The latest Nielsen survey released shows some pretty amazing trends in the cell phone industry. First to note is that smartphones now account for 50% of all phone purchases in the U.S., marking a 38% increase over last year at this time. According to Nielsen, this growth is attributed to increasing smartphone adoption, with more than two thirds of the phones purchased in the last three months being smartphones.

What could be considered even more of a telling sign of things to come are the numbers per platform. Android remained unchanged with 48% of the market share, with iOS coming in at 43% and the remaining 9% comprised of RIM, Nokia and Microsoft. The increase of iOS and the unchanged share of Android smartphones in the survey show that these two powerhouses form nothing short of a duopoly in smartphone purchases, in the U.S. RIM slipped to an all time low of 5% with all ofthers comprising the remaining 4%.

While Android is at the top and iOS is steadily coming up behind them, what does this leave for RIM, Nokia and Microsoft? Will they be able to survive the loss of so many new customers? Do they have something up their sleeves to turn things around or are we destined to witness their collapse in the cell phone industry? Which OS do you use and are you tempted to try anything else? If so, which ones?

Give us your thoughts below!

Source: Nielsen Survey

In the meantime, you can still get a tethered jailbreak on iOS5.1.  Head over to our iPhone forums on this and any other iOS question or issue you may have.

(via redmondpie)

When comparing iOS to Android in terms of how well HTML5 web rendering can be done, Spaceport.io found that iOS smokes the competition.  The Galaxy Nexus, the Android device with the latest hardware and the very latest software, did the best as far as Android devices go, but it fell very short of the iPhone 4S.  Overall, it looks like Apple is way ahead of its competition in HTML5 rendering, although everyone has a ways to go before HTML5 becomes a significant daily player.

Take a look at the comparison below to get the concept of how the two largest mobile operating systems stacked up!

(via AllThingsD)

One of the main reasons people flocked to get a 4S was the introduction of Siri, a personal assistant and amazing voice recognition agent that has not been successfully emulated and is the envoy of the other phone operating systems at the moment.  Siri can perform hundreds of tasks by voice activation and even responds with witty remarks should you get creative with your voice commands.

Now, thanks to the iTweakers, you can now change Siri’s accent in a number of ways, using the app AnyVoice.

Some of the accents sound better than others, so try them out and see which one sounds best for you!

The app requires that you be jailbroken and is accessed via Cydia.  Just search for AnyVoice, install it, and there you have it!  If you would like to learn how to jailbreak your device, head over to our iPhone forums.

(via redmondpie)

This may not seem like big news for members outside London, but if you stop and think about it, this could possibly set a fantastic precedent for anyone using a form of public transit anywhere! Can you imagine getting off the plane in unfamiliar territory and needing to stay a while for some reason, or needing to get to a meeting across town fast? If Google Maps keeps developing this system I could easily see bus, subway and maybe even Taxi company (probably as quick-links) routs, schedules or contact info automatically available upon launch of the app. Google Maps will detect where your at and determine the best route to get to where you set as destination and map out the schedule for you:

This release is for Android, IOS and Blackberry devices, but as an added bonus to Android users, you can install Transit Navigation (beta) which enables alerts to be sent when it is time to transfer or get off the bus or train.

I have high hopes for this to be further developed to include other countries and transportation systems, but who knows…What are your ideas or thoughts on the future of this app? Do you think there is a need for this to be released? Tell me below PPCGeeks – what are your thoughts exactly.

Sources: PhoneScoop googlemobile.blogspot Google

Earlier this week a hack was introduced that allowed users to install Swype for iOS, which for some people it greatly improves their typing speed on iOS devices. Andrew Liu, developer of the “DreamBoard” theming hack for jailbroken devices, has begun to “port” Swype to iOS. The initial release of the modification had several bugs or shortcomings, such as low accuracy and problems with word prediction. Well the Swype port has now been updated to address those issues and make it feel more like the original.

Beta 2 of the Swype port for iOS also brings the blue swipe tracer line that we are all familiar with when we think of Swype. In a very short time, the Swype port for iOS went from a somewhat buggy tweak to a fairly usable one. We can only assume that if development continues, that this will be just as popular as the original Swype for Android and the late Windows Mobile.

The official version of Swype is developed by Swype, Inc., which is no way affiliated with the iOS version we’re showcasing today, despite sharing much of the feature set. Available for Windows Mobile-based handsets, and later the Android operating system, Swype is a patented technology many iOS users have been waiting to get their hands on.
It’s not yet clear whether or not this is all ported, or being completely developed from the ground up, or a mix of both. Chances are it’s a combination of the two.
Here are a few words from Brian Resnik – Community Relations Specialist from Swype on that subject:

The first thing we want to make clear is that this version released via Cydia is not in any way an official Swype product, or related to SwypeInc. in any way. It appears this developer wrote some of his own code to emulate a Swype-like experience and is using our brand. We don’t know if this is a ‘hacked’ version of Swype or not. I’m thinking not. We are still investigating, but either way, this is not an official release or port of Swype to iOS. Additionally, since we weren’t involved with the development of this application, we can not vouch for the integrity of the software. From a consumer’s perspective, we recommend researching the developer on your own to ensure the trustworthiness of this application from a security standpoint.

Our legal counsel is advising us on the best course of action regarding this ‘hacked’ release. We’ll continue to follow the situation and do whatever our management team determines is appropriate to protect our intellectual property. We’re not looking to prove a point or anything like that. Frankly, as our CEO mentioned in an interview with GeekWire on the topic, the clear interest demonstrated by this release from iOS users in having Swype is exciting. But we do still need to protect our brand and, if it turns out that some of our code are being used, our patents.

Also, people are already saying “this proves that you can get Swype on iOS, even if it’s through Cydia, right?” Well, not really. Yes, you can get “tracing” to work via some serious hacking (and even then it only works on jailbroken phones, and in stock iOS applications), but there are other really important elements to Swype. For example, word replacement and editing. With Swype, we know that the prediction engine won’t get it right 100% of the time. Most of the time, absolutely, but there will always be a mistake once in a while. The nice thing about Swype is that when that happens you can quickly pull up a list of alternative suggestions – in the new v3.0, they’re automatically shown whenever you swipe a word or tap on a previously entered word. When you pick an alternative suggestion, Swype replaces the previously typed word with the new one. Without keyboard APIs, we have no way of interacting with the text field in those kinds of ways. Sure, you can get basic character entry to work, but to get the full Swype experience, we absolutely require certain features to be implemented by Apple themselves.

Whether you’re new to Swype or are using the old version, you can install Beta 2 using Cydia.
If you’re setting up Swype for the first time, add the following repository to Cydia: wynd.x10.mx/repo.

Have you been waiting for Swype for your iOS device?
Does it make typing faster then using the standard iOS keyboard? Many seem to believe it does.
If you have tried it out, share your opinion of the port with us.
We would love to hear what you think about it.

source: WyndWarrior

So it seems Symantec did an independent study of mobile operating systems. They attempted to measure how secure Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms are, and also determine how the mobile systems stack to today’s desktop operating systems. Symantec claims that these mobile platforms are much more secure than today’s popular desktop operating systems, though the firm does suggest that the key variable as always is the “human element”.

“Today’s mobile devices are a mixed bag when it comes to security” said Carey Nachenberg, Symantec Fellow and Chief Architect, in a statement. “While more secure than traditional PCs. these platforms are still vulnerable to many traditional attacks. Moreover, enterprise employees are increasingly using un-managed, personal devices to access sensitive enterprise resources; and then connecting these devices to 3rd-party services outside the governance of their enterprise, potentially exposing key assets to attackers.”

While Symantec does not come right out and say who is better in security it is pretty clear they favor iOS more than Android. It says iOS’ app screening procedure plays a HUGE role in the platforms security and also says the platform’s architecture makes it better at resisting mal-ware attacks and data integrity attacks.

So PPCGeeks, it seems that iOS is better in security than Android; of course this is all relative and nothing is official as it is always changing in the mobile world. What do you think is better secured (iOS, Android, Windows Phone 7)? If mobile OS anti-virus/mal-ware protection was offered would you buy into it? How safe do you feel while using your device?

source: BGR

Following in the footsteps of Pocket Legends’s previous success, Spacetime Studios is preparing to release Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles as an iOS, Android, and eventually as a PC title with similar features but a different theme. A limited beta of the upcoming MMORPG from Spacetime Studios will be arriving exclusively in the Verizon V Cast Market very soon. It’s not clear why Verizon got the exclusive on this, but the obvious guess would be their LTE market size and the fact that they have both the iPhone and many Android handsets. Unfortunately iOS players, you won’t be able to join in on the fun until it’s out of beta, due to Apple not supporting limited releases.

For those of you who aren’t on Verizon, Spacetime Studios will be giving away some beta keys through select gaming sites by way of contests and giveaways. So you will still have a chance to win a beta key and get in on the action.

The developer promises frequent updates just like with Pocket Legends, where approximately once a month the game will receive new campaigns, level cap raises, and other sorts of in-game updates. The iOS and Android versions should both be in full swing in July. With a PC version as well, which will make The Blackstar Chronicles the first PC MMO to share servers with iOS and Android players all at the same time, or at all for that matter.

The team behind Spacetime was employed by NCSoft (Lineage, City of Heroes) in 2005, to work on PC game projects including Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles.
Unfortunately, Blackstar never saw the light of day, due to NCSoft’s apparent lack of interest in a sci-fi based game. Spacetime Studios eventually spun off as an independent company and released Pocket Legends for iOS and Android platforms last year. The title now boasts nearly 4.5 million combined downloads to date, and the company still continues pumping out updates every few days.

If you think you wanna get in the game, start thinking of that username you want, users are already trying to reserve theirs now.
Are you interested in checking out the Beta? Sound like your kind of game?
Want more info and screenshots, check out Massively’s interview from E3 with the team behind the game.
Let me know what you think of this multi-OS MMORPG in the comments below.

source: droidgamer, massively

Developer’s Site: Spacetime Studios

Steve Jobs stole the WWDC 2011 conference this year with iOS5, iCloud, and the new functions of the iPhone. But I want to point something out. The things that Apple announced as their new features Microsoft ALREADY DID 8 months AHEAD of Apple. Yes folks – Let’s just see who is copying who!

 “Feeling flattered today. Lots of great WP ideas headed to iOS. (Camera button/above lock, auto-upoad [sic] of pics, better notifications … ) … wi-fi sync, built-in twitter, background download service, short-messaging chats (though we do Facebook!)” Joe Belfiore

Responding to one particularly enthusiastic tweet about the volume button in iOS5 working as a camera shortcut, Belfiore pointed out “with a wp7 you get a dedicated camera button..that wakes the phone from sleep and humps u to a camera.” He also couldn’t help but mention that it had “been shipping for 8 months!”

There’s certainly plenty of overlap in the usage dynamics we’ve seen of iOS5 so far, though how much of that is idea sharing and how much is the various platforms shifting to a central point of “good” design is unclear. We have a feeling people wouldn’t be so quick to label Apple derivative if the company itself hadn’t made such a song & dance about others firms copying their idea.

Ok PPCGeeks, I call BULLSH&T here. Apple is copying other people’s ideas. First iMessage – can you say Blackberry Messenger. Second Camera button – Windows Phone 7. Third – iCloud – Google Music & Microsoft Zune…HMM How about Apple gets their act together and says what they really are doing. “Apple Running out of idea’s – so we just use our competitors”. But tell me PPCGeeks – what does this all mean to you?

Source: Slashgear

The exact nature of iCloud is currently unknown, but I’m betting we will see a significant refresh of MobileMe with new backup and other features right to the cloud. That’s also expected to include is an online media cloud service which will mirrior local stores of music and allow them to be accessed while on the move…

Now with the iCloud being announce one could suspect that iOS5 and OS X Lion has to be shown as well. Well you are correct – and the big guy himself Steve Jobs will be at the launch event to be the keynote speaker. iOS5 should bring a whole new set of widgets, and a revamp of the current notifications system, one of the more frequent points of complaints of the iPhone and iPad users. OS X Lion has ben well-previewed too…

Let me be straight – this is very nice for Apple to start looking into the cloud services, and all that, but my wonder is if it is a day late dollar short. Google has Google Music beta going on, Microsoft has Zune, and Amazon has it’s own service…How will Apple make their appeal more than the others. Yes I know it is all about Apple and hundreds of millions of Apple products are out but will it convince you to switch to Apple products? Tell me Geeker’s below – what does this mean to you, your friends, and family.

Press Release:

Apple to Unveil Next Generation Software at Keynote Address on Monday, June 6

CUPERTINO, California—May 31, 2011—Apple® CEO Steve Jobs and a team of Apple executives will kick off the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address on Monday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. At the keynote, Apple will unveil its next generation software – Lion, the eighth major release of Mac OS® X; iOS 5, the next version of Apple’s advanced mobile operating system which powers the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®; and iCloud®, Apple’s upcoming cloud services offering.

WWDC will feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers. Mac® developers will see and learn how to develop world-class Mac OS X Lion applications using its latest technologies and capabilities. Mobile developers will be able to explore the latest innovations and capabilities of iOS and learn how to greatly enhance the functionality, performance and design of their apps. All developers can bring their code to the labs and work with Apple engineers.

For more details, visit the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2011 website at developer.apple.com/wwdc.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

source: SlasherGear

Microsoft is rumored to be adding a newly popular feature in Windows Phone 7, and that is Near Field Communication, or NFC. It will supposedly ship on smartphones later this year, which means the software/OS part could be part of the Mango update. Nokia said that it would be implementing NFC on most of its smartphones in 2011, so this could be a push by the Nokia-Microsoft partnership.

For those of you that don’t know, NFC is a mobile-payment technology. It would let your phone wirelessly communicate with a nearby device at a checkout counter to pay for your purchase. You could also redeem coupons, get loyalty (rewards) points, etc., all from your phone! Google enabled NFC in Android and released the first handset that supported it back in December 2010. Apple is also rumored to be working on it for iOS.

Source: Bloomberg via PocketNow

The latest product found at Boxwave is a Keyboard Buddy case for the iPhone 4. This provides your iPhone with a physical keyboard through a blue-tooth connection, something most users want while others may not be interested. These cases are available now so read more to learn how to get one.

The design and durability of the case, according to sources, fit the phone quite well. The protecting layer on the case comes as a rubber coating instead of hard plastic. This provides a great amount of grip while holding the phone in your hands.The only disadvantage that may bother you or may not is it’s weight. When put with the phone it does tend to be a bit heavy. This is something the sources got used to after a few days though.

The keyboard seems to be impressive in every area but the layout. Some of you may be able to adjust, as most of us do get used to new things, but others may not like the setup. You can see how it’s made in the image above. However sources say the keys seem sturdy, reliable and very responsive.

As with most products, here are pros and cons to getting this case and getting used to it. There are also many benefits to using it, according to your daily duties, wants and needs.

Boxwave, if you’ve never heard of them, has a 100% customer satisfaction policy that includes a 30-day window for returns. If you want to try one out for yourself, click here to do so. You can get this for $69.95 with free shipping in the U.S.

Source: BGR

Tired of your iPad yet? If so, the second one will be announced very soon so maybe you will see new features and updates. If you aren’t tired of yours that’s great, keep it. Apple is holding a special media event on March 2nd, 2011 in San Francisco, according to the Wall Street Journal.

We aren’t sure who will be the speaker of the show as we all know Steve Jobs is on medical leave. Maybe Tim Cook will be the speaker. We will know the day it happens. It doesn’t really matter who’s giving the speech though does it? As long as we get correct information I think things will be fine, don’t you?

So far, analysts expect the iPad 2 to be thinner than the first iPad and feature an improved display, as well as front-facing camera and Facetime video chat support. There is a rumor going around that it may be powered by one of Qualcomm’s multimode chips and will run on both GSM and CDMA-based networks around the world.

Are these features you’d like to see? What other things would you love to have in an iPad 2 that the current one doesn’t support? Leave your comments in the box below.

Source: BGR

The race for the lead is on! Numbers are increasing consistently and Nielsen has the results spreading around the web like wildfires. 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 among recent acquirers. This is the most recent recording available.

When it comes to overall consumer market share, according to Nielsen, Android OS (25.8%) is still behind Apple iOS (28.6%). RIM Blackberry’s position is (26.1%) putting 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. Did you expect to hear that?

We can tell from these results that 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. Guess we can say the world is relying more on technology in phones these days. Would you agree? Let us know what you think about these results.

Source: BGR & Nielsen