There has been a considerable dearth as far as Flash support for iPhones and iPod Touches, and most of the Android devices as well, which has made it hard for any video sites that are Flash-based to get into the action as far as the bourgeoning market of video consumer devices and Smartphones. Apple iDevice and Android users everywhere will likely be delighted to hear that there are new offerings starting today that they can use on their gadgets of choice.

The ever popular YouTube website was able to implement a way in which they could work around the issue by encoding all of the up-loaded videos in two separate files, Flash and .mp4 but other sites have not been able to get into the same mode, and have been left out in the cold. Unfortunately for those who use these devices, YouTube was about the only website that was able to make this king of magic happen, and iPhone and Android users have had to be patient and bide their time waiting for others to come on board.

Fortunately, there has been a breakthrough that will allow Vimeo to bring out some support for iPhones and Androids, even though it will have to be on a limited platform. Vimeo has solved this lock out problem by re-encoded the favorites and High-Def video showcases to enable them to play on iPhones and iPod Touches, as well as on an Android handset. Mobile friendly Vimeo's busy website ought to have these available today for interested iPhone and Android users. Therefore, for those who have an unlocked iPhone cell phone, iPod Touch, or Android and have been anxiously awaiting the promised files, a virtual trip on the web with a stop at Vimeo will perhaps net them some long-awaited support for their favorite mobile device.

Analysts are estimating that 100,000 Verizon DROID smartphones, dubbed the “iPhone killer” were sold in the first weekend alone since the phone's launch. The DROID's comparisons to the iPhone come from the similarity of their features, and sales show that consumers are eager to embrace the DROID. Experts estimated that the iPhone's first weekend sales back in July of 2007 were up to 246,000 units, while the record for a Sprint device opening weekend sales goes to the Palm Pre, which sold over 50,000 the weekend of its launch in June 2009. The high sales for the DROID may not seem to be a match for those of the iPhone, but keeping in mind that the iPhone was a standout in the field of mobile phones at the time of its launch while the DROID has a number of similar models to compete with; its sales are still impressive.

What is so special about the DROID that would drive the sale of an estimated 100,000 units in one weekend? In addition to the voice-activated commands, the DROID offers a 5 megapixel camera (much higher quality than the typical 2 or 3 megapixels usually available with mobile phones), GPS, Wi-Fi, and the performance enhancing Android 2 technology. One of the most talked-about apps offers Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation, at not charge. Not only does the program navigate, but also it will include street view photographs, and instantaneous traffic reports. The Motorola phone also has a feature that updates the address book with information culled from the Facebook profiles of the owners' friends. The innovative features, reports of high quality performance, and affordability factor are strengthening the DROID as a legitimate competitor to the iPhone unlocked. After selling 100,000 units in the first weekend alone, there is a good chance that the DROID's sales figures will climb even further, solidifying its status as a must-have device.

The strength of Android technology was recently affirmed this weekend with incredible sales following the launch of the Verizon DROID, largely driven by excitement over the phone's reputation for high quality performance and unique features. In addition to the DROID, other cell phones using the Android platform, such as the DROID Eris and the Sprint moment have recently become available. There are literally thousands of apps for the DROID, with a select few standing out from the rest.

The apps generating the most buzz include: Flixster, Meridian, Flyscreen, Nesoid, Twidroid, Qik/Ustream, TED, Barcode Reader, 3Banana, and Power Manager. All of these are free except for Nesoid, which costs $1.99, and Power manager, coming in at $.99. Flixster provides information on movies, reviews and show times. Meridian is considered the best media player for the Android system and plays MP3, MP4, OGG and 3GPP files. Flyscreen is a lock screen replacement offering widgets on a customizable canvas. Nesoid is a highly-reviews NES emulator, which also comes in a Lite version. Twidroid is a Twitter client, as could be guessed from its creative name. Qik/Ustream are two of the many video streaming service available with Android. TED, which features a diverse array of lectures from the Technology, Entertainment, Design conference, is one of the highest reviewed apps. Barcode Reader and Power Manager are self-explanatory, while 3Banana syncs notes and images from the mobile to your computer.

While Meridian, Nesoid, and TED have so far been the highest reviewed features, room for improvement in some of the apps has also been noted. Meridian is considered the best media player for Android, although the general performance of media players with Android cell phones has been criticized significantly. Users will enjoy the TED app as a fun educational tool, with access to lectures from speakers such as Bill Clinton with the touch of a button. These ten apps may be some of the best Android has to offer, but there are many more quality apps out there waiting to be explored as well.

As of August 2008, Palm Treo Pro has become the highlight for Palm's design direction -shiny, black and looks like Centro mixed with the Treo 500 with sprinkles of Xbox for gamers. Windows Mobile 6.1 is the Palm Treo Pro's operating system with a few minor changes for shortcuts.

The revamped design of the Palm Treo Pro could be foreseen in Palm's previous Treo designs without that silver band that always seemed a bit awkward.  Maintaining a roundness all over its keyboard and the phone itself, the keyboard on Centro is seen here -de ja vu if it may. The jellied feel of the keyboard may be uncomfoftable for some, a little imprecise for others.

By March of 2009, Sprint launched the Palm Treo Pro after a long time of waiting, after of course a few rumors and reviews.  Treo fans went ballistic at the $199 price but it went with a two-year contract with Sprint.

For Treo fans, the Palm Treo Pro is not as bad as most reviews say. It is a good-looking device even if it does not measure up to its smartphone/iPhone inspiration. The case is sleeker than the Treos of yesteryears and has a LiIon battery, a stereo headset, an AC adapter, and a USB data cable.

The Palm Treo Phone is good for those who always need to stay on top of meetings and appointment. It is Wi-Fi ready and you can check your personal email or your work email anytime. Like any smartphone, GPS is of course included. The Palm Treo Pro is a thoughtfully designed, easy to use, and perfectly balanced phone.

For those who want to get the Palm Treo Pro, you can get it at Sprint or Alltell, they have a rate of $199.99. For those who do not want any strings attached with these providers or any provider for that matter, you can get your own Palm Treo Pro at $399 from its original price of $549.

The release of the HTC Dream marked the debut of Android technology, with the exception of a T-Mobile model that was previously available only in the US.  While not the most sophisticated smart phone out there, many will find its large, responsive touch screen and quick operating speed on the Android platform to be more than acceptable.  On the front face below the touch screen, are several buttons including a trackball and core keys for easy navigation and calling.  Located on a slide underneath the touch screen you will find a full service QWERTY keyboard with five rows of keys that have a nice feel and are well spaced.  A 3.2MP camera with auto-focus is included on the phone, but a flash is missing which can make a good picture hard to get unless the lighting is just right.  The Dream's display is crisp with a resolution of 320x480, which is great for everyday use and the touch screen is highly responsive to touch and accurate as it should be.

Internet connectivity appears to be one of the HTC Dream phone's strongest attributes, with quick response on internet browsing, downloads and even receiving GPS signals where many other devices lose connection.  While the Wi-Fi connectivity can prove to be handy, it can seriously cut into the battery life if left on constantly, a source of many grumbles across the web.  Chances are you do not need the internet connected at all times though, and in that case, the batteries life can be well extended.  The browser can view most websites in HTML and has Java support, leaving the only websites that cannot be viewed as ones running FLASH.  The HTC Dream has certainly opened the door to Google's Android platform, proving that despite a rather low internal memory Google can create software to run a device much more efficiently and quickly than other developers have figured out.  Depending on your needs in a SmartPhone, HTC Dream may be just the right combination of large touch screen with accurate keyboard and fast internet connection.

The DROID ERIS by HTC is now on sale at Verizon stores for only $99 after rebates and a 24-month contract agreement. The droid equipped with HTC's sense UI, offers future owners the chance to tailor a 7-panel wide home screen. The phone has a wide array of widgets designed for full functionality.

The android has multiple home screens and these screens have different widgets on them depending on what you prefer to include in the home screens. One home screen can be your “work” home screen or it could be your “play” home screen -and that is in just one touch! Is that not exciting?

The unique user interface experience with the Droid Eris is supported by a wide array of the most up-to-date mobile features. That includes a 5.0 megapixel camera with auto focus -no more worrying if you took a good photo. Aside from that powerful camera (on a phone that is), you get a 3.2 inch touch screen along with a trackball interface. It has expandable memory as well and it is armed with an 8BG microSD card and can be expanded up to 16 Gigabytes.

The phone also supports mass storage through USB; it also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm headset. You will never get lost anywhere with this handset because GPS is integrated in its system along with a digital compass -it has a sensor that lets the Droid Eris know which way is north. See? Even mariners will love this android.

With its smart dialer, you can call anyone in a moment. If you want to surf the net, go right ahead because the Droid Eris has a full HTML browser with seamless compatibility with GMAIL, Google Maps, and other Google services.

For those who want to know how the $100 rebate is going to be processed, Verizon Wireless will mail it to you and it will come as a debit card. You may of course use it at any outlet that accepts debit cards -well that is just about anywhere. Look out for information on the HTC Dream as well.

It has been discovered that the first iPhone worm is rickrolling jailbroken phones, most notably across Australia. IPhone users have been expecting an incident such as this one ever since the hacking of iPhone wallpapers in the Netherlands earlier this month. Jailbroken phones, those, which have been adapted to run unofficial code in order to circumvent Apple's App store, are able to download applications available through other sources. Potentially up to 10 % of iPhones in circulation may be jail broken according to Jay Freeman, the founder of Cydia. Researchers agree that the process of jailbreaking decreases the security of the iPhone, leaving jailbroken phones at increased risk of hacking and worms.

Rickrolling is a phenomenon previously seen in email exchanges and fatuous blog posts, in which the expected content belies a link to the Rick Astley song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Several well-known incidents of rickrolling have occurred in the past two years: during the Eastern Washington University women's basketball games in March 2008; on several political blogs under posts that alleged racism on the part of First Lady Michelle Obama; and on Facebook and PayPal on the part of security expert Dan Kaminsky in order to point out troublesome vulnerabilities.

The iPhone worm rickrolls involves the wallpaper of the phone changing to a picture of Astley accompanied by the text “ikee is never going to give you up.” Responsibility for the event has been claimed by a hacker known as “ikex,” and cast as a harmless prank that reveals security risks for jailbroken phones. IPhone user in Australia who kept the default SSH password for their phones have been the only ones affected. Numerous experts have detailed how to change the password on their websites. While the first iPhone worm to rickrolls jailbroken phones is not the first security flaw to emerge with the iPhone it may become the most high profile warning for vigilance concerning phone security.

Good news Nokia fans! The Nokia X3 made it. Rather surprising but it passed through FCC's bowels. The Nokia X3 was launched in September this year and not many really expected it to be in the US like many of the company's unique and fun handsets. But hey, it is now here in all its glory. The sleek handset was revealed in Germany together with the Nokia X6 last September. It came with the first wave of Nokia's X Series.

The Nokia X3 (not the SE X3) is not 3G equipped so either T-Mobile or AT&T will be carrying this new handset. Its European specs remain; the slider comes with a 3.2 megapixel cam along with an FM radio with stereo speakers, dedicated music keys, and microSD ports ready for expansion.

For music lovers, it is interesting to note that the Nokia X3 enables its users to continue listening to favorite songs while on a flight -thanks to Nokia's innovative “flight mode” that does not affect any signal or frequencies while onboard a plane. Now that is cool.

The X3's messaging system is well supported. It has an inbox for SMS and MMS in messenger/conversational view while Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging is also supported. It also brings in users' instant messaging and email accounts on the device through Nokia Messaging 2.0.

The Nokia X3 price in Europe is at 115 Euros (when unlocked) so it will probably go in a similar price here as well. At $169 with all these specs, that is a good enough deal.

American fans are now salivating for the phone's release in the US and that is of course not without basis since the phone is amazing in its own right. In fact, many of us are now thinking of throwing our old handsets away and get this Nokia X3. Thank goodness, it passed FCC's process! Amen to that.

Late last week, Verizon Wireless and Samsung announced the new push-to-talk handset from Samsung -the Samsung Convoy.  The very durable phone can withstand shock, vibration, humidity, salt fog, solar radiation, low and high temperature, and altitude. It is also dust resistant which is rather cool for a handset. It is indeed a durable phone because everything under the hood is built to mil-spec. No more worrying about dropping your phone because it the Samsung Convoy can withstand that. Since it is waterproof, no need to worry about rain or spilling water on your phone anymore.

The Convoy is the perfect partner on the road armed with high quality stereo speakers, you will never get lonely while trekking a dirt road. You will not get lost either because the Convoy has GPS. For those who are fond of sending photos, videos, or music, the convoy is equipped with Bluetooth 2.1. If taking photos through your handset is ideal for you, fret no more because Samsung's Convoy has a 2-megapixel camera as well.

This rather rugged phone has an extended battery life. People who love to literally go the distance will love this cell phone as well. Apart from its durability, one of the best features of the Convoy is its affordable price. It will be out on November 15 for only $50.

With a very durable phone at such a low price, Samsung fans are now starting to think of changing their phones and getting that Convoy. Who would not want a Convoy anyway -it is durable, looks rather rugged but completely sturdy, and has the basics of a good functioning phone.

For more information about agreements and other details about the Convoy, you can go and visit Verizon Wireless or just wait for updates here. The lot of us is looking forward to its release as well.

Nokia has added a low-end selection of Nokia handsets -the Nokia 1616, 1818, Nokia 2220 slide and the 2690. The four new handsets have basic features with really low price tags.

Let us get to know them better shall we? The Nokia 2690 has a VGA camera along with an FM radio/built-in stereo and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has microUSB support and Bluetooth. It is global roaming capable with its quad band and the internal memory can support up to 8GB.

With it being quite cheap, it does not mean, the thrifty buyer will have a black and white phone. In fact, the Nokia 2690 includes a 1.8 inch 262K colors LCD display. The resolution is 128 x 160 pixels.

The estimated price is 54 Euros that is before taxes -that is still quite cheap with the functionality and capability the phone has. It will be available in white silver, graphite, blue and hot pink. It will be out in Europe in the first quarter of 2010.

The Nokia 2220 slide that is capable of showing 65K colors with a resolution the same as that of 2690. It comes with an FM radio a VGA camera and an EDGE support. The 2220 slide will have six sexy color options: turquoise, graphite, warm silver, purple, hot pink and blue. This phone will cost about 45 Euros and will come out before the end of '09.

Ultra low-end Nokia 1616 and 1800 come with an LCD display of 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. The two handsets also has LED flashlights and owners can change color covers anytime. The 1616 has a standard 3.5 audio jack while the 1800 has a headset included for its FM radio.

The 1800 will be out in 2010 at 26 Euros while the 1616 will be out in the earlier part of next year at an affordable 24 Euro rate.