Verizon XV6800 Gets EV-DO Speed Upgrade, Windows Mobile 6.1

Even though the Verizon XV6800 debuted last year, a new operating system upgrade pushes this model back to the leading edge.

XV6800Along with the jump to Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro -- the latest version of Microsoft's operating system for smartphones -- this upgrade adds support for Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network, which offers faster data transfer speeds than the original version of EV-DO.

Other enhancements include a threaded SMS client, an updated MMS client, and support for 16 GB microSD cards.

In addition, its built-in GPS receiver now supports the VzNavigator application.

This upgrade is available now, for free, on the UTStarcom website.

More About the Verizon XV6800

Many who overlooked this smartphone before might be more interested in it, thanks to the improvements this upgrade.

The XV6800 offers a variety of wireless networking options. In addition to EV-DO there's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The highlight of this device's design is a landscape-oriented keyboard that can be hidden behind its QVGA touchscreen.

Still, many have criticized this model for being light on RAM, as it has just 64 MB.

What's a ROM Update?

The ROM is where the operating system and built-in applications are stored. Changes made to the files in ROM are permanent and will survive the device undergoing a hard reset.

Updating the ROM will erase everything that's on the smartphone, so it's important to back up any files before installing the new version of the operating system. This doesn't apply to files that are on a removable memory card.

How to Take screenshots on your iPhone 3G

Apple has added this functionality right into the 2.0 software update. When you are on a screen that you want to capture, you simply press and hold the Home button and then press the the power/sleep button.

Your screenshot will then appear in your photo gallery on your iPhone where you can send it or sync it as you desire. I plan to use this functionality when writing software reviews and am pleased it was included in the update. I now need to test it out while playing games and using applications where pressing in on the Home button may affect the program. Cool & useful!

iControlPad iPhone gamepad case prototype surfaces

We saw a couple versions of the iControlPad iPhone gamepad surface back in May, but it looks like the clever add-on is getting close to reality -- check out these case prototypes that just popped up. Yeah, it's not, uh, small -- good thing the target price is under $30. Touch Arcade also has some other pictures of another iPhone gaming accessory that looks like it slides open, check it out at the read link.

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Epoq EGP-PP01 KIRF projector phone now shipping

Sigh. We're still stoked about phones with built-in projectors, but we're not at all okay with the first commercially-available unit being the nasty Epoq EGP-PP01 iPhone clone -- yet we've got to hand it to China King for being the first out the gate with a handset that'll beam a 30-inch VGA image on the wall for two hours off the built-in battery. Of course, that doesn't mean we think anyone should actually drop $550 on this uninspired piece, but if you've absolutely got to show off your witty texting banter to the entire bar, this is your only option.

Motorola's Blaze ZN4 and Rapture VU30 in the wild

Hey, Verizon customers, you're feeling a little warm to the touch over there. Could it be that you have -- be still our hearts! -- Motorola fever? As Motos go, Verizon's currently signed up to get two of the hotter upcoming models in the next few weeks, the ZN4 Blaze and the VU30 Rapture, both of which have been spied in the wild once more (looking basically ready for retail launch this time around, may we add). The VU30 is a fashion flip that takes some cues from its GSM-based U9 cousin featuring a glossy translucent shell, fat external display, and according to the latest rumors, a September 9 release date. The Blaze meanwhile looks more or less the same as the last time we saw it, leaving us to wonder what possessed Motorola to keep rolling with that eyesore of a giant, red-ringed medallion on the hinged lid. It's also rumored for a September date with destiny, though the exact day is unclear at this point -- and honestly, Motorola, if you want to push that back a month or two to make the badge less obnoxious, be our guest.