Google voice search coming to the iPhone really soon

Google have taken searching to a next level and announced that they will be releasing an upgrade of their iPhone search application, which will feature voice recognition. So next time when you are out and about - don’t just type in your search term, say it.

The new version of the Google Search application is expected to become available next Friday. When a user asks the application a question, the voice will be recorded and sent to the Google servers, analyzed and then sent along to the Google search engine.

Both Yahoo and Microsoft have voice services for handhelds. The Microsoft Tellme service can get you directions, maps and movie times, while Yahoo’s oneSearch with Voice has a wider scope.

The Google system is not perfect, but it’s targeted at outdoing everything what the competition offers. According to specialists, Google’s advantage in this field is the ability to store and analyze vast amounts of data. This means that the service will be getting more accurate with time.

Another advantage over competitors should be the database of billions of queries that Google users have made - those can be used to produce a statistical model of the way various words match to one another.

The search application will also be using the accelerometer to activate its “Voice” mode - the user will only need to put the device next to an ear.

We are really looking forward to testing the software ourselves next week.

Source

Read More......

iPhone 3G review: Twice the hype, half the novelty

Introduction

It's finally here - the iPhone 3G. No, we mean that literally. It's finally at our office and boy, are we excited! GPS, HSDPA purring under the new iPhone hood with a hefty number of software enhancements.

But all them software goodies are available for the first-gen iPhone too - so is it worth the fuss? It may as well be, but we never know before we take it out for a spin.

Apple iPhone 3G official images

Key features:

• 3.5" 16M-color TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
• Quad-band GSM support
• Tri-band UMTS support with HSDPA
• Built-in GPS receiver
• Wi-Fi
• 8 to 16GB of onboard storage
• Accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor
• 2 megapixel camera
• Silky smooth user interface with multi-touch user support
• Unsurpassed web surfing experience
• Push email with MS Exchange support
• AppStore access for direct application download and installation
• Redone rear
• TV-out port

Main disadvantages:

• No video calls over the 3G network
• The handset wobbles on even hard surfaces
• There are a number of messaging downers
• Camera has no auto focus, nor video recording… nor any settings at all
• Safari browser doesn't support Flash and Java, doesn't have a download manager
• Bluetooth support limited to headset use only (no A2DP or file transfers)
• No office document editor
• No copy/paste functionality
• You cannot sync Notes and TO-DOs
• No memory card slot (but knowing Apple there will never be one)

Now, since we'll be heavily comparing the old and new iPhone, how about the following arrangement - the first one we'll call Number One and the newbie will be Number Two. Sorted. Wait a minute, no good? Crap, we knew it. OK then, the first one will be the iPhone 1G (as in "generation" of the device), while the new one will still be iPhone 3G (as in "generation" of the wireless network). That might sound inconsistent, but it's short and we like it this way, so before you go ballistic in the comments section, remember Number One and Number Two.

The iPhone 3G 16GB (White) in hand

So, back to the drill - the 3G-enabled iPhone was rumored ever since the iPhone 1G surfaced last year. Now that we have the real thing in our hands, it doesn't seem that groundbreaking anymore. Nevertheless, there are quite a few things to cover so we think reviewing it in detail is worth it. There's the updated design, the new white color (which we happen to have), the new iPhone 2.0 firmware/software/OS (call it what you will) with AppStore on board, the push email functionality and, finally, the GPS and HSDPA topping.

The Apple iPhone 3G

We will also be on the lookout for improvements in terms of audio quality, loudspeaker volume and camera image quality against the iPhone 1G.

Seems like quite a workload, so let's waste no more time and get to it. Join us after this short break for more on the iPhone 3G.

Read More......

T-Mobile sells unlocked Apple iPhone

It's finally a fact - Apple iPhone unlocked will be selling officially. We know it's hard to believe but T-Mobile has formally announced it today. And if you are just starting to think it's too good to be true here goes the sobering fact. The handset is going to cost 999 Euro. Yeah, you heard it just right - about $1500 a piece is what T-Mobile is going to charge for the precious unlocked iPhone.

Furthermore, the handset won't be available for online or telephone orders and will only be sold in the telecom's official shops. In case you wondered how come T-Mobile is selling unlocked iPhones just 11 days after the official start of sales in Germany, a court ruling has outlawed the exclusive sales of phones on contract only. With the unlocked handsets costing an arm and a leg, we really wonder if the court decision is of much point really.

The good news is mostly for the customers who bought the iPhone between the 19th of November and the day the first unlocked handsets are released. Their iPhones can be unlocked for free.

Read More......