PhoneTalk

In the market for a new BlackBerry? Verizon will be offering the BlackBerry Curve 9310 later this week. The newest Curve will be running the BlackBerry 7.1 OS, sport a tactile QWERTY keyboard with optical trackpad, and easy access to social media accounts via the Social Feeds 2.0 app. Also on board is a 3.2-megapixel camera, VZ Navigator, an FM radio (that can be accessed via headphones), and will accept up to a 32GB microSD card. Although, the phone won’t feature a touchscreen like the latest BlackBerry Bold, it does have a vibrant QVGA display. The phone will require one of Verizon’s Share Everything plans.

The latest round of the BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 is loaded with new features and the company’s new BlackBerry Video Store, which had been announced in September 2011. Entertainment aside, there are plenty of other noteworthy features in the latest OS including integration with social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. Also included are improved BlackBerry device management and connectivity features such as BlackBerry Mobile Fusion and the BlackBerry Bridge App that uses Bluetooth to connect the tablet to BlackBerry smartphone apps. To get a better idea about the new OS features, check out this BlackBerry video below:

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update can be downloaded to PlayBook tablets today. Not sure how to get the update? Click this link for more details.

Prepaid MetroPCS phones just got a bit more feature-rich. The company announced a new service aptly named Metro Block-it. In addition to providing the ability to block texts and calls, users can also use the app to file complaints against telemarketers and debt collectors with the Federal Trade Commission. That’s a pretty useful feature. The application is initially available only for Android smartphones, but will soon support BlackBerry smartphones and some feature phones. MetroPCS customers can find it in the Metro App store and will receive a free 30-day trial. After that the service will cost $1.00 a month.

Last week at CES, among the devices that Verizon Wireless announced were the LG Spectrum and the BlackBerry Curve 9370. This week, the two models are available for purchase.

First up, we got a chance to checkout the Spectrum at CES. That phone is fast thanks to the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity. The data connection can be shared with up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature. It also has a vibrant and bright display, which will come in handy when using the included SmartMovie HD app for creating and editing videos on the phone. The cell phone is currently running the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but will be upgradeable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone also sports a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. Overall, the LG Spectrum is a high-end Android smartphone that’s loaded with entertainment-centric features.

The BlackBerry Curve isn’t a 4G LTE phone, but it can be use around the globe. It’s also running the latest BlackBerry 7 OS, sports a 5-megapixel camera with a flash, and the company’s trademark tactile QWERTY keyboard making it an ideal business companion.

With cell phones performing more tasks, more and more people are finding that they need a permanent spot for them in the car – especially in light of all the laws banning use of a cell phone while driving. Griffin showed off a product that could do the trick, the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree. Once the product is mounted to a windshield or dashboard, users can securely place their smartphone in the 3-point mounting bracket and then adjust it in place so that it can be seen at the right angle (think: turning it into a better position to see driving directions from a map on the phone.) The accessory works with a plethora of smartphones since it is so adjustable, though you likely will not be moving the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree accessory between multiple cars. It also comes with an auxillary audio cable so you can connect the phone to the car stereo’s Aux-in jack and use the built-in microphone for handsfree calling.

There’s been a lot of coverage lately about the idea of giving employees the opportunity to use their own mobile devices in the workforce. Many businesses are becoming more and more mobile with many employees working offsite, after hours, or even from home a couple days a month. One reason is the type of mobile devices available to consumers that allow them to easily keep in touch virtually at any time of day. In particular, smartphones and tablets. These products offer users a way to easily keep tabs on e-mail, view and edit documents, and even access a desktop computer remotely.

The question being raised is “Should employees use their personal smartphones and tablets to access corporate data?” As is the answer with many mobile questions it depends on multiple factors: type of business, type of data, IT department rules, and of course the vulnerability of the product being used. Last month, Wall Street Journal ran an article, Should Employess Be Able to Use Their Own Device for Work and brought both sides of the issue to light. Both arguments for and against bring your own device to work have merits.

That said, it’s important to look at the individual device and user when making a decision. Many smartphones have multiple ways to lock a phone whether it’s creating a pattern on an Android phone or selecting a password that must be typed in on a BlackBerry. That speaks to privacy. What about losing a device that has access to corporate data? There are plenty of options available for locking a device or even remotely wiping a device. That functionality is even built-in to Windows Phone 7. Even if a device that has corporate data access on it gets accidentally left behind in a car, by using such a feature the data isn’t really at risk.

Since this topic has many shades of gray perhaps the best solution is one where a company’s IT department works closely with employees to ensure that only pertinent work data is being accessed (e-mail, maybe a few documents) and that it’s being done securely. They could also help employees select products that can support safety-centric features such as remotely wiping a device, password protection, and even an option to find a lost phone.

Let us know what you think of this topic by leaving a comment below. Do you want to use your own cell phone or tablet to access work e-mail or would you rather have two separate devices one for work and one for fun?

Radio stations have already switched over to holiday music. Thanksgiving is this week. Store windows are being decked out with elaborate holiday themes. It’s official; the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. So we’ve rounded up mobile apps designed to make this year’s shopping a little bit easier and maybe even help save a little time and money.

1. Get the inside scoop on Black Friday

Who has time to check out circulars and deal information sites to see where the best deal on that new monitor might be? Not to worry, there’s definitely an app that does all the heavy lifting. Black Friday app from dealnews gathers all the latest sale details and offers as they get released from over 2,000 online retailers including places such as Game Stop, Sears, PetSmart, Sephora, and more.

Compatible OS: Android and iPhone
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your device or corresponding app store on your computer.

2. The ultimate gift list

During the holidays, it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed keeping track of who gets which gifts. For some shoppers who have lots of folks on their list keeping track of which gifts have been purchased and for whom can be a challenge. Enter mGifts. The app features a clean interface for keeping track of who is getting what and the ability to see how much has been spent on each person. This list-making app isn’t just for the holiday season, but can be used all year round.

Compatible OS: iPhone and iPad
Cost: $4.99
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your device.

3. Shopping rewards? Game on!

Some consider shopping a sport. If that’s the case then shopkick isn’t playing around. The idea is a little bit like FourSquare, but instead of badges, mayorships, and bragging rights you get rewards and deals. The idea is simple: Every time you walk into a store, you get kicks (think: points), exclusive deals, or rewards (think: gift cards). Simply walk into stores such as Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, Toys R Us, and others, stop at the entrance, and launch the app. You get checked-in and the rewards just start appearing. Some might even call it a little bit of holiday magic.

Compatible OS: Android, iPhone
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your smartphone or corresponding app store on your computer.

4. Is the price right?

The stores will be filled with signs promising discounts of 20%, 35%, or more. So, what is the final cost of an item exactly? If you don’t have a calculator hard-wired into your brain, consider downloading the (Read more)

In this edition we cover the new BlackBerry Torch coming to T-Mobile and the first HTC cell phone featuring Dr. Dre Beats - the HTC Rezound for Verizon. Plus a look at the Samsung Stratosphere and an update on the Halloween Scavenger Hunt winner.

T-Mobile users in the market for a BlackBerry with a touchscreen and a tactile QWERTY keyboard will be happy to learn the BlackBerry Torch 9810 will be available next week. The BlackBerry Torch will have 4G connectivity and runthe latest BlackBerry 7 OS. It will also sport a 1.2GHz processor, feature a slide-out tactile QWERTY keyboard, and have a 5-megapixel camera with flash that can record 720p HD video.

The Sound ID SIX Bluetooth headset sports a lightweight design and is loaded with features. SIX has many of the features needed so users won’t have to take their hands off the wheel while wearing it. The VoiceMenu can be used to verbally access voicemail, search Bing, get 411 information, and even dial phone numbers. For those who don’t want to access features verbally the headset sports a Smart Touch Surface for performing similar tasks and more with a quick touch. The SIX also works with Sound ID’s EarPrint App that lets users create personalized listening preferences, check battery life, and even has a "Find Me" feature that triggers the headset to start beeping so it can easily be found. When paired with an Android smartphone the app supports Text-to-Speech functionality for text messages. The app also works with iPhone, and most BlackBerry phones. Finally, the headset can be paired and used with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The Sound ID SIX is available now for $129.99.

In this edition, we cover CTIA’s new initiative to help stop cell phone bill shock, the new DROID Razr by Motorola for Verizon, the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone and Android 4.0 codename "Ice Cream Sandwich", and two new phones from Sprint. Get information on how to get free premium apps from BlackBerry. Finally, find out how to enter the Scavenger Hunt.