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3G speed test: Verizon wins, AT&T dead last
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Internet, Science, Wireless / WiFi,
No shocker here. Wired.com did their own independent tests to determine the fastest and slowest average 3G network speeds in the US, and Verizon came out on top. The survey included 15,000 participants, with 12,000 of them reporting back with data that was valid and usable for the tests. Verizon clocked in with an average download speed of 1,940 kbps, T-Mobile dropped in at second at 1,793 kbps, Sprint took third at 1,598 kbps, and AT&T was way behind at just 901 kbps. That’s just sad, and very telling when you consider the complaints from many an iPhone user as it pertains to 3G speeds.
Granted, this wasn’t the most scientific of studies, as the test included 8153 AT&T users, compared to just 856 from Verizon, but hey, the info is still useful, right?
Read More 
| Wired
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Amazon launches Amazon Wireless, selling mobile plans
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Hot Deals, Internet, Wireless / WiFi,
Amazon has launched Amazon Wireless beta, an online storefront where you can purchase voice and data plans from AT&T and Verizon, with T-Mobile and Sprint also coming soon. Normally, we wouldn’t give something like this a second look, but it’s Amazon, and they will be pointing consumers to this wireless portal from within the main Amazon site. The nice thing about Amazon Wireless is that you can compare offerings from the carriers in one easy-to-use spot, rather than visiting 2-4 different sites. Even better, all that mail-in rebate stuff goes out the window if you end up buying your mobile phone and plan on Amazon Wireless - all discounts are instant. Amazon Wireless beta is open now, and currently has over 130 phones up for sale.
Read More | Amazon Wireless
How to Stream Your Zune Tracks to Your iPhone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Handhelds, Microsoft, Music, Software, Wireless / WiFi,
It’s no secret, we are big fans of Microsoft’s Zune - both the service, and the device. I’ve had a Zune Pass since the service launched, and use it daily (my Zune Pass profile.) If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s an unlimited music streaming and download service. You can listen to as much as you want for just $15 a month. In addition, you get to keep any 10 tracks of your choosing each month as well. Yours to keep, forever. Did you know, though, that you can stream any of your downloaded Zune tracks to your iPhone? Yeah, that’s one of the best parts. When you start connecting the dots, you soon realize that you have the potential of having an entire catalogue of music available to you, on your iPhone, regardless of the amount of storage you’ve got.
But, wait…how do you stream Windows Media Audio files to the iPhone, which doesn’t support that format? Furthermore, Zune tracks that aren’t downloaded as part of your 10 free keepers per month are riddled with DRM. Yeah, we hear you. There is no Zune app available for the iPhone itself. What you need is to install a piece of software on your PC, along with downloading an app on your iPhone. Join us, as we open up the musical floodgates.
Click to continue reading How to Stream Your Zune Tracks to Your iPhone
Latest Gear Live Videos
Motorola Karma QA1 Handset
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Internet, Wireless / WiFi,
The Motorola Karma QA1 is for those who can’t get enough socializing. The slider has a full QWERTY keyboard, a 2.5-inch 240x320 display, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0 support, A-GPS and microSD card slot. Access MySpace, Facebook, email, IM and use its voice memo recording to keep track of it all. AT&T is now selling the Karma for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, a $39.99 voice plan and $20.00 messaging or data plan.
Read More | AT&T
Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
The Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3 is, like both generations before it, designed to keep you wrist more naturally in a “handshake” position. With 5 programmable buttons and scroll wheel, the optical tracking can be adjusted from 800 to 2600dpi. There is a Break Reminder to let you know you have been on your PC too long. Choose between the left or right-handed wired version for $80.00 or the right-handed wireless for $120.00.
Read More | Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3
HP is following up its 1001 Netbook with a Mini 5101 that features a 7200 RPM hard drive, either a 10.1-inch WSVGA or LED display, Bluetooth 2.0, a 2 megapixel webcam, and options for SSD drives, batteries and WWAN. A USB-powered external disc drive, external speakers or port replicator are also options. Available in July, it comes with an aluminum and magnesium chassis with mouse buttons below the trackpad. Prices start at $449.00.
Read More | HP
WildCharge Bundle for BlackBerry Curve
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Handhelds, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,
At times we tend to ignore BlackBerry users so it was nice to find this accessory. The WildCharge Bundle was designed for the Curve 8300 smartphone. The urethane Skin fits over the BlackBerry and is embedded with a contact module that connects with the surface of the Pad. Available in matte black, who says wireless charging has to look tacky? The bundle is available for $79.99 (and the company also makes them for iPhones.)
Read More | WildCharge
HTC Ozone Cell Phone at Verizon
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, GPS, Wireless / WiFi,
Verizon will be offering a deal that’s hard to refuse with HTC’s new Ozone. The cell phone features a full QWERTY keyboard, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capability, EV-DO Rev. A Internet, global GPS, micro SD expansion slot, WM 6.1, a 2.0 megapixel cam and a one touch messaging key. Go Verizon Wireless and get a price of only $49.99 with a two year contract after a $70.00 mail-in rebate. Get the Ozone online next week and find it in stores July 13.
Read More | Information Week
It’s Fujitsu’s turn to release a netbook, following the trend of companies going for smaller PCs. The LOOX M packs an Intel Atom N280 1.6 GHz processor and 945 GSE Express chipset, 1GB RAM and a 160GB hard drive. The LOOX M, available in red, lavender, white or black, also has a multi-memory card reader, Bluetooth capability and webcam. Look for a price of around $660.00 when it debuts.
Read More | Ubergizmo
Sony’s VAIO VGP-BMS77 Mouse is both Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable. The charger uses electromagnetic induction technology so no contacts are involved. The lightweight peripheral adjusts between 800, 1200 and 1600 dpi and has an ergonomic shape, five buttons and a scroll wheel. Expect about almost a month of life on a full charge. Look for the VAIO mouse to ship this week for $99.99.
Read More | Sony Style
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