Nokia 7705 Twist to arrive at Verizon Wireless Stores

Both Verizon and Nokia has finally announced a truly innovative fun mobile phone that incorporates an honest unique square shape that swivels open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Called the Nokia 7705, it boasts a 3PM Camera, 2.4-inch QVGA display, EV-DO Rev. 0, HTML browser, and a customized Contact Light Ring that is located in the lower right corner. It is used to identify a message or a call from those listed in the contact directory.

Other key specifications of the Nokia 7705 Twist (Verizon Wireless):

-3.4-inch TFT QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) screen display with 262k colors
-3 megapixel camera with flash, autofocus, video recorder and self-timer
-Media Center that is competent for downloading games, ringtones and more
-‘Post to Blogs’ feature allows multimedia to be posted to blogs or social networking sites
-Threaded messaging assists users keep track of a diversity of conversations
-Supports Mobile Email, Mobile Web Mail, Chat and Blogs
-Built-in 2.5mm headset jack and HTML browser
-Featuring Habitat mode, it activates a unique interface for visualizing your social circle and allows consumers to simply organize their messaging and calls
-Up to 270 minutes of usage time/312 hours of standby
Capable with services including VZ Navigator, V CAST Music with Rhapsody, V CAST Video, Mobile Broadband Connect, Connect and Corporate Email, and Visual Voice Mail
-Available in black, with Xpress-on Covers in black/purple packed with the phone

Measuring just 2.71 x 2.71 x 0.59-inches and weighing in at just 3.44 ounces, the Nokia 7705 Twist will be available through www.verizonwireless.com on September 13 and will arrive at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on 21 September for $99.99, after the $50 mail-in rebate with a 2-year service agreement.

Read More...

Windows Live Messenger 'Remember me' Fix

Have you been using Windows Live Messenger, and then one day when you open Windows Live Messenger there is no Windows Live ID in the email box even though you have ticked the “Remember me” box?

You’re not alone! There have been many other people with the same issue. The reason for this is all thanks to Yahoo’s Toolbar. What Yahoo’s Toolbar does after installation is it changes the Registry value in Windows Live Messenger. Uninstalling the toolbar will still not solve the problem. However there is a solution.

There is an application by Jonathan Kay that is available for download here that can do the trick. But this is only possible for the English version.


For those who do not wish to download the Application or who do not have the English version, here are a few easy steps to follow below.

1. Click Start, and then click on Run

2. Type in regedit


3. Expand the following folders and go to:
HKEY_USERS \ S-1-5-21-796845957-926492609-725345543-1003 \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer

4. Click once on User Shell Folders


5. On the right hand side double click on the file called AppData

6. A window should appear with the Value data saying %AppData%, change this to say %USERPROFILE%\Application Data

For those who are using a Language other than English you have to change that expression to whatever it is in your language, for example in Spanish it is Datos de programa.


7. Now sign in to Windows Live Messenger and tick Remember me, then restart your computer.

Your Windows Live Messenger problem is now fixed!

Read More...

Nintendo Wii: The most reliable console in the gaming sector?

As most of you may already know, in the PC market, Asus is regarded as the most reliable brand, but if you are curious to know which game console has the highest reliability rank, then you may be interested on an analysis study that was conducted on high-end game consoles. SquareTrade, a warranty provider for Consumer Electronics has published details summarizing game consoles’ failure rate these last two years. It was found that the most reliable gaming console is the Nintendo Wii, then Sony’s PS3 which left the Xbox 360 last.

The report claimed that the fallout rate for the Nintendo Wii is only 2.7 percent, while Sony’s PS3 had a 10 percent fallout rate and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 had a huge fallout rate of 23.7 percent for the first 2 years. Even though there was a high failure rate, SquareTrade still claimed that the Xbox 360 fallout numbers were actually under-stated. This was due to other failures being reported by consumers to Microsoft directly. Out of the statistics, almost half of the failures were contributed by RROD (Red Ring of Death), while the rest pointed to disc read and display concerns.

It was also found that high failure rates had something in common with console usage in the first two years especially. The Xbox 360 was claimed to be consumed for an average of 1191 minutes per month, followed by the PS3 at 1053 minutes and Nintendo’s Wii at 516 minutes per month, based on averages. But on the bright side, the Xbox failure rate is expected to decline particularly since the Jasper chipset update is supposed to fix the RROD issue.

Other factors that might make the Xbox and PS3 more prone to failure are that they use a higher-end technology than the Wii. For example either in design, manufacturing or other mechanical spinning parts such as a hard disk drive or optical drive that has a tendency to be not as reliable over time.

Read More...

Vodafone’s new LG GM750 Smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.5

Their seems to be a slight trend going on with the mobile companies these days, they all seem to be migrating to Microsoft’s Mobile platform, Windows Mobile 6.5. There’s no doubting that it is a really wonderful OS for mobile devices. Now Vodafone and LG Electronics have announced a new slim and stylish phone based on Windows Mobile 6.5, the LG GM 750! It’s a dazzling next gen smartphone that packs in smart and easy-to-use features and services that all improve people’s digital lives.

Patrick Chomet, the Group Global Director of Terminals for Vodafone said ““We’re excited to be bringing a new Windows phone with Vodafone high-speed mobile services to our customers through the LG GM750 Smartphone, exclusively until the end of 2009.” He also said “This stylish, touchscreen Smartphone will have great appeal to both consumer and business customers, and ensures Vodafone delivers on its promise to constantly bring customers new services and greater choice.”

LG GM750 features:

-3-inch touchscreen display with LG’s S-Class user-interface
-5 megapixel camera with auto focus
-Built-in GPS navigation function
-Speedy Internet browsing using Vodafone’s high-speed mobile broadband network or Wi-Fi
-Windows Mobile 6.5
-Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync email to ensure users never miss an email again
-Windows Marketplace for Mobile to allow users to download applications directly to their mobile
-Using the free My Phone service, photos, music and texts are automatically backed up and synched to their PC

Harrison Lee, Senior Vice President Europe for LG Electronics Mobile commented, saying “A significant group of consumers demand mobile phones with the most advanced features and services to help them do their job and stay in contact with friends and family on one, easy-to-use, device. They need the technology and services to access email, the internet and the ability to download widgets, applications and fun tools without complexity. The combination of Vodafone’s services, Windows Mobile 6.5 platform and our S-Class UI, technology and design expertise, makes the GM750 the mobile package consumers with busy lives have been waiting for.”

Vodafone’s new LG GM750 Smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.5 measures 109.8x56.5x11.9mm will arrive at Vodafone stores to begin with 7 countries all starting October 6, 2009. The Countries included will be Greece, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, France, and the UK. Sadly for all you eager beavers, there are no words on the pricing yet, so be patient for as long as you can.

Read More...

Motorola Debut i856 Push-To-Talk slider phone launched by Boost

The first ever iDEN push-to-talk slider phone has been released and called the Motorola Debut i856. It merges the convenience of favorite push-to-talk features with the smooth control of a slider that can allow users to converse with up to 20 friends at once!

Richard Gadd, vice president for Motorola Mobile Devices said “Motorola Debut enhances the walkie-talkie experience further by incorporating the favorite traits among feature phones.” He went on to say that “Now Boost Mobile customers can continue to stay in constant contact with the added control of a slider and the fun of camera and music features.”

Motorola Debut i856 features:

-1.3 megapixel camera
-2.2-inch TFT display with 176 x 220 pixels resolution
-Stereo Bluetooth Technology
-Nationwide Walkie Talkie compatibility
-GPS and Wireless Web enabled
-Speakerphone with voice-activated dialing ability
-microSD memory expansion slot that supports up to 8GB
-Enhanced MP3 music player with the regular 3.5mm audio jack and integrated audio speakers
-Text Messaging and Multimedia ability

Matt Carter, President of Boost Mobile said “Our wildly popular Monthly Unlimited service is attracting customers who are more likely to purchase higher-end phones.” He also went on to say that “The Motorola Debut i856 phone meets the need for this demand with compelling multimedia features, including a 1.3MP camera with video capture, instant music access and Stereo Bluetooth capabilities into a sleek but durable design that fits comfortably in a pocket or purse.”

Measuring 50x106.5x15mm and weighing in at around 84.8g (4.0oz) it can be ordered through Boost Mobile’s official site for $169.99 plus free shipping! A deal you can probably not resist, for those of you looking for a mobile with these great features.

Read More...

HTC Hero Android Phone to come soon to Sprint

There is some great news for Android and Sprint fans! Both Sprint and the HTC Corporation have finally announced that the HTC Hero Android phone is coming to Sprint on October 11, 2009. It’s the first U.S. mobile device that integrates a redesigned UI – HTC Sense, combining the open and innovative Android platform with high-speed connectivity of America’s most reliable 3G network.

Kevin Packingham, senior Vice President of product development at Sprint said “The arrival of HTC Hero and the Android platform to Sprint’s network is an important milestone for our customers and the U.S. wireless industry.” He also added in to say, “With the dependability and coverage of Sprint’s 3G network, HTC Hero users will appreciate a much better experience than is possible now with any other Android phone operating in the United States.”

Features of the HTC Hero (Sprint) include:

-3.2-inch touch screen including pinch-to-zoom capability and fingerprint resistant coating
-Easy access to personal and business e-mail, IM and text messaging through POP, IMAP and Exchange Active Sync accounts
-Built-in 5 Megapixel Camera
-Built-in GPS navigation and trackball navigation
-Easily access popular social networking sites including Flickr, Facebook and Twitter
-Ability to chronicle their special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their handset using HTC Footprints
-NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
-Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 technology
-Accelerometer, light sensor and home screen widgets for enhanced usability
-Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming
-Visual voice mail to quickly access specific voice mail messages

Andy Rubin, vice president for mobile platforms for Google said “Sprint and HTC are helping to drive openness and innovation in the mobile industry with the introduction of the Android-powered HTC Hero.” He also went on to say that “As the world’s first truly open mobile platform built with the Internet in mind, Android provides to consumers the same Internet services they have become accustomed to on their desktop PC. Offering access to thousands of applications, a suite of Google services, and unique personalization features, the HTC Hero offers a compelling mobile experience.”

HTC Hero, the full-featured smartphone that offers synchronization for integrated Google mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube will arrive at Sprint stores starting October 11. Pricing will be $179.99 after a two year service contract and $150 in rebates.

Read More...

HTC Touch2 to run Windows Mobile 6.5

The latest smartphone by HTC was unveiled, known as the HTC Touch2. It incorporates a sleek compact and stylish form factor plus preloaded with the latest Windows phone software, Windows Mobile 6.5. The first ever HTC phone to run Windows Mobile 6.5 is the HTC Touch2, and Windows phone services like My Phone and Windows Marketplace. Utilising the Windows software, the HTC Touch2 is expected to accomplish an outstanding experience that will make it easier for consumers to stay connected with friends.

Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer of the HTC Corporation said, “The HTC Touch2 delivers a familiar touch experience that millions of people have come to expect and rely on from HTC in their daily lives.” He also went on to say, ““Whether it’s making a call, checking in with a friend or simply responding to an important email, the HTC Touch2 puts you in touch and in control.”

The HTC Touch2 features the TouchFLO interface that provides access to contacts, calendars, media and the web. It also includes Youtube, Google Maps for Mobile, etc and allows users to manage multiple email accounts, packing in a zoom bar too.

Below are some of the HTC Touch2 specifications:

-Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
-Processor: Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz
-Camera: 3.2 megapixel fixed focus color camera
-GPS: Features an internal GPS antenna
-Memory: RAM: 256 MB, ROM: 512 MB
-Expansion slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
-Dimensions: 104 X 55 X 12.9 mm
-Weight: 110 grams (4 ounces) with battery
-Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

The HTC Touch2 will be available on October 6, Q4 of 2009 in the European and Asian retailers.

Read More...

BenQ Ultra-thin Joybook S35 and Joybook S43 Announced

BenQ, the world leading innovator of digital products, has expanded its luxury style distinctive Joybook series notebooks. Introducing 2 new Joybooks to the family, the Joybook S35 and Joybook S43 are targeted for the Internet enthusiast and mobile businessman. The all new BenQ Joybook S35 is outfitted with a bright 13.3-inch LED backlit display with 1366x768 pixels resolution, a 500GB hard drive, DVD burner, Intel GMA4500M Graphics, built-in webcam, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, 4-in-1 card reader, Bluetooth v2.1 EDR, HDMI 3 USB 2.0 ports, and lastly a 2-channel TruSurround HD sound system with SRS Headphone 360.

The BenQ Joybook S43 is outfitted with a beautiful 14-inch LCD display with 1366x768 pixels resolution. This Joybook has an integrated ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 dGPU, an 8x Super-Multi DVD burner, 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, 500GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1+ EDR, 3 USB 2.0 ports, RJ-45, HDMI, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a 2-channel TruSurround HD sound system.

Both of these baby’s will available with energy efficient ULV Intel processors, which also includes Intel’s ULV processors (Celeron 723/743, Core 2 Duo SU7300 or Core 2 Solo SU3500). The S35 Joybook comes with a 4-cell battery that can last up to 5.5 hours running time, while the Joybook S43 notebook comes with a 6-cell battery that can last up to 5 hours of operation time.

The S35 weighs in at about 1.6 kg, while the S43 weighs about 2kg. Both of these Joybooks are currently available in Taiwan, China, and the Asia Pacific through selected leading retailers and BenQ’s website.

Read More...

Garmin Next Generation Nuvi 1690 GPS improved with Social Networking capability

Seeing that there is a rise in competition within the GPS (Global Positioning System) industry, some manufacturers are trying to incorporate as many features as possible in order to put their product a notch above the rest. The leading GPS technology manufacturer Garmin is not exclusive from this. Only recently, Garmin has publicized its newest portable GPS, called the Nuvi 1690 with enhanced features, particularly designed for those that are looking for more than just navigation while driving. Just remember to drive safely, if you do choose to do some social networking while driving.

The new Garmin Nuvi 1690 has built in wireless capabilities that can link to Garmin’s proprietary nuLink service in order to retrieve useful information such as traffic information, weather forecasts, flight status and many more, using the Google local search engine. If it isn’t packed with enough features, all those people who can’t last a day without social networking would definitely value the great feature that has been added. It can now be used to connect to Ciao, a social networking service that enables users to search for their friends and relatives and communicate with them.

Other features include a comprehensive POI (Point of Interest) NAVTEQ database, the environmentally friendly ecoRoute feature for fuel saving and estimation, and a Bluetooth hands-free mode. Being priced at around $500, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 will be released this year and customers will be able to get a two year free subscription to the nuLink service. After the 2 years are over, an affordable $5 per month will be charged to continue to use these features.

Quite a handful of features, it almost makes it seem like these GPS devices will turn into mini computers someday.

Read More...

Get a FREE Windows 7 DVD shipped to you, as long as you have friends

Firstly you must ask yourself these questions. Do you have a computer at home that can run Windows 7? If you are not sure, you can use the free Upgrade Advisor Utility in order to determine if your current Windows XP or Vista machine meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 7. Next you need to have 9 or more friends, we don’t know why but hey, who doesn’t have 9 friends?

Do you live in any of these following countries? US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong or India? Hopefully if you could answer yes to all of those questions, then here is a great occasion to grasp a free copy of a Windows 7 Ultimate DVD shipped to you, without any charge. You heard correctly, for free, zilch, absolutely nothing.

Since Microsoft will be doing a public launch of Windows 7 on October 22, in order to generate more of a buzz for this event, they are inviting Windows fanatics from all over the world to throw up small parties at their own homes and show off the new Windows 7 OS to their friends and family members.

To become a party host, you can apply at www.houseparty.com/windows7 and if you are selected, you’ll collect a totally free special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate edition in your mailbox. You can sign-up to become a host using your existing Windows Live ID or Facebook account. You should receive an email from Microsoft sometime in the second week of September to notify you if you have made it through.

What are you waiting for? Getting your hands on Windows 7 now couldn’t have become any easier than this!

Read More...