4iThumbs appears to be designed for iPhone users that can't get on with the touchscreen, but don't want to give up their precious.

It's a clear, tactile typing aid for the iPhone's screen that "facilitates faster and more accurate typing, enables blind typing, reduces glare and is the strongest screen protector on the market".

The tactile ridges are said to "guide thumbs for accurate input to ease the transition from other smartphones to the iPhone", so a little like stabilisers, we guess.

4iThumbs is priced at $14.95 for the portrait version, $16.95 for the landscape version and $19.95 for both. Hit the video above for a "spoof" ad.

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Tags: Phones iPhone iPhone accessories 4iThumbs

VIDEO: 4iThumbs tactile keyboard for iPhone launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:46:41 +0000

What do you get if you combine Space Hoppers, Twitter, a south London warehouse and marketing for mobile phones? Sony Ericsson's #Pumpt campaign is what.

The phone co is flogging its Space Hopper theme almost to the death with a new stunt that presumes people want to watch a live video feed of said bouncy toys being pumped up in real time as people tweet a hashtagged phrase on the micro-blogging site.

The whole stunt is designed to promote Sony Ercisson's recently launched Satio and Aino handsets, although users of the former may prefer the company to concentrate its efforts on a firmware upgrade.

Hit play on the video above to have it explained to you by some affable SE bods and if you must, tweet #Pumpt to insert your personal puff of air into the campaign.

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Tags: Phones Sony Ericsson Video Twitter Advertising Space Hoppers

VIDEO: Sony Ericsson's #Pumpt campaign explained originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:02:43 +0000

In an effort to "launch the Christmas countdown" with 28 shopping days until the big day, Vodafone has announced it is to give away free mobile internet to all its consumer customers this Friday.

On 27 November Vodafoners "will be able to check out where their friends are kicking off Christmas on Facebook, stay in touch with their webmail, bid and buy Christmas items on eBay and Amazon, book a last minute Christmas getaway or find a Christmas date on Dating Direct all for free".

The free-ness is open to both pay as you go and pay monthly customers on consumer price plans wit those that usually "pay per day" not having to and those with a data pack not having the day's browsing taken from their monthly limit.

Tags: Phones Vodafone Mobile internet

Vodafone to give away mobile internet on free Friday originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:36:14 +0000

PC World has added to is own-brand Advent range with the launch of a new gaming PC, the Centurion, a desktop space-saving PC, the Firefly, and a lightweight laptop, the Verona.

The 13-inch Advent Verona gets Windows 7, an Intel Celeron ULV 743 processor, 250GB hard drive, 3GB RAM, DVD rewriter, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Weighing in at 1.6kg, and available in three colours with a gloss finish, the Verona is priced at £349.99.

The Centurion ("a stylish and affordable desktop for the budget-conscious gamer") gets a clear side to view the innards, boasts Windows 7 Premium, an unnamed quad-core processor, 4GB memory, DVD rewriter and Wi-Fi. Complete with a monitor, it will cost £799.99.

The compact Firefly desktop PC measures in just 95mm x 300mm x 320mm and features Window 7 Home Premium, an Intel Pentium DC E5 300 processor, a 320GB hard drive, 2GB memory, DVD rewriter and Wi-Fi. It's priced at £379.99.

Tags: Hardware Desktop PCs Laptops PC World Advent Currys Dixons Windows 7

PC World launches three new Advents originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:08:43 +0000

In the States, HP has announced the launch of the new HP iPAQ "Glisten" on the AT&T network.

Said to be a "feature-rich 3G world phone that meets the increasing demands of modern mobile professionals", the Glisten gets an AMOLED display.

Running Windows Mobile 6.5, the device boasts a touchscreen as well as a full QWERTY keyboard and five-way directional pad.

Other features and specs include Wi-Fi, GPS, a 3.1-megapixel cameraphone, a built-in speakerphone and Facebook preloaded.

The HP iPAQ Glisten is due to be available soon for $229.99 on a 2-year contract.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HP AT and T HP iPAQ Glisten OLED

HP iPAQ Glisten launches on AT&T originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:45:10 +0000

It appears as if Microsoft's advertising deal with Family Guy is back on again, after the software giant officially announced the plans and then changed its corporate mind deeming the grown-up cartoon not family friendly enough and opting for Warner Bros instead.

A selection of Windows 7 themed Family Guy clips have just showed up on Microsoft's official YouTube channel, but whether they are previews of what American viewers can expect to see soon, or the dumped ads filed for posterity, we don't know.

Tags: Software Windows 7 Video Microsoft Advertising

VIDEO: Family Guy promos Windows 7 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:27:15 +0000

We've seen both ultra-simple and ultra-stylish stands for the iPhone before, but this takes the biscuit as the most flexible - literally - as it's a modified mini bean bag.

"Have you ever tried watching a movie on your iPod touch or iPhone only to realize it's not that fun to hold your device for hours at a time? Did you then try to prop it up against stacks of books or magazines or try to create an improvised stand or holder with limited success?", ask the chaps behind the design.

"So did we. That's why we created the MovieWedge. Hope you find it as useful as we do".

Made of soft microsuede, that can also double as a screen wiper, the squidgy device gets a little lip to hold the gadget in place, but then contours to whatever you've placed it on.

As well as Apple-flavoured products, the teeny beany will also (obviously) work with other mobile phones, other MP3 players and even some of the smaller handheld consoles.

The MovieWedge is available now for $9.95.

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Tags: Gadgets iPhone accessories Stands MovieWedge Mobile phone accessories

MovieWedge mini bean bag iPhone stand available originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:37:59 +0000

BT Openzone's wireless internet access will soon be available in 4500 more hotel bedrooms, thanks to a just-done deal.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has signed up to the BT scheme and will offer the Wi-Fi in all its properties across the UK by the end of 2009.

This means BT's 4.8 million broadband customers including those with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi minutes, as well as BT Openzone users, O2 iPhone users, and customers from iPass, Boingo and other BT Openzone roaming partners will be able to use the service.

In addition, Macdonald Hotels will be flogging BT Openzone vouchers for a pay and play way to get online.

BT customers can now get online at more than 650,000 UK and Ireland hotspots. If you're tempted, there's more at www.btopenzone.com.

Tags: Software Broadband Wi-Fi hotspots BT Openzone

BT Openzone to be available in 4500 more hotel bedrooms originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:32:32 +0000

Logic3 has announced the launch of the ScreenBeat USB speaker that's design specifically for use with laptops and netbooks.

A cylinder-shaped speaker, the ScreenBeat is made of "tough but lightweight" aluminium hooking up to a portable PC via USB, with compatibility with all Mac, PC and Linux-based computers.

The 8-inch tube offers 3 Watts of what's said to be "remarkably clear stereo sound and comes complete with a compact, protective case.

The ScreenBeat (SB332K) is on sale now from Amazon and www.logic3.com for £19.99.

Tags: Audio Speakers Logic3 PC speakers

Logic3 ScreenBeat speaker launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:57:20 +0000

American customisation company ColorWare has turned its palette to Apple's new Magic Mouse, offering to transform the input device with a startling range of hues.

The service will see a different colour applied to the top and bottom of the mouse, with glossy or soft-touch finishes available.

If you want to order the whole shebang straight from ColorWare, it'll set you back $99, but those who already have a Magic Mouse to send in will pay just $30.

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Tags: Hardware Mice Apple Magic Mouse ColorWare

Apple Magic Mouse gets coloured in originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:03:34 +0000

While it was due to go live towards the end of November, Freesat has announced that the BBC's iPlayer catch up service will now launch in closed beta on the satellite platform on 7 December.

This beta version of iPlayer for Freesat will only be available to "selected journalists and partners" who will be able to access the service using a code.

As far as the rest of the hoi polloi Freesat users go, well, there's a a wait - Freesat says: "We hope as many Freesat viewers as possible will be able to use the service by Christmas and without the need for a code".

The iPlayer service will only be available to Freesat customers with Ethernet-enabled HD Freesat TVs or HD boxes, and again only if they have an actual broadband speed of 1Mb/s to watch BBC iPlayer or 2Mb/s to watch in high quality.

Finally, there is good news for Freesat viewers on the topic of on-demand television as it's been revealed that ITV and Freesat are working to launch ITV Player onto Freesat in the first half of 2010.

Tags: Home Cinema iPlayer Freesat BBC Video on demand ITV ITV Player

iPlayer's launch on Freesat is delayed originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:32:59 +0000

Microsoft has teamed up with New York department megastore Saks for a big Christmas promotion, that, as well as a special sales area inside, includes Windows 7 powering the store's infamous Christmas windows displays.

As part of the window displays, Microsoft has set up a screen displaying a live Twitter stream, with posts hashtagged HolidayWindows automatically showing up on the display.

What Microsoft perhaps didn't account for though, is Apple-loving Twitter users taking advantage of the stream to promote their own pro-Apple and/or anti-Microsoft messages.

A quick glance at the #HolidayWindows stream sees it chock-full of such pro-Apple pithy missives as the brief "Get a Mac" that appears multiple times.

There's also the likes of "Get a Mac! Just follow the masses down to the Apple store. The one that looks like the Windows store... only way cooler", "Avoid viruses - get a Mac", and "Ignore Microsoft, you're not a PC, you are a human being. Get a Mac and feel human again".

As @mooseblaster says, this cannot end well.

UPDATE: It seems the whole stunt was masterminded by Mac fan site MacDailyNews, but appears to have taken on a life on its own now with pro-Mac tweets coming thick and fast, way outnumbering any Windows fans who have attempted to mobilise with a counter-tweet attack.

Tags: Software Twitter Windows 7 Video Microsoft shopping Apple Saks

VIDEO: Apple fans heckle Windows-powered Twitter stream in Saks' Christmas window originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:23 +0000

The Motorola Milestone, the non-Verizon variant of the Droid by Motorola, has seen an online UK retailer put the new, high-end handset up for pre-order.

If SuperETrader is to be believed, we can expect the Milestone to touchdown in the UK on 7 December with a £439-shaped wedge of cash required to take one home.

For that price, the site is offering the device unlocked and SIM-free, in black, with next-day delivery charged at an extra £7.99.

We've previously asked Motorola when we might see the launch of the Android-based phone in the UK.

A Motorola spokesperson said: "We've not yet announced availability of this device in other markets, but look forward to continuing to expand our Android-based portfolio around the world".

The Motorola Milestone has launched on O2 in Germany, suggesting the operator may offer the mobile here too. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE: Clove is also offering the Milestone on pre-order for 7 December, priced at just over £401. Thanks to Tom for the tip.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Motorola Milestone Android Rumours SuperETrader Clove

Motorola Milestone up for £439 UK pre-order originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:32:08 +0000

Google has announced the launch of a mobile version of the new Google Search results for movies with a light-hearted promo vid.

With the claim that the service makes it easier to plan a trip to the movies, the app works for iPhones, Palm webOS handsets and Android-powered devices.

To use it, go to google.com in the phone's web browser, search for "movies", and then tap on the "More movies" link. From there, Google says, you can either browse a list of movies or "select the 'Theaters' button to browse a list of theaters near you".

The new movie listings page includes buttons to play trailers on your phone, ratings and categories, movie posters, upcoming showtimes, as well as a list of the nearest cinemas.

The new search results for movies are available in English in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google Search engines Video Home Cinema

VIDEO: Google Mobile offers movie search originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:55:27 +0000

New gPhone whispers suggest that Google is gearing up for no less than "an all-out assault on the mobile phone market".

The report, from The Times, states that the new, Google-branded handset we've heard about of late will encompass "the first comprehensive Google phone service with unlimited free calls", and a built-in, advanced version of Google Voice.

"For the first time", says the paper, "a single company will control everything from the software in users' phones to the services they use to make calls and surf the web".

The Google handset is said to be "one of the most advanced smartphones, with a large touchscreen display and a [Qualcomm] processor almost twice as fast as the one powering Apple's iPhone 3GS".

It's likely to offer the future version of Android code-named "Flan", which continues the cake-themed updates, and is said to bring high-speed 3D gaming.

As mobile phone operators may be unwilling to offer a device that offers free Google Voice calls, it's suggested that Google may offer the handset direct to the public, although this could push the cost up to over £500 - but it's a price some disillusioned consumers may be willing to pay.

This latest report pegs a gPhone launch as early as next year in the US - we will keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google gPhone Rumours Mobile phone industry Android Google Voice

Google planning "all-out assault" on mobile market with gPhone originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:13:50 +0000

The new First ELSE phone, and its ELSE Intuition operating system, has gotten a classy teaser video that brings the whole revolution-in-mobile message home.

Technology has enslaved us apparently, and it's time we demand a change, in fact it's time for a revolution and it's not too late. So the video says, anyhow.

Hit the button above now to see the video play out and we'll bring you more on UK availability for the First ELSE as we hear it.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones ELSE First ELSE Video Advertising

VIDEO: First ELSE gets classy teaser originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:34:39 +0000

Here in the UK supermarket behemoth Tesco has announced it is to offer the Apple iPhone in time for Christmas - a real sign of how mass market the handset is to become.

Going back 2 years, at launch the iPhone was only available on one network - O2 - and through O2, Apple or Carphone Warehouse stores, but fast forward to the present and the mobile is set to be available on three operators, and through a growing network of retailers, including now, Britain's biggest supermarket.

Tesco will offer the phone on its O2-powered Tesco Mobile network, according to a statement from the retailing giant: "Tesco Mobile through its joint venture partnership with O2 is pleased to announce that it will shortly introduce iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in Tesco Phone Shops and online through Tesco Direct in the UK".

Those hoping for Tesco pricing on the handset will almost certainly be disappointed, O2 and Orange - the two operators that offer the mobile now - have kept contract and handset prices high and with very little difference between them.

So will the ever-increasing availability of the iPhone see some of its shine rub off? Will Tesco offering the device lose the iPhone some kudos? Have your say in the comments box below.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Tesco iPhone O2

Tesco to offer the iPhone originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:38:49 +0000

BeBook has announced its latest eReader, the Mini, described as a compact version of its BeBook One, is to be stocked by some major high street and online retailers in the UK.

London book shop Foyles, as well as Borders and Blackwells and online etailer Play.com will now be offering the device.

BeBook says the Mini boasts an easy to read 5-inch, E-ink screen and wide format support including ePub and PDF, with a lightweight and pocket-sized design.

Features include 512MB internal memory and SD card slot with support for up to 16GB cards, a 400Mhz ARM processor and Adobe Reader Mobile software.

The BeBook Mini is on sale now for an RRP of £179.99, but can be found for less.

Tags: Gadgets eBook readers ebooks BeBook BeBook Mini

BeBook Mini available in UK originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:08:19 +0000

Razer has announced the new "Imperator" gaming mouse with "contours and grooves specifically crafted to enhance aggressive mousing movements made by gamers".

A right-handed ergonomic mouse aimed at palm and fingertip gamers, Razer promises "your grip stays locked and planted no matter how often you lift and swipe your mouse while playing".

Boasting adjustable side buttons that slide and lock into the "ideal thumb position", the new mouse also gets a 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor.

Available online now, the Imperator will see a December retail debut for around $80 or 70 euros.

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Tags: Hardware Mice Razer Video Gaming

VIDEO: The Razer Imperator gaming mouse announced originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:46:54 +0000

A new version of BlackBerry Media Sync has been made available by RIM updating the software to version 3.0.

Media Sync 3.0 allows BlackBerry users to sync their desktop iTunes or Windows Media Player music with via USB "simply and quickly".

In addition to an improved interface, Media Sync 3.0 adds the ability to sync images to and from a device as well as add folders for syncing from a PC to a handset.

As far as pictures go, the software includes an option to optimise pictures for the phone with a "smart memory management" tool that shrinks down files to around 2% of the original size.

BlackBerry Media Sync 3.0 is available for PC and Mac via BlackBerry Desktop Manager for OS 4.6 and over but supports OS 4.2 and over, it's available for free via www.blackberry.com/mediasync.

Tags: Phones BlackBerry RIM Software updates BlackBerry Media Sync iTunes Windows Media Player

BlackBerry Media Sync 3.0 released originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:11:59 +0000

BenQ has announced the launch of two new widescreen G series LED monitors with the introduction of the new 19-inch, 16:10 ratio, 1440 x 900 WXGA+ resolution G920WL and the 18.5-inch, 16:9 ratio, 1366 x 768 WXGA resolution G922HDL.

Boasting the lowest power consumption in their respective size categories (although the G922HDL is arguably the only 18.5-inch LED effort, so that doesn't mean much) the new monitors are angled as eco, although not quite got-a-plant-pot-built-in eco.

With a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, the displays get BenQ's Senseye 3 Human Vision Technology with the claim of "one-touch optimisation" for a range of picture settings.
 
The new models have D-Sub and DVI connects and will set you back £99 for the 19-incher and £95 for the 18.5-inch model.

Tags: Hardware BenQ Monitors Eco

BenQ offers new G series eco LED monitors for under £100 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:05:48 +0000

Philips is offering a new gift service with its PhotoFrame range of digital picture frames that sees the displays customisable for a more personal gift.

Those buying one of the frames at the Philips Online Shop can use the service - for free - to pre-load images or engrave a personal message on the frame, as well as take up options to bundle in a personalised gift card or have it delivered in a fancy gift box.

The five frames available are made up of one 7-inch model, the SPF2017, and four 8-inchers, the SPF4008, SPF5008, SPF7008 and SPH8208.

All models offer a 800 x 600 resolution display in 4:3 ratio, Philips' imagen Pro and RadiantColor tech, slide-show mode, auto orientation, a minimum of 512MB built-in memory and boast low power consumption.

Three models – the SPF5008/7008 and SPH8208 – get border touch control while the SPF7008 and SPH8208 add Bluetooth connectivity. The SPH8208 also boasts a docking station and a 2-hour rechargeable battery for viewing away from the power plug.

Pricing for the frames range from £69.99 to £139.99 while the personalised extras are free.

Tags: Cameras Digital photo frames Philips

Philips offers personalised PhotoFrames originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:30:49 +0000

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone has re-iterated the wish to keep hold of the micro-blogging site, rather than sell out wholesale, but has said an initial public offering could be on the cards for the future.

"We are definitely not interested in selling the company", Reuters quotes Stone as saying at an Oxford University event.

"If an IPO's the only thing, then sure. But if there is some other way then that would be great too. Maybe some other new way will emerge".

With Twitter funding from investors said to have hit the $100 million mark, valuing the company at $1 billion, the pressure will soon be on for the site to turn a profit, plans for which were recently revealed as advanced, paid-for accounts for businesses.

"2010 is really going to be the revenue year. I don't know if we're going to be profitable, but we have plenty of time", Stone said.

In addition, Twitter could introduce advertising in 2010, but Stone hinted it would take a different tack from traditional display ads, stating: "Everyone's going to love it. It's going to be amazing".

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Tags: Software Twitter Websites Online Biz Biz Stone

Twitter's Biz Stone talks IPO, advertising originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:09 +0000

It seems Sony Ericsson's new high-end Satio handset is suffering from "issues" as the UK's biggest mobile phone retailer, Carphone Warehouse, as well as Phones 4U, have withdrawn the device from sale.

As the Satio is "temporarily" withdrawn from Carphone shop shelves, the chain is also offering to replace handsets for any customer who has experienced problems.

"From time to time we experience issues with new handsets, and their software, which may result in a customer experience that is below our usually high standards. We want customers to have complete confidence and satisfaction in the handsets they buy from us, which is why we have temporarily withdrawn the Sony Ericsson Satio from sale", The Carphone Warehouse says in a statement.

"We are working closely with Sony Ericsson to restock the Satio phone as soon as possible and will offer any customer who returns a faulty Satio an exchange of phone".

Problems reported with the Satio include freezing, crashing, battery problems and issues with the phone's interface.

"Sony Ericsson confirms that it has been made aware that a small number of consumers have experienced software issues with its Satio handset when using certain applications", Sony Ericsson says in a statement.  

"Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U have temporarily removed the handset from sale to ensure that future customers do not have an adverse experience. Sony Ericsson is giving this matter its utmost priority and is working toward solving it as soon as possible".

A Vodafone spokesperson told Pocket-lint that the Satio it offers is a Vodafone variant that's been through testing. The operator says it's continuing to keep a track of the situation, but it is still offering the Vodafone Sony Ericsson Satio for sale.

We've yet to hear if other operators that offer the handset will also be stopping sales or offering exchanges, but we'll update this post as we do.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Carphone Warehouse Sony Ericsson Satio Product recalls Phones4U Vodafone 3

Sony Ericsson Satio withdrawn from sale originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:48 +0000

Cygnett has announced the launch of a new Micro mini speaker for phones and MP3 players.

Promising "hours of ear bud-free music" (3 to be exact, with its USB rechargeable battery) the diminutive device offers portable stereo sound.

Measuring 47mm high and 105mm wide with a depth of 23mm, the Micro is available in black and red, black and pink or black and silver colour schemes.

The new Cygnett Micro is available for around £19.99 from Amazon and iWorld.

Tags: Audio Speakers Cygnett Cygnett Micro

Cygnett Micro mini speaker launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:18:00 +0000