• Download the update from here.

The rest of the steps I posted before here. But just incase you are lazy, here you go:

• Rename the file to update.zip.
• Copy the update.zip file onto your microSD card.
• With your Nexus One off, hold down the trackball and press the power button.You’ll be booted into a white screen with three Android robots on skateboards.
• Select “Bootloader.”
• On the next screen, select “Recovery.”
• Your phone will reboot, giving you a picture of the Android robot and an exclamation point inside a triangle.
• Now press the power button and volume up button at the same time. It could take a couple of tries.
• Now (using the trackball this time) choose “Apply sdcard:update.zip”

After the installation is complete, you will still have to download and install Flash 10.1 to get things going, just click on any “get latest flash” link in the browser and you are set. or just search for it in the market place.

Enjoy

The device feels snappier all around especially in the browser. The inclusion of Flash is awesome, it make mobile browsing much more tolerable. Also the battery life seemed to have improved, I played around with the device for a while a definitely notice a better battery life……. I think. will let you know after a full day use.

Another great feature is the WiFi hotspot. you can transfer your device into a wireless hotspot (think MiFi). this is a great feature indeed making me carry one less device, or maybe just an extra battery.

Also I have notice the first glimpse of Arabic support, I see separated Arabic letters instead of the usual block in both the browser and in the messages. This means that the next major update 3.0 perhaps will include full Arabic support.

AirVideo

$2.99

This is by far the best app you can get for your iPad, being able to stream all your video files via the internet to your iPad no matter what format it is is just great for anybody with any kind of a video collection. It does live conversion on the fly and  its pretty quick. and its just amazing on a local network.

Zinio

Free

Do you read magazines? I’ve been using Zinio on my PC for more than 2 years now, and I was disappointed with their iPhone release a few months back but man is the new iPad version is just awesome. It has a very good variety of magazines and the annual subscription prices are just too compelling.

Offline Pages

Free

This app lets you store a full webpage wth its formatting for offline viewing it later. This is great especially that this version of the iPad is wifi only, and this will really helpful when you are an a flight. its better than RSS reader in my opinion but needs a little bit more work.

LogMeIn

$29.99

I’ve talked about logmein before, its a remote desktop controlling app. the free desktop version is just so compelling. I know $30 seems much but its the best remote desktop app there is I think. and it was an easy decision because I already purchased the iPhone version.

Evernote

Free

This is the might not the best note taking app on the iPad but the ability to sync your notes to multiple platforms make this the most efficient one. I’ve got this setup on my Desktop PC, desktop Mac, Macbook pro, My windows laptop, my 2 Android phones , my iPhone and now my iPad. When I take a note on any platform it will be synced to my other devices automatically. Just great.

SoundHound

$4.99

This is a very good app, its an upgrade to Shazam, in addition to the ability to recognize songs via the iPad built-in microphone, it can  be integrated to your iPad music library and search for music lyrics, videos, artist bio and discography.

GoodReader

$0.99

This is a very nifty little piece of software, it gives you the ability to transfer file wirelessly to from your PC to your iPad and it has a built-in browser that you can download files in which is also great.

Notable Mentions:

NewsRack, Delivery Status, Kindle, IMDB, PenUltimate, Camera For iPad, Weather HD and Notes.

For more app considerations, check out Marzouq’s post.

In today’s “It Time To Share” event. Microsoft announced the long rumored “Project Pink” devices. Its nothing that extravagant, its based on some variation of Windows Phone 7, so what we are seeing here is a very cool integration with social media networks and “should” be in the upcoming Windows Phone 7.

Its only going to be on Verizon so no GSM version just yet. Don’t think anyone will be disappointed though.

More videos after the break

Activating the device was a breeze (I have a US based account (Mark wrote a work around if you have a Kuwaiti account). FIrst thing I noticed how fast and responsive the device is, I mean its blazing fast. Loving the new Apple CPU.

The browser shows the full web pages and not the mobile ones, as seen from the pic above. Didn’t expect that as it ran the same webkit browser that the iPhone has, or so I thought.

The screen in nice, nothing super amazing . its large (bigger is better here) and some apps make use of the extra real estate.

A big letdown is not being able to charge the device via USB unless you’ve got a new mac. If you are a windows user you have to hunt down a wall socket to recharge.

The iBooks app is downloaded separately for free, after doing so you get a copy of Winnie-the-Pooh for free.

I’ll be doing a review and should be up soon. If you have any question please do so in the comments.

A ton more pictures after the break, click below……..

I really looking forward to HP’s Slate ever since Steve Ballmer announced it back at CES (before Apple announced the iPad) but it went dark after that with only the word “to be released later this year”. Well, the words still haven’t changed but Adobe (not HP) released a video showing the devices capabilities, i.e RUNNING FLASH – take that iPad.

It shows the devise running a number of flash-based stuff (websites, videos and games) and it looks like its running very smoothly. The device itself isn’t bad looking either.

Come on HP, stop touting us and give us a damn release date will ya?

Yesterday we passed by Info Connect at the International Fair Ground to see what’s new. We weren’t expecting much from there except for some new DSL prices but we still had to wonder around checking stuff out before ManU/Arsenal – Egypt/Ghana games.

To our amazement we found a cleaning solution in an Tech/IT expo.

we ended up buying 3 of this AMAZING Kleaner :/

Also when walking around we noticed an unreleased Android mobile device on display in a protected glass case.

Yes it is the SonyEricsson’s upcoming X10. it will be the company’s first android device that should be available as early as next month.

Zidaneoo was also looking for a new laptop. So, we had a quick look around and saw an i7 and an i5 HP laptops that had a very good price. cant remember the exact pricing and specs. but I should have the up soon.

We took our time there wich made us miss both game’s kick-off. and when we got to Showtime’s booth i saw this.

Of course they were watching the Egypt game.

And when it was time to leave, it was raining and we were greeted with a lightnings show.

So, not much to say about the Expo. With the exception of semi-good ADSL prices.

BGR has an insider that confirms that the new iPhone OS (iPhone OS 4.0) will have multitasking capability (among other tweaks).

• There will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the iTablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)
• “A few new ways” to run applications in the background — multitasking.
• Many graphical and UI changes to make navigating through the OS easier and more efficient. We haven’t had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.
• The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but will “put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers” more than any other phone to date. Everyone is “really excited.”
• The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

If that’s true, this takes the iphone to a whole new level. One of my main complaints was multitasking, so this will make me fall in love with the iphone again.

Now we just hope that there will be some hardware upgrades.

Link

I know I just got my Nexus One, but WMC is next month and the rumor mill is going crazy. It looks like Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Mobile 7 might be the long awaited Zune Phone AKA Project Pink. Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) did confirm in an interview last month that the new Windows Mobile 7 will have integrated Zune functionality, but didn’t give any further details.

What’s exiting about this is not only the software, but also the hardware.The rumored device (LG Apollo) Specs are just insane:

• Launching: August/September 2010
• CPU: Qualcomm QSD8650; 1.3GHz
• CDMA + GSM (aka a World Phone)
• EvDO + HSDPA
• Device Size: 115 x 57.5 x 11.2 mm
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 1GB/1GB
• External Storage: MicroSD (up to 32GB)
• Screen Size/Type: 3.8-inch capacitive AMOLED “Multitouch Supported”
• Screen Resolution: WXGA 1280 x 720 px
• Camera: 10-megapixel with flash and autofocus; HD 720p video@ 30fps
• Video Support: Windows Media Video (WMV), MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) H.264, DVR-MS4
• Audio Support: Windows Media Audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC-LC), FairPlay DRM, MP3
• Battery: Removable 1400 mAh
• Talk Time: Up to 7.5 hours
• Standby Time: 288 hours
• Internet Use: 4.5 hours (3G), 6.5 hours (WiFi)
• Video Playback: 10 hours
• Audio Playback: 30 hours

I guess we will have to wait till next month to find out.

Image above is concept art by Adam Huffman.

More info here

The gsm version of the MiFi got released last summer, and when i got back from the states I went to hawaly to see if I can find it. I did it was on sale for 85KD back then, I decided to wait for a subsidized version that would be cheaper.

Zain released their branded MiFi a while back, and I thought it would be a good deal until I contacted them and asked for the price. They sell it for KD85 without any subscription and no ties, and you can get it for KD30 if you sign a 1 year deal with the KD27 package.

After hearing that I went directly to hawaly to check the latest prices, I entered Qayrawan Complex and went to Cameo, asked for the price and they where selling it for KD70. I ended up getting it for KD68 without too much of a hassle.

It’s basically the same device except for the branding. The Zain rep I talked to told me that the device won’t work with the KD13.5 or any other subscription, which is a deal breaker for me, since I would only use it for work, and I only have edge coverage there.

So bottom line is, if you are already with Zain and have the KD27 subscription the getting the device for KD30 is a good deal. But if you aren’t in that category, then you are better of getting the unbranded from hawaly.

Zain MiFi pic from Somecontrast’s review of the device.

A few weeks ago, both Frankom and Qortuba posted about 2 different models of portable speakers, the iHome and the X-mini II. And because I’ve got both models I thought I might do a comparison.

The iHome is a 2 speakers that has a cool storage mechanism, and and they are a bit smaller than the X-mini II (see picture above). And because its 2 speakers you get stereo sound.

The X-mini II on the other hand is a bit larger single speaker, so you don’t have stereo sound as an option but one thing going for it. It has the 3.5mm cable attached to it, so you couldn’t even forget the cable. so it looks much smarter and cleaner.

Unlike the iHome speakers, which you have to remember to pack the 3.5mm to micro USB cable, cause if you don’t, they are worthless. Plus when connected their cable system is a bit messy.

So, after using my speakers for a while (the iHome for almost a year and the X-Mini for 3 months) I came to this conclusion:

The X-mini very good neat speaker that would suffice for most users, that sounds pretty good. I would use it mainly for short outings and for my ipod, bear in mind the the built-in cable is very short, so if you have your ipod on a dock your speaker will be hanging from it.

The iHome on the other hand is a more for long travels, and use for a laptop on a desk rather than on the go, and for your ipod’s speakerless dock.

Both speakers have a built-in rechargeable battery that would last roughly 5 hours, but you can use the iHome speakers individually and the would last twice as long.

The iHome Mini Speakers costs about $40 from Amazon and available in different colors.

The X-mini II costs $30 at Amazon and comes in one color.

UPDATE:

I’ve been contacted by someone from X-MINI telling me that the iHome mini is a re-branded X-MINI MAX, so both speakers are from the same company. Check out their website for more cool portable speakers.

Buy it from here.

If you want to feel the ultimate carbon fiber wrapped around your body all day at the office, you have the Authentic Ferrari F360 Challenge Carbon FIber Office Chair.

If you have $8,000 dollars you dont know what to spend on, buy it from here.

Want to use your iPhone/iPod touch to control your TV, stereo, cable box, DVD, etc..?

Download the free app from the iTunes App Store and buy this hardware from here.

Want Android 2.1? Even weirder Carbon Fiber stuff? More than an iPhone case? Want to drive real fast but safe? Then read below.

Curious about Android 2.1? Free turn by turn Navigation on google maps? Are the Motorolla Droid and HTC Hero that great? Check the leak of Android 2.1 (unreleased) in the video below.

Here is the link.

Dont like carbon fiber, but love your iPhone? How about this case with phone screen protection, place for 6 credit cards and opening for charging point.

If you want this, you can buy it from here.

You want some more carbon fiber? You want to sit on but cant afford the office chair above?

Then this toilet seat is suited for you. Buy it from here.

Wanna drive your fast car real fast around a Grand Prix track but don’t want to be reckless on the streets?

Then join the Gulf Run. Check them out here.

Links :

www.malcolmfontier.com , www.carbonfibergear.com , www.geeky-gadgets.com , www.thinkflood.com , www.htcheroblog.com , www.thegulfrun.com

For more including iPOD docks, more cars, USB’s and more phones continue reading after the break.

Ever dropped your cell phone in water? Ever had to replace an iPod because of battery problems? How about spilling liquid on a laptop? These, and many other everyday nuisances occur to us all the time. And we usually end up fully replacing the ‘defected’ object. But wait, I read this article on MSN and it seemed very helpful for alot of these problems. Even stuff like reviving a stuck LCD panel are included. Check out the article right here.

Random Information of the Day : So there was the dotcom bubble, then in Kuwait we had the Sushi bubble and currently we are experiencing the cupcake/cookie bubble. But did you know that our last “bubble” (sushi and sashimi) is in the top 5 list of most foods to contain parasites? Some foods to ponder over here.

The application is called Wikitude World Browser.

So what is augmented reality exactly?  According to Wikipedia…

Augmented reality (AR) is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with-, or augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery – creating a mixed reality.

Basically it uses real images to overlay computer generated images onto the physical environment. It may sound very confusing, but it is a very simple concept with a great experience for the user. To try and grasp the concept some more you may want to take a look at the video below.

There is a second part of the video you can find here.

So basically in Kuwait i have used it to see such things as al-Fayha, al-shamiya, al-rawdha, Moghul Mahal, Olympia tower, etc. just to name a few. You will get alot of areas in Iraq the more you extend the range of scope. Of course this is the kind of application that will be more useful when you are abroad as it has more points of interest like most GPS/points of interest/augmented reality apps.

It can basically become a travel guide with you when you are out of town trying to find different areas to explore. From regular buildings to museums to restaraunts, you will find it all in this application. Of course you have the option to refine your search and select content overlays. Then you will select which display you want from three : CAM, MAP, LIST. All this on the home screen where it lists your current position according to your network provider if your GPS is turned off.  And then all you do is point, and move around like your using a video camera until you find something you like; then you can select it and see information about it among other things.

Wikitude is currently available for free in the Android Market and should be available any day now for all you iPhone 3GS users through the iTunes App Store.  A great app that is alot of fun to use and at the same time very helpful.

*Random information for the day : Disney will buy Marvel for $4 billion dollars, pending share-holder approval. Thats alot of zero’s. link

With instant messaging making a big comeback thanks to the BBM on the Blackberry, many all in one IM clients are popping up all over the place. For the iPhone your best shot is Beejive. It integrates AIM®, iChat®, MobileMe®, MSN®/Windows Live®, Yahoo!®, MySpace, GoogleTalk®, ICQ®, Jabber, and Facebook IM all in this application. You can even send and recieve pictures on some of the clients.

With Push Notification’s availability on the iPhone 3.0 update now you can always be available online. You will either need a wi-fi connection or a data plan, EDGE is more than enough even for sending and recieving images.  Also, the team at Beejive is supposedly developing an add-on for Skype in which you can make VoIP calls.

The screenshots above are of the iPhone version of Beejive. Many commands are integrated such as adding and blocking a buddy, all the status options, disabling emoticons and the option of staying connected all the time as well.  With every one now basically having a smart phone and either logged into Google Talk, MSN, or Facebook, you will have them all in one with this application. Beats BBMing.

Image below is of the Crackberry, Blackberry version of the software.

For the Blackberry Version there is a free trial or you can purchase it starting at $19.95.

The iPhone version available at the iTunes app store for $9.99.

The windows mobile free trial Beta version is available at www.beejive.com

iPhone Version

I have been wanting to upgrade from my iPhone 3G to another smartphone for the past 3 months but I’m having alot of trouble selecting something.

1)  Do I go for the iPhone 3GS, or is it not worth the bother and upgrade?  

Probability of purchase : 90%

2) Do I wait for the Palm Pre GSM version, or could it be too long a wait?  

 Probablitiy of purchase : 70%

3) Do I get the HTC Hero, or is it just another good, but unspectacular Android phone? 

Probability of purchase : 50% 

4) Do I splash out on a tried and test Nokia N97, or is the Symbian platform just too unreliable?

 Probability of Purchase : 20%

5) Do I dive into the Blackberry madness entourage, or is it just a phase and really a business oriented phone that is misused in Kuwait?  

 Probability of purchase : 35%

I pre-ordered the ASUS 1008ha “Seashell” 3 weeks ago from amazon, and got it 2 days ago.

The design is just great, the device is very sexy, slim and light. it has the same glossy finish as other ASUS netbooks.

The 1008ha has a small footprint (just like most 10″ netbooks), as you can see from the pic vs my 13″ macbook.

The main selling point of the device its its slimness, the macbook is one of the thinnest laptops around (1.08″) and you can see the comparison that this baby is slim. the thickness ranges (0.7 – 1.0″) so it does a little macbook air thingy. well the macbook air max out at .76″ but you know what i mean.

The Seashell has 2 USB ports, one on each side, a SD card slot, usual audio in/out and a mini VGA port, but cleverly hidden at the bottom is a mini vga-to- VGA cable, nice.

Battery is non replaceable ala macbook air, but the capacity is pretty good. I managed to get about 4 hrs after constant browsing and a little bit of streaming.

Overall the EEE PC 1008HA Seashell is what a netbook should be. Thin, light and pretty decent performance. The seashell is highly recommended.

More pics in the gallery.

A few days before E3, Sony screws up and the June Qore episode is all over the internet showing the new PSP.

The new PSP is nothing to get too exited about its just a little smaller design with slide-out controls, Still one analog stick (damn), what looks like same processor too so that the games will be compatible with older PSP modules as they are going to co-exist (according to the video).

The Biggest thing about the PSPGo is the built-in 16GB memory and still have a memory slot.