Verizon to release Lumia 822 and HTC 8X in time for Black Friday

Verizon has announced that it will be releasing the Nokia Lumia 822 and the HTC 8X Windows Phone smartphones by Thanksgiving, giving Black Friday shoppers a chance to nab them for Christmas. Both these phones run Windows Phone 8, and complement Verizon’s previously only-available Windows Phone, the HTC Trophy. You can grab the 8X for $199.99, and the Lumia 822 for $99.99 after rebate.

According to the announcement, the HTC 8X will be available in blue, red, and black, priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract. Meanwhile, the Nokia Lumia 822 will be available in white and gray models priced at $99.99 with a two-year contract after a $50 rebate. The Lumia 822 is exclusively available from Verizon.

The HTC 8X has a 4.3-inch display and features a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, as well as an 8-megapixel rear camera. We got our hands on this smartphone back in October; you can check out the review here. The Nokia Lumia 822 is similar, with a 4.3-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB of internal storage, and an 8-megapixel camera.

Windows Phone 8 brings with it an interface that resembles the newly-released Windows 8 operating system. You’ll find Live Tiles on the home screen, which you can use to organize your phone by pinning items, such as bookmarks, in an easy-to-access location. Users who nab one of these phones will also get the Data Sense app, which monitors data usage, as well as 7GB of SkyDrive space.

[via Wireless and Mobile News]

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HTC DROID DNA rumored for December 6 release

We’ve heard a little bit about HTC‘s rumored 5-inch phablet-style smartphone recently. The company plans on calling it the DROID DNA, and we last heard that it would be out sometime in December. However, according to the latest leak, the DROID DNA will arrive in the US in a month from now on December 6 for $249.

The HTC DROID DNA will bring the company’s J Butterfly 5-inch 1080p smartphone to the US on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. If the DNA is anything like the J Butterfly, it’ll feature the highest definition display of any smartphone with a 440 PPI. Essentially, the DROID DNA will be HTC’s answer to Samsung’s Galaxy Note series.

Details are fairly slim at this point, since we’re only a month out of the rumored release date, but it’s said the DROID DNA will pack a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16 and 32GB storage options, and a large 2500 mAh battery — nothing we haven’t seen before spec-wise, but that 1080p screen should be out of this world.

As usual, though, take these rumors with a grain of salt, even though they’ll likely end up being true — we wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up, only to see them come crashing down. Nothing is truly final until HTC and Verizon gives the green light, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

[via Android Community]

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Pebble smartwatch to miss September release date but does add new color choice

If you were intrigued by the thought of getting your hands on the Pebble smart watch that we previously reported on, a mix of good news and bad news came out of the project yesterday. The good news is that a new color option is now available – orange. Selected based on voter’s choice, orange joins black, white and red options.

The bad news is that the availability of the Pebble devices has been delayed. The Pebble team indicates that due to popular demand, they have had to transition from ramping up for production of 1,000 devices total to 15,000 devices on a weekly basis. This additional demand means they will not meet their target of shipping in September. Even worse, they do not provide a new estimated availability date, so the delay is indefinite.

As consolation, the Pebble team did provide some information on their work to ensure the device moves from R&D to manufacturing and assembly. They indicate they are in the Engineering Verification stage with samples produced of the entire product before moving on to Tooling, when everything is finalized in the production facility.

source: Kickstarter

» See more articles by Jeff Causey

Categorized as Android Accessories, Android Manufacturers, Android News

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PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale release date dropped

This week the folks at Sony have let it be known that the game PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, possible the biggest title for the console this year, will be popping up on October 23rd in the USA. This news also provides the dates for the majority of Europe, that being October 24th, and inside the UK, that being October 26th. This game is set to feature a litany of battle-ready characters from PlayStation-centric franchise games and will be Sony’s great answer to the classic bash-festival that is Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros., also set for a new version later this year.

This game will be popping up for not only the PlayStation 3, but for PS Vita [see our full review of the PS Vita here] as well, and will be able to be played over the web and from the PS Vita as a controller for the PS3 too! Sony is going all-out to support this game for the future of what’s undoubtedly going to be a franchise – or so they hope, of course.

You’ll be able to play as such odd characters as UNCHARTED’s Nathan Drake, BioShock’s Big Daddy, or Twisted Metal’s own killer clown character Sweet Tooth! Have a peek at a trailer for the game here:

And be sure to stick around for more PlayStation news coming later today from EVO – don’t wanna miss it, right here on SlashGear!

[timleine]

[via PlayStation Blog]

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Apple plans Podcast App for iOS 6 release

Though not revealed this past week at WWDC 2012, Apple may well be pushing a Podcasts app in its final build of iOS 6 for all the mobile devices it’s built for. This information comes from AllThingsD where they’ve got a tip that the disappearance of podcasts from the newest version of iTunes is the first in a series of signs that portend a future where Apple gives the podcast concept a much bigger spotlight in the iOS universe. Beginning with iTunes on mobile devices and spreading by the end of this year to desktop versions of iTunes, you’ll find that the podcast section in the iTunes store will have become something entirely different.

This move for iOS 6 will take place in a manner not unlike Apple’s splitting of the iTunes player into separate apps for music and video. Back when iBooks was launched in 2010, Apple also created a separate app specifically for the reading and storage of that digital media on the iPad – and then on the iPhone as well, of course.

The term Podcast has been around for several years now, with the iPod being the original location they were supposed to be created for. This word now encapsulates many different kinds of downloadable “radio show” types of audio bits, with many giant publications and the like bringing their own version of the media to the market each week.

Have a peek at the timeline below to see a whole lot more on what iOS 6 will bring to the iPad, iPod touch, and the new iPhone 5 later this year.

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Apple plans Podcast App for iOS 6 release

Though not revealed this past week at WWDC 2012, Apple may well be pushing a Podcasts app in its final build of iOS 6 for all the mobile devices it’s built for. This information comes from AllThingsD where they’ve got a tip that the disappearance of podcasts from the newest version of iTunes is the first in a series of signs that portend a future where Apple gives the podcast concept a much bigger spotlight in the iOS universe. Beginning with iTunes on mobile devices and spreading by the end of this year to desktop versions of iTunes, you’ll find that the podcast section in the iTunes store will have become something entirely different.

This move for iOS 6 will take place in a manner not unlike Apple’s splitting of the iTunes player into separate apps for music and video. Back when iBooks was launched in 2010, Apple also created a separate app specifically for the reading and storage of that digital media on the iPad – and then on the iPhone as well, of course.

The term Podcast has been around for several years now, with the iPod being the original location they were supposed to be created for. This word now encapsulates many different kinds of downloadable “radio show” types of audio bits, with many giant publications and the like bringing their own version of the media to the market each week.

Have a peek at the timeline below to see a whole lot more on what iOS 6 will bring to the iPad, iPod touch, and the new iPhone 5 later this year.

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Microsoft .NET 4.5 and Visual Studio 2012 release candidates ready

Listen up, developers: it’s time for a new round of Windows programs. In addition to sending out the release preview for Windows 8, Microsoft has published release candidates for Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5. Both are available free, presumably until the completed programs are shipped, and can be used to create working applications under a Go Live licence. Click here to download Visual Studio, and here for .NET.

In addition to the new web tools and Metro UI guidelines in Visual Studio, Microsoft says that it’s “added features, improved performance, revamped the UI, streamlined setup, made it easy for you to move from Beta to RC, and more” since the last beta. Since this build has taken a surprisingly long amount of dev time, it’s been officially renamed from Visual Studio 2011 to 2012 – seems about right, since we’re halfway into the year anyway.

The Team Foundation Sever is getting a bit of love as well, with the added ability to use SQL backups during the initial setup period. That should shave a small but considerable amount of time out of regular workflow. Both builds are considered release ready, so while there may be a few bugs still lurking about, you should be able to use them as prime time resources. Just don’t get too attached if you’re not ready to pay up when they go gold.

[via eWeek]

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iOS 6 release set for Facebook integration

Apple has been tipped this week as shaking hands with Facebook in a very real way with the end result being a realease of iOS 6 with full Facebook integration. This expansion of the Apple mobile operating system for use on the future iPhone 5 as well as the iPad 3 and beyond has been tipped by a source speaking with TechCrunch with not a whole lot of hard facts to surround the idea included. That of course is essentially irrelevant at this point due to the fact that Facebook and Apple have been moving ever closer to one another for years, with cross-integration being an inevitability – it’s only been when, not if.

The next big release for Apple in the mobile software world appears at this moment to be either an Apple Maps replacement for Google Maps or iOS 6. It could also be iOS 6 with Apple’s own version of Maps included on it, released as imminently as this month at WWDC 2012. On the other hand, Apple has just released another bump to the iOS 5.x version they’ve got out now for iPhone 4/4S and the iPad 3. Much more likely is the idea that Facebook integration will come with another 5.x upgrade so as to avoid any backlash on iPhone sales should the relationship turn sour.

Facebook has recently had several application releases on both iOS and Android, with the Facebook Camera App being the most recent of these. This camera now exists on both Android and iOS with its sole intent to be enticing the smartphone or tablet user into using it alone, instantly sharing then everything they capture. It’s difficult to imagine that Apple would bet the farm on a fully-integrated Facebook-heavy iPhone, but perhaps ease in log-ins will suffice.

Stay tuned as the Facebook / Apple saga continues to unfold.

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Windows 8 Release Preview download available for all

This week Microsoft has come forth with the first real public pre-release version of their next-generation operating system Windows 8, and you can download it today. This software will have you working with Microsoft’s new touch-friendly Metro User Interface and will allow you to dive deep into the vision Microsoft has for the future of convergence-minded machines. This software is just a bit different from what we saw ealier this year at our own preview at Mobile World Congress, it being ready for a more public viewing with downloads as easy at a couple of clicks.

The Consumer Preview of this software can be seen in our hands-on by the name of Windows 8 makes desktop computing fun again. This new version has several improvements for metro-styled apps and primarily addresses bugs found throughout the system earlier this year. Have a peek at the release download via the link below:

• Windows 8 Release Preview ISO images [Download Link]

Check our Windows 8 portal out for more information on the final release of this software and head to our timeline below to stay fully up to date on all Windows 8 goings-on. You’ll find hardware based around the system and plenty of computers ready and willing to be updated when that faithful day does come!

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Galaxy S III rooted before release

It’s basically a tradition at this point with giant phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S III that they get hacked and rooted before they’re released into the wild with final software – and it’s no different today. Developer and hacker Chainfire has posted information on how he and his colleagues have achieved root on the Galaxy S III by working through an insecure kernel code leaked by an intrepid “insider” who he’s saying will remain nameless. Inside the code for the Galaxy S III were found some rather odd bits that only developers would find truly interesting with a few surprises that everyone will love as well.

First and foremost, Chainfire revealed that unlike the Samsung Galaxy S original, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, and more, the Galaxy S III uses what’s called a standard boot.img format. The other devices listed use a much more secure and harder to work with zImage format which is, for most developers, not nearly as easy to unpack and repack as the basic boot.img format. Another welcome oddity in the GSIII here is the fact that the recovery partition is being utilized, this allowing developers to flash recoveries completely separate from the kernel – helpful!

The most important bit of this whole situation is that Chainfire, generally accepted as an authority in matters such as this, reassures us that unlocking the Galaxy S III for modification is relatively easy. He notes “now, everybody say thanks to Samsung” for being what he says “are the only high-end Android OEM who aren’t complete *expletive deleted* in the unlock department!” In Chainfire we trust? You decide for yourself when the Galaxy S III comes to a hand near you this summer!

[via XDA]

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The Truth Hurts: Bahrain’s Government Perseveres Following Release of BICI Report

This morning, the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) released its findings of the government’s response to protests that occurred in February and March. The findings were expected to be critical and hold the government accountable for the abuse that took place. They did not disappoint. Placing significant emphasis on Bahrain’s security services, the report documents the numerous human rights violations that took place. In his address following BICI Chair Cherif Bassiouni’s remarks, King Hamad vowed that he will do everything possible to ensure that the atrocities that took place earlier this year will not be repeated. He must keep this promise.

The government’s decision to submit itself to foreign experts for judgment is unprecedented in the Arab world. Knowing that the results would not be pretty, Bahrain’s government determined that admitting its failures and working toward meaningful reform will not only strengthen the country, but also cleanse its international image. Whether or not the factionalized opposition movement accepts the commission’s results is another story. The BICI has been widely criticized as a “charm offensive”—a disingenuous attempt by the government to placate protestors.

In many ways, Bahrain’s government is fighting an uphill battle. The Shia majority has long clamored for more representation in government as well as a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The government’s response to these demands has been slow. Now that the government is on the brink of making real progress, it may prove too little too late. Deep sectarian divisions spurred by Iranian propaganda have fractured the country, and violence continues. While the protest movement originally started with demands for political and social reform, it was quickly hijacked by extremist elements in the Shia community, mainly al-Wefaq, whose members have called for the removal of the royal family.

Now that the BICI report has been released, the real work must begin. Bahrain’s government will need to build on its pledges of transparency and reform. Although the recommendations of the commission are non-binding, they must be taken seriously. At a time when the country is so bitterly divided, the government must work toward addressing the grievances of its population and greater integration of Bahraini society. Furthermore, continued negotiations with the moderate elements in the opposition movement are needed. Some entities will never be satisfied with the government’s efforts, but those who are willing to move forward and engage in the reconciliation process must be embraced. The BICI is off to a good start, but there is much work to do.

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And the November 21 Release Date for the 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus…

  Posted on November 18, 2011 by Droid Life in Mobile

e first reported the possibility of the Galaxy Nexus launching on Verizon a couple of weeks ago thanks to a roadmap that floated into our inbox from some friends. Last night, it returned over at The Verge in a quote that has rocked our inbox. Their crew apparently heard straight from Google that the G-Nex will be “pretty much everywhere” by Monday, the 21st. Ahh yes, but even in that simple three word phrase, there is still just enough uncertainty that we can’t really take it to mean that we will 100% see the 4G LTE version in 3 days. “Pretty much” doesn’t exactly mean everywhere, it means almost everywhere. It also doesn’t say “4G LTE” or “Verizon anywhere in it.

Let’s assume something does happen on November 21 though, for the sake of having some fun with all of the rumors out there. There are a variety of scenarios that could go down, so we have put them in fancy bullet point format for you after the break.

Scenario 1:  The phone arrives in store shipments this weekend (probably unlikely unless they show up today) and goes on sale Monday, November 21. The world throws a massive party.Scenario 2:  On Monday, the phone is announced as available for pre-order immediately and will be in-stores and online November 28. Where does November 28 come from? We are going on what our sources have said, and they are indicating that the 28th is shaping up to be the official day. We have also seen various VZW marketing materials that show a big Galaxy Nexus push happening just after the holiday weekend, on or around Cyber Monday.

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We consider ourselves to have the greatest Android community in the world, here at Droid Life. We talk general news, feature apps, review phones, and even teach you how to hack a little. But most importantly, there is no place on the internet that has the reader participation that we do and consider ourselves to be completely community driven. If you were looking for the best place to learn about Android and talk with like-minded folks about all things tech, then Droid Life is for you.

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Verizon and Sigma Designs release Z-Wave technology for the home

It’s time to get a newly minted handle on everything electronic in your home, here provided by Verizon and Sigma Designs through Z-Wave Control technology. This system will be called “Verizon Home monitoring and Control” and is now available in the USA to all Verizon customers.

You’ll be able to lock doors remotely, see your home via networked cameras, and adjust, set, and control your thermostats, appliances, and lights. All of this is done through a gateway device that will, over time, be enabled to work with Internet-based connections via iOS and Android.


All you’ll need to do is pay a monthly charge of $9.99 after purchasing the devices you need to hook your whole house up, and connections you shall have! There are three different equipment packages you can choose from (listed below), and the monthly price appears at the moment to be the same regardless of your choice. You’ll be able to do all sorts of stuff like flipping on and off the lights in your kids rooms while you’re not there to drive them nuts and watch them through your networked cameras to see all the fear in their eyes when they think its ghosts!

You can get energy monitoring gadgets as well, thermostats, adapters to control appliances, and a sensor that can be placed on the circuit box to measure electricity use throughout the whole of your home. There’s remote door locks, again, advanced level cameras that can pan and tilt on command and get installed outdoors, window and door sensors, and light sensors.
The three kits available are thus:

Verizon Home Monitoring Kit – $69.99
• Gateway Device
• Indoor Camera
• Indoor Light Module
Verizon Energy Control Kit – $169.99
• Gateway Device
• Appliance Switch 110 Volt
• Smart Thermostat
• Energy Reader – Free ($99.99 Value)
• Remote Control
Verizon Home Monitoring and Control Kit – $219.99
• Gateway Device
• Indoor Camera
• Appliance Switch 110 Volt
• Smart Thermostat
• Indoor Light Module
• Energy Reader – Free ($99.99 Value)
• Remote Control

And again then the monthly $9.99. Seem like the deal for you?

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