Verizon Preparing HTC Trophy Software Update With New Radio

Verizon's first CDMA Windows Phone, the HTC Trophy, is about to get a software update. Announced back in May 2011, the HTC Trophy was, and still is, the only Windows Phone on the carrier's line-up. Now Big Red is preparing a software refresh. The 2305.13.20110.605 update will bring radio 1.53.00.12.01_23.17w.05.13U, and, according to the documents, it will add "improved data connectivity in certain scenarios
when Connection Setup application is installed". No other details are given (and chances are the update itself is just a Radio update) and there's no specific roll-out info. Make sure you check your phone for update notifications (and keep an eye out when you connect it to Zune).

More Samsung Galaxy Note Sequel WiFi Certifications

Now that the Samsung Galaxy Note has officially made its way to the American market via AT&T -- and that the international model has been out there for around four months -- more details pop up indicating a sequel to the outrageously huge device.

We've recently seen a certain Samsung GT-N8010 get its WiFi certification; judging by the fact that the original Galaxy Note is the GT-N7000, the GT-N8010 could very well be a successor. And so could the GT-N8000 and the GT-N8013, as variants of the same possible future sequel. These two also popped up on the WiFi page getting their certifications in standards a, b, g, and n. We're probably looking at the GT-N8000 (to come after the GT-N7000) and its two variants of some sort, the GT-N8010 and GT-N8013. MWC can't come soon enough!

Viewsonic goes cloudy, touchy and 3D with a trio of new displays

New displays? ViewSonic's got 'em. Take, for example, the TD2220, an LED monitor that features two-point touch interaction, two USB ports, a two-watt speaker and a 360-degree swiveling screen. Then there's the TDi2340, a so-called "anchor for cloud computing devices," a display that connects wirelessly to tablets, smartphones and notebooks, serving as an extended desktop. The 23-incher features a touch interface and sports an ARM11 processor inside. The 27-inch V3D271 is an active 3D display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. It features dual two-watt speakers and ships with a pair of NVIDIA glasses for that whole three-dimensional thing. No word on pricing, but the three models should ship in Q2.

Powerskin's SolarCharge still believes in the sun

Remember when Nokia poo-poohed the idea of solar charging as a viable way to keep a smartphone juiced? It seems that no-one told XPal Power, since its PowerSkin brand has just launched a new photovoltaic kit as part of its 2012 lineup here at CES:

• SolarCharge is a silicone-wrapped brick with a solar panel on one end that'll charge most devices via a microUSB port. The 1000mAh battery tucked inside is rated to pony up around 350 minutes of talk time for your average smartphone. It'll set you back $70 when it arrives in February.
• KeyCharge attaches to your keychain and can offer a quick boost 90 minutes of additional time on its 750mAh battery, again via its microUSB port. It'll cost a more modest $25 and will be available to order at the same time

Come with us, and you'll be, in a world of pure press releases, after the break.

 

 Las Vegas – January 10, 2012 – PowerSkin® debuts an array of new portable power solutions at CES for the mobile user on-the-go, rolling out battery-boosting skins which include SolarCharge, KeyCharge, Gaming Skins for iOS and Nintendo 3DS, as well as new smartphone skins.

"In 2011, PowerSkin® built up a collection of battery-boosting smartphone skins, launching more than 15 models across iOS, Android and RIM platforms," said David Becker, Executive Vice President of PowerSkin® / XPAL Power. "Moving into 2012, we're planning a slew of new power-on-the-go accessories ranging from Gaming Skins that boast haptic (vibration) technology, to solar and keychain chargers for a quick recharge on-the-go."

Prominently displayed at CES will be the new SolarCharge, which boasts 1000 mAh of power and extends talk time on all types of smartphones (as well as iPod touch) up to 350 minutes, in addition to KeyCharge, which packs 750 mAh, extending talk time up to 90 minutes on most smartphones. Both SolarCharge and KeyCharge will be available in a blue rubberized skin with LED lights indicating the amount of battery levels left.

The SolarCharge is a universal charger for all types of smartphones – iPhone, Android and BlackBerry – as well as all generations of iPod touch. It is composed of a one-piece plastic housing, which is then wrapped in a shock-absorbent, silicone skin to provide ultimate protection for the charger. Underneath the silicone skin is an advanced solar panel and chip which work together to capture rays of sunlight at an accelerated rate, producing up to 50% more power than competitive solar chargers on the market. It connects to smartphones/devices via an included, Micro-USB, however customers can also order a wide variety of tips suited for their specific device. This makes SolarCharge a universal power solution for all types of mobile users who may not have readily available charging options for their smartphones. To charge the SolarCharge, simply connect it to a computer's USB port or using the AC adapter that comes with the smartphone. Once the LED light illuminates green, the SolarCharge is ready to be used. Equipped with a carabiner clip, SolarCharge is ideal for outdoor usage, since it charges efficiently off of natural light, however it can also be re-charged indoors from a USB.

Also designed to fuel the on-the-go lifestyle is the KeyCharge, which attaches to key chains and provides a quick boost of power to smartphone users anywhere, anytime. To begin charging, users must connect their smartphone directly onto the KeyCharge's Micro USB; there are two different models, each with the Micro USB on different sides to accommodate a wide range of Android and BlackBerry smartphones (excluding the iPhone). The female Micro USB port on the KeyCharge allows it to be recharged using the smartphone's charging cord, however both the phone and the KeyCharge cannot be charged at the same time.

PowerSkin's® SolarCharge, $69.99, and KeyCharge, $24.99, will both be available beginning February on www.Power-Skin.com.

 

Siri finds new employment in Crestron's home automation biz

It was with mild curiosity that we witnessed Siri control a thermostat, but thanks to an integrated setup from Carnes Audio Visual -- a custom installer of home automation systems in Little Rock -- we couldn't help but gawk as Apple's soft-spoken assistant reigned supreme over an entire house. With help from Crestron's AMS-AIP home automation equipment and an intermediary proxy server, we're shown voice control of lighting, temperature, home theater equipment and more. You'll definitely want to check the video after the break, which is likely to make the folks at Control4 more than a bit nervous.

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Nexus with LTE

We were giddy with excitement when Sprint's VP of Product David Owens came onto our stage at CES 2012 and gave us the very first peek at its version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, one of the Now Network's inaugural entries into the world of LTE sometime in the first half of 2012. It's certainly a fair way to get the next-gen lineup started, we'd say. As was expected, the exterior of both phones are nearly twins, with differences only found in the branding and the inclusion of Google Wallet -- not to mention the exclusion of pre-loaded bloatware -- on Sprint's version. We got some extra hands-on time with the Nexus, but sadly weren't able to get too comfortable with it, as the phone is far from being a final product and still had early software builds. But we were able to get plenty of images and a video to show off below the break.

Warpia unleashes WarpiaTV, wants to be your web service middleman

If Warpia's previous USB to HDMI solutions simply weren't complete enough for you, WarpiaTV might pique your interest. Acting as a middleman between you and the internet, WarpiaTV combines a new WarpiaTV browser with a seven-function motion controller -- giving you couch potato access to services like Facebook, Twitter and Netflix, as well as anything else you have lying around your hard drive. The wired version of the setup will set you back $80, or you could splurge for the WarpiaTV wireless edition for $120 more. Read on for a look at the outfit's new wireless controller, or just to gawk at the official