Find Our Latest Video Reviews on YouTube!
If you want to stay on top of all of our video reviews of the latest tech, be sure to check out and subscribe to the Gear Live YouTube channel, hosted by Andru Edwards! It’s free!
Google testing Google Voice number porting
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Internet,
Word on the street this morning was that Google had quietly made number porting available to all its Google Voice users, but the search giant confirmed Thursday that it is only conducting a test of the option with a few users.
"We're continually testing new features to enhance the user experience. For a limited amount of time, we're making the Google Voice number porting process available to users," Google said in a statement. "We don't have any additional details to share at this time, but plan to offer this feature to all users in the near future."
Click to continue reading Google testing Google Voice number porting
Advertisement
Want to work in the exciting new world of digital comics? Yes you do.
Comixology is one of the big digital download sites and they posted several job opportunities on their Twitter feed this week.
Here's what popped up:
Web Designer: They want you to have JavaScript/AJAX skills and live in NYC.
Technical Project Manager: Must know what that is and live in NYC.
Product Manager: Again, New York City.
Get your resume ready and pop it over to: jobs at comixology dot com.
Good luck, seekers of the future!
[Artwork: Greg Pak's Vision Machine, one of the comics available at Comixology, © Greg Pak]
Deal of the Day: Save $500 on Lenovo IdeaPad Y460p
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Hot Deals, PC / Laptop,
Today’s Deal of the Day gets you the Lenovo IdeaPad Y460 laptop computer at $500 off the standard price, saving you 33%. The Y460 is a 14-inch notebook, and offers a new second generation Intel Core i7 processor, LED-backlit display, 8 GB RAM, 1.3 megapixel webcam built-in, 750 GB hard drive, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, all powered by Windows 7. After the discount, you’re paying $999, and shipping is free.
Save $500 on the Lenovo IdeaPad Y460p
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread.
Latest Gear Live Videos
iOS 4.3 beta 2 now available
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Software,
iOS devs, time to get to downloading, as Apple has just released iOS 4.3 beta 2 alongside the iOS SDK 4.3. Downloads are available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and even the 2nd generation Apple TV. The SDK build is 10M2508a, while the software for the devices is build 8F5153d. From the looks of things, this beta is all about checking and testing AirPlay video with the iOS devices and Apple TV. We will keep our eye out for any other new hotness in this build.
Pay with your smartphone at Starbucks nationwide
Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Software, Wireless / WiFi,
It looks like Starbucks will start offering a new way to pay for all that caffeine nationwide starting this week. Using an iPhone or Blackberry app called Starbucks Card Mobile, users will be able to use their phone as tender at 6,800 locations in the US. The app lets people add payment cards to it, and then simply scan their devices when they want to buy something. The program has been operating as a pilot at select locations, and the company believes customers will appreciate the easier and faster way to pay.
Leaked: ATT raising activation fees starting January 23
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News,
Hot on the heels of our exclusive reports on Best Buy's plan to combat the Verizon iPhone and AT&T's new text messaging plans, we've got another tidbit for you. Aside from changes to their SMS fee structure, AT&T will also be changing up their activation fees. Beginning January 23, the fee on all activations, regardless of the type of phone purchased, will be standardized at $36. Also, the activation fee for additional FamilyTalk lines is being raised to $36 (it is currently $26.)
So now that we know AT&T will be changing their activation fees and SMS plans, we're wondering if talk plans might be getting changes as well. We're doing some digging, and if we find anything, we will let you know.
Leaked: How Best Buy and ATT plan to combat the Verizon iPhone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Features,
We just received a few very interesting tidbits in our tips box this evening as it pertains to the Verizon iPhone and how Best Buy is training their employees to encourage customers to stay with AT&T. As you can see in the document above, which we've confirmed is straight out of a Best Buy playbook, you can see that Big Blue is looking to talk down the Verizon model. What we haven't confirmed is the reason why--is Best Buy not going to be selling the Verizon iPhone at launch? If not, it would make sense that they'd wanna downplay the phone that they aren't selling so that they can continue moving phones that they actually stock.
Specifically mentioned is the fact that Verizon spent all of CES touting their 4G network, while the iPhone is a 3G device that will "still be puttering at EVDO speeds." Kind of odd, since the AT&T phone does the same (although AT&T's GSM is faster than Verizon's CDMA.)
We've got one more image out of Best Buy's playbook after the jump. Oh, and it looks like AT&T is gonna try and entice customer to stay by changing up the costs of their text messaging plans.
[Thanks, JD!]
Click to continue reading Leaked: How Best Buy and ATT plan to combat the Verizon iPhone
Leaked: New ATT text messaging plans in preparation for Verizon iPhone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Features,
AT&T customers, get ready for new text messaging rates to go into effect starting next week. As the Verizon iPhone approaches, the company is looking to make their plans look a bit more attractive, and not so different from what Verizon will be offering. Above is an image leaked out of Best Buy showing that AT&T will have two text messaging plans going forward. The first is a new $10 per month for 1000 text messages (with each additional costing $.10,) while the second is the $20 unlimited text plan ($30 for family plans.) Going away are the $5/200 message and $15/1500 message plans. If you're a current customer on one of those plans, you are grandfathered in and can hold onto it, but new customers won't have those choices starting on January 23rd. Also on that day, AT&T will be raising activation fees.
We're not sure how much this will do to keep people from jumping ship, but it certainly makes the texting plans a little clearer. Also, be sure to check out how Best Buy plans to convince customers to choose the AT&T iPhone. War is upon us!
Comic book artist Mike Mayhew (who works for both DC and Marvel) has landed himself “a gig from a major comics publisher.” Since he uses photo-reference to help him achieve the photo-realistic look of his art, he’s looking for “many models to portray dramatic scenes in a mainstream comic book. All ages, races, and types will be considered.”
It’s an extended assignment and a paid gig and he’s looking to start shooting at his studio in Glendale, CA right now. The photos “are merely reference for my art and will not be reproduced.”
You can find samples of Mayhew’s work at his website.
Good luck, models!
[Artwork: Namor #5 cover by Mayhew, © Marvel Characters]
TiVo iPad app now available
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Entertainment, iPad Apps, New Apps, Free Apps,
TiVo on Tuesday unveiled an iPad app that will allow TiVo Premiere owners to use their Apple tablet as a remote and TV guide.
The TiVo Premiere App for the iPad provides access to all the content available on the set-top box - from TV listings and your DVR queue to show information and social-networking link-ups.
The app will provide access to live TV and DVR recordings; to watch, just swipe and the show will start playing on the TV. When you're away, use the app to set up a TiVo recording.
The bottom menu includes several options, including Info, Guide, My Shows, Browse, and Manage. For more info about a show or celebrity, the TiVo app lets you explore biographical information without interuppting the show on the TV. To discuss what you're watching, the app provides a link to Twitter and Facebook.
There is also an advanced remote icon, which brings up a traditional remote interface. Slide your finger along the bottom of the screen to fast forward or rewind TV content.
To access, download the free app from the App Store and enter the key from your TiVo box. Users must have a TiVo Premiere or TiVo Premiere XL box and an active, paid TiVo subscription.
Read More 
| TiVo App
