If you have been reading the reviews for the new Verizon 4G LTE devices, you have probably heard that the devices perform amazingly (even though they lack a dual-core processor). This is because the HTC Thunderbolt and the LG Revolution (not the Droid Charge) carry Qualcomm’s new generation Snapdragon processor.

In the video below, Qualcomm wants to explain why their single-core processor, combined with Verizon’s 4G LTE network, would bring you a better experience when compared to “the competition” (Motorola Atrix 4G on AT&T’s HSPA+ network). In a few words, this is because Qualcomm works on both the network and the processor, ensuring that the components are optimized to work with each other.

We would like to know what you guys think about this demonstration. It may seem like the comparison may be a bit unfair, since they are testing data speed. It is a given that Verizon’s 4G LTE data speeds are about the fastest (for now), so Snapdragon has an advantage from the get go (even if the processors were equal, the data speeds on a Verizon device should be faster anyways).

What do you guys say? Is this a fair demonstration? Do you prefer the new generation Snapdragon over its dual-core competitors? Check out the video and let us know what you think.

TomTom has been one of the most famous navigation systems for years. Not only has TomTom provided Navigation services with PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices), but it has also been among the Top 10 apps in the Apple App Store since its release. Well, for those that have been jealous of iPhone users, TomTom is coming to Android soon, as Corinne Vigreux (TomTom’s MD) stated during an interview with PocketGPSWorld.

We are currently working on a version for Android this will be released soon. I cannot give you a specific date yet. For Windows Phone we are not planning to release anything.Corinne VigreuxTomTom International BV.

You may wonder how this navigator made it to the Top 10, despite the fact that it costs a whooping $39.99 for the U.S. version (price for iPhone). Well, there are multiple reasons. Assuming that Android’s TomTom app will bring the same capabilities as the iPhone’s, these are some of the major features – The maps are actually saved on your device, which means that data consumption would be substantially lowered. Also, Like PNDs, TomTom for iPhone has some level of customization, and yes, that includes the addition of cool navigation voices. This may seem a bit unnecessary, but it is unbelievable how such features can make the price very well worth it:

I’d pay $40 just for the yoda voice.Anthony DomanicoAndroid and Me

Since we are expecting Android’s TomTom Navigation to bring the same features as the iPhone, these are some of the things you should expect from it:

Key Features^[1]

GET THERE FASTER AND SMARTER

• TOMTOM MAPS: Your TomTom App comes with the latest and most up-to-date map, ready to navigate.
• MAP SHARE™: Make on-the-fly changes to your own map and benefit from free, verified updates made by TomTom users every day–delivered automatically on a weekly basis and on-demand anytime you want.
• IQ ROUTES™: Only TomTom uses actual speed data collected from millions of users to accurately calculate the travel time of your route. It takes into account rush hour, traffic lights-even shopping crowds.
• REAL-TIME TRAFFIC UPDATES: Outsmart traffic with real-time information for your route delivered directly to your TomTom App. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes to minimize potential delays.

FIND SHOPS AND BUSINESSES

• Local search powered by Google™
• Millions of pre-installed POIs

STAY SAFE

• Lane guidance for complicated interchanges
• Clear voice instructions
• Announces street names
• Help me! emergency menu
• Automatic music fading

MAKE THE MOST OF IPHONE

• multitasking support
• Seamless navigation while calling
• Background navigation instructions
• Navigate-to-photo
• Navigate-to-contacts
• Route sharing
• Departure reminder
• Calling destination

CUSTOMIZE YOUR APP

• Celebrity voices (Available via in-App purchase)
• Car symbols
• Map colors

TomTom undoubtedly offers some of the best Navigation services out there, but that $40 price tag may be a bit steep. We do know that apps tend to be offered at a more affordable price in the Android Market, though I wouldn’t expect TomTom International to go any lower than $29.99.

Since we know that TomTom is coming to Android soon, it is time to start seeing if it will be a feasible option for us. Have you guys been waiting for this navigation app? Would you pay $39.99 or even $29.99 for just the U.S. version (especially when Co-Pilot Live USA is going for $5)?  If none of these convince you, what do you think would be a fair price for both the consumer and the developer?

Following the release of a new Google Maps for mobile browsers, Google seems to be working on a re-designed version of Google Search as well. According to Google Operating System, some mobile Google users are being shown a brand-new interface for Google Search.

Similarly to what Google did with Google Maps a few days ago, the company is trying to make Google Search a bit more app-like and less web-like. This new version of Google Search replaces text and links with images and buttons. Instead of small links at the top, the new design has a row of finger-sized buttons for switching between Web, Images, News, etc.

Navigating to another Google product is also much easier with this interface. When you tap the “more” button, an app drawer appears that allows you to switch between Google services.  By contrast, in the current UI you have to use your pinky to carefully tap on the “more’ link. Miss the “more” link by a couple of pixels, and all of the sudden you’re posting on Buzz. Speaking of Buzz, the new Google Search interface completely gets rid of the Buzz button. Does this mean that Google is slowly killing the unloved social service? I hope so.

What do you guys think of this new Google Search interface? Do you like it or hate it? Let us know in the comments.

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Tablets are the hot topic this year, especially when it comes to Android fans. NVIDIA has pretty much taken the lead when it comes to tablets with its popular Tegra 2 dual-core processor. Though Qualcomm has been missing in action for a while, there are some tablets coming in the near future which will feature Qualcomm’s single-core and dual-core processors. Such is the case of this nifty looking device, the Quanta Slate, a honeycomb tablet featuring a Qualcomm dual-core processor.

It is unclear whether it has an MSM8960 or an MSM8660 processor, but it sure looks like it runs very well for being a reference design. As the speaker mentions in the video below, this tablet does look very much like the iPad/iPad2/all-apple-products when it comes to the design. This is because Quanta actually makes Apple devices. Since this is a reference design, OEMs can actually make a deal with Quanta and brand this device as their own.

Since the Quanta Slate does have an Apple-ish look, it also means that it will probably have that equally strong, solid design that all Apple products have (I know many of us dislike Apple, but come on guys, we have to give them credit for their solid builds). Something that also makes this tablet stand out is its display, which the speaker describes as “phenomenal,” with very rich colors much like Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays.

It will definitely be very exciting to see this tablet get picked up by a major manufacturer. Unlike many other tablets at Computex, this one actually stands out when it comes to performance, and that display has some great potential. I am sure Apple will not be very happy about the design though. One does wonder if Apple have any legal rights to sue the OEM that picks this device up. If anything, they would have to settle things with Quanta, and it seems like that would not be a feasible option either. Do any lawyers out there know how this would work?

Check out the video^[1] below, and let us know what you think of this tablet! As a side note, our very own Clark and Angie are in San Diego right now, and will be attending the 2011 Uplinq Conference (by Qualcomm), so expect more details on these processors soon!

The wait it finally over!  Android 2.1 for the SONY Ericsson XPERIA X10 on AT&T is finally available.  If you were hoping for a smooth OTA update, think again.  Updating the XPERIA X10 to Éclair is a manual process that will completely wipe your phone.  Fortunately, SONY Ericsson has put together a foolproof update guide (pdf link) which walks you through every single step of the process.

In addition to the typical Android 2.1 feature updates, Éclair on the X10 also delivers 720p video capture, multi-touch support, continuous autofocus in still and video capture, face detection while recording video, and an expanded home screen with two additional panels.

An Android 2.1 update may seem a bit antiquated at this point, but the update may be enough to get X10 owners through the end of their contract.  The Éclair update brings the XPERIA X10 to the end of its life cycle, which is certainly disappointing since the phone has only been available on AT&T for less than a year. Would any current SONY Ericsson customers be willing to give them a second chance?