BlackBerry Dekstop Manager 6 in pictures

As far as rich media and desktop sync goes, RIM’s Desktop Software suite has been pretty lacking. You’ve got your basic music, notes, and contact syncing, sure. But for far too long, the desktop app overall has been rather bloated and non intuitive. That all changes with Desktop Manager 6. While I can’t speak much on any earth shaking new features, the UI and general organization of the software itself is getting a big upgrade.

From the image above, it’s evident RIM is trying to make the Windows variant a bit easier on the eyes, pulling subtle design cues from their Mac version. And you know what? That’s quite alright. RIM isn’t really known for the suave UI design anyway. So any improvements are actually quite surprising. On that note, hop inside for a few more images showcasing the latest Dekstop Manager 6…

The iPhone isn’t the only game in town: AT&T orders 8 million Windows Phone 7 handsets.

While AT&T may be synonymous with “iPhone”, rumors of an impending end to AT&T’s iPhone exclusivity as well as the nearing of Windows Phone 7′s official release further bolster a new rumor circulating today. It goes something like this: AT&T has just put in and order for 8 million Windows Phone 7 devices. 8 million is a lot of hardware, especially for Microsoft’s mobile division. As of late, shipments of Windows Mobile handsets are at laughably low levels.

The tipoff over the buyout comes from Altimeter analyst Michael Gartenberg. Do take the news with a grain of salt for now however as again, 8 million handsets is a large gamble that AT&T may or may not actually be taking. Not to mention, there aren’t any other specifics such as the manufacturers of the supposed 8 million handset order nor are there any details as to if this is one time buy or a purchase that involves a years worth of orders. Not to mention, the fact that the rumor hedges solely on a single Tweet also calls some extra scrutiny into question…

The coolest coffee table to ever gaze upon: The Circuit Board Table.

If I had a coffee table in my house, it would be this. All those dreams of dumpster diving finally have a purpose. Of course, finding the necessary spare computer parts in a more or less “quality state” from within a dumpster would be pretty hard if they weren’t safely protected in an old case. Still, the quest goes on. Besides looking beyond awesome, your coffee will be happy too. Win win, right? Couple more shots after the jump…

BlindType is the soft keyboard to rule all

I may favor many aspects of Android over other mobile platforms, but there’s one area that sucks pretty bad all around — soft (onscreen) keyboards. The iPhone’s keyboard is still the one to beat. Android’s default keyboard as well as just about every other keyboard I’ve tried are marginal at best. Of course, 3rd part options such as Swype do go a long way into introducing new and innovative methods of inputing characters on a screen.

Another newcomer however has quite a bit of potential as is shown off in the video (inside). Not only is the prediction algorithm eerily amazing, the keyboard changes orientation on the fly depending on where your digits land, to keep the keyboard constantly in the right position. Even more mind boggling is the “invisible mode” where the keyboard completely disappears, leaving users the ability to simply tap out messages onscreen wherever they please. Of course, some basic knowledge of a standard keyboard layout is needed. Even then, the feat is pretty astounding to witness. Sounds impossible doesn’t it? Well, hop inside and prepare to be flabbergasted.

Android Wednesday: Samsung YP-MB2, New LivePrints Live Wallpaper, and new Froyo doubts on Milestone

First up — the Samsung YP-MB2. You can’t really tell much by blurry photo above, but if the few rumors that are floating around are to be believed, we’re looking at a Samsung Galaxy S sans phone capabilities. Basically, it’s an Apple-isque iPhone-to-iPod Touch type of deal. The YP-MB2 will feature the same 1GHz Hummingbird processor, Android 2.1, 4″ Super AMOLED display, WiFI, DMB, GPS, 3MP camera, and of course, access to the Android Market that the Galaxy S phone variants enjoy. I for one would highly welcome a Galaxy S sans cellular contract. Though the original argument for the iPhone and iPod Touch was because of the iPhone’s limited carrier support. The Galaxy S suffers from no such thing. Exciting to say the least.

But there’s more: A new cool Live Wallpaper (No, really! It’s seriously cool!) and new doubts surrounding the Moto Milestone’s Froyo future. So hop inside…

HSPA+ phone (possibly an HTC Android device) coming to T-Mobile USA “by end of summer”!

We all knew it was coming at some point, but maybe not as soon as was just stated. T-Mobile USA is releasing their first HSPA+ device “by the end of summer”. Previous reports had the release date sometime in September. But no matter how you slice it, “summer” ends mid August.

So mark your calendars folks, ’cause this August *fingers crossed* we’ll be seeing HTC release an Android smartphone complete with HSPA+ — up to 42Mbps (theoretical) HSPA+! Perhaps this is the HTC Vision we’ve seen slinking around here and there over the last month, hmm? Though the Vision wasn’t slated for release until closer to holiday shopping season — a far fry from the August/September release this hints at. Maybe it’s another handset altogether? August couldn’t come soon enough…

PNY outs new 64GB and 128GB Optima SSD’s

As we sit here watching traditional HDD’s climb to 3TB and beyond, the homefront for SSD’s is a bit more…homely. While a few manufacturers have outed some pretty massive (by SSD standards) 512GB drives, they’re not exactly lightening quick nor cheap. But the technology is improving with each passing day and dropping in price.

PNY is looking to add some more fuel to the fire with some new offerings in their Optima SSD line. The new drives feature either 64GB or 128GB of MLC memory in svelte 2.5″ sizes. Further specs include USB 2.0, SATA 3.0 Gbps, a JMicron controller, 64MB buffer, and TRIM support.

At $192 (64GB) and $359 (128GB), they’re not exactly “cheap” for the amount of storage you’re receiving nor are they the fastest SSD’s we’ve seen. Speaking of speeds, PNY says the 64GB model will push 220/100MB read/write speeds while the more capacious 128gigger will sail a little faster at 235/150MB read/write.

For those teetering on the fence, do PNY’s new Optima drives strike the perfect balance between price and performance?