Yesterday, Google announced a new feature that will make it easier to search from mobile phones. Now, when using Google’s search engine on a smartphone, Google will take into account where the phone currently is and tailor the search to show local results. Google’s location-based search may raise a few privacy concerns for people who don’t like companies to know exactly where people are, but the new feature can be quite useful to those who want to find a nearby restaurant, store, park, government office, acquaintance or anything else local. The reasoning behind it is sound too: Searching on a phone is usually more frustrating than using a computer, so taking out...

While images and video of the Google Nexus One have been popping up all over the Internet, hard facts about the specs have been few and far between. But the speculation can end now, thanks to a leak that gives the full rundown on the inner workings of the Nexus One. The leak comes from an anonymous tipster who sent Engadget images of the tech specs for the device. While some of it is familiar, such as the 3.7-inch AMOLED display, other specs are new and equally interesting, such as the 512MB RAM, 512MB ROM and 4GB microSD in-box. Also interesting are images appearing to confirm the rumor we heard about the Nexus One getting 3G signals from T-Mobile but not from AT&T (users will have to...

News keeps trickling in about the Google Nexus One phone. While most of it comes from people who managed to get their hands on it, the most exciting news comes directly from Reuters: Google is supposed to start selling the Nexus One to the public on Jan. 5. Reuters quotes an anonymous source who says Google will sell two versions of the Nexus One. The first will sell with a service contract from T-Mobile while the second will be “unlocked,” meaning it can be used on other networks. Neither Google nor T-Mobile have confirmed Reuters report. Other news on the Nexus One comes from the reliable person-that-got-to-touch-it kind of source. tnkgrl Mobile was allowed to play with...

The rumors of a true Google Phone have finally built up enough strength to burst into reality. Over the weekend, photos of the Google Phone started popping up everywhere; now it’s official and you can see the phone, called the Nexus One, in all its glory. Google had given employees the Nexus One, which explains the sudden explosion of pictures over the weekend. Apparently it was well received too, with one employee saying it was “like an iPhone on beautifying steroids.” Judging from the images, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s still fun to look at. The Nexus One may look familiar because it’s basically the HTC Passion, which we’ve seen...

Time recently released their Gadget of the Year countdown, in which they catalog the most intriguing or exciting devices that came out in 2009. There is always room for debate about which products should be on the list, but this year the list included a big surprise: The Motorola DROID beat out a perennial favorite, the iPhone. Unless you’re a die-hard Apple fanboy, this choice actually makes a lot of sense. The iPhone has been around for a while, and even though the 2009 version, the iPhone 3GS, is an improvement over previous models, it’s not ground-breaking enough to rank higher. It probably deserves the #4 spot it received. The Motorola DROID, on the other hand, has worked...

If you’ve ever wanted a soundtrack for your life, now’s your chance. Music cell phones combine the connect-me-anywhere cell phone with the take-me-anywhere MP3 player. But music phones vary as widely as the music you listen to. Some offer little more than a music player. Others boast internet, email, PC syncing and more. Remember why you want a music phone—for the music—but a few extras never hurt either. Read ahead to see which features are worth pausing the music for, and for which features you can keep your earphones in.Features to Talk AboutAre You Compatible: Supported Music FormatsDigital music comes in various file formats. MP3 and AAC are extremely...

Multimedia cell phones are all-in-one packages of functionality and frivolity. The best of both worlds, multimedia phones boast features from internet and email to music and video players. Some even include productivity options like PC syncing and document viewing. So whether you’re looking for a day planner or an MP3 player, multimedia phones handle it all.But know not all multimedia phones are identical. Your service provider should carry a wide selection of multimedia phones, each swanking different features. But read ahead to find out which features are worth talking about and which ones are just mentionable.Features to Talk AboutBrain Space: MemoryMultimedia phones come with...

To keep up with the speed of business in today’s world, you have to stay connected—always—and smartphones are stepping up to the plate. Not only can you talk, you can text, instant message, email and more. Smartphones also store contact lists, addresses and email addresses—information you need to keep business going while you’re on the go. But some of the features salesmen tote as must-haves are more show than substance. Read ahead to learn what really works at the speed of business, and what simply works.Features to Talk AboutKeep in Touch: PhonebookBetween personal life and work life, you have a lot of phone numbers to remember. Contacts add up quickly....

Buying a budget cell phone doesn’t mean settling for a featureless phone. Most service providers offer budget cell phones for free, or at a discount, if you sign a contract. And most budget cell phones come packed with features from digital cameras to GPS receivers. But cell phone selection comes down largely to personal preference. Some favorite features are more frivolous than functional. So read ahead to find out which features are worth talking about and which ones are only worth a mention.Features Worth Talking AboutTalk Isn’t Always Cheap: PriceBefore you buy a cell phone, determine a budget. Service providers offer budget cell phones for free or as high $200-plus. If you...

Prepaid cell phones come in handy when starting up in the world of mobile communication. Pay-as-you-go programs help teenagers learn the responsibility that comes with owning a cell phone without the risk of faulting on a contract. Prepaid cell phones are also simple gadgets usually—ideal for senior citizens who are intimidated by technology.Most prepaid cell phones forego the bells and whistles of smartphone, and focus on the core purpose of cell phones—talking. But prepaid cell phones vary from carrier to carrier, as do their prepaid plans. Read ahead to learn what features are worth talking about, and which ones aren’t.Features to Talk AboutLonger Lasting: Battery...