Interesting enough, the new update was influenced by their users feedback. The apps has been changed entirely such as a redesigned home screen, a widget allowing playback from the home screen, enhanced graphics, a feature for videos and song removal, an improved way to select directories for music, videos and photos, landscape mode for music playback, music playback by directory folder, a quick way to hide video status bar, a selection for video aspect ratio, removal of the roulette wheel, and support for music playlists playback.

The RealNetworks team will always gladly take your opinion to improve RealPlayer. Now the update is available at Android Market.

[via AndroidCommunity]

Introducing the Bada Developers Challenge, and Samsung is calling it “the biggest mobile application contest this year.” Pretty bold words, for sure. The contest itself comes with $2.7 in prizes, and it has two rounds. The first round starts May 17th (which is today, for reference). The first round will run somewhere in the ball park of three months, in which case 300 developers will be chosen from the first round. These 300 will be given Samsung Wave devices, in which they can test their applications on a real device. To participate, you’ll need to create at least one (up to two, though) application for the Bada mobile OS, and it needs to be able to run effectively in the simulator environment provided in the Bada OS Software Developer’s Kit (SDK).

Once you get into the second round, prizes include: $300,00 for the grand prize winner, or as Samsung calls it: “the Samsung Bada Champion.” There will be 7 first prize winners, which will be given $100,000 in prizes. Second and third place will have 8 winners, and will receive $60,000 and $40,000 in prizes respectively. There will be 10 “special winner” prizes, which basically entails the developers creating small, highly optimized applications. They will be given $30,000 in prizes. And finally, 56 runner-ups will be given $8,000 in prizes. So, basically Samsung is throwing money at developers, hoping that they’ll be able to launch the Bada mobile OS handset later this year with a strong developer community. It’s a good way to handle things, if you ask us.

[via Samsung Bada blog]

Google has officially released version 1.1 of the software, and with it, we might actually want to use it. The best feature, without a doubt, is the ability for the Goggles to translate text. By setting your region of interest, you simply find a selection of text you want to translate, select it, and Goggles will do the rest for you. Pair this with Google’s awesome Translate application, and it looks like you’ll be able to make your way through a foreign land with relative ease in no time.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an update if it didn’t include other things. For version 1.1, you should expect better facial and barcode recognition, gallery implementations, and an improved User Interface (UI). The only bad thing? Google Goggles still only works on Android 1.6 or higher, so . . . Maybe it’s time for that HTC Hero to get updated, yeah?

[via Google Mobile Blog

The news broke from Microsoft’s Bing Twitter account (no surprise there), and as they put it: “Using a Windows Phone on AT&T, T-Mobile (USA), or Sprint? Good news, there’s an updated Bing app! Just launch your app or go to m.bing.com.” So, you’ll obviously be told that there’s an update for the application if you go into the old version of the application, but you can also get updated from m.bing.com/download. We tried m.bing.com and nothing happened, but the /download site lead us in the right direction.

The update seems to be just a maintenance update for now, as we can’t really find any extensive changes to the application proper. But, if we find anything, we’ll be sure to let you know. Oh, and if you find anything, by all means let us know. We’re sure that everyone out there getting this upgrade would like to find out something new.

[via Twitter]

Monday, March 15

We started off the week with AT&T launching some new services (like Mobile Share), as well as four new messaging devices. Two from Pantech, the Link and Pursuit, and two from Samsung, Strive and Sunburst. They’re not high-end devices by any means, and specifically designed for those who want a strong featurephone. Samsung is continuing their trend with more TouchWiz 2.0 devices, hoping that the User Interface along with their touchscreen devices will keep up the consumer purchases. The Samsung Strive and Sunburst are actually available now, and the two Pantech devices should be available in the coming weeks.

Monday marked the start of Microsoft’s MIX10, a conference specifically designed for the developers in the world. It’s a place where Microsoft can bring together those of like minds, and talk about where the market is going for developers, and how they can make their applications. This year, the Redmond-based company utilized the conference as a flagship method to release more information on their upcoming mobile Operating System, Windows Phone 7 Series.  We saw plenty of video, with the first being the Marketplace Hub in action. We saw a 3D game, called Harvest, as it debuted for the mobile OS. And we also saw how push notifications would work on the platform. Of course, as Microsoft has noted several times, all of this is up to change before the release date. Features like Netflix are also ready to go with the launch of the mobile platform.

The HTC HD2 is the envy of all other Windows Mobile 6.5 devices (but not Windows Phone 7 Series devices), but that’s not stopping people from creating fan renders of the completely unannounced HTC HD3. We caught wind of the image, and quickly looked over the corresponding specifications list, but quickly denounced it as being fake. Why? Because, despite the fact people were saying that it would be running Windows Phone 7 Series, it simply didn’t have the right specifications. Expandable memory? Not allowed. Even the screen’s resolution was too much. So, it’s a dream. A nice dream, but a dream nevertheless.

Tuesday, March 16

The TomTom application for iPhone got a significant upgrade last Tuesday. It brought some extra features, along with some in-depth additions to present-days features. Within the application, pinch-and-zoom is now available, local search powered by Google, and there’s also an automatic day and night mode. The update was definitely worth the wait for those who purchased the app.

This was a great week for UK wireless carriers, as two of the largest in the area were verified as launching some of the best smartphones on the market. The first, Vodafone UK, is primed to launch the HTC branded Legend and Desire. Two of the most powerful Android-based devices available on any market, we’re happy to see these handsets primed for customer satisfaction. WE love us some AMOLED. And the second carrier, O2, prepare themselves to launch the rebranded Samsung Jet, now known as the Samsung Jet Ultra Edition. There’s not much different in the specification department from the original, 800MHz processor-packing, 3.1-inch AMOLED display handset, but it does sell with some gangster DVDs. So, that’s cool.

Google’s Nexus One, which also packs some AMOLED goodness, is one of the most talked about handsets available on the market, here in the States. It launched back in January for T-Mobile USA, and everyone else not on the network has been waiting for the device to launch on the Big Red network in the Spring. But, without warning (other than some unconfirmed rumors), Google released the Nexus One with AT&T 3G-compatible radios. This may have something to do with the fact that, according to Flurry, the sales of the Nexus One are just about terrible when compared to the iPhone, and especially compared to the other Android-powered handset, the Motorola DROID. The Nexus One, which is sold only through Google’s online store, has sold only 135,000 units in 74 days, which to some just isn’t good enough. And then, Google is punched one more time in the gut, when their application for the Nexus One trademark was rejected. They have 60 days to respond, or Google may have to change the name of the device.

And then, we have the curious case of updates. The Samsung Galaxy Spica, which a lot of users out there may not even know about, is officially getting upgraded to Android 2.1 some time in March. Well, to be more accurate, the roll-out begins this month, and should happen from one region to another through the Spring months. So, if you do happen to own the device, keep your fingers crossed that you’re next in line. And then we have the Motorola DROID, the device to bring Android 2.0 to market. This is the second time Motorola has promised the prodigal update, and yet failed to commit. As it currently stands, almost every Motorola DROID out there is still not running an official release of 2.1. Instead, they’re still waiting.

Wednesday, March 17

As we move further and further into the electronic years, we are finding more ways to rid ourselves of the paper bill. Or, in this case, the paper ticket. United Airlines has officially unveiled their mobile boarding pass, along with mobile check-ins. It’s like the best way to play Foursquare, if you ask us.

At MIX10, Microsoft showed off a third device, an unknown Samsung, to showcase Windows Phone 7 Series, and blow all of our minds. It was actually some keen eyed readers at SlashGear that caught us on to the fact that the device in question looked strikingly familiar, and sure enough, it seems that Microsoft showcased a Samsung i8910HD, and not a future Windows Phone 7 Series device at all. In further device news, LG apparently has a second Windows Phone 7 Series device in the works, as a render made an appearance in the middle of the week. Rumors are that it is fake, but we’d be shocked to think that the company isn’t working on more than one device.

Google is releasing several first-party applications for their Android platform. This time around, we have Gesture Search. Basically, you run the application, draw a letter, or string of letters, and the application finds what you’re looking for. It may not be the most practical application in the world, strictly for the fact that it is, indeed, an application. But at least it’s fun.

Thursday, March 18

Apple and HTC have begun the age-old trademark and patent dance, as the two of them square off to begin what’s definitely going to be a lot of rounds in the ring. HTC publicly responded to the Apple claims, and have made it very clear that they are not going to back down any time soon. They’ve got a strong portfolio, dating further back than the iPhone’s launch in 2007, and they want everyone to know that.

Research In Motion is one of those stalwart companies that’s not going anywhere any time soon, but that doesn’t mean people don’t want to see some kind of new device from the company. Luckily, we may be getting our wish. The BlackBerry T, which is quite possibly the slider we’ve seen before, now has a codename, a model number, and pictures. Is CTIA 2010 going to be the place that we finally get an official announcement?

And then our Android news wraps up Thursday with talk that the HTC Incredible could launch on the Verizon Network, with those Verizon colors so bold on the device, in just two weeks. There’s also talk that it could get announced at CTIA 2010 as well. And then, that Motorola DROID 2.1 update we spoke about before? There’s no time frame when it might get released to the customer base at large, as the update has been labeled as To Be Determined (TBD) now. So, stay frosty, DROID owners.

Friday, March 19

The iPhone is still a hot commodity, and wireless carriers all around the world still want their chance with it. Apple is scheduled (unofficially) to launch the next iteration of the iPhone right around the corner here, and it looks like China Mobile wants in on the action. They’ve reached out to the Cupertino-based company, hoping that the two companies can work something out.

Sprint got the last bit of news on Friday, as two of their devices got the upgrade talk. The only difference is that one device, the HTC Touch Pro2 actually got upgraded, and the others, the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment, are getting upgraded. The latter of which should see the light of day in the coming weeks, with April sounding more and more like the official unveiling of Android 2.1 on the hardware.

Sunday, March 21

And then we have today. Research In Motion’s BIS 3.0 is scheduled to hit retail units over the coming weeks, starting March 28th. It’s entire purpose is to make the integration of BlackBerry devices and Gmail more complete. In the end, what this means, is that using Gmail on your BlackBerry may actually not drive you to madness anymore. And then we have a video of a man unboxing the HTC HD2 with T-Mobile USA. The only problem is, is that he’s the first consumer to actually get the HD2, especially considering it’s not due to start selling until March 24th. Very curious.

So, that wraps it up for this week. Again, let us know what you think of the new layout. If you need to compare it, here’s a link to last week’s. We want to hear your feedback. Keep your eyes out for this week, as SlashPhone brings you the latest information from CTIA 2010. Hopefully we’ll see some of our predictions come to bear.

Microsoft’s very own Joe Belfiore took the stage to walk us through the experience, and he started off with the basics. The home screen, or Start screen, is where you’ll start off your experience with Microsoft’s newest mobile Operating System. It’s put together by tiles and Hubs, where you can watch as most Hubs are updated in real-time. These hubs are task-oriented, and dive deeper into the bulk of an application or feature of the phone with a simple press. Also, the Start screen is completely customizable. As in, you may move the Hubs and tiles around as you see fit, so that you can make your phone your own, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

They expanded the visuals on the Calendar and Email clients as well, and made it interesting enough to get our interest significantly piqued. Within the email, you can utilize all the same functions that are available in the Microsoft Outlook email client, such as flagging an email. You can also use the pivots at the top of the screen, and navigate between all mail, unread mail, and what not. Utilizing the pivots at the top of any application is the easiest way to see where you are within the application, as well as an easy way to navigate. And inside the Calendar application, one distinct feature includes the one-touch “I’ll be late” feature, which tells other members of the calendar event that you’ll be late.

Microsoft also showcased a bit more of the “App Bar,” which is located at the bottom of most applications available. With this application bar, you can access the most commonly used actions in an application, as well as expand it to reach more services, such as the settings of an application, or other options. It’s an easy way to reach the options of an application, and it’s easy to find.

One of the most interesting features that we can see, is the fact that navigation through the phones are in a more panoramic viewscape. Meaning, instead of navigating your menus from the top to the bottom and vice versa, you move to the left and right. From what we can see, it seems like a more natural way to navigate, and we can’t wait to finally get our hands on it, on a more “full-time” basis.

One of the third party applications that Microsoft showed off was the AP Mobile application, powered by Silverlight and optimized for the Windows Phone 7 Series platform. And while it has the same style as all the other applications, it had a few promising features. The first, is the 3D image showcase that appears when you select a photo within a particular application. It actually pops out, and then displays any additional images. Second, advertisements. While they were displaying the AP app, a car showed up at the bottom of the screen, and then it turned into an advertisement for Ford. It was very interesting to watch, and it’s great that they are integrated with the applications. Lastly, if a breaking news feature comes in while you’re in the AP application, a red pop-up appears at the bottom of the screen, letting you know.

Netflix is also coming to Windows Phone 7 Series, with not only the ability to get notified when you have new things on your list available, but also to watch titles right from your phone.

And finally, one of the features that people are most interested in: Xbox LIVE integration. We’ve already shown the way that games can be played from the phone, computer, and Xbox 360, so Belfiore wanted to show a full 3D game running on the hardware. It was a title named Harvest, and it was a fully 3D title. It also offered Achievements, just like the ones you find with Xbox 360 games. The games also offer push notifications, so that asynchronous turn-based games are possible.

We still have more coming, so stay tuned. MIX10 is still going, and the news isn’t going to stop any time soon. And if you want to discuss Windows Phone 7 Series with other individuals, then head on over to Windows Phone Forums and join in!

The images you see — one above and the other below — appear to be a redesigned Windows Marketplace for the new Windows Phone 7 series. I guess is safe to say that any applications from Windows Mobile 6.5 and under will not work on the new operating system.

This new Marketplace most likely will run independently of what you can access nowadays on Windows Mobile 6.5 and under. As you can see on the screenshots, the new Marketplace comes with some Zune inspired-looking interface where you can filter into apps, games, music, and podcasts.

Well there you have it, I do like it so far and I’m not a big fan of WinMo but the new 7 OS is looking promising. Don’t forget to let us know what you think on the comments area.

As a pilot project, the Amazonas State Health Department in Brazil will use it as part of its fight against dengue fever in the city of Manaus in Northern Brazil.

[via Symbian Freak]

According to Wikipedia, carbon footprint is a “measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide”.

Calculate your carbon footprint with Ecorio, an application for Android-powered phones. This goes to show how focused Google is on the environment as well as our impact on it, and Ecorio will rely on the G1′s GPS system to track your total carbon footprint as you move about. It is also able to provide you with ideas to reduce the impact of travel, hoping that your heart will be moved to try out greener options.

[via Ubergizmo]

This service is capable of maintaining the original quality of the content across several sequential forwards, therefore contributing to a larger viral penetration and increased incremental revenue. It provides operators and their content providing mobile 2.0 partners with the ultimate digital tracking and profiling capability.

3ple-Media develops, delivers and supports multimedia technology for mobile operators. The company is headquartered in The Netherlands. Asian, African and American markets are served through regional sales offices in Singapore, Johannesburg and Panama. The Company’s development center is located in Romania, with regional operational centers in Singapore and the Philippines.