Lumia 900 data connectivity fix now available for download

Earlier this week Nokia admitted that AT&T's Lumia 900 was suffering from data dropouts apparently brought out by memory management issues, promising a firmware update by next Monday — but they've beat their goal, it seems, pushing the update out to Zune (for Windows) and Windows Phone Connector (for Mac) today. After the update, you should theoretically be able to connect consistently on HSPA, LTE, and Wi-FI, but don't worry: you'll still be getting your $100 bill credit for your trouble as long as you buy (or have bought) your phone prior to April 21st.

Here's Nokia's full statement:

Earlier this week, Nokia communicated about a memory management issue with the recently launched Nokia Lumia 900 at AT&T that, in some cases, was leading to a loss of data connectivity.

When this news was issued on Tuesday, Nokia had identified that a software update would be available for consumer download on or around April 16th. Today, we'd like to share with you that the update is now available. Consumers now have the opportunity to update their AT&T version Nokia Lumia 900 software through Zune and Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac earlier than anticipated.

Consumers are still able to swap out their Lumia 900 for an updated Lumia 900 in an AT&T store if they'd prefer. And, of course, the $100 credit offer will remain in effect through Midnight PST on April 21st.

Source : theverge

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7digital brings its MP3 download service to Windows Phone

London-based music download platform 7digital has finally launched its Windows Phone app, bringing its arsenal of MP3 tracks to the slowly-growing user-base on Microsoft’s mobile operating system.

Launched in the UK in 2004, 7digital’s download store and mobile applications give consumers access to over 18 million tracks across Europe and North America. The service finally launched in the US back in 2009, and just before Christmas we reported that 7digital was set to power T-Mobile’s Mobile Mall Stateside, giving US music fans access to tracks from the 4 major labels (Sony, Universal, Warner and EMI), as well as dozens of independent labels.

2011 was a busy year for 7digital. It released an Android smartphone app last May – adding to its existing iOS and BlackBerry apps – followed later by a dedicated version for Android tablets. This was after it had announced it was expanding its service into Australia and New Zealand.

We’re told that 7digital now has over 2 million active users on mobile devices. We first reported that a Windows Phone app was en-route back in December, and with this latest addition to its app repertoire, Windows Phone users can now browse, preview, purchase and download music to direct to their handset. As with all 7digital’s apps, previously purchased music can be synced from a user’s personal 7digital cloud storage space to their Windows Phone and any other devices with a 7digital app installed.

The app takes advantage of the native OS, with recommendations and featured content appearing on a panorama style interface. Live Tiles have also been integrated to allow users to pin their favourite artists, tracks and albums to the start screen.

“The 7digital mobile applications allow our customers to access their music however, whenever and through whichever device platform they choose,” says Ben Drury, CEO 7digital. “The new 7digital Windows Phone application adds to our philosophy of being a truly platform agnostic digital music service. With the addition of the Windows Phone app, we enable music fans to purchase music and access their entire music collection on all their devices, anytime, anywhere.”

The 7digital Windows Phone application is available from the Windows Marketplace in a number of territories including UK, US, Canada, Germany, France, Spain Italy and Ireland.

Source : thenextweb

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ArcSoft MediaConverter v7.5.0.114

Arcsoft MediaConverter 7 - powerful and user-friendly application designed to convert images, audio and video files in various formats and synchronize the converted files to mobile phones, iPod, iPhone, PS3, PSP, Wii and other devices. The program supports the technology NVIDIA CUDA and ATI Stream to increase the productivity of conversion.

ArcSoft MediaConverter 7 is a powerful and easy-to-use all-in-one multimedia file converter. This utility quickly and effortlessly converts multimedia files into formats optimized for use on your mobile phone, PMP, TV, and many other popular devices. Newly added is the ability to turn your 2D photos and videos into 3D for playback on supported devices, as well as uploading to YouTube. Your desired media is jut one click away.

Features:
i?? conversion of 2D videos and photos in 3D with ArcSoft Sim3D
i?? 3D video uploading to YouTube
i?? upload, convert and move video to the device with one click
i?? High performance for encoding with support for NVIDIA CUDA and ATI Stream
i?? Support for multi-core CPU
i?? SimHD supports output video quality when zooming
i?? Support for popular devices HTC EVO 4G, iPhone4, iPad, Nexus one, BlackBerry Bold 9700, Nokia N8, etc.
i?? direct transfer of video and audio to iPod, PSP, Android, Nokia phones and other devices
i?? convert to most popular file formats
i?? Ripping video from DVD and AVCHD
i?? rip audio from video files
i?? Support HD (1080P) resolution
i?? Support for Subtitle
i?? Automatic monitoring of the startup folder and synchronize with your device

Adding Multimedia
You can import a DVD and AVCHD content, cut the sound tracks of the selected video files and save them as audio files, as well as to monitor the specified folders.

Audio recording
With this function you can easily cut the audio track from video file and save it on your computer as an audio file.

Manage multimedia files
All imported media files are now displayed fotominiatyurami in the task list, where you can manage these files.

Include ArcSoft SimHD
Select this option to include technology ArcSoft SimHD, it provides an increase in size and turns ordinary standard-definition video in the files, close to high-definition video.

Automatic selection of optimal CPU / GPU
Automatic selection of optimal regimes of the CPU and (or) the GP to maximize optimal performance during the conversion process based on the encoder H.264. * Available modes are determined by the optimal system configuration, as well as the format and file size.

Enable support for NVIDIA CUDA, to increase productivity tools for encoding H.264.
Automatic activation of NVIDIA CUDA functions to increase system performance when converting files encoded according to the standard H.264. NVIDIA CUDA - a technology that implements a module of parallel computing in NVIDIA GPUs to solve many complex computational problems in a period of time necessary for the CPU. * This feature is available only for products with CPUs NVIDIA CUDA.

Include a hybrid full power CPU and GPU
Automatically includes a hybrid full power CPU and GPU to increase system performance for the process of conversion. In hybrid systems, the CPU / GPU graphics processor as a coprocessor to speed up some calculations. Notice. This feature is available only for products with CPUs NVIDIA CUDA.

Switch on support for ATI Stream, to increase productivity tools for H.264 encoding
Automatic switching functions ATI stream to increase system performance when converting files encoded according to the standard H.264. Technology ATI Stream - a set of advanced hardware and software technologies that enable AMD graphics processors to work in concert with the central processor of the system to speed up graphics and other applications. Notice. * This feature is available only for products with CPUs NVIDIA CUDA.

Here are some key features of "ArcSoft MediaConverter":
i?? One click to download, convert and transfer video to device
i?? Ultra extreme performance with support for NVIDIA CUDA, ATI Stream when encoding
i?? Multi-core CPU allows for faster performance
i?? Newly added SimHD maintains the output quality when up-scaling the video
i?? Transfer video and audio directly to iPod, iPhone, PSP, Android phone, Nokia phone and other popular devices
i?? Converts to the most popular formats
i?? Rips videos from DVD and AVCHD
i?? Rips audio from video files
i?? Supports the HD (1080P) export
i?? Enables subtitle support
i?? Monitors your download folder and syncs with device automatically

New Features:
i?? Converts your 2D videos and photos to 3D with ArcSoft Sim3D;
i?? Auto sharpening and area-based resizing maintain the output quality when down-scaling the video;
i?? CPU cores control while converting;
i?? More popular device support, such as HTC EVO 4G, iPhone4, iPad, Nexus one, BlackBerry Bold 9700, Nokia N8 and more;
i?? Uploads 3D videos to YouTube;
i?? Pre-defined Smart Fit profile and advanced customization settings;
i?? Rips audio from video files or DVDs; Preview and export videos with subtitle.

Enhanced Features:
i?? Converts to the most popular formats;
i?? Ultra extreme performance with support for NVIDIA CUDA or ATI Stream while encoding.

Other Features:
i?? Transfers videos and audios directly to iPods, PSPs, Android phones, Nokia phones, and other popular devices;
i?? Rips videos from DVDs and AVCHD;
i?? Monitors your download folder and syncs with device automatically;
i?? Save power with auto shutdown or hibernate;
i?? One click to download, convert, and transfer videos to device;
i?? SimHD maintains the output quality when up-scaling the video.

File Formats Supported for Importing:
Photo: RAW files (*. Erf, *. Arw, *. Sr2, *. Mef, *. Dng. *. Crw, *. Cr2, *. Nef, *. Raw, *. Orf, *. Dcr), JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PNG, BMP, TGA, FPX, PCX, PCD, PSD, and WMF.
Video: AVI (Microsoft Video 1 format, Cinepak, Intel Indeo, DivX, uncompressed, etc.), MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 in MPEG / MPG / MPE format, VCD in DAT format, DVD in VOB (unprotected) or whole DVD disc format, AVCHD in M2TS/MTS or whole AVCHD folder format recorded by AVCHD Camcorder / Camera, MPEG-4 in AVI/MP4/M4V format, QuickTime MOV, ASF, WMV, 3GP, FLV, TS, MKV, and OGG Media (. OGM). QuickTime 7 and Windows Media Player 10.0 are required for QuickTime MOV file conversion and WMV file conversion respectively. WTV, DVRMS, DIVX.
Audio: WMA, WAV, AAC, M4A, and OGG Vorbis. Windows Media Player 10.0 is required for WMA file conversion.

File Formats Supported for Exporting:
Photo: JPEG (. Jpg), BMP
Video: MPEG-4, H.264 and MJPEG encoded AVI file, MPEG-4 and H.264 encoded MP4 file, WMV file, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (HD), iPod Video MP4 support, Sony PSP Video MP4 support , 3GP/3G2, MOV, MKV and M2TS (AVCHD compatible).
Audio: WMA, AAC and M4A.
3D Video: H.264 encoded MP4, WMV 3D.
3D Photo: JPS.

Supported Device List MP3/MP4/PMP/HD Players / Projector:
Apple: iPod video (Support Conversion and Transfer), iPod classic (Support Conversion and Transfer), iPod nano (Support Conversion and Transfer), iPod touch (Support Conversion), Apple TV (Only support Conversion), iPad (Only support Conversion)
Casio: XJ-A135, XJ130, XJ-A145, XJ140, XJ-A245, XJ240
Microsoft: Zune, XBOX 360
Nintendo: WII
Optoma: PK102, PK201, PK301
Philips: MUSE, OPUS, PMC7230, SA33xx, SA51xx, SA52xx, SA60xx, SA61xx, SA93xx
Sony: PSP, PS3

Supported Device List Mobile Phones:
Apple: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4
HTC: G1, Diamond, HD2, EVO 4G, Incredible
Google: Nexus One
Motorola: Milestone, Droid
Nokia: 5800, 6600, E71, N73, N95, N97, N8
Sony Ericsson: XPERIA X10
Palm: Pre Plus
RIM: Bold 9700

Source : gfxtra

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Opera Mini 7 Released: Support For OpenGLES Hardware Acceleration, Android Beam, Better Tab Management And Speed Dial

Android is known for the sheer variety of excellent third-party apps available in Google Play that are good alternatives to stock, pre-included apps. Mobile browsers, particularly, are available in the dozens with strong ones like Boat Browser, Dolphin and, of course, Opera Mobile/Mini.

Opera Mini was once the world’s most popular mobile browser, but since the rise of Android and iOS, it has lost a great chunk of its share. Still, it offers many features that you simply won’t get in stock browsers on the aforementioned mobile platforms. We’ll get to them in a moment.

Now, Opera has released a new version of its Opera Mini browser for Android with a handful of new features and improvements. Check it out past the jump!

Major new features in the latest version of Opera Mini [Google Play] – version 7 – are actually of the under-the-hood kind with things like support for OpenGLES-based hardware acceleration (which is geek-talk for “smoother scrolling and better performance”), support for Arabic and Hebrew, support for NFC-based Android Beam feature that comes on Android 4.0 and an Exit button. Improved features include being able to set as many websites on Speed Dial as you like, better tab management and a more refined user-interface for the find-in-page feature.


Other than that, Opera Mini maintains its usual set of unique features that make it an absolute must-download for folks on slow mobile internet connections. Opera Turbo compresses web pages on its own servers before sending them to you for quicker access, a tabbed UI, Opera Link to sync bookmarks and settings with desktop Opera and a whole lot more!

We highly recommend you install Opera Mini on your Android device. Even if you have access to high speed internet all the time, it’s best to keep Mini installed just in case.

Source : redmondpie

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Zynga’s Draw Something Slingshots Past Angry Birds in App Store

MGPOP’s Draw Something is once again the top-selling iPhone application, after being knocked off just two weeks ago by the launch of Angry Birds Space.
The top ranking will go a long way in quieting the critics who believed Zynga was foolish to acquire OMGPOP for $180 million on the day of Rovio’s big launch, only to see it fall to second place the next day.
In addition to climbing its way back to the top, Zynga also disclosed that the game has now been downloaded more than 50 million times in 50 days, making it the fastest-growing mobile game ever — or so it believes.
In other words, that would be like everyone in England downloading the app in less than two months.
While it still may end up being true that Zynga overpaid for OMGPOP, there is little doubt that the game is an overnight success.
If you are one of the few people who haven’t already played it, Draw Something challenges players to use their finger to draw a picture of a person, place or thing; for example, “hoodie,” “golf cart” or “Rihanna.” The completed picture is handed off to another player, who must guess what is being drawn, sort of like Pictionary.
Inside the game, players can pay for additional features, such as new colors that can help make the illustrations easier to guess, new words if they don’t like the choices that are presented to them, or bombs that will eliminate some of the letters to make guessing an illustration easier. The free version has ads; users can pay 99 cents to get rid of them.
Zynga also said that since the game launched, more than six billion drawings have been created (that’s 120 for every resident of England), and that at the game’s peak hours, it generates 3,000 drawings per second. The most popular words are “starfish,” “pregnant,” “six-pack,” “Hangman” and “boom box.” The least popular word is “latrine.”
The mobile game also registers as the most popular game on Facebook, because it allows people to login to the game on the phone using their credentials.
However, people do not have to register using Facebook, so the number of players using it is actually bigger than what’s being reported by AppData, which tracks application usage on Facebook.
Still, AppData reports that the game has 14.4 million daily active users, where it has plateaued for the past week. The next most popular game, also owned by Zynga, is Words With Friends, which draws about eight million daily users, slightly more than half of Draw Something’s crowd.

Source : allthingsd

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Microsoft may be set to combat piracy with special chinese edition of windows 8

This is quite interesting. In a potential bid to combat piracy, Microsoft is said to be building a specific Windows 8 SKU, or build, for the Chinese market. This edition of Windows 8 will likely, if built, be cheaper than other versions of the operating system, making it more generally affordable.

That affordability is Microsoft’s tool to attack rampant piracy in the country. Precautions will be taken to ensure that the special build is only used in China, NeoWin reports: “The SKU can apparently be installed only with a Chinese ISO. The article adds that if you try to do so with an English ISO, a Blue Screen of Death alert appears with the error message ‘Bad MUI’.”

This idea, building a lightweight and cheap version of its flagship software, is not new for Microsoft. The company is preparing Tango, an update to Windows Phone that will allow for lower priced handsets, as the software is being stripped down to support them. Microsoft hopes that low price will entice new customers. In both cases, Microsoft is targeting developing markets with specially designed, and priced products; one size fits all this is not.

Putting aside what piracy is (a service problem), Microsoft appears to understand that if it can find the right price point, it can change the way the Chinese computing market functions. Generally, SKUs annoy me, when it comes to Windows; do we really need Home Basic, and Home Premium? However, in this case, if Microsoft does release the build, it will be to make the product simply more accessible. It’s hard to get mad about that.

Source : thenextweb

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Angry Birds Space HD Is Finally Available In The Play Store For $2.99, But Honestly, Rovio, Why?

Maybe you weren't waiting up til 4am EST, eagerly anticipating the release of Angry Birds Space. That is what you have us for, after all. If you were, though, you might remember that only one version of the app made it to the Play Store that night: the free version. Later, though, Rovio released "Angry Birds Space Premium," which is the ad-free version of the app. Now, Rovio has released Angry Birds Space HD. Sure. Why not?

This breaks Rovio's tradition of only having one version of its app on the Play Store. As you can see below, all the other versions of Angry Birds have one app on the Play Store. It's just the free version, but still only one. Now, though, there are an equal number of Angry Birds Space apps as there are all other Angry Birds versions combined.

Now, in Rovio's defense, this does seem to make a certain amount of sense. Rovio has never released a paid version of its app on Android, despite making most of its initial cash on the paid game in the iOS app store. Rovio, understandably, wants to experiment with paid apps on the Play Store. However, the HD version of the app makes no sense at all.

For starters, the free version of the app looks just fine on my Xoom. While Android tablets with even HD-er screens are on their way (hello, Infinity), 1280x800 is still pretty much the standard for Android tablets that are on the market right now. In fact, Rovio initially released Angry Birds Space HD on the Amazon Appstore, pitching it as a Kindle Fire version, despite the Fire only having a resolution of 1024x600.

I downloaded Angry Birds Space HD to my Xoom and, with the exception of fixing the improperly sized intro graphic, the game looks nearly identical. The free version looks just as good on my display. Which leaves me to wonder what I just spent $3 on. Maybe the differences would be more noticeable on the Transformer Pad Infinity, or the new iPad, but here on an Android tablet that actually exists, that $3 seems to buy you absolutely nothing.

I don't have a problem with paid versions of games. In fact, I'd prefer it to the alternatives. However, Android, as a platform, is built so that you don't need to have multiple versions to support different device types. From the ground up, Android has been designed so that things like screen resolution or aspect ratio won't break an app. So, when a game developer deliberately breaks off an "HD" version, it's annoying. When that "HD" version doesn't actually offer any improvements over the original, though, it feels like theft.

Oh, and not to add injury to insult or anything, but if you're considering buying this app now anyways, take a look at some of the reviews first. It seems that some users are experiencing crashes and difficulty loading the HD app. If you're feeling gutsy, though, here's a widget just for you.

Source : androidpolice

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