Microsoft 6000 Desktop Wireless Multimedia Keyboard Review–A Load Off Your W...

The folks out at Geeks.com sent over a Microsoft 6000 Desktop Wireless Multimedia Keyboard, and while I've dealt with a variety of computer keyboards and such before, especially wireless keyboards, I have to admit that this one is probably one of the better ones I've tackled in some time. And an even bigger surprise comes when you get a look at the price tag on it. So brace yourself, because this one's going to be a doozy.

The Microsoft 6000 Desktop Wireless Multimedia Keyboard comes with a hundred and six different keys and a whole bunch of individual function keys, for stuff like controlling zoom on web pages, cueing up various media applications, and a set of taskbar favorites. Because it's wireless, you'll also get a USB transceiver that makes this largely plug and play (there's also installation software so you can access the full array of features, but basic functionality is available on just a plug and play level), as well as a pair of feet that let you adjust the keyboard's angle.

I've used a lot of different keyboards, and I'll say this much: laptops are great things, but their keyboards can be a giant pain in the old carpal tunnel. This particular keyboard angles your wrists in a different position, as well as offers you a moderately padded rest, to really reduce the amount of pain you put into this. You likely know that I write for several of our sister sites (just check out that whole "Today on our other blogs" post that crops up every day for links), so it's clear that I do a LOT of typing in a typical day. This keyboard was so comfortable to use, largely owing to the curved design, that typing up a normal round of post was almost as easy on my wrists as a regular email.

It's comfortable, it packs lots of features–about the only thing I can complain about is that mine did not come with a pair of AA batteries, which this thing needs to run on–and it does so for just eighteen bucks out at geeks.com.

The Microsoft 6000 Desktop Wireless Multimedia Keyboard will really make your typing a lot easier, and if you do a lot of typing in a day, your wrists will thank you for it.

The Good

Lots of features

Nearly painless typing

Inexpensive

The Bad

Requires batteries to run

Score 9 / 10

40% of Smartphone Buyers Android, 45% of Mobile Phone Buyers Smartphones, Sa...

According to November data from The Nielsen Company, the popularity of the Android OS, among those who purchased a smartphone in the last six months (40%), makes it the leading OS. This data is similar to data released by NPD, which indicated that Android sales, up to November, were 46%. Nielsen did not mention that the average price increased to $157.

However, when it comes to overall consumer market share, Android OS (25.8%) is still behind Apple iOS (28.6%). RIM Blackberry's share (26.1%) puts it within the margin of error of both Apple iOS and Android. In other words, RIM remains statistically tied with both Apple for first and Android for third. "Apple's clear lead over Android notwithstanding, this race might still be too close to call, reported Nielsen."

All three smartphone OS leaders - Apple iOS, RIM Blackberry and Android - are benefitting from strong demand for smartphones. In November, 45 percent of recent acquirers chose a smartphone over a feature phone.

BlackBerry, Android & iPhone Top Smartphones, Samsung Top Maker, Says comScore

ComScore released comScore MobiLens for three months ending November 2010. The November report found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 24.5 percent market share, followed by LG (20.9&), Motorola (17%), BlackBerry (8.8%) and Nokia (7.2%).

RIM's BlackBerry OS led among smartphone platforms with 33.5 percent market share. Google Android captured the #2 ranking among smartphone platforms in November with 26 percent of U.S. smartphone subscribers. Apple accounted for 25 percent of smartphone subscribers (up 0.8 percentage points), followed by Microsoft with 9 percent and Palm with 3.9 percent. These figures are a little different from Wireless and Mobile News' Top Ten Best Smartphones, which had iPhone and Droid X in the lead.

Top Smartphone Platforms 3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2010 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2010 Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens
	Share (%) of Smartphone Subscribers
	Aug-10	Nov-10	Point Change
Total Smartphone Subscribers	100.0%	100.0%	N/A
RIM	37.6%	33.5%	-4.1
Google	19.6%	26.0%	6.4
Apple	24.2%	25.0%	0.8
Microsoft	10.8%	9.0%	-1.8
Palm	4.6%	3.9%	-0.7

For the three-month average period ending in November, 234 million Americans ages 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 24.5 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers, up 0.9 percentage points from the three-month period ending in August. LG ranked second with 20.9 percent share, followed by Motorola (17 percent), RIM (8.8 percent), and Nokia (7.2 percent).

Mobile Content Usage

In November, 67.1 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device, up 0.5 percentage points versus the prior three-month period, while browsers were used by 35.3 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 0.8 percentage points). Subscribers who used downloaded applications comprised 33.4 percent of the mobile audience, representing an increase of 1.1 percentage points. Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 1.0 percentage points, representing 23.5 percent of mobile subscribers. Playing games attracted 22.6 percent of the mobile audience, while listening to music attracted 15 percent.

LG Optimus Black Android Smartphone

LG Electronics will unveil a new Android smartphone, LG Optimus Black, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6th 2011 in Las Vegas. Measuring at just 9.2 mm thick, the smartphone comes equipped with a brighter 4-inch NOVA display with 700 nits of brightness for optimal visibility. LG Optimus Black provides users with an easier and more natural experience when browsing the web, reading emails, or writing documents with higher levels of brightness and pure white tones that deliver true black and white colors for ideal handset viewing. The NOVA display on LG Optimus Black also radically reduces power consumption by 50 percent during general indoor use compared to a conventional LCD. For your info, the AMOLED display consumes twice as much power as NOVA to display a full white screen. The LG Optimus Black uses the Optimus UI 2.0 that lets users directly access messages, emails and missed calls from the locked screen with just one single finger tap. Other specs include a 1500mAh battery, Wi-Fi Direct for quick and high-quality data transfer between mobile devices and a 2MP front-facing camera. The LG Optimus Black will be released globally in the first half of 2011.

Nokia E5- Enticing features and affordable price

Nokia world`s most renowned manufacturer of mobile phones announces the all new Nokia E5. The Nokia E5 is an innovatively designed business smartphone. The handset is loaded with full QWERTY keypad and 5MP camera with 3G connectivity. The A-GPS, Wi-fi and 32 GB expandable memory offers a never before users experience.

The key features of the Nokia E5 include:

* 2.4 inch QVGA LCD display
* 320 x 240 pixel resolution
* Full QWERTY keyboard
* 3G Connectivity
* Wi-Fi
* 5 megapixel camera with LED flash
* 250 MB internal memory
* 32 GB expandable memory
* 2 GB MicroSD card included
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* Bluetooth
* A-GPS
* OVI Maps
* 1 click access to SMS/MMS and email
* OVI Chat and OVI Share
* 18 hours 30 mins talktime
* 29 days stand-by time
* 1200 mAh battery

The highly impressive Nokia E5 comes in 5 different colors namely Carbon Black, Chalk White, Sky Blue, Copper Brown and Silver Grey. Priced at of Rs.10, 634, the Nokia E5 makes a very good buy.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Gets Officially Announced With Android ‘Gingerbread...

If you've been paying attention you may remember that we told you of a CES poster put up by Sony Ericsson that featured an unannounced, extremely thin looking phone. At the time, this device was rumored to be dubbed the Xperia Arc but with no official word we weren't sure. Now, Sony Ericsson has taken center stage at CES 2011 to formally announce the Xperia Arc in all of its glory.

Clocking in at just 8.7mm at its thinnest, the Xperia Arc features a 4.2-inch multitouch display, Google's latest Android 'Gingerbread' 2.3 alongside a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, an 8. megapixel camera and an HDMI connector. Luckily, Android Market access is on hand so you won't need to go through any loopholes to get access to the latest and greatest apps. While everything seems pretty standard, the biggest selling point of the Xperia Arc is its 'Reality Display' with a 854 x 480 resolution. Apparently, this display will be going head to head with Apple's Retina Display (found on the iPhone 4) to deliver "exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image".

No word yet on a release or price point but we'll keep you posted. Too bad there's no dual-core processor here but oh well, I suppose you can't ask for everything.

Press release after the break.

Sony Ericsson Introduces Xperia arc – the ultimate smartphone with super-slim design and state-of-the-art Sony technology

Xperia™ arc combines stunning design with Sony technology on Android™ platform version 2.3
Newest addition to the Xperia™ range delivers visual brilliance and the ultimate multimedia experience
January 5, 2011, Las Vegas, USA – Sony Ericsson today unveils the new Xperia™ arcsmartphone with cutting edge Sony technology and an exceptional multimedia experience on the latest version of the Android™ platform – 2.3. Xperia™ arc is the first of a new generation ofXperia smartphones to be announced in 2011.

Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson said, "We're starting strong in 2011 by introducing our most exciting Xperia™ product yet. Xperia™ arc combines state-of-the-art Sony technology with breathtaking design to entertain and wow consumers. All on the latest Android™ release."

Xperia™ arc takes the stunning design language that Sony Ericsson has become known for to a new level. Super slim and light, Xperia™ arc is just 8.7mm at its thinnest part and has a extra wide 4.2" multi-touch screen. Created from premium materials and with a stunning arc body, this smartphone is sleek, strong and designed to fit perfectly in the user's hand. The best of Sony technology is inside Xperia™ arc. The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Furthermore, Sony's award-winning Exmor R™ for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can be shared in HD on your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.

Xperia™ arc will launch on the latest version of the Android™ platform providing access to Google Mobile Services and the myriad of applications available on the Android market. Xperia™ smartphones add best in class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as apps, maps, email and fast Internet to create the most entertaining smartphone experience.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc – Key features

Slim, lightweight and strong, with perfect ergonomics
Extra wide 4.2" multi-touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine to ensure ultimate multimedia and viewing experiences
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile: for best-in-class low-light photography and video capture
8.1 megapixel camera and HD video recording capability
Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc will be available globally in selected markets, including Japan, from Q1 in the colours Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

Check out the Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc at a glance

Camera

8.1 megapixel camera
Up to 2.46x smart zoom
Aperture f/2.4
Auto focus
Face detection
Flash/LED
Geo tagging
Image stabilizer
Noise suppression
Send to web
Smile detection
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile CMOS sensor
Touch Focus
Touch capture
Video light
Video recording, HD 720p
Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ service*
TrackID™ music recognition application
* This service may not be available in every market
Web

Bookmarks
Google™ search
NeoReader™ barcode scanner
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)
Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application*
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert
* This service may not be available in every market
Messaging

Conversations
Email
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Design

Auto rotate
Keyboards (onscreen, QWERTY)
Picture wallpaper
Reality display
Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Touchscreen
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment
* This service may not be available in every market

3D games
Media browser
Motion gaming
Radio (FM)
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™ *
Organiser

Android™ OS
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
Flight mode
Infinite button
Phone book
Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
Google Maps™
HDMI
Modem
DLNA
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi™
Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation *
* This service may not be available in every market
Google™ services*
* These services may not be available in every market

Android Market™ Client
Gmail™
Google Calendar™
Google Gallery 3D™
Google Latitude™
Google Maps™ with Street View
Google Media Uploader
Google Music Player™
Google Phone-top Search
Google Search widget
Google Sync™
Google Talk™
Google Voice Search
Set-up Wizard
YouTube™
Screen

Sony Mobile Bravia Engine
16,777,216 colour TFT
Capacitive multi-touch
4.2 inches
854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA)
Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass
Accessories

In-Box:
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc
Battery (1500mAh)
Stereo portable handsfree
Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation
Facts

Size: 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 117 grams
Phone memory: Up to 512 MB
Memory card support: up to 32 GB
Memory card included: microSD™ 8 GB
Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3
Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm
Availability and versions

Networks
UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Colour

Midnight Blue
Misty Silver

Samsung Infuse 4G – a super Galaxy S plus (with 21Mbps download speeds!)

The Samsung Infuse 4G has just been announced from CES 2011, with AT&T announcing it'll go live on their networks later this year. The Infuse 4G is a Galaxy S-class Android 2.2 smartphone with a whopping 4.5″ screen and a super-fast 1.2GHz processor (notably not dual-core).

One of the key innovations of the Infuse 4G is Samsung's new Super AMOLED Plus technology, which makes the screen look amazing. The old Super AMOLED technology was already pretty special, but the new Super AMOLED Plus display offers 50% more pixel density, resulting in an almost unbelievable level of detail and clarity.

Samsung Infuse 4G details

In addition to the glorious new screen, the Infuse 4G has a few other tricks up its sleeve as well, including:

• 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera
• 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 1.2GHz Hummingbird processor
• HSPA+ for 21Mbps download speeds
• 9mm thin

It's still running Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, which isn't exactly great, but with these specs it's clearly at the top-end of smartphones right now. That said, with the LG Optimus 2X and Motorola Atrix, both dual-core phones, and a plethora of new powerful Sony Ericsson Xperias waiting in the wings (not to mention HTC's new HTC Inspire 4G), it's going to have some serious competition on its hands!

More details as we get them.

Revealed: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc features Bravia screen technology

Behold the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, the company's latest flagship smartphone! Although not officially announced by sony Ericsson, yet, the Xperia Arc shown here is definintely the same phone that features on Sony Ericsson's promotional posters that are all over CES at the moment.

Instead of waiting for Sony Ericsson to officially announce it, Russian site Gagadet somehow got hold of the promotional material for the Arc have written liberally about it. So it makes sense for us to do the same as well!

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc overview

The Xperia Arc is being pitched as an entertainment phone, and its list of features should make sure it's more than capable of anything multimedia-like you care to throw at it. There a 1GHz processor, a 4.2″ screen and a 16GB microSD card, plus DLNA support and an HDMI out, for interacting with and connecting to an HDTV.

More impressively, though, the Xperia Arc seems to have perfectly captured the current trend for super-slim smartphones with beautiful screens, and shows that Sony can match the likes of Samsung and LG tech for tech.

So whereas Samsung has its Super AMOLED Plus screen technology and LG has its new Nova display, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc uses Sony's new BRAVIA mobile tech – the same technology that does such an excellent job of upscaling standard definition pictures onto the company's superb HDTVs (and as the proud owner of such a TV, I can confirm that the upscaling really is superb!)

What this means for a mobile device is that everything you see on the phone will come with enhanced clarity and brightness, which obviously will prticularly pronounced when watching videos. If you're not convinced, check out the video below.

Sounds to me like a shoot-out is called for between Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson as to whose screen technology is the best! Either way, the fact that all three manufacturers have different technologies that do the same thing – makes the screen a lot brighter and clearer – bodes well for the phones of 2011, not to mention future phones!

The Xperia Arc isn't finished there, though!

Xperia Arc camera features

In addition to all this screen goodness, the Xperia Arc also features Sony's brand new back-illuminated Exmor R camera sensor in its 8 megapixel camera, which means superb quality pics even in low light conditions. Throw in Android version 2.3 (Gingerbread), a multitouch screen, and possibly 1080p video capture and playback (which the Exmor R chip allows for), and you've potentially got a super new smartphone on your hands!

Finally, the name – apparently it refers to the arc of the phone's side profile, which has been designed to be as slim as possible – just 8.7mm at its thinnest, which could just make it the thinnest phone on the market.

Promotional video of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Finally, we have the promotional video, whcih really does lend an air of credibility to all these claims (as indeed do the pictures, which are clearly from Sony Ericsson's marketing department).

All we have, at the moment, though, are rumuors. Fairly substantial rumours, it has to be said, but I for one can't wait to see this phone in the flesh. Sony Ericsson should be revealing all very soon with their own official press conference, so stay tuned for what be one of the most desirable phones of 2011.

Motorola Atrix 4G dual-core Android phone doubles as laptop

The phoney war is over! the gloves are off and now finally we see the new phones of 2011, live from CES 2011! First up is the Motorola Atrix 4G. Originally called the Motorola Olympus, the Atrix 4G is the first dual-core phone on AT&T's network. This means it's fast, obviously, but with a huge 1930Ah battery (the Deisre HD's is 1200mAh, by comparison), it should last forever running at top speed as well.

Based on Android 2.2, the Atrix 4G also features HTML 5 support, an enormous 1GB of RAM, and docks that turn the Atrix 4G into a little bit of magic!

Can't decide between smartphone or tablet? Get both with the Atrix Webtop dock!

Motorola also have an innovative new dock up their sleeve. Called the Motorola Laptop Dock, it's basically a laptop body, complete with functional keyboard and screen, but without any processing power or storage inside. Behind the screen is a dock into which you plug the Atrix 4G, which then becomes the brains of the laptop.

Motorola have cleverly developed what they call the Webtop app, which takes many of the apps on the Atrix 4G and turns them into full dekstop apps. Firefox, for example, becomes the full desktop version of Firefox, powered by the Atrix, but viewable on the laptop screen.

Of course, you won't find Microsoft Office here, but it's a cracking device for bloggers, journalists, or anyone else who needs to write on the go but who doesn't want the weight and cumbersomeness of a full laptop. The Laptop Dock, you see, weighs just 2.4 pounds, which is just 1kg.

Turn your Atrix into a tiny HDTV

If you're more into the multimedia side of things, then the Motorola HD dock may be more your thing. This sits the Atrix 4G horizontally and angles it for perfect viewing pleasure, so you can see all the HD videos the Atrix can show without having to hold it!

More to come!

That's all we got from AT&T's press conference, but we'll get more – much more – on the Atrix 4G for you very very soon, so stay peeled!