faster

Tablets
July 12, 2011
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AT&T to offer HP TouchPad 4G with faster 1.5GHz processor

By on July 12, 2011 at 9:00 PM.

AT&T to offer HP TouchPad 4G with faster 1.5GHz processor

AT&T on Tuesday announced that it will launch the HP TouchPad 4G with a faster 1.5GHz processor (the original launched with a 1.2GHz chip). We recently reviewed a Wi-Fi-only version of the tablet and said we “prefer it almost every other tablet [we've] tested to date,” but did note the TouchPad has a number of drawbacks and, in its current state, is just “good.” The webOS-powered TouchPad 4G will offer 32GB of storage, a 9.7-inch display with a 1024 x 768 resolution, and support for AT&T’s HSPA+ network. AT&T hasn’t provided pricing details or a release date yet, but the carrier did confirm that the tablet will launch in time for the back-to-school season. Read on for the full press release. More →

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mobile
June 22, 2011
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Foursquare updates iOS app with faster check-ins, surpasses 10,000,000 users

By on June 22, 2011 at 4:45 AM.

Foursquare updates iOS app with faster check-ins, surpasses 10,000,000 users

Foursquare released a new version of its iOS client on Tuesday with a number of enhancements. Among the changes are a new Check In button that will allow users to check into locations faster, a new Explore tab that will help users find local specials easier, and a faster check-in process. We gave the update a quick whirl earlier today and definitely appreciate the centralized Check In button, which, after a quick tap, brings up all of the nearby places. The user interface also feels noticeably quicker. In other news, foursquare also announced that there are now 10,000,000 people using its service. For a taste of foursquare 3.2 hit up the iTunes App Store now. More →

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Tablets
March 11, 2011
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Apple iPad 2 hands-on!

By on March 11, 2011 at 6:24 PM.

Apple iPad 2 hands-on!

We just returned from our friendly local Apple store and waded through the chaos to grab a pair of iPad 2 models to share with you — one white and one black. Our initial impressions? Apple has really evolved the tablet category it pioneered, and in almost every way possible. The iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and faster than the first-generation model it replaces. The end result is that the iPad 2 feels like something you want to use more and more, even more so than the first unit. Apps launch instantly, Web browsing is much faster and Photo Booth is ridiculously cool, if not completely useless except for those rare occasions. We obviously haven’t had enough time to go in-depth with things like the cameras or battery yet, but that’s all coming soon. For now, check out some photos of both models after the break in our gallery.

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mobile
February 8, 2011
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WSJ: Apple iPad 2 in production already; thinner, lighter, faster

By on February 8, 2011 at 10:10 PM.

WSJ: Apple iPad 2 in production already; thinner, lighter, faster

According to the Wall Street Journal‘s sources, Apple’s next iPad is already in production. People “familiar with the matter” have chimed in and claimed that the new iPad will be much thinner and lighter than the existing model. That’s not all as it looks like a front-facing video camera will make its way to the device, if you didn’t believe it already. Topping the list? More memory (1GB of RAM, we’d wager) and a more powerful graphics processor. Unfortunately it seems the display won’t be changing much as far as the resolution is concerned as it’s being reported to be the same 1024×768 resolution. Last but not least, it’s claimed that the new iPad will be available on AT&T and Verizon Wireless, though T-Mobile and Sprint won’t have the honor of retailing the tablet. More →

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Software
December 7, 2010
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New Google Maps coming ‘in a matter of days’; adds offline mode, vector-based map drawing

By on December 7, 2010 at 7:52 AM.

New Google Maps coming ‘in a matter of days’; adds offline mode, vector-based map drawing

Yesterday, at the AllThingsD conference, Google’s Andy Rubin demoed a new, improved version of Google Maps that is due to hit Android devices “in a matter of days.” Mr. Rubin was careful not to give up too much information, saying he wanted to allow the Maps team to have the honors of detailing the new application, but he did give us several key pieces of information. First, the new version of Maps will be available, for the time being, for Android devices only (phones and tablets) and will be vector based. The vector-based maps allow for smoother scrolling, dynamic content loading, and less data being transferred over the network. Second, the new Maps will store maps that you query ofter for lightning-quick load times. If you always find yourself searching for restaurants or coffee shops in Times Square, that map will cache locally on your phone (it will even be able to used cached maps to navigate when offline).

Although not mentioned during his interview, Engadget is reporting that the new Maps will be supported by the Galaxy S, Nexus S, DROID, DROID x, DROID 2, DROID Incredible, EVO 4G, and G2 smartphones. Mr. Rubin did also say the version works on tablets, so we’re guessing that the Galaxy Tab will have the dubious honor of running these new bits as well.

It is a pretty exciting time to be a member of the Android family! More →

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Software
July 22, 2010
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Google Voice app updated, Android and BlackBerry get faster dialing

By on July 22, 2010 at 3:55 PM.

Google Voice app updated, Android and BlackBerry get faster dialing

google-voice-app

Google has released an update to its Android and BlackBerry Google Voice applications, and is promising faster connection times. As Google states, “Our mantra is faster = better.” Here’s how the updated clients will expedite calls:

Until today, the Google Voice app had to make a request to the Google Voice server every time you wanted to make a call to send us the phone number you wanted to dial. Then the call would be connected via a Google Voice access number. With direct access numbers, we assign a unique phone number to every person you call. This means that we no longer need to use your data network to access the server each time you make a call, so calls will be placed much faster.

We’ve got the rest of the press release queued up for you after the bounce. We’re curious, how many of you give out your Google Voice number exclusively? More →

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