Facebook schedules mystery event for January 15, rumoured to launch Facebook phone

Facebook is holding a press conference on January 15 (Tuesday) at its California headquarters, where the company is speculated to announce its much-rumoured and much-awaited smartphone.
For a long time, we have been hearing about the Facebook smartphone, and it seems that the time has come to witness the launch of a Facebook phone.
However, it is not confirmed as yet, because the company has not yet said anything as to what it is going to announce on January 15. The invites sent to members of the press read, "Come and see what we're building."

But one thing is clear that there is some significant announcement that Facebook is going to make at its January 15 event, because Facebook does not usually hold major press conferences at its headquarters.

-via IBN Live

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Apple is working on low-cost IPhone to be released as early as this year

The Wall Street Journal, along with other media outlets, have confirmed that they too have heard that Apple is working on a cheaper version of the IPhone.

The cheaper IPhone will be made from cheaper parts and may resemble the latest IPhone 5 with a less-expensive body made from polycarbonate plastic, or from recycled materials from older versions of the IPhone. Taking this step can help Apple pick up sales in emerging markets where people's income is not as high and lower cost Android models are widely available. According to the WSJ's report, Apple has been developing this cheaper iPhone for a while now, but could not decide how to move forward with the device.

A less-cost iPhone risks narrowing Apple's profit margins, which executives have would hate to sacrifice. Even small changes in margins often sway investors.

Is Apple getting desperate to stay on top? This contributor thinks so...

-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor

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Walmart to offer iPhone 4 & 5 on a prepaid basis with Straight Talk

Walmart announced yesterday that it plans to offer the iPhone 4 and 5 on a pre-paid plan from Straight Talk, a no-contract carrier that runs on Verizons network and offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans. Straight talk offers two contractless plans, a $45 dollar unlimited talk, text, and data plan or for $60 dollars you get everything plus unlimited international calls to certain countries. You'll still need to fork over some money for a 16GB iPhone 5 for $649 or an 8GB iPhone 4 for $449 but at least you will save money in the long run and not be stuck on a 2 year contract.

Lets do that math:
Verizon Wireless (2gb limited - $60 plus $40 line access fee tacked on to smartphones)                             

16gb iPhone 5                                                   $ 199.99 (requires 2 year agreement contract)
One time activation fee                                    $   35.00 (for new customers)
Required 2 year contract - Cheapest              $2400.00 ($100 x 24 months, 2gb per month data cap)
Grand Total                                                       $2634.99 (not including deposits, fees, and taxes)      


Straight Talk


16gb iPhone 5                                                      $ 649.00 (no contract)
One time sim fee plus one month                       $   60.00 (for new customers)
If you keep them for 2 years                              $1035.00 ($45 x 23 months, unlimited)
Grand Total                                                         $1744.00 (flat)     


Verizon Total                                                       $2634.99
Straight Talk Total                                              $1744.00
Total Difference                                                  $   890.99

A $890 dollar savings is not bad and gives you room to upgrade to the next iPhone which I'm sure will be available in less then a year. If you still decide to stick with major carriers that require long-term contract then well your probably a sucker.

Straight Talk's plans will be available January 11 at over 2,000 locations. Take that Verizon and AT&T, now you can no longer screw people over with your high priced plans!

-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor

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Samsung Smart Window Now a Closer Reality - CES 2013

Samsung's CES showcase is just phenomenal at this years CES. From Samsung Smart Hub, to their flexible displays, Samsung has now introduced us to their transparent display cases!

Photo/Image courtesy of SlashGear

A display case?
Samsung's display case allows you to drop in whatever product you are trying to sale, upload a video advertisement to it, and watch as the crowds build around it. The display case plays an advertisement video right on the glass and allows the viewer to see the product inside at the same time.

The case is a typical lighted glass box but the front glass panel is actually a display that plays video loops, or specs of the products. It also has a full PC control that allows the user to interact with it which can help display different prices, specs, or presentations for various models.




-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor

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Samsung Reveals 5.5 Inch Flexible Screen CES 2013

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Samsung has revealed there 5.5 inch flexible screen. The flexible screen demoed at this years CES will is a 1280×720-pixel HD screen with a 267 pixel density. Samsung originally wanted the screen to be used for smartphones but they will also reveal a television size 55-inch flexible screen.

Samsung displayed the world's first curved OLED TV at CES on Tuesday. (Salvador Rodriguez / Los Angeles Times / January 8, 2013)

A bendable screen will offer designers a lot of freedom, and the flexibility prevents the screen from cracking while in someone's pocket. However the screens will not be available any time soon as Samsung still needs to develop two components that make a screen, a screen, the touch panel and cover lens.

-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor

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The New Smart Hub -- Samsung CES 2013 Press Conference

The new Samsung Smart Hub provides a simple, intuitive way to access programs faster and easier. Navigate from live TV to video on demand, personal files, social networks and apps. S Recommendation analyzes your viewing habits and provides suggestions, making it a powerful, personalized TV experience.

Appearance of device may vary. Features vary by product/model. See product pages for more information and availability. Some features may not be available in all areas. The above content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice. Samsung or its employees, subsidiaries, parent, or affiliates ("Samsung"), is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use or reliance of the above content.

via SamsungUSATube

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Asus Qube for Google TV unveiled at CES 2013

Asus has introduced us to the Qube, a streaming player featuring Android Google TV. While Google's own Nexus Q has been post-poned til God knows when, Asus has decided to spark our interest in this area by releasing its own streaming box.

The Asus Qube will come with built in movement and voice control, so now you will no longer need to find the remote control when you lose it. The movement control allows you to manipulate the cube shaped user interface. A special remote will also let you control it via an Android device such as a phone, or tablet. The Qube will also feature Google Play, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, and various other apps, including Chrome, and boast 50GB of cloud storage.

The Qube is ideally a great product with some features that make it very easy to use and the $150 dollar price tag make it affordable for anyone to enjoy streaming TV.


The Asus Qube will be available Spring 2013.

-Alex Pardo - Geekstrap'd Contributor

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