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T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide glides into pre-sale for $200
Blessed be the patient ones, for thy reward will be a myTouch 4G Slide. After what seems like an eternity of Mr. Blurrycam shots, press renderings, and an official announcement, it's time to get one ordered. Both black and khaki varieties are available on T-Mobile's website for $200, in advance of the handset reaching store shelves on July 27th. If you're eager to check out "the most advanced camera of any smartphone," with its f2.2 wide-aperture lens, now's your chance -- throw Gingerbread and HTC Sense 3.0 into the mix, and you certainly have a tantalizing phone to consider. You've waited long enough for this time to come, so head to the source link to get your just deserts.
Google's Photovine sprouts official teaser, begins rollout later this month (video)
Were you all jazzed up and ready to plant your first Photovine, only to have those gardening dreams crushed by a barren three page teaser? El Goog's Slide team isn't quite ready for you to grab that spade, but it is willing to transcribe your digits for the service's soft launch later this month. Judging by the brief demo, vines begin like a game of photo-sharing telephone: what starts as an innocent photograph of a "warm and fuzzy" pup, can easily transcend into friends sharing an equally snug and furry man. Sound like a party? See for yourself beyond the fold, and don't forget to hit the source link to join the queue.
Google teases Photovine, slides back into image sharing
Remember when Google acquired Slide way back in 2010? A year after coasting smoothly down the chute into Mountain View, the social gaming company has finally begun to make a splash, launching Prizes (beta) last week, and now teasing Photovine, a social networking app that lets you connect with people through photo-driven themes. You could participate in a vine about your crazy weekend at the lake, join other users in a thread of kitten shots, or share unboxing pics of a new gadget while comparing regional discrepancies with users from around the world. For now, Photovine is little more than an amateurish three-page website with a brief FAQ and a somewhat-hidden reference to Slide and Google, but the service's objective seems to be on-point, and it has potential to attract a diverse group of users. We look forward to watching the vine bud and grow after its yet-to-be-announced public launch, but head over to the source link for a more detailed look in the meantime. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Element Case Formula 4 covers your iPhone 4 in style
Element Case, the folks that brought you the Vapor aluminium iPhone 4 bumper, have released a polycarbonate case built around a similar design aesthetic. The Formula 4 features the same shaped iPhone 4 edge-banding that the gorgeous Vapor uses and adds a protective back-plate that's covered in a sheet of carbon fibre. The top and bottom edges bulge out slightly, while the right-hand edge features a rubber Element Case branded grip strip. %Gallery-127713% The case is split into two halves. A top half that slides on and is most of the case. The removable bottom half slides off to let you dock your iPhone 4. When in use, the bottom half locks into place solidly and overlaps the top half just slightly, ensuring a good fit. The Formula 4 encases the iPhone completely while the camera, headphones port, volume buttons, mute switch, the dock connecter, power button and speakers remain accessible. The screen itself is left completely uncovered, however, with the case providing only a very slightly raised edge. If you want screen protection you'll have to invest in a screen protector or look elsewhere. Verdict Overall, the Element Case Formula 4 provides good looking, decent protection for the sides and back of your iPhone 4. It's not the thinnest of cases, with extra bulges at the top and bottom of the case, but it has decent ergonomics and doesn't add too much to the depth of the device. If you fancied the Vapor, but couldn't justify the price or were worried about the aluminium affecting signal strength, then you won't be disappointed with the Formula 4. It combines decent protection and solid design, which makes it a winner in my book. The Element Case Formula 4 is available for US$59.95 plus shipping.
Google slides Prizes into beta, helps you get real paid
Come on down! You can be the next contestant on the Prizes site. That was overkill, we know, but it's a necessary introduction into a new world of online solution-based social gaming pioneered by the Slide team. Acquired by the Goog back in 2010, the low profile entertainment-driven app developer has been hard at work making the web 'more social' and filling its Big Daddy's pockets. Debuting in classic Google beta form, Prizes takes your Twitter or Facebook accounts and signs you up for cash prize-winning, user-created contest shenanigans. In case you missed that fine point, we'll reiterate -- users design the challenges, you post a solution (or vice versa). Like the $40 "Give my Dad a makeover!" competition we're completely unqualified to enter, or the $30 "Comprehensive 'get healthy' plan for living in a large, polluted city" game we're sure Al Gore could win in his sleep. It's a kooky idea, but we can definitely see the service having widespread appeal. Let's be frank here: Google + social gaming + prize money = solid user gold.
Hyperkin's PS3 Remotext weds Blu-ray remote with keypad controller, DualShock 3 frets
With the PSN finally back up, it's time for important things -- you know, messaging your buds for a Black Ops pwning spree or hitting up Netflix. Hyperkin's Remotext for PS3 wants to help you get back into action with its hybrid remote / controller / chatpad. It features a slide-out Blu-ray remote panel, QWERTY keypad -- better positioned than SONY's offering -- and two analog nubs with a near-complete set of gaming controls. There's no sign of rear triggers, and Bluetooth connectivity is absent too, but it does come with a wireless USB receiver and rechargeable battery so you're not left scrounging between the couch cushions for AAs. Although we're doubtful it'll prove functional for gaming, it could be appropriate for PS3s that spend more time sitting at the movies than getting their Move on. The DualShock 3 shouldn't have much to worry about, but we'll find out at E3, when the Remotext will be officially showcased. There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but if you're dying for more in the meantime, a press release is beyond the break.
Fujitsu's TH40/D convertible tablet slides into Japan, packs Atom Z670 and Windows 7
A slide-out tablet running on Windows 7, you say? Not to be confused with the Samsung Sliding PC, what we have here is the Fujitsu LifeBook TH40/D that's just been announced for the Japanese market. Inside this 2.4-pound convertible laptop you'll find a 1.5GHz Oak Trail Atom Z670, 1GB of non-expandable DDR2 RAM, a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 touchscreen, a 120GB 4200rpm hard drive, and a battery life of around 6 hours. Other tidbits include 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, a couple of USB 2.0 ports, HDMI-out, an SD card slot, and a teeny optical trackpad placed next to the short space bar. Can't say we're digging some of the limitations on this TH40/D, but if you still want one, then be ready to fork out about ¥80,000 ($990) at the end of June.
Sony teases 'Freestyle Hybrid PC' tablet slider and next-gen ultra-portable laptop
We're not sure how this slipped past us at the Sony Android tablet event, but turns out the electronics giant also teased a couple of interesting VAIO laptops. First up is a "Freestyle Hybrid PC" that slides between tablet mode and laptop mode -- very much like the Samsung Sliding PC, but with a seemingly slimmer bottom-half sans trackpad (though we can just about spot a pointing stick on the keyboard). No word on specs, prices, or availability here, but you may recall our proven tipster mentioning a 9.4-inch screen and a $799 launch in the fall. Could this be it? We shall see. Also shown alongside is a swanky "Ultimate Mobile PC" -- pictured after the break -- with a hint of USB 3.0 and HDMI on a slim body, but again, there's not much else to go with this slide. Hey, at least we now know it's time to start saving up for these bad boys.
Keyport ships Mini-LED, offers Slide in four splendiferous new hues
It ain't a mind-bending concept, but the Keyport Slide solves a problem that far too many humans have. Put simply, this multi-key tool allows users to store both key imprints and digital files in a single device, and for those on the hunt for something to match their Sunday best... well, look no further. The outfit has just introduced a foursome of new Slide colors: Gunmetal, Zircon Gold, Copper, and Champagne. Starter bundles are still listed at $79, and if you believe the outfit's CEO, there's "much more on the horizon." You know, like the initial shipments of its $10 Mini-LED, which was also revealed today. Tap that source link if you're gushing with joy (and we know you are).
Slide launches Disco: Google's group texting app comes to iPhone, not Android
When Google acquired Slide way back in August of 2010, when it was warm and sunny and phones only had single-core processors, the plan was to "build a more social web." Now we know a little more about that plan... sort of. A new app from Slide has just hit the app store and an accompanying site has just hit the internets. It's called Disco, a group texting service that has an app and a web interface. When you sign up you're assigned a new phone number (ours was a 302 -- hello Deleware) and you're invited to send texts to a number of people, any people, regardless of whether they're Disco users themselves. Those people can then reply and things get bounced around all crazy like, so make sure those you add have opted for unlimited texting. Intriguingly at this point the app is only available for iPhone, and that's certainly the platform that takes front and center on the main Disco site. Given the Google parentage here we have to assume that there's an Android flavor coming here, but crazier things have happened at the club. [Disco Stu could not be reached for comment, but has in the past indicated an affinity for group texting.]
Let there be light! Keyport Slide gets a LED insert
Okay, so maybe it's just the natural evolution of things, but it seems as if the purveyors of the Keyport Slide have finally given owners of the $80 key vault a LED-tipped insert so they can more easily unlock poorly lit keyholes everywhere. For those wishing to obtain such convenient luminescence, its up for preorder on the company's website for $9.99 (for the LED only of course), and if all goes well, it'll ship on March 18th. Ten bucks is steep for a couple of measly LEDs, but it sure beats the flashlight-in-mouth method (on a number of fronts).
Google's MWC 2011 Android booth tour
It'd be no exaggeration to say that Google's Android booth here at MWC 2011 has been the most popular of them all. The Mountain View secret to this preeminence has been some combination of putting cutesy costumes on its now iconic robot logo, installing a slide for weary geeks to reconnect to their childhood with, and operating a fully fledged smoothie bar that offered up free Honeycomb elixirs. In short, Ye Olde Google has aimed to be fun first and foremost and the crowds have responded by keeping its booth constantly busy. Heck, we even saw our buddy Stephen Elop walking by, though his panther-like quickness was too much for our cameras to document the moment. Never mind, we've still got a ton of photos and video for you below, so why not dig into those while they're still hot? %Gallery-116994%
Keyport Slide can now store your files, open your beers
Sometimes it's hard getting drunk and downloading files when you have a pocket full of keys. The Keyport Slide is finally ready to manage those inebriated backups, with the USB key version we've been waiting for now up for order, letting you streamline your keychain and your thumb drive too. There's also a new slide-out bottle opener available. A 4GB key insert will cost you $18.99, $28.99 if you want 8GB, and a Keyport with five blades and USB starts at $89. Cheap? No, but just how much longer were you going to tote around that cacophonous mass of metal in your pocket?
Keyport Slide adds new feather to its cap with USB key prototype
If you looked at the blade-based key organizer known as the Keyport Slide and thought "this thing could really do with an integrated USB flash drive," you were not alone. The company's currently teasing a few images of a new 4GB accessory, which uses the same attachment as its key blades to slot in and out of that metallic shell. Even more tantalizing, this is said to be only one of a number of new accessories in development for the pricey but versatile door opener. Are these guys trying to subtly start a war with Switzerland or what? [Thanks, Declan]
T-Mobile G2 official shots break loose, corroborate rumors of wanton awesomeness
The T-Mobile G2 -- which will likely be known as the HTC Desire Z outside the States -- is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated Android launches of 2010, and a handful of smaller-than-we'd-like official press shots that have just leaked over on Cell Phone Signal are doing nothing to make us believe otherwise. The site says it believes silver (pictured) will be the only color offered, and considering that we haven't seen any leaks in any other shades, that seems like a reasonable assumption. Then again, a white, red, or black version of this would be pretty neat, wouldn't it? [Thanks, Nam] Update: Turns out these images are chilling on T-Mobile's servers right now -- check the source links below. Whoops! Update 2: And we've now got the clearest shot yet of a G2 in the wild, casually browsing Facebook as a laptop looks on with a mixture of curiosity and contempt; follow the break to check it out. Thanks, Sebastian!
Cyanogen Mod 6 -- the one with Froyo -- hits target list of devices, first stable release
If 6.0.0 RC1 just wasn't cutting it for ya, CyanogenMod-6.0 has released what's being touted as the "first stable release based on Android 2.2" and has hit the target number of supported devices, which by our quick count includes EVO 4G, Slide, Nexus One, Dream / Magic, Aria, and Droid -- and we might be missing a few.. You know the drill; if you need a bit of Froyo in your mobile life. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Epic 4G review
Of the seemingly countless variants of the Galaxy S that Samsung's in the process of deploying around the globe, one stands out in a couple very unique (and important) ways: Sprint's Epic 4G. The Epic hangs on to a couple of the Galaxy line's most important characteristics -- namely the 1GHz Hummingbird processor and the 4-inch Super AMOLED display -- but adds in a sliding landscape QWERTY keyboard, support for the wickedly fast WiMAX network that Sprint shares with partner Clearwire, and a handful of other notable one-off customizations. We've already taken a look at two of the other US-bound Galaxy S models -- AT&T's Captivate and T-Mobile's Vibrant -- but it shouldn't take more than a quick glance at the Epic to tell you that this is a very, very different beast. Becoming just the second WiMAX phone released in the States (and the first with a physical keyboard), this is a pretty critical release for Sprint at a time when its subscriber count is just starting to pick up after several quarters of decline -- and making things even more interesting is the fact that Sprint's first WiMAX handset -- HTC's EVO 4G -- is simply one of the best phones we've ever reviewed. In other words, yeah, you could say that the Epic's got a lot to live up to. Is it up to the task? Let's find out.
Google acquires Slide, aims to 'build a more social web'
We can't say we've ever heard of Slide (okay, maybe in passing), but there's a good chance the entire tech universe will know their name after today. Why? Google just picked 'em up for an undisclosed amount of cheddar and good will, with the overriding goal of "building a more social web." Google's own announcement is rather cryptic, nothing that there aren't any "detailed product plans to share right now." We're guessing that some of the company's web apps will be fleshed out with social features at first, but the minute we see Farmville load within an applet in Gmail, we're gone, baby, gone. And that's a promise. Update: Reuters is reporting that Google shelled out a staggering $182 million for Slide, not to mention an extra $46 million in "employee retention bonuses." It pays to be wanted, eh? Thanks, Chris!
Report: Google buys casual dev Slide
TechCrunch brings news today of the latest kick from the gestating fetus that is "Google Games." The site reports that search giant Google spent $187 million to purchase Slide, developer of the SuperPoke series and other casual games the names of which are actually too sad to type. This comes after a rumored $100 million investment in 'Ville vets Zynga. This is the point where we'd typically talk about how we're eagerly anticipating the launch of or at least more details on Google Games. But it's becoming abundantly clear from these leaks that we're going to not care about it so hard that it may register on the Richter scale.
BlackBerry Storm 3 detailed in training slide: same look, more RAM?
For those of you hoping that RIM could pull off a handset capable of challenging the incredibly slim and futuristic tree-borne Android handsets in the touchphone hardware arena, you'll have to dream past the Storm 3. From the looks of it, we'll be getting a fairly minor "refresh" of the Storm 2, according to our tipster, with upgrades more designed to accommodate BlackBerry 6 than anything. As seen on the slide, the phone will double the Storm 2's RAM with 512MB, the camera will be bumped up to 5 megapixels, and the WiFi is being shifted to 802.11n -- a spec RIM is already rocking on the Pearl 3G, so not unprecedented. Outside of BlackBerry 6 and that (supposedly) blazing new WebKit browser, we're probably most enthused about the "coming soon" 3G mobile hotspot functionality, something that's made our Android handsets invaluable as of late. We were already hearing the Storm 3 and Curve 3 (another refresh, says our tipster) were holiday possibles for Verizon, and the bottom of this slide points to an "___ember" month.
