Cranking out news for the geeks, music buffs and gossip junkies, my way. -Greg

Looks like Verizon and Motorola are sending out the XOOM’s first official update, HMJ07B. Before I point out some things that are included, I’d like to point out whats not; no MicroSD support yet. Some neat things that are included added bluetooth mouse capability, SSL data transfer among websites, WPA Pre-Shared Key pass-phrases are now supported when using the device as a mobile hotspot, and support for Google Widevine DRM and HDCP. There are quite a few others that are included listed below. I’ll be updating asap, still looking forward to the official MicroSD support though. -Greg

Web Browsing and Data Access

+ Access and stay connected to Wi-Fi networks

with added Proxy support.

+ SSL data transfer with websites is now supported.

+ WPA Pre-Shared Key pass-phrases are now supported

when using the device as a Mobile Hotspot.

+ Supports Google Widevine DRM and HDCP.

Email and Messaging

+ POP3 HTML emails will display in their entirety.

Call Features

+ Bluetooth® is now supported in Google Talk™.

Additional Device Features

+ Encrypted passwords can be entered during power up.

+ Calendar events will remain up to date after an installed

software update.

+ Application storage errors will not appear unless the device

has reached maximum storage capacity.

+ Safely dock the MOTOROLA XOOM into the docking adapter without interruption.

+ Ability to add and use a Bluetooth mouse.

+ A shortcut key for the Bluetooth keyboard has been added.

+ View and import pictures from digital cameras with Picture Transfer Protocol.

+ When using the device in accessibility mode, menus will no longer prompt with sounds

Source – Verizon

I made a New Years resolution not to hate on Taylor Swift, Ford, Apple and pretty much anything in general that I’ve grown to dislike. I think I’ve done well to stick to it and feel good about that. So I’m not about to break that resolution here. That doesn’t mean I can’t review something right? Today Apple announced the iPad 2 and by nature I’m a geek so I sat in the front row (on engadget) and watched Steve Jobs and a few others tell us all about it. I have to say I was impressed for several reasons. Light, thinner, faster, cameras, and the battery life and price stayed the same. Good show Apple, good show! However I can’t simply applaud them without pointing out a few things against them. First up the obvious still no Flash support. Steve, you may think the future is html 5 and Flash is dying, but you’d still be the only one. Again no USB, I think Steve is just being stubborn. How about no 4G? If you’re trying to be a leader then why wouldn’t you use the latest in mobile network technologies? No, you won’t find support for LTE or HSPA+ on the iPad 2; however it will be sold on AT&T and Verizon’s 3G networks.

Now, let’s take another look at the price, yes it’s true that it stayed the same, however if you want HDMI, then you’ll have to fork out another $40. If you want their nifty cover that seems to be actually part of the design then you’re looking at another $40 for the poly and $80 for the leather. Adding these seemingly necessities could cost you $40-$120 more just for HDMI and the case, I’m sorry “cover”. Well that puts you up a few notches in price. Since there is no 4G support, USB, and Flash then you’re loosing a more than a few “how much is it really worth” dollars in my mind. So yeah the iPad 2’s out the door price is a little cheaper than the other major tab players, but your getting a lower end tab. -Greg

Here is a nice comparison chart provided by phandroid.com:

Samsung’s newest bad boy the “Galaxy S” has recently been said to be hitting all 4 major carriers. According to an article by the Android Guys, Broadpoint.AmTech analyst Mark McKechnie says it will be heading to T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint by the end of June with Verizon slated as “sometime later this year”. BGR reports the following specs for the Galaxy S:

The Galaxy S sports the features that grace other cutting edge Android handsets including a gorgeous four inch AMOLED display with 800 x 480 resolution, 1GHz processor, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with support for 720p HD video recording at 30fps, front-facing VGA camera, Swype keyboard, HSDPA connectivity, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi, microSD expansion (16GB included, up to 32GB supported), and Android 2.1. To set it apart from its competition, the Galaxy S includes bundled software for the “Smart Life’ which adds an on-device Social networking hub, advanced location-based services, the Layar Reality Browser, and HD video playback.

 Nuff said? Yeah, there is no doubt this is one bad Android phone and seeing as it will be hitting AT&T about the same time that Dell’s two Android phones will, I might actually have a choice. Ok, not really I’m thinking this Galaxy is my now 1st choice over Sony’s Xperia X10. One of the options that BGR doesn’t mention in the above is the camera will have panoramic support, how is cool is that?! More about the Samsung Galaxy S and the full press release is over here.

Google is not only complaining that ISP’s have dropped the ball on get high-speed Internet out to homes, but they are willing to prove it. Google has announced plans to launch 1Gbps fiber out to 500,000 households. I hope a the very least this will light some fires out there and get the US on the move towards higher speeds and to reach more rural areas. Google’s bitpipe might be an innovative pipe, how about:

• Integrated shared 802.11n WiFi. Imagine being able to roam authenticated(!) with your laptop or iPad through town hopping on and off people’s WiFi access points. This can be done in a way that is completely secure for the network you’re roaming on
• Integrated picocells: imagine Google integrating picocells and then leasing them out to Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T or allowing people to configure them to their network of choice. Better 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage for all would be the result

Services like these could make Google stand tall and make the current providers anxious to jump aboard. Imagine AT&T leasing bandwidth from Google, there’s something to ponder. I would love to see AT&T become “just another carrier”, rather than the giant they still are today. Google you will have a lot of work ahead of you to make this reality nationwide, but I think you have every household behind you. -Greg

Want to read more, ars technica has some info to soak up..

BillShrink.com has created a nice chart to show the real $’s of each of the major cell phone providers and their plans. It shows that Verizon and AT&T have the exact same plans, not surprising since they have the best networks. -Greg

So Google officially announced the Nexus One, their new “Superphone”, at CES in Las Vegas yesterday. If you have the Internet and you read anything, then I’m sure you have already heard about it. Why you may ask is everyone buzzing about it so much, well in my opinion, its simply hype. They tried to keep it secret and the world kept pecking at it and finding out bits and pieces until it became and epidemic to know about it. Well now that its out in the open, I once again say there just really isn’t anything that takes this phone to some new level. Nexus One compared to the Motorola Droid, its basically just it’s sister. The 1GHZ Snapdragon is the same, the Android 2.1 is the same, its doesn’t even support multi-touch. The pricing is all screwed up too, and the fact they stuck it on T-Mobile, crap have you seen their 3G map, haha it has like 3 dots on the entire US map. Well, lets have a look at some info from the Android Guys, they asked 10 questions, here are the answers. -Greg

What is the Nexus One?
As Google puts it, the Nexus One is the first “superphone”. That is to say it’s the next evolution in what (Android) handsets are capable of.

Who makes the Nexus One?
The handset is made by HTC with input from Google.

What is so special about the phone?
For starters, the Nexus One features a blazing fast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.  Throw in a 3.7-inch (480×800 AMOLED screen), a 5 megapixel camera with an LED flash, wireless support for 802.11 a/b/g/n, a trackball with multicolor LED, and you see where we’re going.  There’s also a compass, GPS, accelerometer, stereo Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, light and proximity sensors, and two microphones for “active noise suppression”.  All of this is powered by a 1400mAH battery.  Oh yeah, it’s crazy thin.  Like, less than a pencil, thin.

What else?
The Nexus One comes loaded with Android 2.1, which features the same great software found in the Motorola DROID, plus more.  This latest version also offers great voice integration.  Every text field found within Android 2.1 is voice enabled, meaning you’ll not have to physically type out emails, texts messages and tweets.  There are also ‘live wallpapers’ with interactivity, a new weather/news widget, Google Earth, and an updated gallery.

Where can I buy a Nexus One?
You can immediately order an unlocked GSM Nexus One at $529.00 at google.com/phone.

Will it work with my AT&T service?
Technically, yes.  Don’t expect 3G speeds though as the Nexus One only offers support  for T-Mobile’s 3G bands in the United States – UMTS Band 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz).

What if I don’t want to spend that kind of money?
A subsidize Nexus One can be yours for $179.00 as long as you commit to a 2-year contract with T-Mobile.  The catch here is that you must use it on individual, post paid, rate plans.  Family plans, and FlexPay customers are not eligible at this time.

What rate plan will I have if I get a Nexus One?
As of today, there is only one plan to choose from – 500 voice minutes, nights and weekends, messaging (SMS and MMS) and data.

I don’t want to sign up with T-Mobile.  Are there other options?
A CDMA version of the Nexus One will be available in the spring of 2010 for Verizon customers.

Will there be an unlocked CDMA Nexus One?
Don’t count on it.  The answer that was repeated a couple of times during today’s conference was that there will only be a Verizon-based CDMA Nexus One.

Gizmodo did a 12 city 3G data test and AT&T won more than any other, with Verizon falling 2nd overall. Gizmodo tested 12 different cities across the US each was tested for speed. Although download speed was AT&T 6 out of 12 times, the upload was AT&T all 12. This was not however based on customer service or call quality, etc. I would openly admit that AT&T’s customer service sucks, but I honestly don’t have to ever deal with them, other than when I got my phone wet, which was my fault. So I guess waiting for AT&T’s first Android phone might be the best idea. -Greg

Gizmodo test cities:

Atlanta – AT&T, followed by Verizon
Bay Area/San Francisco – AT&T, followed by Verizon
Chicago – AT&T, followed by Verizon then Sprint
Denver – AT&T, followed by Verizon
Las Vegas – Verizon, followed by AT&T
Los Angeles – AT&T, followed by Sprint
Maui – Verizon, followed by AT&T
New York – AT&T, followed by T-Mobile
Phoenix – Verizon, followed by T-Mobile
Portland – T-Mobile, followed by Verizon
Seattle – Verizon, followed by T-Mobile
Tampa – Sprint, followed by AT&T

Full Gizmodo story