In App Adverts Found To Drain Smartphone Battery Life

According to a recent report by Abhinav Pathak, a computer scientist at the Purdue University in Indiana, one of the cause of battery drain on smartphones may be down to free applications that have adverts. The team at the university have been testing out free applications that come with adverts and have discovered that around 10 to 30 percent of the energy used by the application was spent powering the applications core functions.

The remaining amount of power spent was actually used to deliver adverts to the application, and a number of different applications were tested on Google’s Android platform. The researchers determined that in some applications up to 75 percent of the actual powered used by the application was used for serving adverts and tracking and uploading user data.

Droid Phone Battery Saving Tips - 8 tricks to reduce battery drain:

Guitar iPhone 4/4S Case

Owners of Apple’s iPhone 4 or 4S smartphone who are looking for something a little more original to protect their beloved device. Might be interested in a hard case that is currently available over on the Etsy website, which will transform the back of your iPhone to look like a Fender guitar.

The case is made from hard clear plastic and the printing is covered with a high gloss glass like coating that protects the graphics and artwork from fading and wear and tear. The iPhone 4/4S Fender Guitar case is now available over on the Etsy website for $19.99 and has been created by stickitskins.

This is one of the slickest iPhone 4 videos we have seen in a long time. A guitarist (justkylevids on YouTube) apparently wondered what it was like being inside his guitar while playing, so he dropped his iPhone 4 in with the video camera running and captured this incredible video. The effect you see is mesmerizing, but not really representative of the way that guitar strings actually oscillate. Instead, it's another example of how the iPhone 4's rolling shutter can create some interesting photos and video. Still, it's fun to watch.

For more information:

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/guitar-iphone-44s-case-14-03-2012/

Guitar Oscillations Captured with iPhone 4:

CyanogenMod Team Explains Which Devices Will Get CyanogenMod 9

With over a million unique users, there's a good chance that some of you are running CyanogenMod right now. And if you've been running experimental nightly builds, you may have noticed that they've been getting updated more and more sporadically. According to a post at the CyanogenMod blog today, the problem will only get worse as CM9 and CM7.2 get closer to an official release.

The post explains that in order to get nightly builds released more frequently, the CyanogenMod team needs to purchase new servers, which aren't cheap. That's why they are asking the community for support. You can donate through PayPal at the bottom of the page here, and follow the CyanogenMod blog for further updates.

CyanogenMod is not a for-profit business. We are just a bunch of geeks, trying to make our phones more awesome. The donations we get currently cover our operating costs and occasionally go towards developer devices. This time, I need to ask for help from the community for something a bit larger. We need to purchase these servers in order to bring the build infrastructure back to full capacity.

UPDATE: The CyanogenMod team posted just moments ago, announcing that their goal has been reached (and even exceeded) thanks to donations from the community. This is great news, and will allow the CM team to keep providing excellent work for a multitude of devices.

First Look at CyanogenMod 9 on the Galaxy Nexus:

AT&T Cancels Bid For T-Mobile

After nine months of AT&T fiercely defending its $39 billion bid for T-Mobile USA in public and in court, the company finally agreed on Monday to end its takeover effort. When a hotly contested $39 billion takeover falls apart, plenty of parties will have something to say. And so AT&T’s decision drew a slew of responses from the deal’s chief opponents, including government regulators and corporate rivals like Sprint Nextel.

Both companies are in agreement that the broad opposition by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. telecommunications regulator (FCC) is making it increasingly unlikely that the transaction will close. Both companies are of the opinion that important arguments in support of the transaction have been ignored, such as the significant improvement in high-speed mobile network coverage for the U.S. market, as well as the positive employment effects. In addition there was no indication that either authority would move away from its non-supportive stance in return for concessions from the parties in terms of the scope and structure of the transaction.

This is the right decision for consumers, competition and innovation in the wireless industry. From the beginning, Sprint has stood with consumers who spoke loudly and clearly that AT&T’s proposed takeover of T-Mobile would create an undeniable duopoly that would have resulted in higher prices, less innovation and fewer choices for the American consumer.

More information's:
AT&T Cancels Bid For T-Mobile

AT&T Cancels Deal to Buy T-Mobile:

LockMessages Protects Your iPhone Text Messages

What We all want most is to kept our privacy and ensure that, our text messages are kept private. We’ve all been there, you get a message on your iDevice and someone sees it and starts questioning you about it. Well now you can safeguard your text messages on iPhone from prying eyes using LockMessages which is the latest Cydia Tweak.

LockMessages is a great new app and the best feature of this new tweak is that it allows you to customize the alerts you receive on your lockscreen or through the Notification Center. You can change the sender’s name to something neutral and you can also change the title to a generic sequence of characters which safeguards all your sensitive details.

In addition to the above, you can also set a passcode to your Messages.app which gives you even more privacy and protection. If you want to safeguard your messages you can get LockMessages from the BigBoss repository for just 99 cents. If you do purchase this app the settings are configured in the Settings.app because there is no Springboard icon with this. Also it is worth noting that this app is for iOS 5 only so if you want the extended privacy that it offers you will have to have the latest operating system on your idevice.

In order to use LockMessages you will need a jailbroken iOS 5 device and there are numerous ways to do this such as using Redsn0w and you can find all the details including step by step tutorials right here on our blog. If you want to protect your text messages from prying eyes and you have an iOS 5 device then this great little Cydia Tweak could be just the thing you have been looking for.

How to lock your Apps iPhone/ipod touch (Lock your Text messages):

Jailbreak iOS 5.0/5.0.1 on iPhone 4, 3GS, iPad And iPod Touch 4G

News of this new jailbreak came from a Unix hacker in the form of an update sent via his Twitter account. As of now Ac1dSn0w isn’t much different from the likes of Redsn0w and Sn0wbreeze but it is an alternative and it looks like it might have a good future too thanks to features such as remote jailbreaking, custom firmware creation and iRecovery remote. It is currently only available for OS X.

In order to use this jailbreak you need to download Ac1dSn0w for Mac and launch it. Next you need to connect your supported iOS device via USB to your Mac. Then you need to turn it off. The next step is to click on Show Assistant and follow the on screen instructions to enter DFU mode. Once your device is in DFU mode all you have to do is click on jailbreak from Ac1dSn0w and allow it to do its thing. Your iOS device will then reboot after the jailbreak has been completed. You then need to put it into DFU mode again and click on tethered boot from Ac1dSn0w to jailbreak tethered on iOS 5 or iOS 5.0.1.

Once completed your iOS device will now boot in tethered jailbroken state and you will have Cydia installed. If you wish to restart your device you will have to boot into a tethered jailbroken state each time. This new jailbreak will work on iPhone 4, 3GS, iPod Touch and iPad so if you are looking for a jailbreak this could be the tool for you.

Jailbreak 4.3.5, 5.0, 5.0.1 iPhone 4/3GS iPod Touch 4G/3G & iPad:

iPhone Locator System BiKN Debuts

If you are the sort that needs a bit of help keeping up with your things like briefcases and more the BiKN for iPhone tracking system might be for you. The case the system uses goes on the iPhone and can connect to small tracking tags that can be put on just about anything.

The tags are able to communicate location to the case even if the iPhone is off or in sleep mode. Other than tracking things like bags and such, the system can also be used to track people like kids or even pets. The app that runs the system can support up to eight tags.

That means you can track all sorts of stuff at once. The only downside is that the tags need to be charged every now and then so you can’t just slip one on a backpack for your kid and leave it. The app allows the user to find, leach, or page the user. Pricing for the kit is unknown and it will launch in December.

Starbucks Cup Magic Augmented Reality App

Following on for its previous success with mobile applications Starbucks has now launched a new Starbucks Cup Magic app which allows you to view special characters created for the holiday season on special designed red stripy cups, Christmas Blend bags and in-store advertisements.

The Starbucks Cup Magic app uses augmented reality to enable you to interact with the characters once you have found them, and also allows you to send holiday ecards as well. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action. The Starbucks Cup Magic app will be available to download on November 15th and will give you the chance to win a prize if you find all the characters and AR scenes.

More information's:
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/11/08/starbucks-launching-augmented-reality-cup-magic-app-for-the-holi/

Starbucks App Review:

Dailymotion Video Stream app now available for iOS, Android

Some of you might be familiar with Dailymotion, which is the largest independent video streaming platform in the world with 114 million unique eyeballs monthly. Getting rid of its old web launcher, Dailymotion has replaced it with a new iOS and Android app that the company calls a "breakthrough" in customization, search, and in playing video. The app opens up a gateway to more than 20 million videos in 17 different categories.

The app also offers a Customizable Dashboard that lets you arrange videos by groups and gives you access to the site's top channels, topics, content providers and single videos. Universal Search lets you seek videos by users, groups, playlists and videos to return more accurate results. Finally, the Video Player allows you to watch videos in either landscape or portrait mode, and skip through videos. While you are watching a clip, you can read comments and information on the video. And of course, you can share what you've been watching with your friends on Twitter, Facebook and email.

Roland Hamilton, managing director of Dailymotion says that he is confident that they have created an app that gives quick access to Dailymotion's video library and also offers customization that makes the app belong to each individual user. The app is available for free from the App Store and the Android Market.

More information's:
http://www.androidcentral.com/dailymotion-revamps-their-streaming-video-app-android-announces-v20?style_mobile=0

T-Mobile gains customers in Q3 thanks to prepaid

T-Mobile had 312,000 new prepaid, or no-contract, customers in Q3. With all of the new customers throwing funds in T-Mobile’s direction, they generated $4.67 billion in revenue over the quarter. However, they actually slipped slightly from the revenue that they had in Q2.

While they may have lost 186,000 postpaid customers, it is simply just a continuing trend of consumers taking advantage of the cheaper prepaid plans that T-Mobile has to offer. Back in Q2 they saw 281,000 customers get rid of their postpaid plans while 231,000 customers flocked to T-Mobile’s prepaid services.

All in all, T-Mobile is still getting by despite the fact that consumers are starting to choose their prepaid services over the ball and chain. With the holiday season approaching rapidly there is no reason to think that they will not see even more growth in Q4.

More information's:
http://www.tmonews.com/2011/11/t-mobile-usa-reports-third-quarter-2011-financial-results/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Tmonews+%28TmoNews%29

T-Mobile G1 Android Phone:

Amazon increases Kindle Fire orders, expects higher demand

Amazon has increased the number of Kindle Fire orders as demand stays strong less than a week before the official launch of the 7-inch tablet, according to a report by DigiTimes. Now, 5 million orders are being manufactured for delivery in 2011.

Anonymous sources have previously said that the company has upped pre-order to 4 million units, from 3.5 million. This, of course, indicates the growing expectations for market demand for the Kindle Fire, which has the potential to be one of the most sought-after tablets this Holiday shopping season. The Amazon Kindle Fire cuts short whenever it can by eliminating not so essential elements like the camera, but retaining the key for productivity dual-core processor. On the software side, it features a version of Android 2.3 Gingerbread so heavily skinned.

More information's:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20111109PD212.html

Amazon Kindle Fire video:

HTC Ville details leaked

It looks like the HTC Edge isn't the only HTC superphone on the horizon. BGR has learned that there will also be a device codenamed the HTC Ville which will launch with Sense 4.0 as well as Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Because the Ville will be launching with ICS, that means no physical function buttons, just a nice clean face for those virtual buttons. That face will be a 4.3" qHD Super AMOLED display, which isn't quite at the same level as the 720p screen expected in the HTC Edge, but it should do the job well. Inside the Ville will be a dual-core Snapdragon S4 clocked at 1.5 GHz. It is expected to have the same 8 MP backside-illuminated camera found in the Edge, which will be capable of 1080p video capture.

Rounding out the specs, the Ville is said to not have NFC because of the issues with the metal casing, but the phone will be slick at under 8mm thick. Of course, there will be Beats audio, and it will be HSPA+, so we could see it on either AT&T or T-Mobile here in the States. Lastly, it's said to be packing a 1650 mAh battery, which seems a bit on the small side.

More information's:
http://www.bgr.com/2011/11/09/htc-ville-detailed-htc-sense-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-thinner-than-iphone/

ville HTC:

HP Considering Selling webOS?

When HP canceled its webOS smartphones and tablets, there were a number of rumors that HP were thinking or selling off webOS, nothing came of the rumors, although now it would appear they have started up again.

According to a recent report by Reuters, HP are considering selling off webOS, and it would appear that they could sell it for quite a bit less than the $1.2 billion that they paid for Palm and webOS. If HP does end up selling off webOS it could be sold for a couple of hundred million dollars, which is a lot less than the $1.2 billion they paid for it and there are reports that a number of companies are interested in buying webOS.

More information's:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/07/us-hewlettpackard-webos-idUSTRE7A66UM20111107

Get to know the HP TouchPad:

Apple to issue software update to fix battery-life problem on new iPhone, other iOS 5 devices

Apple Inc. says there is a problem with its latest mobile operating system that is shortening the battery life of iPhones, iPads and iPods that use the software.

Spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said Wednesday that a small number of customers have reported lower-than-expected battery life on devices running on the company’s iOS 5 operating system. Apple has found bugs in the program and will release a software update to address them in a few weeks. The latest iPhone, the 4S, comes with iOS 5.

Other devices can be upgraded to run the software: The iPhone 3GS or 4, iPads and an iPod Touch released in September 2009 or later. Apple shares added $1.59 to $399 in aftermarket trading. Shares ended the regular session up 41 cents at $397.41. Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

IOS 5.0.1 Fixes Battery Life Bug:

Nokia Purity HD By Monster Stereo Headsets Announced

As well as announcing its new Windows Phone smartphones, Nokia also announced a range of new accessories for its new smartphones, and one of those is a the new Nokia Purity HD stereo headset by Monster. These mobile HD headphones are the result of a collaboration between Nokia and Monster. With great mobile features and high performance speakers they deliver outstanding audio quality and handsfree convenience. They’re constructed from premium scratch resistant materials to ensure light weight, durability, and good looks. And yes, they do sound great.

The Nokia Purity HD stereo headset will be available in a range of colors, which include black, white, cyan, and fuchsia, there are no details on pricing as yet.

More information's:
http://europe.nokia.com/find-products/accessories/headsets/stereo-wired-headsets/nokia-purity-hd-by-monster/gallery

Doxie Go Portable Scans Directly To Your iOS Device

Doxie has this week unveiled their latest scanning solution called the Doxie Go that is capable for scanning documents without the need for a PC. The Doxie Go scanner is a portable wireless device that can scan and create searchable PDFs and send them directly to the cloud via Evernote or Dropbox.

The Doxie Go scanner is capable of scanning and storing up to 600 pages using its built-in memory or if you need more space you can insert a USB flash drive or SD card. It will also scan full-colour pages in around 8 seconds and will synchronise to Mac, PC, iPhone and iPad in a similar way as a digital camera would using Doxie apps and software. Its powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery which is capable of 100 scans on a single charge, and takes around 2 hours to fully charge from flat. The Doxie Go scanner is now available to pre-order for $199 with shipping expected to commence in late November and measures just 10.5″ x 1.7″ x 2.2″ (26.7 cm x 4.35 cm x 5.6 cm), weighing 14.2 oz (403g).

More information's:
http://www.getdoxie.com/product/doxie-go/index.html

Doxie, the amazing scanner for documents:

gMusic App Brings Google Music To iOS

If you are a fan of Google Music and would prefer to listen to it on your iOs devices rather than the tunes available in your Apple iTunes application. A new iOS application has been launched called gMusic that allows you to listen to music from your Google Music locker, and is the first native iOS application for Google Music.

gMusic also has an off-line mode for those times when you unfortunately can’t get an Internet connection to stream music directly from your Google Music account. In a similar way to Spotify you just need to download the tracks whilst you have an Internet connection to make them available from your local device when no connection can be made. gMusic is now available to purchase and download from the Apple App Store.

More information's:
http://lifehacker.com/5851241/gmusic-is-a-native-google-music-player-for-the-iphonea

Extreme-G [Music] - Track 1:

AT&T Activates One Million iPhone 4S Handsets

US mobile carrier AT&T has just announced that they have now activated more than one million iPhone 4S handsets since the iPhone 4S went on sale last Friday to Tuesday this week, and we also heard from Apple recently that they had sold more than 4 million iPhone 4S devices in the first three days.

“It’s no surprise that customers are clamoring for the iPhone 4S and they want it to run on a network that lets them download twice as fast as competitors’,” said Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. It will be interesting to see what sort of numbers both Verizon and Sprint post for the iPhone 4S, and whether either company has activated as many devices as AT&T.

Have a look at our iPhone 4S review which includes videos, tons of photos and everything you need to know about the iPhone 4S, siri, and iOS 5.

More information's:
http://www.bgr.com/2011/10/20/att-iphone-4s-activations-top-1-million/

Our Pad iPad App, Provides Access To Multiple Facebook, Gmail And Twitter Accounts

If you share your iPad with a number of other people in your household you will have already experienced the problems associated with trying to have a number of different accounts set up on one iPad. Unfortunately there is no easy method at the moment, or way to access multiple accounts for popular websites such as Gmail, Facebook or Twitter to name a few.

However a new application called Our Pad is trying to ease the situation a little by providing a method of accessing multiple accounts to these popular websites from one Apple iPad device. By allowing you and other family members or friends, to login to your favorite social networking sites and email services without having the need to type in a password each time.

Currently the new application supports access to Facebook, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, and Twitter. But due to the nature of the Apple device not allowing root access you do need to enter the Our Pad application to be able to use and login via multiple accounts. If multiple accounts on your iPad are a problem it might be worth checking out the new application which is now available to download from the Apple App Store for free.

Apple Shows Off iPhone 4S Siri In New TV Ad

When Apple announced the new iPhone 4S, one of the major new features it announced for the device was its new voice activated assistant, Siri, and now Apple has released a new TV advert featuring Siri.

The video below shows Siri in action, although it seems to work perfectly in the TV advert, something that we haven’t found so far whilst testing it out. Apple also announced Siri was still in Beta when they showed it off at the iPhone 4S, and whilst it is a cool feature it definitely needs some work, especially for users outside the US.

More information's:
http://www.macstories.net/iphone/assistant-ad/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+macstoriesnet+%28MacStories%29

Apple - iPhone 4S - TV Ad - Assistant: