HTC Facebook Phone (ChaCha) Debuting As AT&T HTC Status.

The HTC ChaCha we’ve all come to know as the “Facebook Phone” now has an official AT&T branded name. Introducing: The HTC Status — see what they did there?

For those interested in not only Facebook sharing but actual hardware specs too — 800 MHz processor, Android 2.3.3, 2.6″ 480 x 320 display, quad-band GSM/EDGE tri-band HSPA (AT&T), Bluetooth 3.0 | WiFi b/g/n | GPS, and 5-megapixel rear-facing camera w/ LED flash.

AT&T/T-Mobile Merger Woes: Large Number Of T-Mobile Stores To Close.

Besides the fact that allowing AT&T and T-Mobile to create one uber carrier that will hold an extremely disproportionate amount of the cellular market, a new report by the Wall Street Journal casts even more doubt on how many people the merger will actually help.

Currently there are roughly 9,200 AT&T and T-Mobile stores across the U.S. with ~41% of all AT&T stores having a T-Mobile store within 1 mile. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where this is going — broke town for current T-Mobile store owners large and small.

The real kicker, however, is that T-Mobile and AT&T employees are not allowed to communicate as to which stores are actually closing giving T-Mobile store owners absolutely no heads up to prepare for possible impending financial ruin.

With already weak housing and retail economies, hearing of several thousand store closings isn’t likely to spur economic growth in the respective neighborhoods and communities that will be affected.

Hurray for less competition and price hikes!

Review: NZXT Phantom

While the NZXT Phantom case has been available for almost a year now, it’s still a formidable foe in the PC enthusiast realm. For starters, no one can argue that its full-size design offers up plenty of options for modders. Add to that a killer style and you’ve got the beginning recipe for success. Hop inside as GS takes the Phantom for a spin…

Nokia’s First Windows Phone 7 Device (Sea Ray) Caught On Camera!

Well Mr. Elop we’re sorry to say your wishes to keep Nokia’s first Windows Phone 7 device, the “Sea Ray”, under wraps were for naught. During a recent presentation, the newly appointed Nokia CEO demoed the device to a crowd whom he had asked to put away all phones and video cameras. Thankfully for us someone didn’t listen.

As far as specs are concerned, we still don’t really know anything as this revealing was a brief “eyes only” type of affair. With that said, Elop did confirm the “pillow design” on the back of the unit and that it featured a plastic body. So much for the cold, chiseled metallic hardware of Nokias of yore.

Larger pics and video of the leak after the break…

Rumor: iPhone 5 To Feature Dual LED Flash.

In conjunction with a reportedly upgraded 8-megapixel camera, Apple’s 5th generation iPhone will see another photography-minded feature — dual-LED flash. We’ve heard similar rumors several times in the past. But the iPhone 5 may just debut with such a feature.

On cellphones, low/no-light shooting is rarely respectable. Though the situation has improved in recent years thanks to better optics, software, and the addition of LEDs for added light. The iPhone 4′s camera is one of the better mobile cameras around and holds its own when the light gets low thanks to its own LED flash.

A new report by DigiTimes claims Apple is dropping their current LED supplier (Phillips) and moving to one of several Taiwanese suppliers including Everlight Electronics, Edison Opto and Lite-On Technology. So far, the aforementioned companies have all denied working on dual-LED flash modules. Given Apple’s tight control of not only their own employees but 3rd party manufacturers, such claims aren’t all that surprising.

With the added 8-megapixel camera and possible dual-LED flash, the iPhone’s digital camera conquering ways are sure to increase, and with that, put an even bigger nail in the coffin for point-and-shoots.

Twitter: Fix Your Data Sucking iPhone App.

3 MB of data overages in one month may not sound like much to those fortunate enough to have either (1) ample data allotment or (2) access to unlimited data plans. But for those people who must count (and pay) for every byte, data efficiency is of the upmost importance.

When it comes to mobile apps, one wouldn’t think 140 character messages on Twitter could add up to anything substantial. In actuality, however, that statement couldn’t be farther from the truth as a new data study shows. Truth be told, Twitter has a leaky app…

Sprint’s Sensation? HTC Releases EVO 4G With WiMAX In Korea.

If there was ever a time to count your lucky stars, Sprint customers, now is the time. HTC has stealthily released a new handset dubbed the EVO 4G+. Essentially it’s just a T-Mobile Sensation with WiMAX functionality — the same dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB or RAM, 8-megapixel camera, and 4.3″ display are still present. Cellular specs for the Korean device include HSPA/WCDMA, WiMAX (WiBro) and quadband GSM/EDGE.

As of writing we don’t have any pricing information or release date for a Korean launch let alone U.S. info. With that said, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out why Sprint needs this phone. It’s pretty much awesome.