May 22, 2012

Another ICS money saver

HTC looks to be working on another “affordable” Android Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone, after specs for an HTC Ville C were leaked on the net.

Described as being an “ultra-slim PDA phone”, sources are proclaiming the HTC Ville C to be a cheaper alternative to the HTC One S, which itself was called the HTC Ville in pre-production.

Whether it will have quite the same venom in terms of speed as the One S we will have to wait and see, but with regard to processing power we’re looking at a Qualcomm MSM8260 dual-core 1.7GHz chipset.

Something that is worth noting is that the leaked document also suggests the phone will run on HTC Sense 4.5. No word on what this upgrade might bring, but we were rather taken with 4.0 so a tweak here or there could make for an even better UI experience.

Slap bang in the middle of the handset is a 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED touchscreen and 16 million LCD display.

HTC looks set to kit the phone out with an eight-megapixel camera with the same BSI sensor as found in the One S, as well as a 1080p HD video recording and a VGA front-facing camera for video calls.

In terms of memory, the specs state there will be 16GB of onboard storage and 1GB RAM. There’s no mention of whether this can be topped up via a microSD card.?

HTC’s insistence that consumers would rather a slim phone than one with a long battery life looks set to continue with the Ville C fitted with a lower-end 1,650mAH capacity battery.?

Yet overall there’s enough here to get us hoping this rumoured handset becomes a reality.

One cheaper alternative to the Ice Cream Sandwich experience that will definitely be arriving on these shores is the HTC Desire C.

Read

Tags: Phones HTC HTC Ville C HTC One S Ice Cream Sandwich Android HTC Sense

 

HTC Ville C specs leaked: Cheaper alternative to the HTC One S? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:08:00 +0100

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Instant message, cross platform

Smartphones are great for keeping in touch, be that with friends, family or colleagues. It really doesn’t matter what device you have, there are plenty of options available to you.

SMS and MMS messaging is great, but sometimes you want something more immediate, you want to have a discussion, and importantly, you don’t want to run up charges for messaging, especially if you’re roaming.

There are a number of data-based solutions and today we’re looking at an app that’s proved it’s worth and has plenty of users. If you’ve never heard of WhatsApp, it might be something you should consider.

WhatsApp

Format

Android (version tested), iPhone, BlackBerry, WP7, Symbian

Price

Free

Where

Google Play

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app, which will let you send instant messages to your contacts. In this it is nothing unique: iMessage, BBM, Skype, GTalk, Facebook Messenger and so on, also offer the same sort of functions, but as a standalone app, WhatsApp has a lot going for it.

The first important point is that it is cross platform. This means you can, for example, contact people on iPhone or BlackBerry from your Android device. It isn’t constrained like device specific services – BlackBerry Messenger or iMessage for example.

This makes it great in the real world where the people you know all have a different type of phone. Sure, services like Skype offer a similar experience, but WhatsApp has a lighter footprint: it doesn’t use much data and it doesn’t draw heavily on the battery either (if the stats from our test HTC One X are typical).

Of course, BlackBerry users will argue that BBM is better and perhaps they’re right; Apple users are right to like iMessage, but in a world where simplicity in communication makes it easier for everyone, WhatsApp has a very valid place.

When it comes to use, we’ve been testing WhatsApp across devices, but this review is written principally of the Android version.

?

As soon as you register your phone number within the app, you’ll see those contacts that have WhatsApp. It’s great, because you’re able to get started without any messing around – as long as you have the right phone numbers for people.?

WhatsApp is a messenger app, so it doesn’t go as far as offering voice or video calling, but it will let you send various types of additional content as well as words and the all-essential emoticons.

Tapping the attachment icon will let you include pictures or video (either from the Gallery, or captured for the purpose there and then), audio (music or recorded voice), your map location or a contact card. Other apps play in here too, so if you use Google Music, for example, that will be offered as a source of music.

As such, there is a lot you can do with it. Of course, sending messages uses very little data, but if you start flicking video back and forth, it’s going to cost you unless you’re sitting on Wi-Fi, which WhatsApp is happy to do.

Everything works smoothly and the messaging process is fast enough to be able to have a coherent conversation, so long as both parties have a data connection. We get the feeling that BBM copes better with lesser reception, which seems to be an inherent BlackBerry trait, but otherwise we’re impressed with the performance.

You also get nice options, such as groups, so you can have a specific group of friends in one chat, perfect for coordinating people. We also like that you can drop a shortcut for a contact, so if you regularly chat to a particular individual, you can have them with a tap of the finger. Naturally, this being Android, WhatsApp will be integrated into your contacts and sharing options too.

You can also broadcast messages, letting you send a message to a selection of people you choose off your contact list, for example, that important “It’s a boy!” announcement, or “I’m single again!”.

Notifications are also nice and customisable on the Android version, so you choose how you are alerted, with different settings for groups, if you want them.

WhatsApp is also free and we’ve found that it has been very stable, with the somewhat cumbersome approach that something like Skype comes with.

If you’re interested in messaging, coordinating groups, or just staying in touch whilst away from your PC, then WhatsApp is well worth trying out.

Tags: Apps Android apps BlackBerry apps iPhone apps WP7 apps WhatsApp

     

APP OF THE DAY: WhatsApp review (Android) originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:07:00 +0100

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Mistletoe

• Artist: Justin Bieber
• Label: Island Records
• Director: Roman White
• Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

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16-megapixels of cover-changing fun

The Pentax Optio LS465 continues the trend of offering owners the chance to customise their compact camera.

Like last year’s Pentax Optio RS1500, the Optio LS465 features a clear removable front cover, so you can change the front design of the camera to change your mood. You’ll get 10 designs in the box to get you started.?

The LS465 is very compact, measuring 102 x 46 x 18mm and weighing only 104g, so will slip into any pocket or bag with ease. It comes in black, pink and purple base colours.?

On the technical side, the Pentax Optio LS465 packs in a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm in 35mm terms) lens into that frame, with a 16-megapixel sensor.

This is every inch a point and shoot camera, offering a range of auto picture modes and creative filters for those essential retro and miniature effects. You also get normal features like face detection and smile capture.?

On the movie front, the Optio LS465 doesn’t quite hit the full HD highs, offering 1280 x 720 capture at 30fps, although there is an instant capture button on the back of the camera, so you’ll be shooting movies in a flash.?

Around the back of the camera is a 2.7-inch a 230k-dot resolution display, the low resolution reflected in the very affordable ?89.99 price tag.

It can be yours from mid-June 2012, we say go purple.

Tags: Cameras Compact cameras Pentax Pentax Optio LS465

                   

Pentax Optio LS465 camera offers compact customisability, at little cost originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 21 May 2012 23:00:00 +0100

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A brand new poster hit the Internet today (May 21) for the highly anticipated summer release of Warner Brothers Picture’s ?The Dark Knight Rises.?

It was released on the film?s Facebook page this afternoon and features Christian Bale as Batman standing beneath an image of a crumbling Gotham City with a headline stating “A Fire Will Rise.”

Christopher Nolan?s third installment of the action-packed series also stars Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard and Morgan Freeman.

It is set to hit theaters on July 20.

Watch a clip for the film featured during the NBA playoffs below!

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With Simon Cowell rumored to be courting a raft of pop princesses for season two, we grade the judges-to-be.
By James Montgomery

<P>By now, we're all aware that Simon Cowell is reloading. After largely firing blanks on the first season of "The X Factor," he cleared the chamber &#8212; casting off <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> (not to mention host Steve Jones) &#8212; and is now in the process of lining up a collection of high-profile, hollow-point replacements with which to take down the competition.</P><P>Of course, just <i>who</i> Cowell ends up nabbing seems to be a matter of some speculation: His <a href="/news/articles/1682881/britney-spears-x-factor-deal.jhtml">$15 million deal with Britney Spears</a> appeared to be a near certainty, but in the weeks since it was first reported, there's been no movement. And now come rumors that he's courting the likes of <a href="/news/articles/1684289/demi-lovato-x-factor-judge-miley-cyrus.jhtml">Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne</a> to join the "X Factor" team. Are those names just part of a shrewd ploy from Cowell to get Spears to relent on her reported contract demands and insistences on "various perks"? Or is he truly determined to assemble an all-star lineup for the "Factor"? Really, your guess is as good as ours.</P><P><center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:632232/cp~vid%3D632232%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A632232" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></center></P><P>Needless to say, we're not sure <i>who</i> will be joining the "X Factor" panel when the show returns later this year (though we suspect Fox may shed some light on the matter at an upfront event for ad buyers on May 14). So, in the meantime, we're just going to take a look at <i>all</i> of the potential judges, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in an attempt to help Cowell put together a potential Murderer's Row. Because we <i>want</i> the "X Factor" to succeed … lord knows we don't have enough singing competitions on TV at the moment.</P><P>Here's our no-holds-barred scouting report for each of the "X Factor" hopefuls:</P><P><big><b>Britney Spears</b></big><br> <b>Strengths</b>: Spears would instantly become the most famous judge on <i>any</i> U.S. singing competition (sorry Xtina!), therefore automatically raising the profile of a show in desperate need of a good boost. It's the rare combination of both a "career" and a "contemporary" artist, giving the show an answer to "Idol" 's Steven Tyler/ J. Lo combination <i>and</i> the four-headed monster of Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo and Blake Shelton on "The Voice." As a bonus, she would also fill the "rambling" slot vacated by Abdul, not to mention the "thousand-mile stare" void left when Scherzinger got the boot.</P><P><b>Weaknesses</b>: <link type="content" id="1579025">It's Britney</i>: Live TV may not exactly suit her.</P><P><big><b>Demi Lovato</b></big><br> <b>Strengths</b>: At just 19 years old, Lovato would give Cowell an in-road to the younger, Disney-fied demographic he so desperately craves. Can definitely sing (check her terrific tear-jerker <link type="content" id="1667271">"Skyscraper"</link> for proof), which automatically puts her ahead of something like 90 percent of her singing-competition contemporaries. Has the kind of <a href="/news/articles/1651297/demi-lovato-enters-treatment-center-leaves-tour.jhtml">harrowing backstory</a> that would automatically shut down any hard-luck contestants looking for a few pity points.</P><P><b>Weaknesses</b>: Older viewers might confuse her with Selena Gomez. Could also forget where she is, accidentally reenact that one episode of "Sonny with a Chance" when she's framed for stealing a necklace and subsequently fires a cheese cannon.</P><P><big><b>Miley Cyrus</b></big><BR> <b>Strengths</b>: An established star (with a <a href="/news/articles/1653979/miley-cyrus-caught-smoking-from-bong-on-video.jhtml">slightly checkered past</a>), which would give "X Factor" the kind of constant tabloid attention it failed to generate in season one. Has proven on songs like "The Climb" and her recent cover of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" that she's actually got a great voice, which, like Lovato, puts her in rarefied air. Could also use the show as a way of launching the next phase of her career, which would be mutually beneficial and might just spawn something like the certified "Voice" smash "Moves Like Jagger."</P><P><b>Weaknesses</b>: May currently be better known for her paparazzi coverage than her actual music. Might take another hit of salvia and confuse every male contestant with Liam.</P><P><big><b>Avril Lavigne</b></big><br> <b>Strengths</b>: Has been at it for a while now, has more genuine hits than anyone except Spears. She's also got <a href="/news/articles/1620572/avril-lavigne-guest-judge-idol-la.jhtml">previous judging experience</a> and seems to be genuinely concerned with her artistic integrity. And although her <i>Goodbye Lullaby</i> album didn't match the commercial heights of her previous efforts, you can't fault her for aiming high.</P><P><b>Weaknesses</b>: Preternaturally appears to be 14 years old. May always wear a hoodie during shows. Is constantly making the "sucking a lemon" face. Doesn't exactly strike us as a <i>people</i> person.</P><P><i>Sound off with your picks for "X Factor" judges in the comments below!</i></P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>

Related Videos

• MTV News Extended Play: ‘X Factor’ Judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid

Related Artists

• Britney Spears
• Avril Lavigne
• Miley Cyrus
• Demi Lovato

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Will you beat your wallet black and blue?

A flurry of Leica launches last week caught our attention, not least thanks to the addition of the Leica M9-M Monochrom – the first rangefinder camera with a dedicated, full-frame black and white sensor. Heck, from what we can recall it’s the first non-medium-format camera with a dedicated black and white sensor.

The Monochrom – that’s right, drop the “e” and say it in a very German accent for extra coolness – shoots files in black and white. That means its Raw files are true black and white renders.

Specialist? For sure. But it’s clever stuff. Based on the same sensor as the original M9, at least in terms of its full-frame size, the M9 Monochrom doesn’t need the usual colour array found in most, if not all, digital cameras. This means no interpolation – the process of the camera “educatedly guessing” accurate colours at each pixel site – is required, instead a super-accurate greyscale reading is taken for precision tonality.

The print we saw on fibre paper in the Leica studio – printed by Whitewall in Germany, a company offering an exclusive digital-meets-wet process for Leica M users – looked like a stand-out example of how classic black and white photography should look.

Lovely though all this may sound, its ?6,120 price tag will leave many jaws on the floor. Oh, and that’s without the 50mm Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens that you can see in our hands-on pictures – that’ll set you back a further ?5,400.

Tags: Cameras Leica Leica M9 Monochrom leica m9 Photos

               

Leica M9 Monochrom pictures and hands-on originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:15:00 +0100

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Comedian Aziz Ansari joins us to talk about putting his stand up show Dangerously Delicious online. The House shoots down legislation that would prevent employers from asking for our Facebook passwords, and you too can make $30,000 a day from Pinterest!

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EPISODE 1587

INTERVIEW WITH AZIZ ANSARI
http://www.azizansari.com/

NEWS:

-House Shoots Down Legislation That Would Have Stopped Employers From Demanding Your Facebook Password

-Best Buy feels Amazon squeeze, to close 50 big-box stores

-Smartphones Account for Half of all Mobile Phones, Dominate New Phone Purchases in the US

-Dell Ends Smartphone Sales in the US

-Spotify extends free-play ‘honeymoon’ indefinitely

-Has the Music Business Turned a Corner? RIAA Reports First Revenue Increase in 7 Years

-The Next PlayStation is Called Orbis, Sources Say. Here are the Details.

-T-Mobile reportedly eyes sale of wireless towers again

-Survey pegs Apple gear in half of U.S. homes

-OH NO: Apple TV Isn’t Coming Until 2013, Says Research Group

-iPhone 4 Antennagate site goes live, lets you collect $15

QUICK HITS:

-Giving you more insight into your Google Account activity

-Comcast, Time Warner Don’t Support HBO GO On Xbox 360

-Comcast XFINITY TV, HBO GO and MLB.TV now available on Xbox LIVE

-Pinterest Spammer Makes $30,000 in a Month

-Uniforms With Microchip Notify Parents If Their Children Skip School

VOICEMAIL:

Caller who wants to know what can she listen to as a commuter?

Chris says thanks and good luck

EMAIL:

From Jim in Vegas:

Hey buzz crew,
I can’t believe the show is coming to an end. I started watching BOL a couple days before Tom left the show, Due to this I really cant say that time period of the show affected me that much, then Rafe hosted, he made the show fun and is an excellent journalist. But this last time period of BOL is what truly made the show Great! Molly, Brian, & Stephen you guys were the perfect mix of intelligence, fun, and entertaining. I’m a Junior in high school and when I went into high school I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up, now because of all of you I know what I want to do with my life, I want to be a journalist and hopefully a tech one. Thank (all) you guys for making the last couple of years great and impacting my life. I will miss Buzz Out Loud greatly but I wish you guys luck in all your endeavors. For the last time,
Love the show! :_ (

—–

WAHH! First you made me fat by going to 1 show a week (I listen to BOL while walking)

NOW! Your going to make me Dumb! – How am I going look smart when I don’t have the tech news?

I can’t stand the 404 and video is no good to me while walking so please recommend some other cnet tech audio podcasts before you go,

Bryan – the Fat & Dumb (maybe) Aussie.”

—–

Why is cnet so determined to get rid of its podcast listeners? I like to listen to podcasts at work. Streaming video is too distracting.

Watching web shows on my computer at home after staring at a computer all day at work does not appeal to me.

So long guys. You often felt like family. Loved the show. No Name

—–

Dear Steven, Brian, and Molly,

What the BLEEP? I mean really, what the BLEEP? I’ve been a loyal listener for BLEEPING eons. I live in MassaBLEEPINGchusetts. I drive 5 BLEEPING days a week on BLEEPING 128. Before you BLEEPING went to a BLEEPING weekly format, my BLEEPING afternoon drives were filled with BLEEPING great technology news. You see, I’m a BLEEPING nerd. I need my BLEEPING nerd news. Then you up and went to a BLEEPING weekly format.

Fine.

No one gives a BLEEP about my ride home anyway.

Oh, and BLEEP YOU!

Your friend,
Ron, the BLEEPING Android Nerd from Massachusetts

—–

http://bol.cnet.com, 800-616-2638 (CNET), buzz@cnet.com

Follow us on Twitter: @mollywood @brian_tong @stephenbeacham @donald @azizansari

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Elin Nordegren and Ashley Olsen have at least two things in common — 8 to 9-figure bank accounts … and bangin’ bikini bods. So, who’d you rather? There’s no wrong answer … for gold diggers.Check out TMZ on TV — click here to see your local…

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Filming’s begun

Two and Half Men actor and the former Mr Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher has been photographed making his way to the set of his new film about the late Steve Jobs.

Not without controversy, both in terms of the subject matter as well as the casting of Kutcher, there’s no denying the 34-year-old actor bore more than a passing resemblance for the former Apple CEO, complete with black turtle neck jumper and trademark beard.?

Filming has only just begun in Los Angeles and is currently going under the working title of “Jobs: Get inspired.” The biopic is said to focus on Jobs’s “hippie years” in the lead up to his forming Apple. It’s pencilled in for a 2013 arrival.?

Kutcher’s portrayal of Steve Jobs is not the only film in the pipeline with Sony Pictures also working on a movie based on Walter Isaacson’s biography.?

In 1999 a film entitled Pirates of Silicon Valley”was also released, though of course back then the world had never heard of an iPod, let alone an iPhone or iPad.

Read

Tags: Apple Movies Steve Jobs Ashton Kutcher

 

Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs: First photos of actor portraying late Apple CEO originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:12:00 +0100

Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve Ewan Mcgregor Fabolous Faith Hill

Start All Over

• Artist: Miley Cyrus
• Label: Hollywood Records
• Director:

Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Chris Evans Chris Martin Christian Bale Christina Aguilera

Show also features tributes to Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, MCA and Robin Gibb.
By Gil Kaufman

<P>Sunday night's (May 20) <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards were a bittersweet affair, balancing the promise of decades of entertainment from a new generation of record-smashing young artists like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift with fond memories of a number of recently departed musical icons.</P><P>In a three-hour show heavy on performances, chart staples <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lmfao/artist.jhtml">LMFAO</a> helped kicked the show off with a typically hyped performance of their inescapable party anthems that featured a cabbage-patching teddy bear and zebra and more animal prints than a Flintstones family reunion.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="2012 Billboard Awards Highlights" id="id:1685461" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> was the night's first winner, taking the Top Social Artist award for his huge online presence. The singer swaggered up to the stage and, in an uncharacteristically emotional moment, said, "I just want to say how much of a blessing it's been … the past three or four years, growing up in front of everybody. … I want to thank all my fans, because the Internet is where I got my start, and all my fans have helped me get to this position."</P><P>Co-host Julie Bowen took a moment out of the program early on to pay tribute to late Bee Gees member <a href="/news/articles/1685459/robin-gibb-bee-gees-charts.jhtml">Robin Gibb</a>, who died earlier in the day Sunday after a long battle with cancer. The night also featured a <a href="/news/articles/1685464/whitney-houston-adam-yauch-billboard-music-awards.jhtml">touching tribute</a> to recently passed disco queen <a href="/news/articles/1685299/donna-summer-dead.jhtml">Donna Summer</a> by Natasha Bedingfield and a segment devoted to <a href="/news/articles/1679029/whitney-houston-dead.jhtml">music legend Whitney Houston</a> with a medley of her indelible hits performed by John Legend and Jordin Sparks.</P><P>Daughter Bobbi Kristina accepted the <i>Billboard</i> Millennium Award on behalf of her late mother. "I just really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all," she said. "Not just when it was good, but when it was bad too … thank you <I>so</I> much for showing that much love, because she deserved it."</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/perry_katy/artist.jhtml">Katy Perry</a> was handed the Spotlight Award for tying the record set by Michael Jackson of five #1 hits from the same album, for her handful of smashes from <I>Teenage Dream.</I> Dressed in a floor-length sparkling silver gown, her hair a muted dark purple, Perry said she was "incredibly honored" to be in the same category as someone like Jackson.</P><P>"Most of all, of course, I always say that the people have the power, so I want to say thank you to the glittering, gorgeous community of fans out there," she added to wild applause, while finding a spare few seconds to plug her upcoming <a href="/news/articles/1685370/katy-perry-part-of-me-movie-poster.jhtml">3-D concert film, "Part of Me."</a> Oh, and she said she couldn't wait to do shots later that night with her 91-year-old granny, who was in the audience.</P><P>The ladies had a great night, as <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/swift__taylor/artist.jhtml">Taylor Swift</a> was honored with the <i>Billboard</i> Woman of the Year award, acknowledging her stadium full of impressive credits, including a place as the only woman in music history to score three #1 albums in a row, each of which has sold more than 5 million copies. Swift, 22, dressed in a flowing red evening gown and ever gracious, thanked her legions of fans, saying, "I just love you so much, I'm just so humbled and honored by this."</P><P>As Miley Cyrus noted, you're only new to the game once, so it was fitting that red-hot rapper <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/wiz_khalifa/artist.jhtml">Wiz Khalifa</a> best the competition for the Top New Artist trophy. "I'm up here shakin', man," the rapper admitted as he thanked his whole crew and label family, as well as his "beautiful fianc&#233;e," <a href="/news/articles/1680245/wiz-khalifa-amber-rose-engaged.jhtml">Amber Rose</a>. "She's my world and she puts up with my crazy butt, too," he smiled, as Rose beamed from her seat in the audience.</P><P>Some other men got a bit of attention as well, with an absent Lil Wayne beating out Chris Brown, Drake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber for Male Artist of the Year.</P><P>Hot 100 Song of the Year was a tight race featuring smashes from Adele, Perry, Maroon 5 and Pitbull. But could it have gone to anyone but LMFAO for "Party Rock Anthem"? With six weeks atop the Hot 100, the uncle/nephew duo scored the third longest-running top 10 hit of all time. "This is a dream come true," said singer Redfoo. A short time later, Khalifa shouted out the <a href="/news/articles/1684552/adam-yauch-mca-remember-tribute-beastie-boys-dead.jhtml">Beastie Boys' MCA</a> before LMFAO were up on the stage again for the Top Duo or Group prize.</P><P>Brown got his chance a bit later with a win in the R&B Artist of the Year category, Foster the People took Top Rock Song for "Pumped Up Kicks," Coldplay were named Top Rock Artist, U2 Top Touring Act, Lady Gaga Top Dance Artist and an Icon Award for Stevie Wonder. For a full list of Sunday night's winners, head to <a href="http://www.billboard.com/bbma/winners" target="_blank">Billboard.com</a>.</P><P>Among the night's other performers, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/clarkson_kelly/artist.jhtml">Kelly Clarkson</a> made the televised debut of her rocking ballad "Dark Side" and British boy banders the Wanted were busy "Chasing the Sun" and saying they were "Glad You Came" above the sound of shrieks from their female admirers. Brown rode his glowing BMX bike out for a high-energy lip-synched run through "Turn Up the Music," while Usher got all gothic and mysterious with a flashy, Las Vegas-worthy, high-concept staging of "Scream."</P><P>Bieber stalked the DayGlo stage for a clown- and geisha-assisted future-funk performance of <a href="/news/articles/1685460/justin-bieber-boyfriend-billboard-music-awards.jhtml">"Boyfriend,"</a> followed by his prot&#233;g&#233; Carly Rae Jepsen singing "Call Me Maybe" and Carrie Underwood standing her ground amid a sea of blowing fans during "Blown Away."</P><P>In addition, the performance-heavy show had Linkin Park cranking up the flames for "Burn It Down," Nelly Furtado sporting "Big Hoops," Alicia Keys jamming with Icon winner Wonder, Perry doing a high-wire act in the virtual clouds during "Wide Awake" and Cee Lo Green and Goodie Mob joined by a one-legged Cirque du Soleil break dancer on "Fight to Win" and a stage full of dancing kids for a cover of the Beasties' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)" in another nod to MCA.</P><P><i>What was your favorite part of the </i>Billboard<i> Music Awards? Let us know in the comments below!</i></p>

Related Videos

• 2012 Billboard Awards Highlights

Related Photos

• 2012 Billboard Music Awards

Related Artists

• Taylor Swift
• Justin Bieber

Halle Berry Harrison Ford Hayd Christensen Hayden Panettiere Heath Ledger Heather Graham

This is pure awesome, LeAnn Rimes continues to spiral down the tubes of pathetic-ville at an alarming rate. So, LeAnn Rimes had an affair with Eddie Cibrian and eventually married him. Eddie was originally with current Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Brandi Glanville. Of course, Brandi got all hacked off when she found out that [...]

Chandra Wilson Charisma Carpenter Charlene Holt Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Chris Evans

If you were able to put on some special Chris Brown glasses, this is what your world would look like with them on: A basically nude Rihanna. You might also see things like attorneys and Twitter hates, but that is neither here nor there, because all that matters is that Rihanna went to Giorgio Baldi [...]

Claire Forlani Claire Foy Claudia Schiffer Clive Owen Colin Farrell Colin Firth

‘I’m not engaged. I’ve worn this same ring on this finger since November!’ Cyrus tweeted on Monday in response to rumors.
By Christina Garibaldi

<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cyrus__miley/artist.jhtml">Miley Cyrus</a> is putting those <a href="/news/articles/1681751/miley-cyrus-engaged-liam-hemsworth.jhtml">engagement rumors</a> to rest. On Monday (March 26), the Internet was abuzz that Cyrus and her "Hunger Games" star boyfriend <a href="http://www.mtv.com/movies/person/1086152/personmain.jhtml">Liam Hemsworth</a> were going to tie the knot after photos surfaced of her wearing a large sparkler on her ring finger.</P><P><blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"><p>I'm not engaged. I've worn this same ring on this finger since November! People just wanna find something to tal about! It's a topaz people!</p>&mdash; Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileyCyrus/status/184322781150846976" data-datetime="2012-03-26T16:55:50+00:00">March 26, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></P><P>But Cyrus took to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MileyCyrus/status/184322781150846976" target="_blank">Twitter</a> on Monday to shoot down the rumors, saying, "I'm not engaged. I've worn this same ring on this finger since November! People just wanna find something to [talk] about! It's a topaz people!"</P><P>Speculation began last week after Cyrus tweeted a photo of her new manicure and the ring. Most recently, she was spotted sporting the large stone on Saturday as the two posed for pictures on the red carpet at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XVVIII in Phoenix.</P><P><div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:748699/cp~vid%3D748699%26instance%3Dmtv%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A748699" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div></P><P>Even though they won't be planning a wedding anytime soon, the couple, who have been dating on and off since 2009, have a lot to be excited about. <a href="/news/articles/1681747/hunger-games-box-office.jhtml">"The Hunger Games" had the third-biggest opening</a> weekend of all time, beating out all of the "Twilight Saga" movies when it raked in $155 million.</P><P>Hemsworth and Cyrus will next be seen together on an upcoming episode of MTV's <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/punkd/series.jhtml">"Punk'd,"</a> where the former "Hannah Montana" star tells her boyfriend that two naked people have locked themselves in her car, a prank Hemsworth doesn't seem to be too fond of.</P><P>"I knew she was doing the show. I honestly thought she had enough respect for me not to do me, and she got me really good," Hemsworth recently told Ellen DeGeneres. "Your girlfriend comes running around and she's yelling hysterically and you see two naked people in your car… I think my instincts were pretty right."</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>

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Conversation starter

Microsoft has joined the social networking revolution after unveiling its own So.cl with an emphasis on meeting new people.

So.cl is all about sharing information, such as websites and articles. Users can type the topic they are interested in into a search bar, which in turn will bring up a list of material on that subject.?

By sharing your findings, users can prompt discussions with other friends on So.cl while strangers with similar interests can also join in.

Videos can also be added to a chat, which Microsoft has dubbed a “video party”, so a group of football fans, for example, will be able to collaborate clips of the weekend’s action before discussing what their favourite goal was.

Microsoft also hopes the service will introduce people to previously unfamiliar subject areas, as well as help them to make new friends and acquaintances.

So.cl is available to try now by visiting the website www.so.cl.

Tags: Social networks So.cl Microsoft Facebook

 

Microsoft launches own social network with So.cl originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Amy Jo Johnson Amy Lee Amy Poehler Amy Smart Andre Agassi Andrew Flintoff

Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Ludacris and Drake will all make cameos on the June 19 release.
By Jocelyn Vena

<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> is four weeks away from dropping <a href="/news/articles/1684079/justin-bieber-believe-album-cover.jhtml"><i>Believe,</i></a> and from the looks of it, there's going to be some major collaborations on there. The teen star released the album's track list over the weekend, and he's managed to get some of the biggest names in hip-hop to guest on it.</P><P>While he had hit the studio with Kanye West, Yeezy didn't make the final cut, but Ludacris, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj and Drake did. His mentor, Usher, will serve as the executive producer on the album, according to <a href="http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/justin-bieber/news/nicki-minaj-collaboration-believe-tracklisting/" target="_blank">Capital FM</a>.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Justin Bieber Breaks Down Billboard Awards 'Boyfriend' Performance" id="vid:770729" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>All those duets are intriguing, but fans might be most excited to hear what Bieber and Drizzy are up to on the track "Right Here." "He's a great guy and super-talented, and his melodies are crazy," Bieber told MTV News about working with the Canadian MC. "When we go into the studio, he'll go in the booth and he'll do some melodies and we'll write." Bieber also reportedly worked with <a href="/news/articles/1684654/justin-bieber-drake.jhtml">Taylor Swift on the album</a>, but it is unclear whether it was for a duet that didn't make the cut or a writing session. To get fans hyped for the release, Bieber performed at the <a href="/news/articles/1685460/justin-bieber-boyfriend-billboard-music-awards.jhtml"><i>Billboard</i> Music Awards</a> on Sunday night, where he showed off his growing abilities as a dancer. "This performance is going to be fun. I practiced a lot in the dance studio," Bieber told MTV News on the <a href="/news/articles/1685462/justin-bieber-carly-rae-jepson-billboard-music-awards.jhtml">red carpet</a>. "I've been working hard, and I can't wait to show the fans what I've been working so hard on."</P><P>The full track list for Bieber's <i>Believe,</i> out June 19:</P><P><b>&#187;</b>"All Around the World" (featuring Ludacris)<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Boyfriend"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"As Long As You Love Me" (featuring Big Sean) <br> <b>&#187;</b>"Take You"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Right Here" (featuring Drake) <br> <b>&#187;</b>"Catching Feelings"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Fall"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Die In Your Arms"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Thought Of You"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Beauty and a Beat" (featuring Nicki Minaj) <br> <b>&#187;</b>"One Love"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Be Alright"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Believe"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Out of Town Girl"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"She Don't Like the Lights"<br> <b>&#187;</b>"Maria"<br></P><P><i>What collaboration are you most excited to hear on </i>Believe<i>? Leave your comment below!</i></p>

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‘I’m not engaged. I’ve worn this same ring on this finger since November!’ Cyrus tweeted on Monday in response to rumors.
By Christina Garibaldi

<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cyrus__miley/artist.jhtml">Miley Cyrus</a> is putting those <a href="/news/articles/1681751/miley-cyrus-engaged-liam-hemsworth.jhtml">engagement rumors</a> to rest. On Monday (March 26), the Internet was abuzz that Cyrus and her "Hunger Games" star boyfriend <a href="http://www.mtv.com/movies/person/1086152/personmain.jhtml">Liam Hemsworth</a> were going to tie the knot after photos surfaced of her wearing a large sparkler on her ring finger.</P><P><blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"><p>I'm not engaged. I've worn this same ring on this finger since November! People just wanna find something to tal about! It's a topaz people!</p>&mdash; Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileyCyrus/status/184322781150846976" data-datetime="2012-03-26T16:55:50+00:00">March 26, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></P><P>But Cyrus took to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MileyCyrus/status/184322781150846976" target="_blank">Twitter</a> on Monday to shoot down the rumors, saying, "I'm not engaged. I've worn this same ring on this finger since November! People just wanna find something to [talk] about! It's a topaz people!"</P><P>Speculation began last week after Cyrus tweeted a photo of her new manicure and the ring. Most recently, she was spotted sporting the large stone on Saturday as the two posed for pictures on the red carpet at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XVVIII in Phoenix.</P><P><div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:748699/cp~vid%3D748699%26instance%3Dmtv%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A748699" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div></P><P>Even though they won't be planning a wedding anytime soon, the couple, who have been dating on and off since 2009, have a lot to be excited about. <a href="/news/articles/1681747/hunger-games-box-office.jhtml">"The Hunger Games" had the third-biggest opening</a> weekend of all time, beating out all of the "Twilight Saga" movies when it raked in $155 million.</P><P>Hemsworth and Cyrus will next be seen together on an upcoming episode of MTV's <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/punkd/series.jhtml">"Punk'd,"</a> where the former "Hannah Montana" star tells her boyfriend that two naked people have locked themselves in her car, a prank Hemsworth doesn't seem to be too fond of.</P><P>"I knew she was doing the show. I honestly thought she had enough respect for me not to do me, and she got me really good," Hemsworth recently told Ellen DeGeneres. "Your girlfriend comes running around and she's yelling hysterically and you see two naked people in your car… I think my instincts were pretty right."</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>

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Warning in 5.1.1 seems to point that way

A pop-up warning that has appeared with the latest build of iOS – 5.1.1 – hints that Apple is soon to introduce the possibility of making FaceTime video calls over 3G, perhaps for iOS 6.

Since its launch, FaceTime has been restricted to Wi-Fi use, meaning that video calls can only be made when iPhones and iPads are logged on to a broadband network. However, when trying to switch off 3G during a FaceTime call, a message now warns: “Disabling 3G may end FaceTime. Are you sure you want to disable 3G?”

This would suggest that Apple is at least trialling the service over a 3G network, and may be about to release the feature for public consumption.

In the UK, however, this could cause problems as many users are not signed up to mobile network packages with all-you-can-eat data plans. Using FaceTime video calling over 3G could seriously munch into the amount of data you have available and end up costing a fortune in overspill fees.

In addition, carriers themselves may be concerned at the demands 3G FaceTime use may put on their networks. They may even block or restrict its use.

As we expect to hear more on iOS 6 at the forthcoming WWDC in the middle of June, we shouldn’t have to wait too long to find out.

Read

Tags: Apple Phones Tablets Apps FaceTime iPhone iPad

 

3G FaceTime coming in iOS 6? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:17:00 +0100

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