Archive for January, 2010
SocialScope BlackBerry Twitter app explains their beta process…
Jan 19th
By far my favourite Twitter app for my BlackBerry is socialscope, and I have been using it for quite a while now, but SocialScope has to be the longest running Beta app ever, (not quite as long as Google mail etc held their beta status for!!) and those not yet lucky enough to have SocialScope are feeling left out in the cold.
As well as handling Twitter, SocialScope brings your FaceBook status updates into the mix, keeping you completely updated. All this is neatly handled with tabs a top of the screen, giving you instant access to either Twitter and FaceBook, @ replies, DM’s, Twitter or FaceBook. Add to that your own channels/tabs such as individuals or lists. SocialScope supports keypad shortcuts and autotext, shortcuts are the most important for me and saves a lot of scrolling and clicking.
If you would like to apply to become a beta tester you can do so here
This is what SocialScope have said over the matter,
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the SocialScope beta process and want to address them. First, no one should feel left out because they haven’t received an invite or are running a different version then someone else. As the beta progresses every one will be upgraded and more users will be added.
Second, we’re always seeding new versions of the app to small groups of users to test, tune and tweak SocialScope. Keeping the test groups small allows us to work closely with these users; making changes that would otherwise drive you crazy and lead to overwhelming number of support emails for us. This is an iterative process that can take many versions until its ready for a wider group of users.
Finally, we’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible leading to a very very large private beta. That means we can’t respond to every email or @reply (we wish we could, but we’re a small team), but your feedback is really valuable to us and we read every email we get.
“How do you select users to seed versions to?” Its largely random, but sometimes based on device type and carrier if we’re trying to track down a specific issue.
“How long will it take for me to get version x?” We can’t give you a date, but as soon as its ready you’ll get an upgrade notice within the app.
“I haven’t even gotten an invite yet…” We’re constantly expanding the beta when a spot opens up or the app is released publicly we’ll let you know.
Finally follow us http://twitter.com/socialscope and become a fan at http://facebook.com/socialscope to stay up to date with our latest news.
-Team Conan er SocialScope
Dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon CPU coming before the end of the year
Jan 11th
Just spotted this over at GSMarena.com, I have only just got my self a dual core PC and have the 1ghz snapdragon Nexus One on its way and it seems I’ll be slap bang out of date again before the end of the year!
Dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon CPU coming before the end of the year: “And all of a sudden your 1GHz Snapdraggon-powered HTC HD2 doesn’t seem all that powerful any more. Apparently Qualcomm are almost done with the development of not one but two new mobile CPU units that are about to top their lineup.Before January has ended 1.3 GHz Snapdragon 8X50A CPU with reduced-size 45nm core process will be offered to manufacturers and is expected to appear in end-products by the end of this year. We guess, HTC HD3 will be getting one of those.
Now for the even better news. Before 2010 has ended Qualcomm will unveil another powerful processor. The dual-core Snapdragon 8X72 will have two Scorpion cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. That would make it powerful enough for usage in smartbooks too – not only phones. According to the manufacturer this CPU should have no trouble providing 1080p resolution video output.”
Google’s Nexus One goes on sale
Jan 7th
Google launched their first Google phone for sale in the US, UK, Hong Kong & Singapore through their new on-line phone web store. It is available to the four countries sim free for $529 so roughly £408 inc VAT + delivery to the UK, add another $20+VAT to that if you want the Euro charger with the phone!
Now this may cause a little confusion here and there as you may be thinking the G1 was Google’s first foray into the mobile world, but that was more of a joint venture between Google, HTC and T-Mobile, the Nexus One on the other hand is Google going it alone, with the device built by HTC and available through the T-Mobile network or Google. I hope that clears things up!
Anyway, I am still waiting for mine to be shipped so for now I’ll leave you with the specs, taken from Google, and a few vids and I will post my review and unboxing when Google get the phone out to me.
HTC Smart, new device, new OS, new direction?
Jan 7th
Today HTC announced a new way forward for themselves with the HTC Smart a new type of smartphone that creates a new category of easy-to-use, connected smartphones that are accessible by people all over the world. The HTC Smart will be available this spring across Europe and Asia.
“HTC Smart breaks new ground in delivering the powerful, in-demand smartphone features that consumers want on a more accessible device for global markets,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform open operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”
Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP)
HTC Smart utilizes Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a popular mobile operating system that enables smartphone devices to be offered at more aggressive price points, providing HTC with the flexibility to deliver smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.
Overview
The HTC Smart is a compact phone that’s ready to help you be a smarter YOU and a funner YOU.
Make it Mine
The HTC Smart is at your service, be it for your productive side or your playful side. HTC Smart comes with Scenes—different phone configurations that reflect different moods in your daily self. There’s a mode for your busy weekdays, filling your home screen with panels that help you ease on through your workdays with apps like email, calendar and the web browser. There’s a mode for relaxing (or not!) weekends, which brings fun to the forefront with music, camera, and photo album panels. There’s even a scene that you can personalize to fit your unique style and daily needs.
Stay Close
With HTC Smart, your interactions are neatly placed right under the pics of your favorite people. Rather than having to open multiple applications, there’s a single view of all your communications, be it email, text, or a Facebook update with any one of your contacts.
Discover the Unexpected
The more you use the HTC Smart, the more small touches you will find – each one elevating your phone experience. For example, with just one tap you can turn your web browser to landscape mode so you can get a better view while surfing the internet. There is also smart zoom, which enlarges and reflows the text for your reading pleasure with just a double tap on the screen.
