iPhone OS 4 Unleashed to the Masses

If you haven’t already tried downloading it, you can grab iOS4 for your iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod Touch via iTunes. After you get done searching around on Bing (we all know that’s what you’re really looking forward to), you can check out some of the interesting apps taking advantage of all of the other must-have new features like multitasking and quick switching.

Unfortunately, Apple’s idea of “multitasking” doesn’t involve apps refreshing in the background so we still can’t get real caller ID on the iPhone like we can on Android, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, but there are a few apps that can take advantage of Apple’s newest API features. Engadget’s got a list going over at http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/ios-4-apps-the-best-of-whats-new-and-updated/ including their impressions of updated apps like Dropbox, Evernote and Pandora. Make sure to check them out and let us know what you think.

EVO helps HTC increase its hype

In a recent blog, we mentioned that the HTC Droid Incredible was number one on the PCWorld Top 10 Android Cell Phones list. It seems that HTC wants all the glory, now that it has released the highly acclaimed HTC EVO 4G. Those who have had the pleasure of testing out this fine piece of work believe it to be the best smartphone available on Sprint, and second overall to the HTC Droid Incredible on the Verizon network. What makes this phone so impressive is its accoutrement of powerful specs and numerous features packed into a slick, stylish design. The only downfall is that EVO users will have to fork over the money for its 4G connectivity, even if they’re not in the right location to enjoy this feature. What’s it matter? If you want this phone bad enough and you’re in a 4G area, you’ll pay.

There is one thing almost every review is pointing out about the HTC EVO; the packaging of the smartphone. Some have compared it to a tofu container, while others have compared it to a microwavable meal. With that said, let’s not judge a smartphone by its casing because that would be an unfair judgment, especially for this phone. Included with the EVO 4G is a Micro-USB cable, a USB wall charger, a 1500mAh battery and an 8GB MicroSD card. I would say this equipment makes up for the ugly packaging.

HTC Introduces Budget-Friendly Alternative for Smartphone Enthusiasts

It won’t be available until Q3, but soon enough, there will be another decent Android device available at a reasonable price. HTC has unveiled a new budget smartphone to add to its existing line, the HTC Wildfire. The new device will feature the latest 2.1 Android operating system as well as an updated version of HTC’s patented user interface, HTC Sense. Other features on the Wildfire will include a five megapixel camera with flash and a MicroUSB charging port.

There’s Much to Compare When it Comes to Smartphone Shopping

Basically, if you don’t have a smartphone, consider yourself far removed from the inner loop. The wireless market is being dominated by the latest and greatest devices that have brought the convenience of a laptop to the palm of your hand. If you haven’t dug deep down in your pockets to get one, perhaps it’s time you conform to what is becoming the norm for today’s fast-pace, on-the-go society and buy a smartphone.

You’re first instinct tells you to observe which smartphone seems to the most popular among your friends and coworkers. However, you should know that AT&T’s iPhone isn’t the only option just because it’s the only one you see in the palm of everyone’s hand. I’m not trying to suggest that the iPhone would be a poor choice. It’s just that you have some great options to choose from if you happen to belong to another network like Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint. To give you a simple summary of the top smartphones on the market today, I will break this down by carrier so that you are able to gain some insight on a smartphone with your network.

One-Two Punch Gives Microsoft ‘Cool’ Factor

Microsoft has been in hot pursuit to develop a phone with more appeal to a younger demographic. Microsoft’s new devices are not meant to compete with smartphones, but, instead, highlight social media attributes, a feature many users of the iPhone admired when it was first released. With the release of the KIN 1 and KIN 2, Microsoft may attract a significant segment of the market looking for more social media convenience, rather than business and professional functionality.

The KINs, which will be sold through Verizon Wireless, are extremely social media friendly. The software of KIN 1 and KIN 2 allow the devices to give their full attention to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and blogging. Once you’ve connected to all of your accounts on the KIN, your friends’ status updates and tweets will appear on the home screen, as will news updates from RSS feeds you subscribe to. Microsoft refers to this impressive social media concept as the KIN Loop. With either of these new devices, you will constantly be in the loop via popular social media websites.