3D smartphone showdown: LG Optimus 3D vs. HTC EVO 3D

Forget 3D glasses. Both LG's Optimus 3D (AT&T Thrill 4G) and HTC's EVO 3D have thrown their hats into the ring with the Nintendo 3DS, offering a full 3D effect without any eye wear needed. Which one is best? Find out here.

This week, Nintendo launched the first major glasses-free 3D handheld device. If you’re wondering, yes, it has better 3D than either of these two phones. However, HTC and LG aren’t far behind. While I have no love for LG’s implementation of 3D in the Optimus Pad tablet (T-Mobile G-Slate), LG’s first attempt at 3D in the smartphone space is a different story. The LG Optimus 3D does the third dimension justice with glasses-free 3D. And HTC’s new entry, like everything HTC seems to put out lately, is polished and worthy of attention. But which phone is the best and which offers the best 3D experience? I spent some time with both devices at last week’s CTIA trade show. My findings are below.

3D effect

Winner: LG Optimus 3D (aka AT&T Thrill 4G)

We have to hand this one to LG. We were unable to look at both phones side-by-side, but LG’s 3D demonstrations had a lot more depth to them and the 3D viewing angles were slightly more relaxed on the Optimus. To be more specific though, LG created menus and software that specifically shows off the power of its 3D. HTC hasn’t really done this yet. Its weather app had some fun 3D effects, but to really experience 3D, you had to open the camera. Neither device used 3D in the traditional menus. Representatives said this would drain the battery and strain the eyes. I agree.
On the lower left side of the LG Optimus there is a dedicated “3D” button that opens up a rotating 3D cart with camera, games, apps, YouTube 3D, and other options full of 3D-specific content. We’re giving this category to the Optimus because it attempts to make 3D an experience instead of an underused feature. Several full games were rendered in 3D, something we did not see on HTC’s device.

Horsepower

Winner: HTC EVO 3D
Both the EVO 3D and Optimus are great phones where it relates to specs, but the EVO pulls ahead. While there have been a lot of 1GHz dual-core processors floating around the show, the HTC EVO 3D is the first I’ve seen with a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor. The Optimus has a 1GHz TI processor. In addition, though both screens are 4.3 inches, the EVO 3D also has a higher resolution at 540×960; LG’s display is a respectable 480×800. Both devices also have a full 1GB of RAM, but the LG has double the storage of HTC’s device with 8GB. For some reason, HTC chose to only include 4GB of internal storage. However, where it lacks in storage, the EVO 3D makes up for in 4G WiMax support on Sprint. Despite the word “4G” in carrier name (“AT&T Thrill 4G”), AT&T’s HSPA+ high speed network doesn’t hold up to Verizon or Sprint’s LTE and WiMax networks. HTC’s EVO also has dual speakers, though it was too loud to try and figure out the benefit a second speaker brings.

Camera

Winner: HTC EVO 3D

Both devices have dual stereoscopic 5MP 3D rear cameras and 1.3MP front cameras, but HTC’s device simply takes better photographs, overall. The 3D photos from both cameras had decent depth, but HTC’s camera took better 2D pictures, especially in lower light. The HTC EVO pictures were more colorful and higher quality overall during the brief time I spent with the devices. HTC’s camera software was more sophisticated, with more options and a display that showed pictures more naturally in 2D before it shifted to 3D.
Though the LG Optimus has a dedicated 3D button that opens up its 3D menu, HTC has a built in 2D/3D toggle that directly connects to its camera, which has a very nice round button. So for those interested in camera features, HTC appears to have had this in mind first and foremost. Both devices can shoot 1080p video in 2D and 720p in 3D, but I did not get a chance to shoot any moving video on either.

Operating System

Winner: HTC EVO 3D
There isn’t much debate here. HTC is running on a brand new version of Sense built over Google’s new Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. Not only do users get the performance and battery improvements of Gingerbread, but HTC’s Sense is more complete experience than LG’s custom interface. HTC’s new 3D rotating cart effect (check it out in the video for the HTC EVO View 4G) is also fairly kickass. Still, the new LG interface does boast a few cool features like the ability to group and organize applications in new ways.

Overall

Winner: HTC EVO 3D

For being the first two phones with glasses-free 3D, I am fairly impressed with both the LG Optimus 3D and HTC EVO 3D. They both pull off 3D well (though neither compare to the Nintendo 3DS) and both companies were smart enough to not try and make the entire menu system 3D. LG’s 3D apps menu also stands out and is a great demonstration of its capabilities. With that said, HTC’s device takes the cake where it relates to 3D cameras, hardware, and operating system. Battery life and price may still be an issue with both of these devices, but as it stands we think HTC delivers a more solid overall experience.

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the rapid increase in mobile phone virus

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said.
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Samsung Mesmerize Galaxy S Smartphone Gets Android 2.2

Android 2.2, or "Froyo," is now available for the Samsung Mesmerize Galaxy S smartphone from U.S. Cellular. The update includes Flash 10.1 and improved tethering.

The Samsung Mesmerize from carrier U.S. Cellular is the latest Galaxy S smartphone to receive an OS update to Android 2.2, or "Froyo." It follows Sprint's Samsung Epic 4G smartphones, as well as its Galaxy Tab, which began receiving over-the-air updates March 21, according to Wireless and Mobile News. The Froyo upgrade for the Mesmerize includes changes to the phone's Microsoft Exchange support, home screen, backup capabilities and other daily and not so daily uses.
A major new boost is support for Adobe's Flash Player 10.1, which enables users to access video and games on the Web. Android devices' support of Flash, a feature that their Apple-made counterparts don't share. David Pogue, reviewing the iPad for The New York Times last year, complained that, due to its lack of Flash, when using the Internet, users came across white boxes where video or animations should be.
The home screen of the Mesmerize has also received updates. There's now a widget that can help users to customize said screen with shortcuts and other widgets, and seven home screen panels. Zooming with two fingers, users can also view all the panels at once, as well as add or remove panels. And, from the home screen, there are now dedicated shortcuts for the phone, contacts and messaging, and the applications launcher.
Additionally, the camera and video camera now have a self-timer option and the phone can be used as a modem via a USB cable, and its ability to act as mobile hotspot has been boosted from one other device to "five to eight," according to U.S. Cellular, though this requires a tethering plan. (The "Wireless Modem" is now also called a "Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot.")
New enterprise-geared features include additional password options, the ability for an administrator to enforce the use of a password and to remotely wipe the phone, and the availability to access Global Address Lists in e-mail. Plus, new device policy management APIs (application programming interfaces) allow developers to write applications for administrators, offering them control of security features.
Applications can now also be included in data backups, or when restoring data, and the browser has been enhanced with V8 engine, according to U.S. Cellular, which enables JavaScript-heavy pages to load faster. There's reportedly also been a boost to its Dalvik Performance, which speeds up the performance of CPU-heavy code by two to five times. Finally, a Kernel Memory Management boost is designed to improve memory reclaim by up to 20 times, resulting in "faster app switching and smoother performance on memory-constrained devices," says the carrier.
Users should back up all data before perform the update, says the carrier, and from there requirements include a PC running Microsoft Windows 7, Vista or XP, with firewall and anti-virus programs disabled and a USB port that supports USB 2.0. The phone's battery should be fully charged, and any previous Samsung Kies Software should be removed.
U.S. Cellular warns that when upgrading to Froyo, it's common for certain settings and types of data to be lost — such as settings for music, some application shortcuts, Buddies Now link information and settings for Daily Briefing, AllShare, Portable Hotspot and Google Talk.
To download Froyo, Samsung Mesmerize owners can download a copy of Kies Mini on the U.S. Cellular site.
During the fourth-quarter of 2010, Android passed long-time leader Symbian to become the world's most popular mobile operating system. 

Will LG Make Google's Nexus Honeycomb Tablet?

 

The HTC Nexus One and Samsung Nexus S are so far the only two officially sanctioned developer handsets that Google has commissioned from its hardware partners. The Nexus handsets are meant to run an absolutely 100% pure version of Android -- unmolested by carrier and manufacturer software tweaks. This core software experience, coupled with capable hardware, provides developers with the ideal software/hardware combo on which to create their applications.

Applying the same ideology to tablets makes sense, and thus we have a handful of sources indicating that Google intends to make a "Nexus Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet" (or whatever it is to be called). The idea is to give developers the same pure Honeycomb experience on which to create and test applications. But who's going to make this Nexus tablet?

According to CrunchGear and Mobile Review, Google has contacted LG about creating the future reference Android tablet. The device would be released to developers by midsummer. Absolutely no details about the tablet have been shared or commented upon.
Could it be a re-badged or refreshed version of the G-Slate? The Nexus S is made by Samsung, and is a slightly re-skinned version of the Galaxy S series of smartphones. Since Samsung didn't have to design an entirely new phone to score the Nexus name, it stands to reason that LG won't have to, either. So what does the G-Slate offer?

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The G-Slate boasts some impressive specs. It has a HD 8.9-inch 3-D-capable display. Users will be able to watch 720p HD content on the G-Slate, as well as deliver 1080p HD/3-D content via HDMI to other playback devices.
Under the hood, the G-Slate is powered by a dual-core 1-GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, and it has enhanced 3-D graphics support. Android 3.0 Honeycomb supports Flash for native browser video playback, and it has other gaming niceties, such as Wi-Fi, a gyroscope, accelerometer, and adaptive lighting.
As if the G-Slate doesn't have enough 3-D capabilities already, LG decided to endow it with dual-cameras for 1080p HD 3-D video capture (stereoscopic). The cameras also shoot still images in stereoscopic 3-D at 5 megapixels, which are supported by an LED flash. The G-Slate also has a 2-megapixel, user-facing camera for video chat support.
At first blush, the G-Slate sounds like a contender. Its 8.9-inch display puts it smack in the middle of the 7-inch and 10-inch tablet camps, which could be a positive differentiator for the G-Slate. Devices such as RIM's PlayBook and the Samsung Galaxy Tab have 7-inch displays, while the Motorola Xoom and Apple iPad have 10-inch (or near 10-inch) displays. LG says the G-Slate is an ideal device for reading.
With a dual-core processor and 3-D graphics support, it sounds as if LG is taking performance seriously -- as it should. Many of the tablets primed to hit the market are hoping to snag gamers from other mobile gaming platforms.
Since the G-Slate already has a solid list of specifications, I wouldn't be surprised of Google picks it as the Nexus tablet of choice.
Google may fill in many of the blanks at its upcoming Google I/O developer conference, scheduled for early May.

Apple Reign in Tablets and Mobile Gambling Shattered by BlackBerry

BlackBerry tablet

More and more technology developers turn their attention to the importance of mobile gambling industry, BlackBerry launching the Playbook tablet is the latest confirmation.

Apple’s supremacy in specifically designed mobile casino software that caters especially towards iPad may soon be over. iPad, the only tablet since 2010 worth spending hard-earned cash on, will shortly receive a second worth while competitor after the recent Android 3.0 powered Xoom. BlackBerry Playbook is scheduled for release in April of 2011.
Mobile gambling aficionados and Blackberry gurus are eagerly awaiting the date. Playbook is promising a never-before-seen potential for mobile casino gambling due to the plethora of player-friendly features. Optically challenged smartphone owners often find it difficult to play due to the small size of the handheld. Tablets such as the Playbook will provide increased comfort and convenience for gamblers to access mobile casinos.
iPad doesn’t have Flash support, which is a true disadvantage, since the Flash platform is quite popular in the mobile gambling industry. BlackBerry’s Playbook certainly took that into consideration, and will offer Flash for mobile gambling enthusiasts.
BlackBerry mobile gambling is sure to receive a significant boost with the launch of this latest gadget. Software developers will most certainly pay closer attention to the BlackBerry platform while developing mobile casino apps.
The new tablet, Playbook, will also boast a much smaller size than the iPad. For some, this may be disappointing, yet for gambling aficionados who like to play mobile games on the go, the smaller size is clearly an advantage.
With the launch of the new BlackBerry tablet, we are likely to see increased competition among mobile casinos and mobile sportsbooks, which is definitely a huge benefit not only for the consumer but for the entire mobile casino industry.

Apple to focus on software at its June conference

CAPTION

By Karen Bleier, AFP/Getty Images

Apple today said it will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference June 6-10 in San Francisco. The annual geek fest draws hundreds of software developers who work on programs and apps for Apple products, as well as ordinary folks who come to get a peek at the latest offerings.At this year's conference, Apple said it will demonstrate new kinds of apps that developers can build using Apple's "advanced frameworks." The company will talk about Lion, the next version of Apple's computer operating system for Macs, and about iOS, its operating system for mobile gadgets inluding iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
"If you are an iOS or Mac OS X software developer, this is the event that you do not want to miss," Apple Senior Vice President Philip Schiller noted in a press release.
Moving forward, as tablets become more important at the expense of laptops, it will be interesting to watch for how the operating systems might begin to look more alike.
Another big question is whether Apple execs will talk about the next version of the iPhone. Traditionally, Apple has launched new iPhones in the June/July time frame and sometimes offers a sneak peek at events such as WWDC, as it did last year. There were no such hints in today's announcement, which was focused on software.
And, of course, there will be speculation about whether CEO Steve Jobs, who is on medical leave, will make an appearance, as he did at the recent iPad 2 launch.
See photos of: Apple

Nexus Android Honeycomb Tablet Expected from Google

Google is apparently preparing its own entry in the growing Android tablet competition. Reports say Google is working with LG on a Nexus-branded tablet running the Android Honeycomb 3.0 software.
The tablet could ship as soon as this summer, according to tech pundit Eldar Murtazin, writing for Mobile-Review [translation].
Google first partnered with HTC to create its own brand smartphone, Nexus One, which is now retired. Then Google paired with Samsung for the successor Nexus S, also running the latest version of Android at the time. Given Google's history of teaming up to manufacturers to release phones under its brand, it's indeed possible a Nexus tablet developed in partnership with yet with another manufacturer (LG) is coming up to shape the Android tablet landscape.
Besides projecting release in either midsummer or early fall, Murtazin did not detail any specifications on the rumored Nexus tablet. But if past experiences with the Nexus One and Nexus S are any indication, the Nexus tablet would come preinstalled with a new version of Android Honeycomb 3.X. Like the Nexus S, Google would also sell the tablet direct to consumers, or via subsidized deals from wireless carriers -- if the tablet will have 3G/4G capabilities alongside Wi-Fi.
LG is also preparing its own Android tablet, the G-Slate, with an 8.9-inch screen and 3D features, priced at $529 from T-Mobile. Running on a dual-core 1GHz processor, the G-Slate has two 5-megapixel cameras on the back to record 3D video, but requires special glasses to view 3D content on the G-Slate. The tablet will run Android 3.0 and come with 32GB of internal memory.

Android 2.X Tablets Miss Honeycomb Party

Another interesting tidbit of information from Muratazin's report could be bad news for owners of Android 2.X tablets like the original Samsung Galaxy Tab. Apparently Google's licensing agreement with manufacturers specifically prevents them from upgrading the smartphone-oriented Android 2.X to tablet-optimized Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
If true, the rumor of the Android 2.X tablets not being able to upgrade to Honeycomb could also affect some other tablets expected later this year on the market. One notable example is the HTC Evo 4G (the stateside version of the HTC Flyer), which HTC said it will come with the Sense interface, on top of Android 2.3. But it is yet to be seen whether it will receive at some point an update to Honeycomb or not.