage outside of some major airports and malls, but if you happen to be in an area that has indoor maps, it can be very helpful (like perhaps CES). This seems like an easy enough feature to add in to an iOS app, because it is mostly dependent on the maps data coming in over-the-air, and it would be a good marketing point for Google, regardless of how useful it actually is. 

Latitude

This is the last feature that we're really expecting from a Google Maps offering in iOS. Location aware apps are allowed to run in the background on iOS, and Latitude has made the jump to iOS as a standalone app, but it is not a very good app. We feel comfortable assuming that deeper Latitude integration was something that Apple blocked, rather than one Google refused to add. There's no way that Apple would have allowed a feature that has become so closely tied with Google+ to be integrated into iOS, but there's no stopping it in a standalone Google Maps app, which is simply a far more fitting place for it to be. 

Latitude as a standalone app is somewhat bare-bones, not to mention the iOS Latitude app is not optimized for the iPad. It's not a bad app, but as we said, it's also not very good. If it were folded into a proper Google Maps app, it would be far more useful. 

Offline Maps

This is one that we do not expect to make the cut in Google Maps for iOS. We don't expect it mostly because it's a feature that hasn't even graduated from a Labs project to a Beta feature with Google Maps for Android just yet, although that transition is expected soon enough. This is another feature where Google has some work to do. As Nokia has proven, there are better ways to do offline maps, namely in being able to download defined regions (cities, states, countries, etc), not just 10 mile radius blocks like Google does. Of course, Google does have the newer feature in Maps where if you search for a neighborhood or county, it will highlight the area on the map, so Google does know where these defined regions are, and just has to make it easier to download more useful chunks. 

Conclusion

Taken all together the features that Google can offer in a standalone Google Maps app for iOS are pretty impressive, especially compared to what is essentially a first generation offering from Apple. As we said before, a lot does depend on how much time Google can put towards this project, and when it wants to have the app in the App Store. Presumably, Google would want it released in time for iOS 6, which is expected to launch with the iPhone 5 and perhaps the iPad mini in September/October. That only gives Google another 3 and a half months or so to work on this. We assume Google has been working on this before the iOS 6 announcement, because if anyone would know for certain that Apple was planning to ditch Google, it would be Google. 

The other issue to consider is just how much it will matter to have a standalone Google Maps app in the App Store. For sure, there will be quite a lot of users who will grab it, but as we've mentioned before, many users are pretty lazy. There are a lot of people out there who rarely, if ever, dive into the App Store and simply use the stock apps. On top of that, Apple is surely going to have pretty solid integration of its Maps app, meaning you will be able to initiate place searches, or even likely navigation from other apps like Safari or your Address Book. Google won't be allowed that kind of integration, because Apple doesn't allow changing the default apps. So, no matter how good Google Maps may be, it may ultimately face the same problem as alternate browsers on iOS, which is that they may be great products, but it doesn't matter much because of the restrictions placed by Apple. Just as it's easier to use Safari because links will always open in Safari, it may end up being too much of a hassle to use Google Maps, because places will open in Apple's Maps.

This iPhone concept video won't become real this year, but it would be awesome! Posted: 5 hours ago, by Scott H.

Categories: Apple Interesting facts Bookmark

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As you well know, speculation in the next iPhone began… probably a day after the launch of the iPhone 4S. Amid the chatter over new LTE radios, metal back plates, and the such, at the end of the day we rarely know exactly what will emerge from Apple until launch day. One thing we can probably be sure of is that the concept video for the iPhone 5 (below) won’t be coming this year – although it would be spectacular if it were.

The phone shown has the same aesthetic as the current iPhone, but has a clear screen. Screens like this have already been demonstrated, the main problem with such a design is that the phone components have to be contained within the top and bottom bezel areas, and chip miniaturization hasn’t progressed to that level yet.

Aside from having a unique look, phones like this will probably appear sooner or later (perhaps Apple will even make one), as they provide several benefits. Along with the easier photographic composition shown in the video, a see-through screen provides for many improved opportunities for augmented reality services, and of course also provides the user with a better view when using the phone while walking.


source: Geek.com

Samsung Galaxy S III vs Sony Xperia S Review index Posted: 30 May 2012, 07:18 , by Ray S.

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In this comparison, we're using the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S III, which comes with a quad-core Exynos CPU and 1GB of RAM. The U.S. versions come with a dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU and 2GB of RAM, as well as LTE, except for T-Mobile's, which lacks LTE.


Introduction:

Sony's lineup of Android phones has been picking up pace recently, but now with the Xperia S and its buddies, the P and U, the company is hoping to finally reclaim that title of a leading phone manufacturer. However, for such a thing to happen, Sony's Xperia S will have to win quite a few tough fights – like the one against the Galaxy S III, which, as we know, is not an opponent to mess with.

Anyway, such a clash is basically inevitable, if you want to be the alpha smartphone, so here it goes!


Design:

You don't need to be a design school graduate to see that the engineers at Samsung and Sony have had some completely different ideas on their minds when designing the Galaxy S III and Xperia S. In short, the Galaxy S III has a much rounder shape, which feels a bit more user-friendly, compared to the sharp edges of the Xperia S. The GS III is also slimmer and has a glossy plastic finish. Meanwhile, the Xperia S is matte and feels in an entirely different way, so it'd be best to try them both before you decide which one works better for you.

The Samsung Galaxy S III (bottom, left) and the Sony Xperia S (top, right)

It's true that the glossy plastic of the Galaxy S III attracts quite a lot of fingerprints, but it's also true that the Xperia S, especially in its white form, is a handset that gets dirty very easily, so you may often have to take a minute to clean it up.

In terms of dimensions, both handsets are pretty much equal. We say that because even though the Xperia S is a bit smaller (after all, it has a smaller screen), it has more of a rectangular shape, whereas the Galaxy S III has rounded corners, which makes it feel more compact than it is.

Left sides	Right	Top
Bottom	Backs	Rear cameras
The sides of the Samsung Galaxy S III (bottom, left) and the Sony Xperia S (top, right)

Display:

Both the Samsung Galaxy S III and Sony Xperia S feature fantastic displays. On one hand, we have the Galaxy S III's 4.8” HD Super AMOLED, and on the other, there's the Xperia S's 4.3” LED-backlit LCD. As we said, both of these are magnificent, but also both have pros and cons. Due to its AMOLED-based technology, the GS III's screen has better contrast and more vivid colors, but the Xperia S actually blasts it with its ultra-bright output, as well as more natural, but still captivating color gamut. Also, thanks to its smaller size, the Xperia S comes with a higher pixel density – 342 ppi, versus the 306 ppi of the GS III. The difference is not great, of course, as both are very detailed, but still, there is one, especially when you also have in mind the GS III's PenTile matrix.

Samsung Galaxy S III 360-degrees View:

‹leftright›

Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out

Sony Xperia S 360-degrees View:

‹leftright›

Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out

RIM decides to discontinue the 16GB version of the BlackBerry PlayBook Posted: 07 Jun 2012, 10:08, by John V.

It’s been one heck of a ride for the BlackBerry PlayBook, as it launched with a lot of expectations last year, but as we’ve come to see in the industry, it couldn’t grasp the same success found with some of its competitors. For one specific version of the QNX-based tablet, we’re saying farewell to it, seeing that it’s now been given the discontinued status.

Specifically, RIM sent an email out to employees very recently highlighting the company’s intentions of discontinuing the 16GB version of the BlackBerry PlayBook. However, they do point out that the existing 32GB and 64GB models will still be available for purchase. Before some of you go out to your local electronics retail store to see if any fire sales are going on with it, just know that this move simply means that stores won’t be seeing any replenishment for its stock – meaning, stores will just continue to sell it at the current price until they’re gone.

RIM specifically gives a clear-cut reason for the discontinuation, as they say that there is more value found with the higher capacity models. Indeed, it makes plenty of sense considering that 16GB is pretty paltry by today’s standards – and it doesn’t help that there isn’t any storage expandability with the PlayBook.

Furthermore, it begs the question on whether or not the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook 4G will be available in 32GB and 64GB capacities – with no option for a 16GB version. Seeing that tablets are known to be house a ton of multimedia content, it wouldn’t surprise us if RIM decides on not producing a base 16GB version of the PlayBook 4G. Therefore, if 16GB is somehow adequate enough, then you’d better head on over to a local electronics store and pick one up before they’re gone for good.

via CrackBerry

Windows Phone 8: what to expect Posted: 10 hours ago, by Nick T.

Okay, people, today is the big day. Windows Phone 8 is expected to be officially unveiled at 9:00AM PDT (1:00PM EDT) right after the opening of the 2012 Microsoft Developer Summit. Hype is high about this new major version of Microsoft's mobile platform for it is likely to be radically different from Windows Phone 7.5 that we know today – different on the outside, and even more on the inside.

Unfortunately, we don't know for sure what the list of newly-added features will include, at least not for now, but that does not stop us from taking another look at what has been rumored over the past few weeks. Let us begin with...

Support for high-resolution displays

Windows Phone 7.5 supports nothing beyond WVGA resolution

When it launched back in 2010, Windows Phone 7 supported only two display resolutions: HVGA (320 by 480 pixels) and WVGA (480 by 800 pixels). Fast-forward two years into the future and we see that things have not changed a single bit. Windows Phone 8, however, is expected to get along well with high-res displays, as otherwise it will have a pretty hard time competing with other contemporary platforms. Android handsets with 720p displays are becoming more and more common, with offerings from HTC, LG, Sony, and Samsung already on the market, so 720p support in WP8 is an absolute must.

Multi-core processor support

This is another no-brainer. Windows Phone 8 will most likely get multi-core processor support, and if it does, we really hope that the software will take full advantage of that extra processing power. You know, not like the first dual-core Androids that didn't really use the second core that much. Probably the difference won't be that obvious while performing every-day tasks like writing e-mail or checking your calendar, as Windows Phone 7.5 already handles these things with grace. When using some processor-intensive apps, however, such as the web browser or a demanding video game, those extra cores should really come in handy.

Internet Explorer 10

A fresh, new mobile platform deserves a fresh, new mobile browser – Internet Explorer 10. One aspect, in which it will surely be better than its predecessor, is HTML5 processing, or at least that is what benchmark scores on the HTML5test web page suggest. While the current IE9 score stands at 138 points, tests performed using IE10 reach the respectable 300 points mark, not to mention that the software might do even better when finalized. In comparison, the Android 4.0 browser gets 275, while the one in iOS 5.1 reaches 324 points.

Skype integration

Alleged Windows Phone 8 screenshots hint at Skype integration

The popular VoIP service Skype, which is now owned by Microsoft, will be deeply integrated within Windows Phone 8. Think merging contacts with your address book, feed with mood updates appearing in the People hub, and things like that. Further details remain scarce, but we guess that Skype will finally be able to work silently in the background, not like the current WP version, which takes you offline seconds after your handset goes into stand-by due to crippled multitasking. Speaking of which...

Enhanced multitasking

Proper multitasking for third-party apps is something that Windows Phone sorely needs. Currently, if a non-stock application is suspended, bringing it forth again is preceded by a really annoying lag. Furthermore, third-party apps cannot do much while they are suspended, which is why Skype for Windows Phone currently does not run in the background, as we noted in the previous paragraph.

Nokia Maps to replace Bing

Nokia Maps might come pre-loaded on all Windows Phone 8 devices

Nokia Maps already comes pre-installed on Lumia smartphones adding free, voice-guided navigation that does not require an internet connection. With Windows Phone 8, however, Nokia Maps will supposedly be present on any handset running Microsoft's platform, regardless of its make. Still, that is but a rumor, so don't get your hopes up high before we hear an official word on the matter.

Improved accessibility

Windows Phone 7.5 might be a pretty cool platform as a whole, but it lacks accessibility features, as the One Voice organization pointed out not long ago. For those not familiar, One Voice specializes in accessibility in the IT industry. It was noted, however, that Windows Phone 8 is making progress in that field. There are no details as to what accessibility features will be added, but we will have more details on that sooner than later.

Interface tweaks and other features

In general, we expect seeing the all-familiar Metro interface gracing Windows Phone 8. After all, why change a design that is already highly acclaimed? Still, it is rumored that more than a few enhancements will be added, among which a universal search bar, possibly similar to the ones we have in iOS and Android. The camera UI is said to be getting redesigned as well, although it probably will be about as minimalist as the current one. Additionally, the live tiles might be tweaked with the ability to display more information than they do now. Last but not least, rumor has it that apps made for Windows Phone 8 will be compatible with Windows 8, although you might want to take that with a pinch of salt for now.

Compatibility with current Windows Phone smartphones

Some sources claim that no current Windows Phone handsets will get updated to Windows Phone 8, while others suggest the opposite. In all honesty, we don't really know which rumor should be trusted more, but we hope that WP8 will land on at lest some recent smartphones, such as the Nokia Lumia 900, HTC Titan II, and Samsung Focus S. Or perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle? According to a recent rumor, select Windows Phone handsets will be treated to an update that will add several WP8 features on top of Windows Phone 7.5, and Windows Phone 8 will be reserved for future handsets. But that is all speculation, so it is better to sit tight and wait until Microsoft itself gives us the details.

What we want to see in Windows Phone 8

Isn't it annoying that every time you want to transfer a file onto your Windows Phone device, you have to use the Bing application? For moving albums that is fine, but for a single song, that is overkill. Perhaps it is time for Microsoft to finally add mass storage device mode to its platform. Something that we also think should be improved is the way apps are organized. The more your app list grows, the harder it is to find the app you need. Would it be too much to ask for an app grouping feature? Independent volume controls for multimedia, incoming calls, and alarms, will also be nice to have. Last but not least, the camera interface is okay the way it is, but burst and panorama modes will really come in handy on certain occasions. 

And that concludes our list of features that we expect seeing in Windows Phone 8. Is there anything that you wish to add? Feel free to do so by dropping a comment below. Also, don't forget that we will be reporting all you need to know about the event today, so stay tuned for our coverage!

Facebook 3.1 for BlackBerry adds two new features

Posted: 4 hours ago, by Alan F.

The last Facebook for BlackBerry update added BBM integration to the social networking site

Last time Facebook for BlackBerry received an update back in April, the social networking site was integrated with BlackBerry Messenger, allowing you to update your status and have it appear on BlackBerry Messenger. Now, there is a new update for the Facebook for BlackBerry site that brings the build to 3.1 and adds two new features, including one that allows you to "Like" a particular comment from inside the app.

The other feature added is the addition of "Facebook Groups" to the app. This feature helps you stay connected to the various groups that you belong to. From your BlackBerry, you will be able to post updates, comments or add media like video or music. Check out the profiles of members in the same group as you, and be alerted via a notification when a group member makes an update.

The Facebook for BlackBerry 3.1 app is a free download from BlackBerry App World and if you don't see the update there, wait a day. According to BlackBerry's own blog, it can take 24 hours for a new app or update to hit App World.

source: BlackBerry

The new Facebook update for BlackBerry lets you follow groups (L) while also allowing you to "Like" a comment directly from inside the app