Smartphones

Verizon Wireless's first 4G LTE handset, the HTC Thunderbolt, is set to receive its first software update. And while it's not a major update such as Gingerbread, it should be enough to satisfy most users.

Once installed, this 1.13.605.7 build will provide "enhanced data connectivity when accessing the Verizon 3G network." In other words, there should now be a hand-off between the carrier's 4G LTE and 3G networks. As early adopters recently learned the hard way, the Thunderbolt does not let its users toggle between the two networks.

Other details in the … Read more

BlackBerry World is officially in full swing over in Orlando, Fla., as RIM let loose a plethora of announcements of new phones and apps.

The biggest news comes in the form of two Bold handsets and the new OS 7 operating system. RIM announced the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the Bold 9930, which look practically identical to the existing Bold handsets, except that the displays are now touch screens. They are also much thinner and sleeker. The Bold 9900 is headed for T-Mobile as the carrier's first-ever 4G-capable BlackBerry; the 9930 is a global dual-mode CDMA/GSM phone that … Read more

It's shaping up to be an action-packed week in the mobile world with today's BlackBerry World announcements, and now a press conference on May 5, co-hosted by AT&T and Samsung.

The two companies just sent out invites to the event, which will take place in New York starting at 1 p.m. PT, but they revealed few details about what they will discuss. The invite does indicate that there will be product demos, so it's pretty safe to assume that we'll see a new phone or perhaps a tablet?

There are a couple of … Read more

This post was updated at 8:21 a.m. PT.

Research In Motion kicked off its annual BlackBerry World conference with the unveiling of the BlackBerry 7 operating system, which will ship on the company's new RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Bold 9930.

RIM said that its revamped mobile OS is a "performance driven" platform and promises easier navigation through its Liquid Graphics interface, as well as faster, richer graphics performance and browsing. The latter is enabled by a revamped BlackBerry browser that includes a just-in-time JavaScript compiler and HTML 5 video support.

BlackBerry 7 OS … Read more

Research In Motion today introduced the latest additions to its Bold series of smartphones, the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the BlackBerry Bold 9930.

The devices look very much like the company's traditional QWERTY handsets, but throw a 2.8-inch, VGA (640x480) capacitive touch screen into the mix. They will also run the latest BlackBerry 7 OS, which brings support for augmented reality applications via a built-in magnetometer and faster browser and graphics performance, and feature a 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor and NFC (near field communications) technology for mobile payments.

RIM said these are the thinnest BlackBerrys to date … Read more

If you dream of riding around in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, but can only afford a rusted old beast with the fender hanging off, take heart. Rolls-Royce has released a free app for enthusiasts wanting to create a virtual customized version of the luxury car.

Using the Phantom app, users can apply any mix of trims to their car from a choice of 44,000 colors. If that's not enough variety for you, you can use an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch camera to capture a new color from any surface (even nail polish--ever seen a Rolls in Miss Bossy Pants?) to create a completely unique version of the luxury car.

Users can experience interior ambiance interactively through features like a starlight headliner, where hundreds of illuminated optical fibers are woven into the roof lining of a virtual vehicle. The app even has the ability to turn up or down the degree of illumination.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom app features 360-degree exterior views and three interior angles from the front, side and rear seat. It can be used to create a virtual Phantom, Phantom Coupe, or Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Or users can recreate the Royal Wedding bride ride. Kate, you may have heard, was transported to Westminster Abbey in a 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom VI.

A similar app for the Ghost came out in March of last year.… Read more

If you've ever wanted your own driving soundtrack, Mini has the app for you. The carmaker released a new version of Mini Connected to include a Dynamic Music function that matches music to driving style.

In a way, Dynamic Music makes the driver the star of his own movie car chase scene. Drivers can select from up to 10 music genres, such as "Clubbing in Moscow" and "Nu Metal Slam" to match their mood and preference. As they accelerate and change lanes, the mix's rhythm and volume keep pace.

But before you drive fast and furious, keep in mind that Mini also added Mission Control, a feature that analyzes the car, its environment, and driving conditions to offer tips and advice during your commute. It's like a built-in back-seat driver that also makes small talk.

Other updates to the Mini Connected app include the capability to compose personalized status updates in the app that you can post while you're in the car. The first version of the app had a preset list of messages that you could post to Facebook and Twitter. The Google Local Search and Google Send to Car services will help you look up destinations and send driving directions to the Mini's navigation system. … Read more

HTC Inspire 4G and Motorola Atrix 4G owners, your slow-upload woes are almost over.

AT&T just sent CNET a note letting us know that it has started rolling out an update for the Inspire 4G that will enable the HSUPA radio on the smartphone, along with a number of other bug fixes and performance improvements. The carrier has completed testing on the update for the Atrix 4G as well and will begin deploying the software soon.

The updates will roll out in batches over the coming weeks, and users will receive a message on their phones when it'… Read more

A bill that would require California retailers to inform consumers of the possible health risks of cell phone use received its first reading this week in the Rules Committee of the state senate. Following minor amendments, the legislation now proceeds to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee for initial consideration.

Sponsored by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), SB 932 would require retailers to include notices on product packaging that cell phones emit radio frequency (RF) energy. A second notice also must be posted at the point of sale when purchasing online or in a physical store.

In an interview with CNET, … Read more