Rumor: Omnia W is the successor to the Omnia 7, certainly isn't pathetic

Today we have a rumor that is sure to make Omnia 7 owners excited. Samsung is supposedly going to put out an all new Omnia W handset which is most likely the successor to the popular aforementioned phone and will almost certainly run Mango. This was part of huge leak from HDBlog.it (Italian) of Samsung Mobile's upcoming portfolio of smartphones and tablets which we're just a bit jealous of.

Anyway, what's the Omnia W packing in its trunk? Here's what:

• 1 GHz (?)


• 512 MB RAM


• 3.7 inches


• 5 megapixels


• Bluetooth


• Wi-Fi


• GPS

Now a few other Windows Phone sites are bashing on it and saying these specs are pathetic. However don't be fooled by that 1 GHz processor -- according to the new Chassis 1 requirements all Windows Phones have to follow, that should be the impressive 8x55 series which falls under the S2 category of performance. That's no slouch and while it is usually clocked at 1 GHz, the performance is still leaps and bounds better than what we've seen in this first generation hardware. Plus we've head HTC's using the same CPU in their upcoming hardware and they've clocked it all the way up to 1.5 GHz.

The rest of the specs do suggest the Omnia W could be a mid-range device, like the 3.7-inch display and the 5 megapixel camera, but don't underestimate Microsoft's bang-for-your-buck strategy!

Via: WMPU, WP7 Connect
Source: HDBlog.it

Rumor: Mango launching September 1st, updates to begin before hardware?

We want Mango, like now. We think you do too. That's why this rumor will make you very, very happy. According to Pocket-Lint's "multiple trusted sources", Microsoft will be launching their Mango onslaught on the youngest day of September. This won't just be limited to new hardware either, which is of course included, but Pocket-Lint also claims that first-generation devices will also see updates begin to roll out from then as well. So why September 1st which is not exactly in the Fall season? Here's what they think:

The launch date, we now understand, has been chosen due to its importance in tieing in with IFA, Europe's largest consumer electronics show in Berlin, and means that companies like Samsung, Acer, ZTE and LG will be able to show off new devices with Mango installed.

That actually makes plenty of sense as IFA is a pretty huge event in the year (the biggest in Europe for smartphones besides Mobile World Congress). Plus we know that Microsoft is opening Mango app submissions starting August 22nd, so we figured the Mango launch couldn't be much later than that.

How does Nokia figure into the September 1st timeframe? Well, it looks like they don't. Nokia wasn't mentioned in this rumor while other OEMs were, and everyone is expecting their first device to launch at Nokia World 2011 which takes place in October. Pocket-Lint makes a good observation that Microsoft will perform a two-pronged attack during the Fall with its first wave of devices in September during back-to-school and then the Nokia devices on the brink of the holiday madness (and possibly go head-to-head with Apple).

Hold on to your seats.

Source: Pocket-Lint

HTC announces Beats partnership for high quality mobile audio, "Still D.R.E." never sounded better

Earlier today HTC sent out a last minute invite to the tech press about a "major announcement" for tomorrow morning. There were a myriad of predictions including new smartphones, a new tablet, or an announcement to strike up a patent deal with Apple. Oddly it looks like HTC themselves have let the cat out of the bag early and  even more bizarre is that it wasn't anything anyone could have predicted.

It turns out the company that brought you the sound-lovin' Surround is about to be accompanied by some Beats. HTC has announced they're in the process of purchasing 51% of Beats Electronics, the company headed by legendary rap and hip-hop producer Dr. Dre and known for its high-quality sound design (and obnoxiously-priced premium headphones). The deal is set to complete before the year ends.

The $300 million deal will result in the smartphone exclusive of Beats audio technology for HTC devices, while HP still has the exclusive on laptops and tablets. Obviously HTC's acquisition of Beats means we can look forward to new phones that include the brand, but we'll see just how high quality audio these next-generation devices can pump out over those cheap packed-in headphones worth fifty-cents (pun most certainly intended). Press release just after the break.

HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre Set to Introduce New Era in Mobile Audio

Strategic HTC investment to result in Beats-integrated HTC phones this fall

TAOYUAN, Taiwan and SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corp., a global designer of mobile devices, today announced a strategic partnership and investment with Beats™ Electronics LLC., the company redefining the audio market with its iconic Beats by Dr. Dre™ audio experience. The two fast-growing brands will focus on bringing high performance sound to HTC phones.

"The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smartphone industry and define the future," said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre and chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, which is a division of Universal Music Group and a stakeholder in Beats. "For Beats by Dr. Dre, this represents a critical step in our continued mission to clean up the destruction of audio caused by the digital revolution and reengineer how sound is delivered, so the consumer feels the music the way that the artist intended."

HTC and Beats have been working together to create superior mobile audio experiences for consumers, which will result in a line of HTC devices integrated with Beats sound innovations, available this fall.

"Beats has found a unique way to harness popular culture in a manner that is unlike any other brand today," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corp. "It's an exciting brand that has been built around providing something very special, and we believe our strategic partnership will provide customers with unbeatable sound on HTC phones. We obsess over every detail of a consumer's mobile experience, and audio is a critical part of that experience."

HTC is known for unifying content, services and devices into unique mobile experiences. And Beats is known for its unique consumer brand appeal and ability to reproduce the full spectrum of sound captured in professional recording studios, allowing consumers to hear music the way the artist intended. Bringing these two great brands together will create superior mobile music and sound experiences while accelerating HTC's entry into the youth and accessories markets globally.

Beats Electronics will continue to operate autonomously - with Iovine as chairman and Luke Wood as president and chief operating officer - with its current business partnerships, including Monster Cable Products Inc., HP and Chrysler Group LLC. Iovine also will continue serving as chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

"Our customers have clearly responded to Beats and HTC, and Best Buy is proud to feature their products in our stores," said Brian J. Dunn, CEO, Best Buy. "We are committed to offering innovative and entertaining technologies that help consumers enhance their lives. Our customers expect that from us. The unique HTC Sense experience and the great sound of Beats provide prime examples of that focus."

XBL Wednesday: Minesweeper and Sudoku (for FREE!)

It's Wednesday and do you know what that means? New Xbox Live games for Windows Phone!

This week’s new Xbox Live games are Minesweeper and Sudoku by Microsoft Game Studios. This week is a special treat for all of you Xbox Live gamers, as both of these titles are 100% FREE to download. Not only do you not spend a penny of your hard-earned moolah, you're also getting some free Achievements and GamerScore points out of it. Icing on the cake. These two join Flowerz as the only free Xbox Live-enabled games, so let's hope this trend continues Here is the official description of the Minesweeper:

Minesweeper, the classic puzzle game, is now available on the Windows Phone! The goal is to clear random minefields using flags to safely mark potential mines. One wrong move will detonate the entire board. Sweep your way through Classic and Speed modes, each with as many as 4 different levels of difficulty. Play your way through and earn powerups to help you navigate the board and unlock achievements for your LIVE account.

Here is the official description of Sudoku:

You’ve seen Sudoku in the newspaper - now bring it to your Windows Phone! Sudoku, a numbers based logic game comes with Classic and Lightning modes containing hours of entertainment. With the addition of powerups and LIVE achievements you will have new and innovative ways to show off your impressive intellect. Put your brain to the test with Sudoku!

Minesweeper and Sudoku are available in the Marketplace for $FREE.99.

Click on the tile below to get the game (opens Zune).

	Minesweeper Microsoft Game Studios FREE Version 1.0
	Sudoku Microsoft Game Studios FREE Version 1.0

XBL Deal of the Week: Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

Xbox Live Deal of the Week gets you gaming on the cheap. Every Wednesday an Xbox Live game goes on sale and the discount stays in effect until the new Deal is released.

This week's Deal is PES 2011 - Pro Evolution Soccer by Konami Digital Entertainment. PES has a legacy around the globe as one of gaming's top soccer/football franchises, and a lot of people agree the game has stood up well in its transition to Windows Phone. PES 2011 got great reviews from critics when it first released in February and since then user reviews have held up at a solid 4 stars. You could do a lot worse for $2.99 if you as us. Here's the official description of the game:

The unrivalled and award-winning football simulation is entering its first season on Windows Phone 7!Immerse yourself in unprecedented football atmosphere and the true PES experience with PES 2011.

Features:
- Unrivalled realism: Experience incredible gameplay and focus on tactics, goals and winning trophies while competing against the most advanced team and player AI on the market. Striking animations such as referee cut-scenes or goal celebrations and technical moves (diving header, bicycle kick, and more) will make you feel the beauty of the game.
- Exclusive UEFA Club Competitions: PES 2011 includes many of the best European club teams in the officially licensed UEFA Champions League™ and UEFA Europa League™ modes.
- Online connectivity: Prove your skills and unlock the various Xbox LIVE achievements, compare yourself to your friends, make it to the top of the leaderboards and become the world’s greatest PES player
- Outstanding Accessibility for Beginners and Experts: The uniquely designed true flowTM control system provides instant access for players of all levels by utilising the accelerometer and AI-supported touch controls. More advanced players are presented with unlimited freedom of play by being able to master classic console-style controls with virtual pad and buttons.
- Stunning graphics: Detailed stadiums, pitches and weather effects provide the perfect visual environment for exciting matches

PES 2011 – the unrivalled football experience on Windows Phone 7!

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 has dropped from $4.99 to $2.99 for the rest of the week. The standard free trial is also available.

Click on the tile below to get the game (opens Zune).

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Konami Digital Entertainment $2.99 + Trial Version 1.1

Install Avast for Ubuntu 11.04/10.10/11.10

 Antivirus software for Ubuntu Users – is it optional ? If you want to get protected from virus attacks or malwares, spywares..

Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal) or 11.10 (Few alpha versions has arrived, the stable will be released after few months) or 10.10 or any Linux based distributions are very less prone to virus attacks or malwares, spywares (or any similar *wares). The reason is pretty straight forward – First Linux based operating systems are highly secure and the second reason is that Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7 ..) has been the targeted systems for crackers / hackers or malicious programmers (may be due to the fact that most of the common users uses Microsoft Windows operating system).

Therefore, in general, you don’t need to install any antivirus software on Ubuntu; it’s OK!
If you want to try Avast then you need to download the debian package and install it – either from command line or using Ubuntu Software Center.

How to install Avast on Ubuntu (11.04/11.10/..)

step 1 : Download the debian package.
Download Free Avast Antivirus for Ubuntu

step 2 : Install the *.deb package by Right Click -> Open with Ubuntu Software Center, and click on install button and relax! or just enter the following command -

cd move_to_target_directory

sudo dpkg -i file_name.deb

step 3 : To start using avast antivirus software, You need to Register with avast to get a free license key (Don’t worry it’s free!). The license key will be delivered to your email address within 24 hours (usually withing a couple of hours).

step 4 : Start the program and enter the license key. That’s all!

Get The best security for your Ubuntu! :)

Molly Wood talks about her Windows Phone Challenge, begs for more apps

CNET's Molly Wood was spotted having Android troubles on Twitter by Microsoft's Brandon Watson. One thing led to another, and Watson issued Wood a challenge to try out Windows Phone Mango instead. If she didn't like it, Watson would donate $1000 smackers to her favorite charity. Not a bad deal, and now Wood is holding up her end of the deal. She's just posted up the first video covering her initial day/week with her Mango'd up HTC Trophy and for the most part she's positive. However, when it comes to apps she's feeling the pain. For her full thoughts in this first week, check out the video above and head on over to her article on CNET for more.

Source: CNET