Future Proof your T-Mobile G2

T-Mobile has a lot of Android mobile phones under its sleeve and more to come but probably the most under appreciated phone under its wing is the T-Mobile G2. Looking at its specs, people might shy away from it since it only has an 800 MHz processor while all the new phones nowadays have 1GHz processor and the current trend is dual core processors. But before you completely write-off the G2 or sell it to buy a newer model, there are some ways that can actually future proof your handset.

Overclocking the T-Mobile G2

800 MHz is actually pretty fast and I haven't actually gotten any kinks while running the G2 at stock speed but if you're all about numbers, you can actually overclock your handset to up to 1.4GHz. Overclocking your handset requires rooting but if you're still under warranty you can overclock the T-Mobile G2 with temporary root. Instructions can be found at the link and you can unroot any time. With 1.4 GHz processing speed, the G2 is noticeably speedier and you can now rest assured that your phone is faster than the 1GHz android phones being currently released by Sony Ericsson.

Install FPSE

Sony Ericsson has currently released the XPERIA Play and will be introducing Playstation games in the Android Marketplace for playsation certified handsets. If you want to get in on the action, purchase the FPSE App instead which lets you play PS1 Roms on your handset. You can map keys so you can make use of the G2's physical keyboard and I actually think you're better off with the G2 rather than the Xperia Play esp. if you overclock the latter and you'll have an actual physical keyboard.

Install Custom ROMs

If you don't care about the warranty, you can go all out and permanently root your handset. If you permanently root your T-Mobile G2, you can install custom ROMs. With Custom ROMs you can customize your handset anyway you please; don't like vanilla android? You can install the HTC Sense ROM on the HTC Desire Z. Don't like to wait for the latest version of Gingerbread to be rolled out by T-Mobile? There are Gingerbread ROMs at xda-developers.com. Anything is possible with custom ROMs.

These are just but a few ways to future proof your T-Mobile G2. In the future, more hacks will be possible that would bring out new features on the G2 that you can be sure it will be able to compete with the latest and greatest in a year or two.

Best mobile phones to buy this 2011

So you've been lugging around that brick of a mobile phone you have had since the 90s and you're thinking of finally upgrading to a better mobile phone this year. Well congratulations because this year you'll have the latest and greatest the mobile phone world has to offer. Here are the top mobile phones to watch out for.

AT&T

Motorola Atrix 4G

This year, Motorola isn't just cozying up with Verizon but decided to make a killer phone for AT&T as well. The  Motorola Atrix 4G has certainly turned a lot of heads at the recent CES. Not only does it have a dual core 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor, 1GB RAM, fingerprint sensor, high resolution 4 inch screen, WiFi 802.11 n, but also a dock that turns your phone into a smartbook once connected to any TV or monitor. Check out this Motorola Atrix review to see what I'm talking about.

iPhone 5

Yes, there will certainly be an iPhone this Summer, it's as sure as Steve Balmer hates Steve Jobs. There's not much info yet but word has it that it will have a new design as well as 1080p video recording maybe? Well, whatever it has, I'm pretty sure Apple fans will make this phone a hit.

Samsung Infuse 4G

I'm debating whether to put this in or not since I thought this might be the Captivate with the added feature of a front facing camera but my mistake. This is definitely more souped up than T-Mobile's version. It has a 1.2 Ghz processor and capable of 1080p video recording not to mention it's one of the three mobile phones that will be compatible with AT&T's 4G Network.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G

Yes, expect the Sidekick to make a comeback. Of course, there's nothing concrete to go by except for a few leaks. Word has it that this will be an Android phone and will be made by Samsung. Aside from that no concrete specs but hey, it's the sidekick, I'm sure some people are excited.

Verizon

iPhone 4

Yes, half of us in the US already have the iPhone 4 but the other half, particularly those loyal to the big red, have been patiently waiting for a CDMA variant of the iPhone 4 and finally, this year, their wait has been rewarded. Do I have to delve into the details? Come on! It's the iPhone 4, I'm pretty sure you've heard of it.

Motorola Droid Bionic

And Droid still lives on. If you think the iPhone 4 is so last year (which it is), you'll find solace in the Motorola Droid Bionic which does blazing 4G speeds on Verizon's network. Aside from that it packs a 1GHz dual core processor, HDMI out, high resolution screen, 512MB RAM, and has the feature of simultaneous video streaming on your device and TV.

So that's it. For our international readers, read this list. Of course there'll probably be more coming but they're either under lock and key with the big manufacturer's or still in the minds of their great engineers but rest assured that come the second half of 2011, we'll see better mobile phones, after all, Moore's Law states that it'll only get better.

Samsung Monte now available in the UK

The Samsung Monte, Samsung's latest touchscreen wonder have been seen all over the UK. Unlike Samsung's past mobile phones which seems to be exclusive to Vodafone only, the Samsung Monte have been seen on O2, Orange, and Vodafone so this looks like a phone that all carriers will offer.

That's good news for UK customers because they'll have more options. Hopefully, we'll see the Samsung Monte on Pay as you go too.

Read Samsung Monte Reviews to see if this mobile phone is for you.

Xpreia X10 working on T-Mobile 3G

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, the Japanese-Swedish mobile phone manufacturer's flagship Android handset is already available outside US. If you can't wait for the North American version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to be available, you know you can always import one but why would you import a $700 phone only to find out that the 3G is not working?

Well, fear not because the Xperia X10 seems to be working on T-Mobile's 3G bands, according to a user at howardforums. So excited Sony fanboys who don't mind getting a contract on T-Mobile can import one from the eBay sellers offering the X10 for sale. If you're still undecided, here's a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Review.

The Sony Ericsson Xperai X10 features a 1GHz snapdragon processor, Sony Ericsson's own UI on top of Android 1.6, and 8 megapixel camera among others.

UK getting the HTC Desire and HTC Legend

Darn, lucky b*stards. Sure, we got the Nexus One even before they did but come on, I think the HTC Desire is sooo much more cooler than the Nexus One. Think about it, HTC Sense with Flash plus multitouch on everything and not just on Google Navigation. I'm telling you, HTC is shortchanging us.

The HTC Legend is another cool mobile phone. An aluminum unibody makes it a Macbook phone. The specs is also much better than the HTC Hero. I'm so tempted to pre-order this and import it but at £528.68 for the Desire and £399.99 for the Legend and with the current exchange rates, not to mention, customs, this is just waay over my budget. I guess we'll just have to wait until for the North American version of these handsets.

Via: Cellphone-Reviews

Samsung S3650 Corby goes by Genio in the UK

I don't know what it is with Samsung and the names they dub their mobile phones over in the UK. The Samsung Star went by Tocco Lite, the Samsung Soul B went by Lucido and now the Samsung Corby is going by the name, Samsung Genio.

Honestly, they should just stick with one name for the rest of the world as a lot of people in the UK are importing unlocked mobile phones and all these different names might confuse some people. Anyways, the Samsung S3650, or Corby, or Genio, whatever you might want to call it is Samsung's newest cheapo touchscreen mobile phone. It's supposed to be geared for teeners because it has different colors (what is it about teeners and different colors anyways?) but with the Samsung Star still very much selling like hotcakes, we'll see if the Corby will be able to penetrate its target market.

RELATED LINKS:

Motorola Milestone UK

Vodafone UK offers Blackberry 8520 Curve

In a country where 2G phones are slowly being phased out, it's a surprise that the Blackberry 8520 Curve still managed to find its way on Vodafone UK.

Anyways, the Blackberry 8520 Curve is now available on Vodafone UK and it's probably one of Blackberry's cheapest models. The Blackberry Curve 8520 offers an optical D-pad, WiFi, dedicated musicy keys, onboard 3.5mm headset jack, and 3.2 megapixel cameras.

Hopefully, Vodafone would launch the Blackberry Storm 2 pretty soon.

RELATED LINKS:

Vodafone iPhone Tariff

Samsung i8000 Omnia II gets pictured and reviewed

So, the much anticipated follow up of the very successful handset from Samsung, the Samsung Omnia II gets some pictures and reviews.

The owner of cellphone-reviews has always been a fan of the Samsung Omnia but it seems that she's not a fan of the update. According to the reviewer, the Samsung Omnia II suffers from the occassional lags although battery life of the mobile phone seems great at 2-3 days.

I would love to own either the Samsung Omnia II or the Samsung i8910 HD but both mobile phones are still not available here. I guess I have to wait a while.

HTC Hero

So HTC has released their 3rd Android device: the HTC Hero. This device is really sexy looking and HTC has sweetened the Android UI with their own HTC Sense.

The HTC Hero will be available in the UK around July from Orange. No word if it will reach US shores.

Specs of the HTC Hero includes: HSDPA, capacitive touchscreen, accelerometer, 3.5mm headset jack, microSD, 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, GPS and WiFi.

Samsung S8300: Nice screen, poor audio?

I've been eyeing the Samsung S8300 as my phone of choice as it has an 8 megapixel camera and a gorgeous AMOLED screen. From the Samsung Tocco Ultra Touch Reviews on the net, all are unanimous in saying that it has indeed a gorgeous screen and perfect for watching HD videos. The problem is the audio quality.

There are those who say that the speakers are not so loud and a bit tinny while others say it's okay. I'd really love to get one of these though I don't know which carrier will get the Samsung S8300 in the states. I don't want to have to import one just for the video quality and even though it's 3G/HSDPA capable, the European versions won't be compatible here in the states and since it doesn't have a WiFi, spending $500 for a phone that doesn't have fast internet connection is a waste. I might just as well wait for the Sony Ericsson W995 which will hit US shores in July.

The HTC Magic to be released by Vodafone in May

So, if the HTC Magic will be released by Vodafone in May, when will T-Mobile release the G2 phone here in the states? Anyways, according to Cell Phone Reviews, the HTC Magic was initially planned by Vodafone to be released in April but an Anonymous commenter said that they've pushed back the release to early May (typical Vodafone).

Based on the HTC Magic Review done by Cell Phone Reviews, I'm quite amazed by the Cupcake OS on this baby. Very, very nice, almost comparable with the iPhone. I do hope that T-Mobile will let G1 users experience this kind of interface by releasing a firmware upgrade for the G1. Anyways, jump to the link and drool over how good the HTC Magic interface is.

The N97 is here

Yep, here's another thing to look forward to this upcoming year: the Nokia N97. The Nokia N97 is the latest of Nokia's touchscreen phones, right on the heels of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. The Nokia N97 sports a 3.5 inch touchscreen though it's resistive rather than capacity and a slide out QWERTY keyboard.

Like Mobile Phone Reviews, I also have a good feeling about this one. It's such a nice phone. I wish HTC would make something similar, maybe an HTC Touch HD version with QWERTY would be nice. The Nokia N97 is expected to be released early next year. To know more about the Nokia N97, read the Nokia N97 review.

The iPhone's New Competitors

It's as if the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic isn't enough, it looks like a busy week for the "let's compete with the iPhone" fanclub. Only a few days after the announcement of the Nokia 5800 and a few weeks after HTC announced their HTC Touch HD (incidentally, you can check the HTC Touch HD Review here), there's another competitor for the iPhone: the Blackberry Storm. The Blackberry Storm is Blackberry's first touch screen device and has there have been rumours of Blackberry creating a touchscreen device which as codenamed Blackberry Thunder. I guess Blackberry changed the name after a while.

Anyways, it looks like we may have a REAL iPhone competitor in terms of interface. The Blackberry Storm doesn't only offer multitouch capabilities but also features an innovative "click through" feature which allows users to type on the keyboard with the same feel and sound as a real keyboard. Pretty nifty. Unfortunately, some say there's no WiFi for the Blackberry Storm. Now THAT's a real damper since this is supposed to be a smartphone. What gives, RIM?

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Gets Official

For months bloggers have been talking about Nokia's touchscreen phone called "the Tube", it was even featured in the Dark Knight but it wasn't until recently that Nokia got official with it and dubbed it as the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.

According to Cellphone Reviews, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic will get a worldwide release sometime this fourth quarter of 2008 though it would probably be later in the US if you're waiting for an official carrier to subsidize the device. Looks like a pretty cool phone, little bit on the thick side for me. Check out the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Review.

Motorola MotoROKR EM30

If you want a mobile phone that would meet your demands as a music lover, then the latest product from Motorola is just right for you. The Motorola MotoRoKR EM30 is not just a sleek mobile phone but a cool music player at the same time.

The latest technology from Motorola called ModeShift allows the users to determine which phone feature they are currently using. The keyboard will illuminate with different colors depending on the feature. If your phone is red, this means that you are using the music features of the MotoRoKR EM30. On the other hand, if you are using the phone features of the MotoRoKR EM30, whether you are texting or calling, the keyboard will illuminate in color blue.

A pretty cool phone and would probably be cheaper than the ROKR E8.

The Dark Knight's Mobile Phone: Nokia or Samsung

I've just recently watched the Dark Knight and I might be doing a post these upcoming days about the gadgets I found interesting on the movie. However, right now, I'm a bit confused and still wondering what The Dark Knight's Mobile Phone was. You know, the one Morgan Freeman had on him when he visited that Chinese guy in the movie and the one he gave Christian Bale, the one with the touchscreen.

Now I know that Nokia is in partner with The Dark Knight producers since they're the ones launching the Nokia 6205 The Dark Knight Edition phone and there's a good chance that it was a prototype of the Nokia Tube that was used in the movie but the interface seems like that of Samsung or HTC's. Anyways, with all the touchscreen phones going around on the net and everyone trying to be iPhone like, it's hard to recognize which one is which.

Anyways, The Nokia 6205 The Dark Knight Edition mobile phone will be coming exclusively to Verizon Wireless and sports a black color with the Dark Knight logo at the back of the phone. The Nokia 6205 is a flip phone and has touch sensitive external music keys similar to the one on Motorola's Razr2 series. Since this is a somewhat official movie merchandise phone, naturally, the phone has The Dark Knight theme from wallpapers, animated screen savers, voice ringtone, and preloaded with the full movie trailer. If that's not enough for you maybe you can download ringtones with the Batman Theme.

Sony Ericsson C905 Price and Availability

I've previously blogged about the wonderful features of the Sony Ericsson C905 and I'm pretty excited about this phone. Apparently, it's only not me who's excited or eagerly awaiting for this release. Over at Howardforums.com, there's already a dedicated thread for the Sony Ericsson C905.

According to some people on the forums, the Sony Ericsson C905 will be priced like the K850i when it was first launched so that's around $700. I guess the price is pretty steep and some people are already searching for Sony Ericsson C905 deals.

I still haven't heard which carrier will bring the C905 on their line-up but based on network compatibility, it will probably be AT&T or T-Mobile. I do hope that some network providers will carry the Sony Ericsson C905 since the price will probably be lowered to around $400-500 if you buy it with a mobile phone contract.

Anyways, the Sony Ericsson C905 will be coming in the 4th Quarter of 2008 but since there's always a delay between the announced date and actual release date of Sony Ericsson phones, it's will probably be late December or early 2009.

Motozine ZN5

Looks like Motorola won't give up their no. 3 position to Sony Ericsson without a fight. Right on the heels of the introduction of Nokia's E71, Sony Ericsson's C905, and Samsung's Omnia, Motorola has announced their new camera phone in partnership with Kodak, the MotoZine ZN5.

The MotoZine ZN5 only has 5 megapixels camera, a far cry from Sony Ericsson's 8 megapixel shooter, the C905. What's cool about the MotoZine ZN5 is that it combines Motorola's mode shift technology (the one on the ROKR E8) with Kodak's Imaging technology.

Though there are many 5 megapixel camera phone on the market, the fact that it's Kodak's imaging technology on the MotoZine ZN5 would make this a promising camera phone. The back of the MotoZine ZN5 has a lens cover and when you slide it off, you can easily change to camera mode. Other camera features on the ZN5 aside from the 5 megapixel resolution is its Xenon Flash, auto focus, optional 4GB external memory, and optimum camera settings that can only be found using Kodak's imaging technology.

MotoZine ZN5 Features:

• Display: 2.4” 240x320 262k TFT
• Memory: 350MB available memory, optional removable 4GB memory card
• Camera Options: KODAK 5-megapixel Camera, auto-focus, low light optimized with Xenon flash, Multi-shot mode, Capture and edit modes: panorama, grayscale, sepia, negative, reddish, greenish, blueish, Fixed optical zoom lens, Focal length: 5.56mm. Aperture: 2.8/5.6, Digital viewfinder
• Sliding the lens cover
• ModeShift technology
• CrystalTalkTM technology for clear-sounding calls
• SMS, MMS, IM, personal e-mail1
• Full HTML open source browser
• 3.5mm A/V jack, FM radio6, music player
• Wi-Fi enabled/ WLAN: 802.11 b/g/i
• Microsoft Windows Media Player 11
• Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology (A2DP)2
• Video –C/P 15fps, MPEG4, H263
• TV out3
• Dimensions: 50.5mm (W) x 118mm (L) x 12mm (T) (16mm at bump)
• Talk Time: up to 349 to 574 minutes5
• Standby Time: up to 310 to 579 minutes5
• Weight: 114g
• Battery: 950 mAh
• Bands/Modes: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE Class 12, GPRS Class 12

MotoROKR E8 to come to T-Mobile on July 7th

Not to be outdone by AT&T's iPhone 3G and Sprint's Samsung Instinct, T-Mobile is preparing to launch a cool mobile phone for their customers: the Moto ROKR E8.

The Moto ROKR E8 won the best of CES by CNET this year. Motorola sales has been on a decline and the company is hoping that the ROKR E8 might just be the mobile phone that could breath life into their sagging sales.

Check out this MotoROKR E8 Review for an in depth look and if you like what you see, then head over to your nearest T-Mobile store on July 7th.

Sony Ericsson J132

Looks like Sony Ericsson is trying to make its presence felt and doesn't seem to be contented with the no. 4 position..or is it three now? What was the name of that other manufacturer? Oh right, Motorola--are they still in business?

Anyways, this time, Sony Ericsson has their eyes set on the entry-level phones with the introduction of the Sony Ericsson J132.

The Sony Ericsson J132 is a no-nonsense basic mobile phone with just the added feature of an FM player and a flash light or what they aptly call, the torch function.

Since it is mainly a talk and text phone, it is imperative that the Sony Ericsson J132 has a long battery life and according to Sony, the J132 has a rated talk time of up to 9 hours or 450 hours of standby time. Phone book memory is set at 4MB.

The Sony Ericsson J132 will be available in selected markets in the fourth quarter of 2008.