China-bound Sony Xperia Neo L with ICS gets handled, holds nothing back

It was only a couple of months ago that we first crossed paths with Sony's Xperia Neo L, and now the Ice Cream Sandwich handset is back with a vengeance - at least in terms of exposure. As you may know, details were revealed in abundance (read: 1GHz Snapdragon S2 CPU, 512MB of RAM) during our first MT25i encounter, but thanks to Taiwanese site ePrice, we're able to gander at the device posing in an array of different angles and leaving very little to the imagination. For now, pricing still remains a mystery, though we do know Sony's 4-inch (854 x 480) Neo L is expected to hit Chinese shelves later this month.

Sony SmartWatch and accessories pop up at Verizon Wireless

By and large Sony's wrist-born Android info center, the SmartWatch, has given enough utility to end up on a few of our wrists. Connecting to any Android 2.1 or higher smartphone via Bluetooth, the device has a capacitive screen for input and acts as a notifier for calls, messages or social networks. With a new SDK under its belt, it also supports 60 apps so far including an open-source music player and eight new games. Now you can grab one for $149.97 at Verizon Wireless' online or brick and mortar stores, along with accessories for it like extra straps and chargers. So if you've been looking for a way to stay on top of your social life at a glance, find your phone when it gets lost - or even just check the time,

RIM Pulls Out 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook

 What used to be unverified rumors turn out to be true. Research In Motion has indeed pulled the plug off its entry-level BlackBerry PlayBook 16GB model. RIM explained in its press statement that the decision was made because the 32GB and 64GB varieties offer a better value. The $199 16GB model has a much smaller profit margin compared to the other two variants.

The 32GB model costs $249, just $50 more than the 16GB, while the 64GB version is $50 more than the 32GB moral.

It is a shame, however, that it took forever before the PlayBook became a viable product since its release. With its newly-minted BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, as well as its multiple product updates, the tablet finally became a product worth noticing. Now, if only the PlayBook would offer BlackBerry Messenger.

ASUS Padfone now available in the US for $860, includes Padfone Station

The ASUS Padfone is one of the most unique devices out there. Though its specs are nothing special among high-end devices, its multi-functional nature makes the smartphone/tablet very enticing. It is indeed a captivating offer. Many of us have been waiting for it to come to the US. If you are part of that group, it can now be yours for the good $859.50 that Negri Electronics sells it for. This is the international, imported version. This usually means that the price will be much higher… and it is. But Negri Electronics is also throwing in the ASUS Padfone Station (tablet accessory), making it a much more reasonable deal than what it seems at first look. “Asus Padfone Features 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display, Snapdragon S4 with the new Adreno 225 GPU, and 8MP camera with LED flash and f/2.2 aperture, as well as 16GB of internal storage plus microSD slot, and comes with the Padfone Station, a 10.1″ tablet display; it has what we would expect from a modern high-end.” – Negri Electronics You would be among the first to own the ASUS Padfone, so it might very well be worth it if you were already planning on getting it. If you are interested, just head over to Negri Electronics’ website and check out all the details. What do you guys say? Would you pocket out that amount of cash for a device that doubles as a phone and tablet?

Huawei Activa 4G Arrives Stateside

 
As much as Huawei is a successful smartphone brand in Asia, it has yet to make waves in the United States and they hope its latest smartphone would make American consumers take notice. Without much fanfare, the company has unveiled its very first 4G LTE handset.

The Huawei Activa 4G features a 3.5-inch runs on Android Gingerbread and features a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen, a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, and a VGA front camera for video calls.

The prepaid device will be distributed exclusively on MetroPCS. We think this is a good marketing strategy because at least the Activa would not have to compete with other flagship devices from the likes of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.

The Huawei Activa 4G is now available in MetroPCS stores and online for only $149 without any binding contract.

Verizon's and AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S III won't come with 50GB of free Dropbox storage

The Samsung Galaxy S III will be released in the US starting later this month, via five mobile carriers: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. While the handset looks the same regardless of its carrier, there are things that differentiate the five versions.

For example, Dropbox has confirmed that AT&T and Verizon opted not to offer 50GB of free cloud storage with their editions of Galaxy S III (despite the fact that, when the smartphone was initially announced in Europe, Samsung suggested all users would benefit from this offer). There's no word on why Verizon and AT&T did that, but customers will not like it anyway.

Both Verizon and AT&T are already taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S III. However, they won't release it at the same time. AT&T should start selling the handset on June 18, while Verizon could do it either on June 28, or in early July.

Windows Phone-Powered ZTE Tania Rolls Out in China

 
Smartphone makers have been racing in the Chinese market with its mobile handsets that run on Windows Phone. After HTC and Nokia introduced their wares, ZTE unveils the Tania.

The ZTE Tania is similar to other Windows Phone handsets hardware-wise, such as the 800 x 480 display and 512MB RAM, but it steps up the competition with its 1.4GHz processor, 4.3-inch screen, a 5-megapixel rear camera, 4GB of internal storage, and even black and white color options.

The Tania will be distributed exclusively by China Unicom.

Microsoft's Phil Spencer believes the Xbox 360 has more than two years left in it

 
We're sure that there were many gamers who were looking forward to seeing new consoles unveiled by Sony and Microsoft at E3 this year. Unfortunately this was not the case thus leaving many to speculate that these next-gen consoles would instead arrive in 2013. While that remains to be seen as far as Sony's PlayStation console goes, it might not be the case for the Xbox platform. Speaking to the folks at GameSpot, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer was quoted as saying, “Right now the Xbox 360 is really healthy and it's doing incredibly well. I think the 360 has a lot more than two years [left]. It has legs for a long time.”

Of course this does not completely rule out a next-gen console. As GameSpot had pointed out, when Sony launched the PlayStation 3 support for the PlayStation 2 remained. However when the Xbox 360 was launched, the original Xbox had been removed, thus suggesting different practices when it came to new hardware. Assuming Microsoft's practices remain the same, this could mean that as far as a next-gen Xbox is concerned, we've got at least two years to go before we finally see it. So what do you guys think?

Skyrim patch 1.6 now live for the Xbox 360

 
Good news Xbox 360 gamers, if you have been looking forward to the Skyrim 1.6 patch, you're in luck as the patch has gone live. It seems to available only for the Xbox 360 at the moment but we expect it to roll out for the PlayStation 3 and the PC in due time. The patch will be bringing a new feature in the form of mounted combat along with a plethora of bug fixes and what not, so if you have yet to update Skyrim on your Xbox 360, fire the game up and you should receiving the notification informing you of the update. Check out the list of bug fixes after the break (taken from the Steam version).

Bug fixes

• General stability and memory optimizations.
• General AI pathfinding optimizations and bug fixes.
• Optimizations and crash fixes for data leaks.
• Fixed rare crash with lighting.
• Fixed crashes related to loading and saving games.
• Fixed crash with summoned creatures/NPCs.
• Fixed rare issue where saves would be corrupted.
• Improved logic for when ranged kill cams are played.
• Fixed issue with ranged kill cams while killing a dragon.
• Fixed rare issue with certain ranged kill cams not playing properly.
• Fixed issue with nirnroot lighting not properly cleaning up.
• Fixed issue where bow damage was being calculated incorrectly.
• Fixed rare problem with werewolf kill moves would not finish animating properly.
• In "The Break of Dawn" fixed rare issue where Meridia's Beacon would disappear from player's inventory.
• Fixed occasional issue where followers would disappear after player pays off a bounty after committing a crime.
• Fixed issue where certain creatures and NPCs would fail to respawn properly.
• Fixed rare issue with dialogue subtitles not displaying properly.
• Fixed issue with water appearing blurry when loading a saved game after creating a save underwater.
• Fixed issue where map cursor would occasionally disappear after closing a message box with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).
• Fixed rare issue with shouts only performing the first level and not other unlocked levels with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).
• Fixed issue where the shout buttons would stop working properly if users mashed LB and RB during cooldown with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).

What is Apple going to announce at WWDC? iOS 6, a TV SDK, Retina Macs

Plenty has been said about Apple's WWDC 2012 conference, which takes place starting on Monday next week, but if you haven't been furiously digging and following along, here are our best guesses based on what we've heard from our sources, what other sites have reported, and common sense. iOS 6 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. We've covered this at length, but this is a sure thing - iOS 6 is coming next week, and most likely will be available for developers to start getting apps ready for the fall. Look for a redesigned Maps app with 3D maps and no Larry Page, Facebook integration, a refreshed UI, possible widget support, enhancements for enterprises including new mail, calendar and contact features, and much more. The Apple TV If Apple makes a TV-related announcement, which we reported they will, this might be a game changer. Apple has dabbled with the company's current TV offering, and it's not doing too bad - the Apple TV sold more than 2.7 million units this year so far. If Apple announces something TV-related though, it's going to be big. Steve Jobs I've cracked it, licked it, kicked it huge. Again, if Apple makes a TV announcement, we don't know if an actual TV will be shown or just the operating system and SDK support, but this could easily be the biggest announcement from the WWDC 2012 keynote. Retina computers This isn't confirmed, but it seems that Apple is finally ready to start adding Retina display-equipped Mac computers to the company's lineup. New MacBook Pros In addition to the MacBook Pro getting a Retina display, it's likely that the MacBook Pro will get aired out with a thinner case, no optical drive, fewer ports (ethernet and FireWire), and more. New Mac Pro A popular assumption has been that Apple will simply get rid of the company's most powerful computer, simply because most people tend to purchase an iMac over a Mac Pro at this point and the current iMac's are incredibly fast. Speculation aside, it is now being reported that Apple will finally refresh the Mac Pro instead of killing it off. New iMac If Apple is going to update its aging Mac Pro, the company might not want to leave the iMac in the dust either. Recent reports have suggested that the iMac could be due for a facelift, making the computer much thinner and lighter, and possibly getting rid of the optical drive in the process. A Retina display for the iMac is rumored as well. We're totally in.   Maybe Tim Cook was right when he said Apple “was just getting started” a few months earlier this year during the new iPad introduction event.

The LTE enabled Huawei Activa 4G goes official for MetroPCS

Huawei has chosen a low key approach for its first LTE phone in the United States with the introduction of the Activa 4G for MetroPCS. The smartphone offers entry level specs, paired with zippy network connectivity and low commitment free price tag. In terms of specs, the Huawei Activa 4G will hardly offer you the stuff dreams are made of. You get a 800Mhz CPU, 3.5" HVGA, 5MP camera, 150MB of internal memory, microSD card slot (4GB card is included in the box), and 1880mAh battery to help the handset carry the LTE burden. The software on tap is Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The Huawei Activa 4G is already available for purchase in the web store of MetroPCS with a $249 list price. Should you decide to pick one up today however, you will be set back only $149.99 after an instant discount and a rebate. Source

Sony Xperia Mini Pro gets Android 4.0

While we're not surprised by this story considering Sony Ericsson confirmed all 2011 phones except the Xperia Play would be getting Android 4.0, we're no less excited.

The little bundle of joy named the Sony Xperia Mini will be getting an upgrade to Android 4.0. While you'll find that the corner-endowed Timescape UI will remain intact,Android 4.0 will bring about some minimal interface and feature changes with certain apps.

But you'll also get to take advantage of the many apps which use the new Android 4.0 design guidelines. The companion app for PC is all you'll need to get started, but note that this upgrade is for unlocked, unbranded versions of the device, and that carrier-specific versions will be updated according to the carriers' wishes and schedule. Get started here. [via The Verge]

Henge Docks Clique Review

The Clique from Henge Docks is a thin, rigid plastic tray with form-fitted recessions engineered to unite your Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. The Clique not only combines your Apple peripherals, but allows you to use your keyboard and Trackpad without needing a flat surface to place them on, making it perfect for your couch, chair, or bed.  Let's give it a look. This is a typical scene in our media room. I cannot tell you how many times that Apple Magic Mouse has crashed to the floor. I have wanted a solution to the clutter, difficulty manipulating the devices, need of a flat surface, and constant threat of droppage for a long time now.  The Clique seems to be the ideal answer to my situation. As you can see, the Clique has two slots specifically designed to securely hold the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad together and in place. Inserting the wireless devices into the Clique is literally a 10 second effort/snap/click. Once inserted into the Clique, the keyboard and Trackpad combine into a single unit. As I stated above, the supportive tray design is excellent for using the Apple keyboard and Trackpad in a media or bedroom type of setting. The bottom of the Clique has soft rubber pads to protect whatever surface it is sitting on. Turning the Apple keyboard and/or Trackpad on and off is a snap. Henge Docks engineered a spring-loaded power button into the right side of the Clique that can be pressed to turn the Trackpad on and off. There is also a small slider switch underneath the keyboard that is used to turn the keyboard on and off without having to take the it out of the Clique. The Gadgeteer Kid is a lefty, and even though he is muddling through (we delegate control/navigation of the Mac Mini to him usually), Henge Docks is (thankfully) taking preorders on the Clique v.L, a left-handed version of the Clique. The Henge Docks Clique is well made, effective, and perfectly fitted to mate your Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. At $24.95, I think it is a worthy bang for the buck, especially if you need to unite or use your Apple wireless input devices and/or use them on a non-flat surface.

Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE will be priced at $149.99, leaked document claims

Despite what one Verizon website claimed at one point (for just a short while though, after which it was taken down), the upcoming HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE may end up costing $149.99 with the obligatory two-year contract.

At least that's the pricing that has been revealed in the latest MAP list leak originating at Verizon. In this Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) list you can clearly see the new Droid Incredible being priced at that level.

Of course, this could be the pricing after a mail-in rebate, Droid Life speculates. In that case you'd actually end up paying $199.99 in-store, and then you'd get $50 back after mailing in that rebate form.

These MAP list leaks are usually pretty reliable, so it's entirely possible that we now know what the Droid Incredible 4G LTE will cost when it launches.

Microsoft debuts on{X} for Android, promises to 'automate your life'

Well, we can't exactly say we saw this one coming. Microsoft has today taken the wraps off a rather ambitious project dubbed on{X}, which is available exclusively for Android smartphones initially (support for more platforms is planned), and offers a range of tools that promise to help "automate your life." Developed by the company's R&D Center in Israel, the service consists of a website and an app, the former of which lets you select from a variety of scripts (or "recipes," as Microsoft calls them), while the latter executes them on your phone. The kicker is that anyone can create their own recipes and share them with others, and they can take all of the capabilities of a smartphone into account - performing an action when you arrive at a specific location, for instance, or setting reminders based on the weather forecast (all the actual processing is handled on the phone). Much like Kinect, Microsoft is hoping that folks will take the platform and run with it, developing new features that it hasn't even thought of.

Microsoft expanding $99 Xbox program to Best Buy, GameStop

$99 Xbox 360 consoles just got a little bit easier to find. Xbox Live programming director Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb said on Tuesday that Microsoft is expanding its pilot program that lets customers pay just $99 for a 4GB Xbox 360 as long as they sign a two-year service agreement to pay $14.99 a month for an Xbox Gold subscription. While the $99 Xbox deal was initially only available in certain Microsoft retail stores, Hryb said it will soon be available in select Best Buy and Game Stop locations as well. Hryb made sure to emphasize that the $99 Xbox deal is still a pilot program and that gamers shouldn't come to expect $99 consoles to become the new norm just yet. “This next phase of the pilot program will be limited in terms of both timing and the number of units available - we're excited to forge new ground and explore a new retail model for Xbox 360, but also want to emphasize that this is a pilot period for the program,” he said. “Call your local Best Buy, GameStop or Microsoft Store if you'd like more information about how and where to purchase.”

AMD shows off its first Windows 8 concept tablet, we go hands-on

If Intel and Microsoft have been the royal couple of Computex 2012 (aka the world's biggest Windows 8 Ultrabook tradeshow), AMD has been the third wheel. That doesn't mean it's opted out of the festivities, though. Nope, it's chosen this week to show off its next-gen Trinity chips, and it even has its first Windows 8 concept device on display. The reference design, made by Compal, has the same form factor we've seen over and over again this week: an 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 tablet paired with a keyboard dock. The main differences are that it has a kickstand, and packs one of AMD's Trinity A6 APUs. The chassis is on the chunky side, at a shade under 20mm, and the screen's a fingerprint magnet, but then again, we don't put too much stock in prototype designs; such details are subject to change. Performance seemed smooth so far as we could tell, but then again, we haven't had the chance to put it through its paces, streaming HD video or attempting anything of productive value. We wish we could tell you a bit about rated battery life, but alas, AMD isn't ready to make any public claims just yet. As for the accompanying dock, the keyboard is far more spacious than what we're used to.