Apple Updates iBooks App, Adds iBookstore To iTunes

Besides adding an iBookstore section in the iTunes software allowing you to purchase books from your computer the same way you'd do with music, videos, apps or other content, Apple has also updated its iBooks app for the iPhone to version 1.3. 

The software bump to version 1.3 brings a new read-aloud feature available in select children's books from the iBookstore which automatically reads back the text. "The read-aloud feature uses a real narrator to read the book to you, and in some books, it will even highlight the words as you read along". 

Additionally, embedded audio and video in enhanced books is automatically played back in the new version which also brings some bugfixes and performance enhancements. Grab the update from your AppStore's Updates section or by following the source link below. 

Angry Birds Rio For iPhone Update Brings 15 New Levels, New Bird

Rovio is pushing out updates for their popular Angry Birds game with a version bump this time for the Rio game which is available, in its 1.2.0 version, in the Apple iTunes App Store. 

The new version not only brings 15 more levels to the bird lovers but it will also bring a brand new bird type. If you're an Angry Birds fan, you can grab the update for $0.99 from the iTunes link below. 

With Angry Birds being the most popular game of Rovio, it is also a rather old game. Rovio is pushing out special editions of the game as well as updates with new levels but a new game from the maker, with the same addictive features as Angry Birds, would definitely make for another killer game. Do you think Angry Birds is becoming old? 

HTC Currently Developing Unlocked Sensation 4G Bootloader?

The HTC Sensation 4G, the carrier variant of the HTC Sensation, T-Mobile announced back in April got asigned bootloader which speaks of difficult ROM development for the smartphone. Then came HTC saying they are reviewing their bootloader policy after which Peter Chou himself announced the Taiwanese company will no longer lock its smartphones' bootloaders. 

Though the statement refers to the future, HTC support people are responding emails about Sensation 4G bootloader inquiries: "We are currently developing new bootloader unlocked software for your phone. HTC is still committed to allowing our customers to unlock the bootloaders if they wish, however we are still implementing the policy and many updates were already finalized prior to our change in policy. We apologize for the inconvenience, but be assured that we are working on a solution for our customers and our commitment has not changed. Please stay tuned to our official channels for ongoing updates on how we will be implementing this policy. Thank you for your patience". 

It would only seem logical for HTC to make such a move given their new policy and that the Sensation is the manufacturer's flagship smartphone. We can definitely expect a similar approach for the EVO 3D -- in case it ships with an already developed and tested locked bootloader.

Samsung Indulge Comes To Cricket For $330 Off-Contract

The once-Samsung-Forte, now the Samsung Indulge, launched first on MetroPCS. Now the Android is finding a new home at Cricket, becoming the carrier's fourth Android smartphone. 

Notably, the Indulge will be the only smartphone available from Cricket with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which may help it attract some users upgrading from messaging phones. With a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor, the Indulge should hold up to the majority of Android apps without struggling; the only glaring downside to the phone is its less-than-impressive 3.5-inch HVGA (480 x 320) display. It would also be nice to see Gingerbread on a newly-introduced Android, but we suppose we can live with Froyo. 

With no contract, Cricket is offering the Indulge for about $330, which sounds pretty reasonable for a brand new off-contract Android of its specs. Unfortunately, don't expect the same LTE speeds accessible with the phone through MetroPCS; Cricket's Indulge will have to get by on 3G. 

Leaked T-Mobile Doc Shows Samsung Android Price Bumps Tomorrow

Some leaked T-Mobile screenshots shows that new smartphone prices are coming to the carrier tomorrow, with both higher and lower price points in store for its users. 

Motorola's Defy has a web-only discount bringing its price down to $50, but you'll pay $150 without that deal; after tomorrow, that brick-and-mortar price will itself go down to $100; we're not sure what effect that will have on the online promotion. Oddly, this figure isn't marked in bold to indicate a new price in these images, but reflects a change from what's currently advertised on T-Mobile's site. 

Samsung's Galaxy S 4G will see a price increase, going from $130 to $150. The Sidekick 4G is also becoming more expensive, ending up at $130 from the $100 at which T-Mobile currently sells the smartphone. If you were planning on picking up either of these two Samsung models in the immediate future, you might want to hustle out and snag one before the new rates go into effect; either that, or make your purchase through a T-Mobile retail partner like Amazon, which currently has the Sidekick 4G for as good as free on-contract.