TechnologiesExpert Blog

It was annoying enough when it was announced that the iPad 3G would use a micro-SIM, not a regular SIM, as other GSM devices do. In the wake of the announcement that the iPhone 4 will follow suit, micro-SIM adapters and SIM-to-micro-SIM conversions are springing up on the Web.



A quick Google search brings up this site, which sells an adapter for the low price £5.99 (or $8.88 in U.S. dollars). Shipping is free.

If, rather than starting with a micro-SIM, you have a SIM you want to cut down to micro-SIM size, there are kits for that as well. This one, for $25, provides a method to cut a SIM down to micro-SIM size, along with an adapter if you need to "go back" for some reason.

Realistically, these will both probably start springing up on eBay (and they already are). The lifespan of these things may not be that long, as new devices will eventually all move the to micro-SIM format. For the short term, most carriers will follow AT&T's example and perforate a SIM so that it can easily be converted to a micro-SIM.

It's sort of a niche product, anyway, as most folks don't SIMs between devices, despite what HBO's The Wire might want you to believe. There is still a definite need for these adapters, at least for now, anyway.

As the availability of the iPhone 4 continues to slide out (at the time of this writing, a quick look at the Apple website shows ship date to now be July 14th), those who cannot wait for an extra three weeks or so are looking to eBay. There, a customer can find plenty of iPhone 4's, for a premium.

The highest priced such deal right now appears to be a BuyItNow deal of $5,000. The deal includes the seller flying to any location in the world to hand-deliver the iPhone 4 on June 27th, three days after it is first available.

This appears to be a similar to an earlier deal for the iPad when it was not available internationally. In that case, however, the seller was generous to U.S. buyers: he would cut $2,000 off the price if they were in the U.S., and he also said he would deliver on "launch day." The iPhone 4 seller appears to be from Las Lunas, NM, yet offers no such "promotion" opr guarantee of "launch day" delivery.

It will be interesting to see how anyone outside AT&T's coverage area will use the iPhone 4 as hackers will have to create an jailbreak and unlock for the new device and iOS4.

This is, of course, the high end of the spectrum, and there have been no takers, so far. Meanwhile, there are plenty of completed listings in the $700 - $900 range, for both 16GB and 32GB models.

It's still a week before June 24th, and as the ship date on Apple's site continues to push out, and out, it wouldn't be surprising to see the "average" price of these auctions to surpass $1,000, for those with way too much disposable income, and way too little patience.

I picked up my T-Mobile HD2 the other day and believe there are thousands of others that did the same based on my in-store experience and reports that the device is sold out across the country. Since I had the chance to use the Euro model and now this one while also being very familiar with Windows Mobile devices I thought I would put together a post of some key tips and tricks to help out new HD2 owners. This should also lighten my inbox load as I continually get questions from readers about these new devices and ways to optimize them for their usage.
Enable more tabs in the Opera browser

I personally find the Opera browser on the HD2 to be superior even to the iPhone (just compare the way that text is reflowed to fit on the screen) so when you do this comparison you will find that Opera only allows you to have 3 tabs/windows of the browser open at once. Don’t worry, you can customize how many tabs you like and I personally have mine set to 6. Follow these steps to increase the number of allowed tabs for a better browsing experience:

1. Enter opera:config as the URL
2. Scroll down to User Prefs and tap on it to open the submenus
3. Scroll down to Maximum Allowed Tabs and change it to what you like. As I stated, I changed mine to 6 since I highly doubt I would ever need more than that. I can always go back and change it later too.
4. Scroll down and tap on Save.
5. Restart the browser to see the changes.

Use Swype for fast one-handed text entry:-

I mentioned and showed this off a bit in my 24-minutes video, but wanted to list the steps for you to enable the Swype input keyboard. Follow these steps to enable Swype:

1. Enter an area where there is a text input field (browser URL, new appointment, new message).
2. Tap the text input open space.
3. Tap the small arrow to the right of the center icon on the bottom of your display.
4. Select/tap on Swype from the list of text input options (you can see there are other options here too).
5. Trace a path through the letters of a word and lift your finger.
6. For more than one word, just start your next word and Swype will enter a space between them.
7. You will see a pop-up box appear at times when Swype can’t quite figure out what you are tracing and you can then tap one of the suggested options to enter it. The one at the top in green is most likely and if you do nothing or tap the space bar then that will be entered.
8. If you see the small “i” above the bottom left Swype icon you can tap it for other word choices.
9. When the “i” is not blinking, you can tap the bottom left Swype icon for other tips and help.

More email settings:-

Some of the more advanced settings I am used to entering in Windows Mobile are hidden pretty deep on the HD2 since the device is designed for standad setup and optimized for the user experience. However, I personally like a bit more control over my email so follow these steps to get access to these advanced settings:

1. On the email tab, tap the left Inbox word at the bottom of the display.
2. Tap Menu in the bottom right, then slide your finger up the display a bit to reveal Tools.
3. Tap Tools, then slide your finger up the display a bit to reveal Options.
4. You can now manage signatures, uncheck the “Warn when deleting” notice, have email attachments stored on your microSD card and more through the four tabs in this area.
5. You can also tap the name of an individual account to setup how many days of email you will see on the device, how often emails are downloaded, size of downloads, and much more.

Exiting the volume screen:-

Volume on the HD2 is controlled by pressing and holding up or down on the volume rocker. When you do this the volume utility screen will appear so you can quickly jump to Vibrate or Silent mode. If you do not want to wait the few seconds for the display to disappear, simply tap outside the vertical volume bar to close the utility.
Find, download and listen to podcasts

I am sure you all listen to our weekly MobileTechRoundup podcast and you may be like me and spend a LOT of time listening to other great shows like TiPB, The Cell Phone Junkie, TWIT, PalmCast, GDGT, and more. Did you know that the RSS Hub application (branded version of Ilium Software’s Newsbreak) is preloaded onto your new HD2 and can be used as both a RSS aggregator and a podcatcher? You can subscribe to all your favorite podcasts and even setup to have them downloaded automatically so they are ready for you to enjoy.
Using Zune Pass on your HD2

I am a big fan of the Slacker Radio client/service on my HD2, but am also a Zune Pass subscriber. As I mentioned a few months ago you can use your Zune Pass subscription music with your HD2 through Windows Media Player on your Windows PC.

You have probably heard the rumors about the leaked white front panel of the next generation iPhone which have had people talking about the fact that Apple might be going to offer the 4th generation iPhone in both black and white color models. These will be full around to the front panel. Well to help give you a better idea of what this will mean I want to show you the real thing.These stunning renderings of the iPhone 4G/HD in full white color have surfaced recently and they will give you a great idea of what the real version of this color variant will look like if Apple really are going to release it as an option. What do you think?

There is a big controversy over the appearance of the iPhone with most people either loving or hating the new all flat design for the iPhone compared to the rounded corners that come with the iPhone 3G/3GS. After taking a look at these pictures though I am sure you will agree that this new design really is pretty amazing.

I don’t know if these rendered images which are based on the iPhone 4G will actually represent the next iPhone that Apple will launch or not but I’m sure you will agree that whether they do or not it looks pretty good anyway.

Apple is expected to unveil the next generation iPhone at the annual WWDC 2010 conference which will be held on the 7th of June and they will then be made available for general public. The new iPhone OS 4 is also expected to be released at this annual event too.

There is not that long left to wait and in another week we will all know exactly what Apple have planned and exactly what they are launching. Until then all we can do is speculate. I have to admit, I really do like the idea of a white iPhone and I’m sure there are many people out there who think the same. If you were given the option which color would you choose for your iPhone 4G HD?

Unlocking Nokia,LG,Samsung,Motorola & All Mobile.



A utility for unlocking Nokia, Siemens, Vitel, Maxel, Panasonic, LG, AEG,Samsung, and Motorola mobile phones

WorldUnlock Codes Calculator is a free utility for Nokia, Siemens, Vitel, Maxel, Panasonic, LG, AEG, Samsung, and Motorola unlock.

Includes MasterCode calculator that can reset your Nokia security code if you have lost it.

Easy guide to free Nokia unlocking:

(Please read the whole guide before starting)

Select phone model from list.
· 2. Enter IMEI number of your phone (Press *#06# on phone)
· Select country and service provider where the phone was bought.
· Hit the button: Calculate!
· The software generate some Nokia unlock codes.
· If 7 codes are displayed, use the code ending with +7 first.
· If it does not work, then try +1, and finaly +5.
· When phone displays "Sim restriction off" it is unlocked.
· If only two codes are displayed (+1 and +2) enter both of them!

Codes will be shown on the form: #pw+CODE+n#
To get p, w or +, pres the * button several times.

You enter the codes correctly by removing any simcard from the phone, turning the phone on and then enter the code.

Here are some key features of "WorldUnlock Codes Calculator":

· Unlock Nokia
· Unlock LG
· Unlock Panasonic
· Unlock Maxon
· Unlock Samsung
· Unlock AEG/Telital
· Unlock Alcatel
· Unlock Siemens
· Unlock Sony

Apple's iPhone manufacturer Foxconn is set to ship 24 million units of the latest iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone HD, with shipments starting in June, according to Digitimes, which cited sources from Taiwan-based component makers.

Apple's fourth-generation iPhone is expected to be unveiled at WWDC in early June, with first shipments expected later that month. While details about the device are still sketchy, Digitimes report stated that the new iPhone will run on the Arm Cortex A8 processor, have 512MB memory (as opposed to storage, the better to be able to multitask), and 960x640 screen resolution.

Additionally, as another move toward supporting multitasking, the new iPhone has a 33 percent thinner panel than in previous iPhones to allow larger battery modules. Digitimes states that Foxconn will ship 4.5 million units in the first half of 2010 and 19.5 million units for the rest of the year.

Customers began receiving their 3G iPads on Friday, as expected. The hardware was purportedly the same as a wi-fi only iPad. You might expect, with the exceptions for applications we know don't work on 3G on the iPhone (like Skype), that everything should work the same, 3G vs. wi-fi. You'd be wrong, but honestly, should you have expected any less?

Based on experiences with the iPhone and 3G vs. wi-fi on applications, there were certainly suspicions that quite a few things might not work on the iPad. For example, the "ABC Player for iPad" won't work on 3G. Instead, users receive the message, “Please connect to a Wi-Fi network to use this application. Cellular networks are not supported at this time.”

Additionally, the iPad's built-in YouTube application "strips both standard and HD videos to a dramatically lower resolution over the cellular data connection." Meanwhile, it appears that iTunes Store video previews are just fine (wonder why that is? ... insert sarcasm here).

Netflix, however, appears to be working normally. The question is, why the differences between applications?

This is the same sort of thing that's still happening on the iPhone, where Skype still has no 3G capable application, but Fring does. Once again, why the difference?

While the first finger to be pointed would obviously be targeted right at AT&T, whose 3G network has struggled under the weight of the iPhone, much less the iPad (AT&T supplies the 3G service for the iPad in the U.S.), an AT&T spokesperson replied: "It’s just a question for Apple."

Hmm. Finger pointing from AT&T toward Apple. Meanwhile, Business Week's Dan Frommer tweeted:

ABC is wifi only on purpose. I believe rights play a role. (they're different on wifi vs 3G) sounds dumb but true.

Bottom line: AT&T is a popular whipping boy in issues like this, and we would be remiss if we did not point out that indeed, their 3G network leaves a lot to be desired, but the answer here is fragmented and probably specific to each "failed" app.

Apple announced on Monday it had passed the magic milestone of one million in terms of iPad sales. According to the company, the one millionth iPad was sold last Friday, which is (not coincidentally) when the iPad 3G first hit retail.

Box Shot : Panda Antivirus Pro 2010Apple's million iPad mark was reached with domestic sales only. Earlier Apple announced it was delaying the international launch of the device, based on unexpected demand. Pre-orders will begin Monday, May 10th, with both the wi-fi and 3G models expected to launch at the end of May, in the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Italy, Japan, Span and Switzerland.

In addition to the device, apps and iBooks are hot sellers as well. The press release noted that iPad users have already downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store and over 1.5 million iBooks.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs also emphasized that the iPad hit the one million mark in 28 days, and compared it to sales of the original iPhone, which needed 74 days to reach the milestone. Of course, that's really comparing apples (no pun intended) to oranges, as it's only since the iPhone 3G that iDevice-mania has become truly crazy.

A new study to be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science purports to reveal just why overhearing cell phones calls, on the bus, on the subway, or wherever, apparently bother us so much.

The study, by Cornell University, suggests it's not because, as many have noted, many people on cell phones shout into their handsets as their is no sidetone. Rather, the study suggests that human brains simply don't like one-sided conversations.

The study tested 41 college students to see how their results on a series of cognitive tests on a computer were affected by either silence, a monologue, a conversation between two people, and half a conversation (called a "halfalogue," such as overhearing a cell phone call). It was the "halfalogue" which lowered participant's scores on the tests.

The study showed that a one-sided conversation draws more attention and drains concentration from listeners. Researchers believe that we are unable to tune out a "halfalogue" because unlike a monologue to a two-sided conversation, listeners try to make sense out of the half they hear and predict what speakers will say next.

Lauren Emberson is a co-author of the study, along with Michael Goldstein. "When you hear half of a conversation, you get less information and you can't predict as well," she said. "It requires more attention."

The researchers noted that while talking on a cell phone is already known to distract drivers, listening to a passenger's cell phone conversation may also be distraction. Further study should be done, they indicated.

May 25, 2010 is Geek Pride Day 2010. While in high school, you may not have felt all that proud if you were labeled a geek, any trip to a high school reunion might have shown you otherwise.

Geek Pride Day has been unofficially celebrated on May 25 since 2006. For those with long memories, May 25, 1977 was the premiere of "Star Wars," later renumbered chapter IV and renamed "A New Hope," in 1977.

Shoebuy.com Free Shipping and Free ReturnsThe idea first began in a bar in Albany, NY. Tim McEachern organized events called the Geek Pride Festival and / or Geek Pride Day from 1998 to 2000. However, in 2006, this day was celebrated for the first time all over Spain and on the Internet.

It wasn't until 2008 that Geek Pride Day crossed the Atlantic and hit America. In 2009, Geek Pride Day reached the Science Channel, where special programming was aired on May 25 to celebrate.

Why should nerds and geeks be proud on this day? One look at Steve Wozniak or Bill Gates, obvious geeks, and their success should be enough. For those who might have gone to their high school reunions, as mentioned above, and seen the down-and-out high school QB, balding and not doing so well, that's another example.

At any rate, today is Geek Pride Day. Buy a geek a cup of coffee, as they survive on caffeine.

As a result of a class-action lawsuit settlement (pre-trial), AT&T has agreed to unlock any phones in its customer base, with some caveats. One of those is basically, no iPhones.

Pre-paid customers must provide proof of purchase, while subscribers are required to have their accounts in good standing and have "completed a minimum of 90 days of active service." That's pretty typical; T-Mobile has a 90 day requirement as well. Customers may request 5 unlock codes per year.

Ah, but herein lies the rub. Additionally, the documents state that "For AT&T Handsets for which AT&T Mobility has an exclusive sales arrangement with a manufacturer of less than 10 months, the period of exclusivity associated with that sale must have expired before an unlocking code can be obtained."

Oh, oh, you might ask. What about phones for which there is rumored to be continued exclusivity until 2012 (like the iPhone). You will, in that case, be out of luck. If you are surprised, you shouldn't be.

Lindsay Lohan was "sentenced" to wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet on Monday. The $1,500 bracelet is just another way that technology
ensures compliance for these sorts of sentences.

Fandango - Movie Tickets OnlineSimilar to much better known monitoring bracelets used to restrict suspects or parolees to certain locations, Lindsay Lohan's ankle bracelet, dubbed SCRAM for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, has been available since 2003, and is in use in all states except Hawaii.

Lindsay Lohan's SCRAM ankle bracelet uses the same technology as a Breathalyzer but, naturally, it's hard to get breath from one's ankle. Instead the device samples perspiration on the skin, testing every half hour. Generally once a day, the information is sent to Alcohol Monitoring Systems Inc., which currently makes the only alcohol ankle bracelet.

If the alcohol amount is 0.02 or higher, the company alerts the proper authorities. According to the company, a 180-pound man would register 0.02 if he has two 5-ounce drinks in less than an hour on an empty stomach.

Judge Marsha Revel told Lohan that in order to stay free on bail, she must wear the SCRAM device and she must submit to random drug testing. Revel also restricted Lohan to the L.A. area, which will interfere with a Texas film that Lohan is involved in. Although Revel should realize that Lohan's job options of late have been few and far between, she basically said "tough luck" to the troubled actress, who is still under probation after incidents in 2007.

Nokia has also announced the Nokia E5 smartphone. The Nokia E5 is the latest addition to the Eseries range. Nokia E5 runs Symbian S60 3rd edition operating system.

Nokia launched C3, a messaging phone with a full QWERTY keyboard. Nokia C3 is targeted to the users who need anytime instant access to Instant Messaging, social networking and email accounts. The Nokia C3 sports 2.4-inch screen display with 320 x 240 pixels screen resolution, 2 MP camera, 55MB internal memory and 8GB expandable memory card slot.

Nokia C3 also features 64 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM GPRS, EDGE, WLAN, WiFi 802.11b/802.11g, USB 2.0 connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, 3.5 mm headphone jack and Stereo FM radio. It measures 115.5 x 58.1 x 13.6 mm and weighs 114 g and is powered by Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery that provides talktime of up to 8 hours, standby time up to 500 long hours and music play back of up to 30 hours on full charge.

Nokia C3 is a 2G phone and expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010. The Nokia C3 will be available in golden white, slate grey and hot pink colors.

Nokia C3 will carry the price tag of Rs. 5500 approx

The Sony Ericsson C902 is a cybershot series phone which will be in stores in 2months time. The price announced for this limited edition phone is close to Rs. 21,000 (about USD 500/-).

This new handset is all set to promote the new bond film coming next year - "Quantum of Solace". Although there is one thing for certain there is no short of Bond crazy people around the world so this handset should sell well consider it comes bundled with the trailer of the mobie, interviews and other goodies like wallpapers and screensavers.