Just a quick note to inform all of you who are using FacebooK on your Windows Phone. Said app is about to be updated from the Windows marketplace today  (it might be live right now) . According to the Facebook fan page of the Facebook for Windows Phone, the update was brought about by feedbacks they got from those who’ve been using the app. The update is quite huge with new features and much need enhancements including the ability to test out your groups, visit your pages, see who likes your post, change your profile banner image and more. The complete list of the new features of the updated Facebook for Windows is as follows:

• News feed performance improvements
• New panorama design
• New profile design
• Banner Images
• Improved navigation
• Pages
• Groups
• View “likes”
• Feed filters
• Posting privacy
• Bug fixing

Via [Facebook for Windows]

Verizon Wireless has just launched its latest In Store Trade-In program. Like most of the similar programs which Verizon launched before, this one lets you trade in your no-longer-used wireless devices at any Verizon stores. You’ll get Verizon Wireless gift card depending on the appraised value of your device. You can then use this gift card to purchase a new device or pay off your bills from Verizon Wireless. You can get as much as $300 as exchange value for your devices. The said Trade-In Program is being launched as part of Verizon’s way of helping the Environmental Protection Agency in its drive to recycle old phones in a more environment-friendly way. The Trade-In Program awards gift cards depending on the make, model and condition of devices. Additionally, if you’re feeling more generous, you might consider donating your old phones instead to HopeLine from Verizon program.

Via [Verizon]

The Samsung Galaxy Note is finally available for purchase in Canada across three different carriers: Bell, Telus, and Rogers.  The Galaxy Note is a particularly attractive smartphone for individuals seeking one device that can perform the functions of a smartphone and a tablet.  Instead of buying a standalone smartphone and tablet, the Galaxy Note provides a nice mix of the two given its 5.3 inch touch screen display.

Other specs of the Galaxy Note include Android 2.3.6, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, LTE connectivity, 8MP rear facing camera, 2MP front facing camera, and an upgrade to Android 4.0 in the near future.

In terms of pricing, the three carriers are offering the Samsung smartphone between $699-779 off contract and at $199 on a three year term.

Via [MobileSyrup]

What do we have here? It seems that LG is planning to unveil what could be the follow-up to the LG Optimus 3D. A clear rendering of the said device, which if you have been following the news was then called the LG Optimus 3D 2 and 3D Max and now might be called the LG CX2 has just been leaked out.  The renders show a white version of the device, with glasses-free 3D phone feature. According to reports, the LG CX2 might come with a HD-IPS LCD screen with size somewhere around 4.5-inches and with resolutions of 1280×720. This is the same resolution as the LG Optimus LTE. The report also mentioned some previously unknown specs of the LG CX2, and these include a 1.2GHz dual-core TI processor, dual rear cameras with 5MP resolution, 8GB of internal storage, DNLA-capability, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and 21Mbps HSPA. But of course, these are unofficial specs and we can’t wait for the Mobile Web Congress to happen in Barcelona soon.

Via [PocketNow]

For our Canadian readers, you’ll be glad to know that you’ll soon be experiencing the full capabilities of TELUS’ 4G LTE network service in the coming days. The Canadian mobile carrier has just rolled out is 4G wireless service initially to some areas in Canada including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Area covering Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, Guelph, Belleville, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and Yellowknife. According to TELUS more areas will be covered in the coming days as they target to reach more than 25 million Canadians by end of this year. For those who want to experience TELUS 4G network service, the company is making several LTE-enabled devices available such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.8 LTE, LG Optimus LTE smartphone or Novatel Wireless Ovation MC679 LTE Mobile Internet Key. These devices will be available from TELUS on Feb 10. Come February, the Samsung Galaxy Note will also be released.  Aside from these devices, the 4G LTE network service will also come in handy with the Optik TV on the go  has just rolled out.

Via [Telus]

Android phone and tablet users are probably aware that while the stock Android music player is a pretty good app, it lacks some advanced features that other third-party music player apps have. One of these apps is DoubleTwist which incidentally has just been updated. The update brings in several new features that will make you love the Android app even more, particularly for all of you who listen and subscribes to podcasts. Available as an in-app upgrade, the app now allows podcast subscription over-the-air. For existing DoubleTwist users, the upgrade will cost you $4.99 but it will come with extra features such as AirPlay support, and wireless media synchronization from your PC or Mac as well as other functionality.  When subscribing to a podcast, the app pulls down the latest episode using your Android device’s connection. If you worry about incurring data cost, you can set the app to download podcast episodes only through Wi-Fi. Other new features of the updated DoubleTwist app include -expandable/collapsable Now Playing screen with easier access to Up Next queue, design and interface updates specifically for Android 4.0 users, and fixed AirPlay and AirTwist playback issues.

Product [DoubleTwist], Via [GigaOm]

If you’re looking to sign a contract with Telus, then you may want to consider picking up the LG Optimus LTE, which is set to launch tomorrow.  The Optimus LTE is a very capable Android smartphone and will feature blazing fast LTE speeds thanks to Telus’ new LTE network launching tomorrow as well.

The Optimus features Android 2.3, 4.5 inch touch screen True HD Display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear facing camera, and a front facing camera.  The Optimus LTE will be upgraded to Android 4.0 at some point in the near future.

In terms of pricing, the LG smartphone can be had for $629 off contract, $579 on a one year contract, $529 on a two year contract, and $99 on a three year contract.  Clearly, the three year contract option is the best, unless you do not want to be tied down to a long term contract — in which case the off contract option is probably the best.

Via [MobileSyrup]

It looks like Skype got a new tough rival in Vonage, as the company just launched its new mobile app for Android and iPhone. The Vonage mobile app, like Skype allows you to make free high-definition calls and send free texts to all users of the app – worlwide. The app works on Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G wireless data networks. What say you Skype?

The Vonage mobile app works even for calling users who have not downloaded the app yet. If this is the case, Vonage gives low-cost international calling with per-minute rates which is said to be on average 70 percent less than what is being charged by major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype’s rates. Additionally, you can add calling credit directly from the mobile app via iTunes or Android Market. Adding credits is via increments of $4.99 and $9.99.

The app utilizes your phone’s exiting mobile number and contact list. Hence, it eliminates the need for unique user names and duplicated identities for contacts. You can also instantly create a free global and texting network using the mobile app’s multi-invite system.
Finally, if you’re in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico, calls from your friends anywhere in the world will be free for a limited time.

Now here’s the best part, the app doesn’t require you to be a Vonage customer to use it. But it would be to your advantage if you are calling a Vonage home or business numbers since it will be free.

The Vonage mobile app is available now as free downloads from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.

Via [Vonage], [App Store], [Android Market]

Norton continues to provide us with security apps not only for desktop solutions but moreso now for mobile phone users. The latest of these security apps happens to be the Norton Safety Minder, an Android app that lets parents monitor their children’s smartphone usage. With this, parents will be able to protect their children from the scalawags of the mobile world. The app lets you view your children’s mobile phone browsing history so that you can determine if they have been frequenting mobile site that will pose a threat to their safety. Additionally, the app also monitors who your children are texting as well as what they are searching on their smartphone’s mobile web browser.  The app also blocks access to websites as well as SMS and MMS to individual contacts which you deemed undesirable for your children to communicate with.  The Norton Safety Minder app is available now from the Android Market. It’s a free download and also has a paid version with more security features. If you think that the free version doesn’t offer enough security for your child and you don’t want to spend on an Android app, I think the better solution is not to give your child a smartphone.

Via [Phandroid],  [Android Market]

If you’re looking to sign a new two year contract with a carrier, then you may want to consider doing so with T-Mobile on Saturday, February 11th.  The wireless carrier is announcing a new Valentine’s Day promotion, and while the promotion itself does not take place on Cupid related holiday, it still spreads a lot of love and happiness.

Essentially, T-Mobile is offering up its 4G lineup for grabs including notable tablets such as the T-Mobile SpringBoard and LG G-Slate.  In addition, every 4G smartphone can be purchased for free, but if you are going to buy a new 4G smartphone, you may as well go for the best.  Included in the promotion is the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Amaze 4G — two Android 4G superphones on T-Mobile. If Android isn’t your fancy, then you may be interested in the BlackBerry Bold 9900 or Nokia Lumia 710, also for free.  Customers looking to sign a new two year agreement on a Classic Plan or Unlimited Value plan are able to do so.

Consumers interested in the promotion are advised to visit a local T-Mobile retail store or online webstore for more details.  Remember, the promotion will only take place on Saturday, February 11.