This week in Mobile News Manor #8: Updates everywhere
This is a peek into a technology writer’s home office, aka Mobile News Manor, discussing gadgets, apps, best practices using same, and ebooks. This week had me updating 9 laptops.
Mobile News
The mobile space is exploding with smartphones in every pocket and tablets on the horizon. James Kendrick brings you the latest news from the mobile world and a breakdown of what it means to you. If it is tech and it moves, you'll find it here.
James Kendrick
James Kendrick has been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 pounds, and has been sharing his insights on mobile technology for almost that long.
Latest Posts
Hands on: Firefox 4 for Android; good browser for tablets
I have taken Firefox 4 beta 5 for Android for a test spin on my Galaxy Tab, and am happy to report the browser handles the tablet screen with ease.
Motorola XOOM and Honeycomb -- not ready for prime time
The Motorola XOOM is now available for purchase from Verizon and reviews are popping up all over the web. The XOOM, and more importantly Android Honeycomb, is definitely a work in progress.
When system updates go bad, the platform owns the problem
The nature of the computing ecosystem guarantees that those faced with problems caused by software updates will not find any company stepping up to get the problem resolved quickly.
HTC Flyer with Wi-Fi only appears in Germany
Netbook News reports the 7-inch Android-bearing HTC Flyer is on sale at Cyberport for €499 ($686). This price includes VAT (19%) so the US price would be in line with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Microsoft Express Mouse finally gets the cord placement right
I am a mouse person, but I am tired of wireless mice that constantly need batteries. Microsoft has just released the Express Mouse, a simple wired mouse that has the cord placed at an angle.
Use iOS or Android for controlling PCs using Splashtop Remote
Splashtop Remote is an iPad and Android app that allows the user to remotely control a Windows PC with a smartphone or tablet. The app is cheaper than other apps that provide this function.
Windows Phone 7 update bricking phones, MS admits carriers can refuse updates
Unlucky Samsung phone owners are finding the Windows Phone 7 update corrupts the firmware, rendering the handset inoperable (bricking). Microsoft admits the problem and also confirms that carriers have the right to refuse software updates for customers.
Motorola puts the hammer down to Atrix 4G modders
The Atrix 4G just released by Motorola is as closed as a device can be as the company has locked the bootloader, making custom ROMs a much dicier proposition to create and install.
Poll: What is (will be) your next smartphone?
The following polls will generate an interesting comparison of what platform readers are currently using on their smartphone, along with what platform the next smartphone will be running.