First of all, Lux uses a time function, so you can schedule which parts of the day your phone will operate at what brightness. This is great if you spend a lot of time out of doors and know when you’ll do it: if you know you’ll be driving in the early morning with the sun at your back, you can automatically boost the brightness to make sure your GPS navigation isn’t washed out. It also has a “sub-zero” brightness setting that sets the screen’s backlight even lower than the “0%” of the standard settings menu.

The basic version of Lux Auto Brightness is free, but the very reasonable $1.55 paid version adds a few extra settings that really take things up a notch. Night mode will adjust the color temperature of the entire phone for more comfortable viewing, and the awesomely specific Astronomer Mode will shift the phone’s screen into the red spectrum to avoid expanding your irises and getting extra light into a telescope lens. Lux Auto Brightness works on Android phones and tablets running 2.1 or later.

[via Reddit]

Flexible Super AMOLED, hereafter known as YOUM (as Samsung’s website seems to have confirmed the trademark name), consists of four layers of material: the AMOLED display cells are encased in two pieces of film, and a polariser (probably housing the multi-touch sensor) on top of it. There’s no glass in the design, which gives it a much greater flexibility than the barely curved screens seen on the later Nexus phones, though the concepts we’ve seen thus far are still in rigid cases for the most part.

Because of the lack of glass in the design, Samsung is referring to YOUM as “unbreakable”, though a more accurate term might be “uncrackable”. This is all still at the concept level as far as actual production goes – should Samsung or its manufacturing partners choose to implement YOUM in Android phones or any other consumer-grade electronics, it’ll still be at least a year before we see it in any devices. Still, this sort of flexibly display would allow for much more varied form factors – imagine a smartphone that can roll out its display to tablet size.

[via SamMobile]

There’s only so much you can do to change up a complex game’s scheme – the standard virtual joystick and  A-B-X-Y combo remains. But when dealing with in-game dialogue (a huge part of LA Noir, which is basically an RPG by way of Dasciell Hammitt) the interface will respond to individual touches, making the game much more intuitive on both smartphones and tablets. The Android version of this upgraded experience is available now, but iOS users will have to wait for Apple to finish their approval process. It’s a 30+ hour game and those Mac users aren’t really used to anything more complicated than Angry Birds, so it could take a while.

Those who’ve purchased the game already should see the updated interface the next time they log in to their OnLive account. At present LA Noir is the only game to take advantage of this customized control scheme, but more popular games should be added soon. We’re holding out for Deus Ex: Human Revolution. LA Noir costs $39.99 to purchase through Onlive’s service, which is free to access.

[via Phandroid]

If you don’t know about Wacom, it’s the company that makes the touch-sensitive graphics tablets for PCs and Macs, not to mention the touch-sensitive Cintiq monitors that every graphic designer lusts after. They’ve been one of the major players in the desktop design space for years, but the Galaxy Note is the first device that incorporates their pen input experience into a smartphone form factor. Samsung is taking advantage of the tech with modifications to its TouchWiz interface, plus custom note, writing and art apps that allow for true graphics tablet functions on the five-inch device. Imagine using something like Photoshop Touch on that sensitive screen. Samsung’s SDK will allow third-party developers to take advantage of the hardware as well.

If that’s not enough to make you want the Note, it’s top-end 1.4GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, combined with a an 8 megapixel / 1080p camera should do the trick. Though the Galaxy Note isn’t currently set for a U.S. release, it’s arriving in most European markets now or in the next few weeks. An FCC listing of the Samsung Galaxy Note with AT&T keeps our hopes alive that the device will make its way stateside.

For a Samsung superphone showdown of epic proportions, be sure to check out our live video and gallery of the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Nexus at Samsung’s European event earlier today.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Galaxy Note

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : NA

Announced Date : September 01, 2011

Release Date : TBA

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 5.30 Inch
• Resolution : 800x1280
• Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.78 Inch
• Width : 3.27 Inch
• Depth : 0.38 Inch
• Weight : 178 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2500 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 390 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AMR
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)
• WMV

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU :

CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 32.768 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass

FM Radio :

NFC :

The augmented reality type app is called Touch Vision and while the way it actually works may be confusing, it is pretty impressive either way. The application is still in a very early beta stage but they’ve provided a video giving us a little insight on this awesome and unique project so check it out below.

Touch Vision enables touch interaction in a very fun way through many different TV and screen surfaces using AR and the Nexus S camera. Shown in the video above they’ve also incorporated this fancy screen manipulation on more than one screen at a time for a truly unique experience. With something like this for much larger screens in a theater or a billboard the possibilities once fine tuned could be endless.

For now whatever highly custom tools and code they are using are being kept under a tight lid for the application and I can’t wait to see what else comes from this project. It reminds me of something from Ironman and Tony Stark only with less Hollywood of course. Check out more information on the development of this system also at Teehanlax.

[via Engadget]

This offers not only a small form factor and color touch-screen, but portable and wearable internet connected devices running with apps from their custom app store that will enable users a wide array of wearable technology. Just imagine being able to screen your calls, emails, social updates and messages without getting out your phone all from a wearable device that is right on your bag, or strapped to your wrist like a watch. The possibilities are almost endless once users and developers start taking advantage of this.

The idea isn’t new but you can use it as a watch, a digital wallet, a heart rate monitor while at the gym or a calorie counter while on the treadmill or mountain-bike, the list really can go on and on. These modules have tons of features and here is a small list:

Features:
• Always-On Access – Dynamic activity feeds and alerts on a 1.4 inch display
• Full-Color Touch Screen – Rich visual experiences and effortless navigation
• Robust Connectivity – Connects to Internet via Wi-Fi; Bluetooth pairing
• Accelerometer and Magnetometer – Built in sensors for accurate motion tracking
• Web-based Management – Manage device and add applications through any desktop or mobile device

The 1.4″ display operates in dual-modes, either as a regular color screen like we all know or transflective backlight-free display so that it’s still readable yet will conserve battery power.

This is just the start here. The WIMM platform will come pre-loaded with all the core apps you’ll need as well as things like caller-ID, SMS notifications, weather updates, lost phone warnings, an entire library of custom watch user interfaces and covers, as well as things like a calender and more. This will all be controlled by the touch screen via taps, swipes and gestures. The SDK will be open and allow developers access and tools to build new and exciting “micro-apps” for the platform. OEM’s can then take this platform and build products for various area’s like medical uses, products for biking or working out, gym accessories and more.

This wearable platform will be licensed out to third-party companies and OEM’s from WIMM and they plan to have a standardized platform and size so devices, accessories and different 3rd party company products will all be interchangeable throughout the entire wearable platform.

The key point here is the “micro apps” running on Android that will be available via the Micro App Store for these devices as this is where the platform and developers can really shine and build specific applications to suit their needs. With an app market populated with some apps already in place, and the SDK being available starting in Q3 things should really be able to pick up fast. That along with WIMM being partnered with Foxconn who has given them access to over 100 of its engineers, as well as various developmental resources. Foxconn should be able to deliver not just wearable displays, but this entire platform to the masses quickly and be production ready when the time comes.

We should see more soon and the WIMM One Developer Preview Kit and SDK will be available in Q3 2011. We will have to wait and see if this will pick up traction and really take off. Check out the photos and video below for more information on this awesome and unique look on technology. Now lets hope it gets thinner quickly and I can get one for my mountain bike soon.

There’s also WiFi b/g/n, dual-band HSDPA and quadband GSM/EDGE, along with a microSD card slot, FM radio, GPS/A-GPS and a digital compass. A 3.5mm headphone jack, the usual sensors for ambient light, proximity and orientation, and a 1420 mAh battery good for up to eight hours of talktime or 30 days of 3G standby round out the key specs.

Already on sale in China (as the XT316) running Android 2.2 Froyo with Motorola’s various social networking integrations and Moto Switch UI, the smartphone will arrive in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Latin America sometime this month. It’ll hit the rest of Asia and Europe later in the Summer, with the SPICE Key and FIRE running Gingerbread out of the box; those handsets running Froyo will get a 2.3 update sometime in the fall. No word on pricing, nor on whether the XT316 will make it to North America, though we have seen it cross through the FCC.

Like most Android tablets we’re seeing, there’s an integrated webcam, WiFi and a microSDHC memory card slot, and there are the usual apps for browsing, email and other functionality. Panasonic has tweaked the UI with a pinch-gesture bookshelf layout, showing which titles are unread and which are partly-read.

Meanwhile there’s also a push-messaging system using the UT-PB1′s WiFi connection and a specially-developed API, that can display new Rakuten information as it’s released. Panasonic expects the UT-PB1 to be primarily a Japanese-market device, where it will come preloaded with 600 ebook titles. No word on pricing or availability.

[via Engadget]

The ST18i has twin cameras – front and back – with the rear one having an LED flash. Inside is believed to be an unspecified ARM Cortex A8 processor; this probably won’t be a high-end device, but instead positioned in the mid-range for those who want a bigger display than the compact XPERIA mini but not something quite as big as the Arc. As for the CK15i, that looks to have the same 3.3-inch display size – said to be running at 240 x 400.

An official launch for the ST18i could be as early as later in May 2011, though that’s obviously not confirmed at this stage. We’re guessing Sony Ericsson will also include its new Facebook Inside XPERIA system.

[Esato via SEMCblog 1 and 2]

Bizarrely, the Titanium runs Android 2.1 Eclair (the XPRT gets 2.2 Froyo) which seems almost stubbornly out-of-date. Both handsets have a 5-megapixel camera, WiFi b/g (b/g/n on the XPRT) and Bluetooth, along with a microSD card slot, GPS and push-to-talk.

Frankly neither is particularly exciting. The XPRT will go on sale on June 5, priced at $129.99, while availability and pricing for the Titanium will be announced later in 2011.

Press Release:

Sprint and Motorola Unveil Two Android Devices for Business: Motorola XPRT and Motorola Titanium

New Android smartphones target professionals with enhanced business-class experiences; Motorola XPRT offers enterprise-grade security and enhanced MOTOBLUR experience on an Android World Phone; and Motorola Titanium pairs best-in-class Nextel Direct Connect with Android

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), May 05, 2011 – To meet the growing demand for mobile devices with industry-leading enterprise features, Sprint (NYSE: S) and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) will launch two new smartphones with enhanced business-ready capabilities, built on the Android™ platform. Motorola XPRT™ is the first Android smartphone from Sprint to deliver enterprise-class security, personal productivity enhancements and international roaming. Motorola Titanium™ leverages Sprint’s industry-leading Push-to-Talk capabilities as the first Nextel Direct Connect® smartphone built on Android 2.1.

“We are pleased to extend our portfolio of products directed at business-users with these two powerful and versatile Android devices,” said Paget L. Alves, president – Sprint Business. “Motorola XPRT delivers the security features enterprise customers demand without scrimping on the latest in technology, while Motorola Titanium is a rugged Android smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect’s sub-second Push-to-Talk.”

Motorola XPRT will be available on Sunday, June 5, in Sprint Stores, Business Sales, Web sales (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), for $129.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. Pricing and availability for Motorola Titanium will be announced at a later date.

“Motorola XPRT and Motorola Titanium blend feature-packed consumer experiences with an optimal set of productivity and security tools,” said Jeff Miller, corporate vice president of sales, Motorola Mobility. “We are pleased to partner with Sprint to deliver each of these unique business-ready devices to their continuously growing enterprise customer base.”

Packed with Productivity Tools

Designed for business users, Motorola XPRT offers a sleek, compact design built on Android 2.2, Froyo. This full-feature world phone is equipped with a pinch-to-zoom capable touchscreen, 3.1-inch HVGA display, full QWERTY keyboard and 1GHz processor with Adobe Flash 10 web browsing.

Enterprise managers and workforces across field service, field sales, healthcare, retail, utilities, manufacturing and transportation/distribution industries will benefit from its feature-rich capabilities, enterprise-class security and data encryption. Motorola XPRT delivers business-class security features with 256-bit AES data encryption and controls the IT department will appreciate, including the ability to remotely handle functions like enabling pin or password lock, password recovery and data wipe on both the phone and SD card if lost or stolen.

Motorola XPRT comes loaded with MOTOBLUR™ offering personalized content, including email and social media updates, delivered right to the user’s home screen. It enables convenient viewing of news feeds, updates and messages from social media sites from a single screen.

Additional key features of Motorola XPRT include:

Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download
Google™ mobile services, such as Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Talk™, Gmail™ and YouTube™
Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®) and personal (POP & IMAP) email
Worldmode – CDMA (EVDO Rev. A), GSM/UMTS (HSPA) – international roaming service available in more than 200 countries
3G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
5-megapixel camera with camcorder and dual LED flash for low-light performance
microSD slot, with a 2GB memory card included, supporting up to 32GB
Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
Wi-Fi® b/g/n
1860 mAh Lithium-ion battery
Motorola XPRT requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint also offers great value with international service add-ons for Motorola XPRT. For just $4.99 per month, the Sprint Worldwide Voice Add on offers discounted rates while traveling in more than 100 countries. For only $2.99 per month, you can make local calls in Canada, call back to the United States and even receive calls in Canada for just $0.20 per minute. That’s a savings of $0.39 per minute over standard roaming charges. While roaming in Canada, Mexico, China, and other destinations data rates start as low as $0.002 per KB (on CDMA networks).

To sign up to learn more about Motorola XPRT, please visit www.motorola.com/XPRT.

Leading in Push-to-Talk

As the successor to the popular Motorola i1 launched by Sprint last year, Motorola Titanium is sleek and attractive, yet durable. It is the first iDEN device to combine Sprint’s best-in-class Nextel Direct Connect and Android 2.1, Éclair, for a feature rich business-class experience. It features a full QWERTY keyboard and 3.1-inch touchscreen display. Built military-grade tough, Motorola Titanium is certified to Military Specification 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature.

With more than 17 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in Push-to-Talk, serving the world’s largest Push-to-Talk community with millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national Push-to-Talk network. Nextel Direct Connect has set the industry standard for Push-to-Talk worldwide. More U.S. workers communicate in less than a second with Nextel Direct Connect than with any other Push-to-Talk service.

Additional key features of Motorola Titanium include:

Support for Nextel Direct Connect Services, including Direct Connect, Group Connect®, International Direct Connect®, DirectSendSM, Group Messaging and NextMail®
Android Market for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download
Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Talk, Google Maps with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™ and YouTube
Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync) and personal (POP3 & IMAP) email
5-megapixel camera with camcorder, 4x zoom and flash
Wi-Fi b/g
Stereo Bluetooth
GPS navigation
microSD slot, with a 2GB memory card included, supporting up to 32GB
1820 mAh Lithium-ion battery
To learn more about Motorola Titanium, please visit www.motorola.com/titanium.

There’s also WiFi and 3G/4G support, depending on region and networks available, while the S1 will also have an infrared transmitter allowing it to be used as a huge universal remote. DLNA support on both models allows users to stream their content to compatible TVs.

The S2 will be able to either spread apps and content across both displays, or show a virtual keyboard or other controls on the bottom panel. There’ll also be Qriocity streaming media and PlayStation Suite gaming to be had, though right now Sony isn’t talking about any more specifications and even the designs you see in these images is subject to change.

[via SlashGear]

Press Release:

Sony Announces Optimally Designed “Sony Tablet” with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience

～Also strengthening VAIO in expanding PC markets～

Sony Corporation (“Sony”), announces “Sony Tablet” that delivers the perfect combination of hardware, content and network with seamless usability for a high-quality, engaging entertainment experience. Based on decades of engineering heritage, Sony is developing two tablets with unprecedented design, including S1 (codename) which is optimized for rich media entertainment and S2 (codename) which is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. “Sony Tablet” will become available in the global market starting in fall 2011.

“Sony Tablet” is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 which is designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. Both tablets are WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible and users can not only browse the internet or check e-mail but they can also smoothly access digital content including videos, games and books through Sony’s premium network services and more, on-the-go at any time.

S1 has a 9.4-inch display for enjoying the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented dual screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other.

“‘Sony Tablet’ delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. We’re aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including ‘Sony Tablet’ with content and network,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive, SVP, and Deputy President of Consumer Products & Services Group.

“Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I’m excited about “Sony Tablet” as it will further spur the development of applications and network offerings which users are looking for.” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Google Inc.

Also, in the mobile computing category, the market for PCs which realize high productivity is expected to steadily grow, particularly in emerging markets. Therefore, Sony will also remain committed to strengthening its VAIO brand and introduce increasingly compelling products which offer new value propositions to the market.

“Sony Tablet” features.

■Designed for portability and intuitive gripping
With its off-center of gravity form factor, the 9.4-inch S1 offers stability and a sense of lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.
The dual screen S2 comes with two 5.5-inch displays which can be used together as one large screen to browse websites and more. They can also be used for different functions as users can watch a video on one screen and input commands on the other, or check email on one screen and use the other as a soft keyboard.

■Seamless Usability and Performance
Through Sony’s knowhow for combining hardware and software, “Sony Tablet” realizes optimal usability and performance. Because of Sony’s rapid response technologies, users can perform smooth, quick touch-screen operations and enjoy fast and efficient website loading. The keyboard arrangement is also optimized for the large screen, making email and SNS communication a breeze.

■Rich entertainment experiences through various network services
Through Qriocity1 music and video services, users can enjoy rich video and music content. Also, through PlayStation®Suite, users can immerse themselves in high quality first generation PlayStation® titles. Additionally, users can easily download ebook content from Reader™Store2 and use both tablets as digital reading devices. The integration with various services allows users to take their entertainment experiences on-the-go. Furthermore, “Sony Tablet” is equipped with functionality that organizes content for easy access.

■Remote access functionality with AV devices
Through “Sony Tablet”, users can control home entertainment devices as well as enjoy content in new ways. S1 uses infrared technology and works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices starting with . Users can perform functions like turning on their TVs, changing the channel and adjusting the volume. Also, through DLNA functionality on “Sony Tablet”, users can “throw” personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.

In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called “Qriocity” which connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices, and has been expanding its services into global markets. Also, Sony Computer Entertainment has been providing various contents and services for PlayStation users through PlayStation®Network, which now has over 75 million registered accounts (as of March 20, 2011) worldwide.

Simultaneously, Sony will continue to announce various devices which leverage these services. Starting in early 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the next-generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP) while Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications brought “Xperia™PLAY” to the market. Sony is introducing “Sony Tablet” to deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with network services that deliver rich content.

With the establishment of Consumer Products and Services Group in April 2011, Sony will focus on accelerating the development of innovative next generation products and aim to deliver a new lifestyle by strengthening the integration of hardware and network services.

1 In markets where service is available
2 In markets where service is available

“Sony Tablet”, “Qriocity” and “Reader” are trademarks of Sony Corporation
VAIO and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation
PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Xperia is a trademark of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

For $20? It’d had better be! I mean, I can see this being a cleaner that cuts through all the fingerprint oil to make your screen shinier again, but how can it really make a screen more intense and vibrant? The screen is the screen. And if you’ve already put a screen protector on the phone, it can’t really improve that.

I think this is a case of snake oil. It may have minimal benefit from a cleaning perspective. And technically, you clean your screen and the screen will look more intense because it’s not smudged up by skin oil and dust. But for the price they charge, you’d think you’d get a set of Ginsu steak knives to come along with it.

[via DVice]

There’s also Facebook Places integration, again with easy access from a homescreen widget. OS is Android 2.2 Froyo running on a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen, while there’s a 5-megapixel camera, GPS, 3G, an FM radio and WiFi.

Pricing is free on a £20 or above contract, £199.95 on a pre-pay deal or £299.95 SIM-free. The INQ Cloud Q – with a full QWERTY keyboard – will follow on in June, also with Facebook integration, and of course HTC is preparing to launch the Salsa and ChaCha in Q2 2011.

Press Release:

PHONE FOR THE SOCIAL MEDIA GENERATION ARRIVES IN THE UK

The INQ Cloud Touch launches exclusively at The Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy

March 18, 2011 – The Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy are pleased to announce the arrival of an exclusive new Android device, the INQ Cloud Touch. Specially designed for social media fans, it has Facebook at its heart and provides quick access to the latest news and whereabouts of friends. It is now available to pre-order from www.carphonewarehouse.com, and will be available from 6 April from just £20 a month on contract, £199.95 on PAYG or £299.95 SIM free.

The INQ Cloud Touch is a sleek touch screen device which runs on the latest Android operating system providing super-fast access to all the latest functions and apps. It features a new Facebook app that streams a live feed to the homescreen while easy to use one-touch links to Chat, Friends, Messages, Wall and Notifications allow users a direct click-through to friends’ updates, pictures, videos and webpages. The phone is also the first to use the Facebook social graph API, which enables users to follow updates from the friends they interact with most.
Consumers can also check in to their favorite shops, restaurants and clubs with Facebook Places, which is also active on the central home screen. If that wasn’t enough, Facebook Events fully integrates with the Google Calendar on both devices.
The INQ Cloud Touch is the first mobile phone to hit the market that has been designed specifically for Facebook users. More devices are expected in the coming months, including the INQ Cloud Q in June, which will also be exclusive to The Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy.

To help Sidekick customers easily transition to a new device, T-Mobile plans to offer special deals for moving to a new device and will be announcing them in the weeks ahead. Additionally, T-Mobile has several online tools with which to export old data off what will quickly become an obsolete platform.

For data export of contacts, photos, calendars, etc. from the Danger Service, T-Mobile suggests Sidekick fans take advantage of their enhanced Web tool at myt-mobile.com. There’s also an app available in the Sidekick Catalog with which to export data from the Sidekick’s memory card. Users will also be able to go to T-Mobile stores when they upgrade to a new headset and have the data transferred directly by customer service staff. Just be sure to bring along the Sidekick and any memory card to affect the transfer.

The deadline is May 31, 2011.

Inside there’s a 720MHz ARM11 processor paired with 2GB of internal storage and a microSD slot. Although it’s being billed as an ereader, it’s most definitely a tablet cross-over: there’s WiFi and Bluetooth, options for GPS and 3G, and a rear-facing 3-megapixel camera (along with a front-facing camera for video calls)

USB and HDMI round out the main specs, with the 3,300mAh battery tipped for around eight hours of reading (though we’re guessing significantly less browsing and media playback. The whole thing is 10.8mm thick with a magnesium alloy frame and a brushed stainless steel shell, and Hanvon has even thrown in their own custom handwriting recognition.

[via The Digital Reader]

Advanced MP3 Players are listing all three versions: 8GB for £219, 16GB for £239 or 32GB for £279; US shoppers can pick up the 32GB version through Amazon for $369.99

[via SlashGear]

Notion Ink says just 5.31-percent of pre-order customers have been affected – everybody else got a far nicer “shipment confirmation” email instead – but as you might expect that’s led to some disappointed would-be tableteers. One has forwarded on the email he received, which you can read below.

[Thanks SAGinwalla!]

Dear xxx
Greetings from Notion Ink!

We understand that you have been eagerly waiting for the arrival of
your Adam. However, we regret to inform you that a fraction of our
touch-screens got damaged during transportation due to which your
shipment has been effected.

The Chinese New Year holidays that are in the first week of February
further add to the delay. However, our touchscreen partner, Sintek,
have agreed to work through the holidays and deliver the screens as
soon as possible. We are afraid that until we receive these
touchscreens, your device would not be ready for shipment.

The estimated date of your shipment would be 14th February 2011
(Buffer included).

In case you need any further assistance, please contact the Notion Ink
Support Team at support@notionink.com.

We thank you for your continued patience and co-operation in this
matter.
Warm Regards
Notion Ink Support Team

Doing so would be is understandable, given Notion Ink’s work on the Eden UI and multitasking system, intended to turn the smartphone-suited OS into something workable for a 10-inch display. Notion Ink says it is working with NVIDIA at the moment for the necessary Tegra 2 polish.

The company has also announced that some Adam touchscreens were damaged in transit, and which will affect deliveries of certain pre-orders; Notion Ink’s touchscreen suppliers are working over the Chinese New Year to replace them. No word on other display issues some owners have reported, however.

OS is believed to be Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and the Sidekick 4G name – which may only be a development title – certainly suggests it will have HSPA+ support for the US carrier. No word on potential launch dates, however.

Update: PCMag reports that T-Mobile USA CEO Philipp Humm confirmed the upcoming Sidekick 4G at a briefing earlier today:

“We will launch as new the Samsung Galaxy S 4G … and coming soon, will also be a Sidekick 4G. Everybody knows the Sidekick, and we’re going to relaunch the Sidekick and bring it as a 4G device, Android based, into the market”

“The app works by mapping the back of the handset based on the noise that you make when you click it”

The best part about this new technology is that is can be applied to almost any phone after it’s been mapped, without the need for hardware alteration or upgrades:

“Input Dynamics’ ‘virtual touchscreens and touchpanels’ are enabled via software, using a device’s existing microphone to create natural interaction with multimedia applications. The Touch Tap technology can easily be embedded into new hardware or applied to existing mobile phones and devices as an application”

Now you may be wondering of the potential uses of such a technology. Mike Bradley, director of business development of Input Dynamics, thinks the most common use would be allowing people to double tap anywhere on the phone to either cancel a call when it’s in your pocket, or to answer it without having to fumble for the right button.

Quite the interesting technology and we can’t wait for it evolve on the Android platform.

[Via Pocket-Lint]