PhoneLon

At Gadgetwise in The New York Times, Sam Grobart invites recent iPhone purchasers to “check out our many guides to the various apps available for your new smartphone.” The blog rounds up personal app choices from technology columnist David Pogue, media columnist David Carr, former tech reporter John Markoff, and App Smart columnist Bob Tedeschi, who likes Soundhound, Hipstamatic, Evernote, and Angry Birds.

Peter Kafka reports on All Things Digital that Apple enjoyed a “tiny bit of Grammy glow” Sunday night when, for the first time, “something recorded exclusively for its iTunes store won an award.” Writes Kafka: “Train’s version of ‘Hey, Soul Sister,’ which won the ‘Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals’ category, first appeared on the group’s ‘iTunes Session’ EP last fall.”

The Mobile world Conference is still underway but we thought now some of the big brands have told us what’s on the way we’d highlight what we’re tipping to be big in 2011.

The two handsets that seem to have drawn the most attention so far have been the Xperia Play and the LG Optimus 3D. These handsets offer two new features that we think will really make them popular in the upcoming year.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia play (Also known as the play station phone) looks to crack the smartphone/console cross over market thanks to it’s Play Station credentials and the inclusion of Android OS; which, if you ask us is a match made in heaven. The only other handset to really attempt this in the past was the Nokia N-Gage which saw little success. What really works for the Xperia Play and really sets this aside from the N-Gage, is that Sony Ericsson have taken the ever popular Playstation controller layout and ported it directly to their new handset. By capitalising on this layout, many gamers will feel right at home when using the device for the first time.

However, it’s not just the familiar design that we think will generate sales of Sony Ericsson as the games are obviously going to be key in the phones success. EA have confirmed that big franchises such as the Sims, Need for Speed and the FIFA 10 (all currently available on the Android Market) will also be available at launch amongst others. This shows real investment from the gaming studio’s and indicates how serious they see this oppurtunity.

Additionally the Xperia play will be loaded with Playstaion Suite and Playstation Store which should mean you’ll be able to download original Playstation one games. All in all 50 games are expected to be ready from the launch of the Xperia play and classic Crash Bandicoot will be pre-installed. We think on it’s own this is really impressive but lets consider the phone elements now.

The play will have a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and 380 MB of Ram. Sony Ericsson expect the handset to offer 60FPS and 3D graphics all on a 4 inch LCD. The resolution of the handset will be set at 480 x 854 and initial feedback has been very positive considering the handset does not have a Super AMOLED screen. A 5.1 mega pixel camera with auto focus allowing you to capture 720p video is also thrown in for good measure.

The Xperia play will also be shipped with the familiar Android software 2.3 AKA Gingerbread which should put it in good stead for future updates from Google.

Hopefully you’ll agree that the Xperia play looks and sounds like an exciting handset and we’re tipping it for big things in the coming year. For more info click here.

Now lets take a closer look at the LG-Optimus 3D.

3D technology is certainly becoming more common place ever since the huge success of James Cameron’s Avatar. Firstly we saw cinemas adopt this technology on mass which has naturally lead to TV manufacturers offering 3D screens as well. With the imminent launch of the 3DS it’s no surprise that 3D has now come to a Smartphone.

Unlike at the cinema the LG Optimus 3D doesn’t require the user to wear any glasses for the 3D image to be displayed. The LG phone employs similar technology to the nintendo 3DS and instead requires the user to be sitting directly in front of the device for the 3D to take effect.

What we really think will be the killer feature of the handset is not only viewing 3D movies on the handset but also being able to take pictures and movies in 3D. The handset is equipped with two 5 megapixel rear facing cameras which allow users to capture stereoscopic images and then display them on the devices 3D screen. LG has also negotiated a deal with YouTube that will allow users to upload and watch 3D movies directly on YouTube’s 3D gallery.

As you would expect this cutting edge technology might be processor intensive, luckily the Optimus 3D has got the hardware to cope. A Dual-core 1GHz processor will be shipped inside along with 512MB of Multi Channel Ram giving the dual core processors plenty of room to compile your 3D masterpieces. In 2D mode the phone can capture 1080p video and will be shipping with Android 2.2 Froyo with the promise from LG to make Gingerbread available soon after launch.

When can I get one?

We expect the Xperia play to be available in April and you can register for updates here. The LG Optimus 3D will be available exclusively from the Carphone warehouse group so you’ll be able to get it from us as well and can register for interest here.

Yesterday HTC announced a sleuth of new devices many of which are upgrades to existing handsets such as the Desire and Wildfire. We’ve been able to get some hands on time with the new Incredible S and we thought we’d share how Incredible it really is.

The Incredible S will be a new model to the UK with the Incredible having been available in the U.S. for some time now. This Handset sits nicely between the new HTC Desire S and Desire HD.

So let’s start with the handset’s looks. It’s difficult to make a handset that’s pretty much all screen stand out in the design department. The only way to do this is to have an exceptional screen which the Incredible S certainly does. The Super LCD screen really stands out especially when compared with the HTC Desire. The screen is an impressive 4 inches with the handset measuring 120 x 64 x 11.7 MM. The resolution of the screen remains the same as the Desire at 480 x 800 pixels and weighs in at 13.5 grams.

To be honest we love the feel of the phone it’s nicely weighted and sits in the palm of your hand very nicely. Although it’s marginally larger then the Desire this is hardly noticeable and will be the perfect choice for those who would like a small device with powerful hardware. Speaking of which lets have a look at this next.

The device will launch with 2.2 Froyo but an early update to Gingerbread has been promised by HTC so we expect the handset to be running Gingerbread in no time at all. The processor is an updated 1GHZ MSM8255 Snapdragon from Qualcomm. The phone will have 1.1GB of internal storage and 768 MB of Ram. The handset has a respectable 8MP with 2x LED flash. Currently the handset does not offer full 1080p video recording but we hope this will be added as a future software update. A front facing 1.3 megapixel camera in plenty for your video calls or to use as a Mirror for checking out how your hair looks. With all of this we also get the now standard GPS, G-Sensor, Digital Compass, Micro SD slot, Wifi and Bluetooth.

As you can see the handset really has it all and fits into a very neat little package. No doubt the handset will prove to be very popular, but when can you get one?

Well, the Incredible S will be a Carphone Warehouse Exclusive which means it will also be available via mobiles.co.uk. We expect to have the handset available within the next few months but in the meantime you can register for updates here.

News on more handset coming soon.

Apple today announced a new subscription service available to all publishers of content-based apps on the App Store, including magazines, newspapers, video, and music. This is the same innovative digital subscription billing service that Apple recently launched with News Corp.’s “The Daily” app. Subscriptions purchased from within the App Store will be sold using the same App Store billing system that has been used for billions of app and in-app purchases. Publishers set the price and length of subscription (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly, or yearly). Then, with one-click, customers pick the length of subscription and are automatically charged based on their chosen length of commitment. Customers can review and manage all of their subscriptions from their personal account page, including canceling the automatic renewal of a subscription.

If you are looking for the best HTC Desire HD deals then the internet should be flooded with options. This is a high end Android 2.2 smartphone which packs a class-leading 4.3 inch touchscreen display and this is why it manages to live up to its name.

The good news is that HTC Desire deals do not need to cost the earth and independent consumer organisation Which? has shown that Mobiles.co.uk is the site which provides the most cost-effective pay monthly deal for this appealing handset.

When looking for the best HTC Desire HD deals you will need to consider a number of factors. Many people simply look at the flat monthly cost and assume that the offer which has the cheapest regular price will offer the best value for money. This is usually a false assumption because there are all kinds of variables to take into account and to find the true monthly cost you will need to perform a few calculations, although sites such as Which? get this done for you.

Typically the best HTC Desire deals will have a low monthly cost in combination with an inexpensive handset price. For example, the best deal currently ranked by Which? shows that for ?10 a month you can get a Desire HD handset for a penny under ?320 and continue to pay this low price for 24 months on Vodafone. For your money you get 100 minutes and 500 inclusive texts to use as you see fit. By adding the monthly cost to the phone’s initial price you will find that you will be paying a little over ?23 in real terms each month for the duration of the contract.

The important thing to remember about seeking the best HTC Desire HD deals is that you will rarely find a network provider that is able to improve upon an offer from an independent online source. Whether it is through line rental reductions, cashback inclusions or impressive inclusive extras the major networks are all lagging behind the likes of Mobiles.co.uk and this is clearly demonstrated by the superiority of its Desire HD deals. Given the amount of cash an average consumer will invest in a deal over time making these small savings will mount up to a big pay-off.

This is a simple and free hack that brings you back to your 1st home screen after closing any app. So, if you swipe to page 4 and open an app, once you close it you will be taken right back to the first page. Works great! One thing that does annoy me is when

Galaxy Mini and Galaxy Ace from Samsung are two new phones in the pipeline which are great for people that want to get their hands on a smartphone without setting them back too much, so what do they have to offer?

The Galaxy Ace has been released as the new mid-range phone from Samsung that will be released at the same time as the Samsung Galaxy Mini.

It runs Android and although a mid-range handset, has a decent 5 megapixel camera with a flash and has a high speed performance thanks to its 800MHz processor.  It allows full editing capabilitys of office documents and it even turns into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, so you can use it to connect other devices to the internet whilst your out and about! Perfect for those who like to get things done on the go.

Features:

• Dimensions: 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5mm, 113g
• 3.5″ 16M-colour TFT capacitive screen
• 800 MHz processor
• 158MB storage
• MicroSD card slot
• Android OS 2.2 Froyo
• 5 Megapixel auto-focus camera
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

We really like the look of this phone but it’s not the only phone Samsung has up its sleeve. Samsungs alternative to the Ace is the Galaxy mini another in the range and we have all the details for you to help make up your mind!

Samsung Galaxy Mini

After the great success that was the Galaxy S,  Samsung have introduced the Galaxy Mini, designed as a budget handset and an ‘entry level’ smartphone alternative.

Even though it has been promoted as a budget smartphone, Samsung have not missed out some great features, the Mini will still feature 3G and Wi-Fi and it will run Android 2.2 with TouchWiz UI 3.0 layered over it. Its a great choice of phone for someone who likes to keep up to date with their social networking sites as it comes with full intergration with Facebook and Twitter and wont let you down on entertainment either! YouTube is included as an app and the Mini comes with Adobe Flash support meaning you can watch content online!

Features:

• 3.14-inch touchscreen display
• 3 Megapixel camera with autofocus
• Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
• Wi-Fi
• GPS
• Digital compass,
• VHF Radio
• Accelerometer
• 160MB of internal memory
• MicroSD slot

The only let down of the Samsung Galaxy mini is the 3 megapixel camera, although if your not fussed about the camera other than taking the odd picture here and there then theres no need to worry about it with all the other things it has to offer.

The look of the Mini is much more in keeping with the original look and feel of the Galaxy S in comparison to the Ace. If your looking for a budget phone the Samsung Galaxy Mini or the Ace has to be the phone for you! Their great features and sleek and small designs make them great value for money without missing out on what a smartphone has to offer!

Whichever phone takes your fancy keep an eye on the blog for more news as we hear it!

I’m a guy. So I really like remote controlled anything. I love to watch videos of Traxxas vehicles on YouTube and dream of the day I can afford one. A friend of mine also has been leaving his Air Hog’s (Warning: Flash) helicopter at work lately and even though it’s a simple model, it’s addicting.

Apple today announced an exclusive opportunity for Verizon Wireless’s 94 million customers to pre-order iPhone 4 online beginning on Thursday, February 3, through the Apple Store (store.apple.com) and at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone. Due to high demand, customer orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginning on Wednesday, February 9, all qualified customers will be able to order an iPhone 4 on Verizon through the Apple Store (store.apple.com) for delivery or reserve for in-store pick up beginning February 10. Beginning at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, February 10, iPhone 4 on Verizon will be available to all qualified customers at Apple’s retail stores. iPhone 4 will also be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communication Stores nationwide.