O2 is finally flogging the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, in both its black and white guises. The white version is exclusive to the operator. The Play had originally been set to launch on O2 in April. The operator delayed the launch due to problems with the handset’s software. In a bid to reel in gamers, O2 is offering …

Slowly but surely the unlimited data plan for mobile phones is slipping away. First it was AT&T, which announced last year that it was getting rid of its unlimited data plan to ensure mobile data overeaters didn’t gobble up a disproportionate share of network resources. T-Mobile followed with a plan that it still calls “unlimited,” but actually throttles usage after …

U.S. Cellular gains another budget flip phone for its repertoire of entry-level feature phones. The Samsung Chrono has Bluetooth, speakerphone, and is Web-capable. It also includes GPS and texting with predictive text. Physically, it sports a 2-inch QVGA screen and a VGA camera. The Chrono weighs just over 3 ounces and stands 3.7 inches tall, 1.8 inches wide, and is …

Android handset hackers are rejoicing today as HTC has backed down on its plans to lock the bootloader on its smart phones. It means you’ll continue to be able to load whichever version of Android you choose on your phone. Posting a message on Facebook, HTC CEO Peter Chou said,  “overwhelming customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders …

Gadget-laden festival revellers needn’t worry about their mobile phone running out of juice halfway through the event, thanks to Vodafone’s VIP recharging truck. The Union Jack adorned van is capable of charging 2,000 handsets at once with the same level of power as you’d get at home. It will be making its way around 11 of this year’s UK’s top …

Naztech Ladies and gentlemen, your iPhone 4 now has a slide-out keyboard. Sort of. If you’ve been an iPhone detractor because of its lack of a physical keyboard, you may now rest, all thanks to Naztech’s Ultra-thin Sliding Bluetooth Keyboard for iPhone 4. The keyboard “easily pairs over Bluetooth using wireless connectivity and features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that includes …

I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to a game as much as I’m looking forward to Duke Nukem Forever. I’ve always loved first-person shooters, but they’re all so dark and serious these days. I’m ready for some old-school fun; to kick some ass and chew some gum–and I’m all outta gum. For whatever reason, that infamous Duke …

The hacking and modding community scored a small victory this week when HTC announced it would no longer be locking bootloaders on its handsets. In other words, it will be easier to unlock future HTC phones and, hopefully, tablets. Once a phone is unlocked, it is possible for the end users to load any custom ROM or experience they’d like. …

Nokia has committed to support its ailing Symbian operating system until at least 2016 — despite ramping up production to churn out a new Windows Phone every few months. CEO Stephen Elop confirmed his company’s intentions during a recent interview in China. Symbian has had a rough ride of late. Ever since we learnt of Nokia’s plans to make Windows …

The wraps are pull off Google’s Wallet and Offers services, but should consumers be excited? The guys discuss the pros and cons Android rooting, locked bootloaders, and DRM, which triggers a friendly shouting match. As always there are plenty of upcoming and rumored phones on the horizon to drool over. And on this special 50th show, Antuan finally admits that …

HandStand Very few cases offer true utility as well as nice style and design. The HandStand2 for iPad 2 does just that. The simple construction of the case allows you to easily attach it to your iPad 2–simply wrap the case around your iPad and you are ready to work. The elastic hand band is tight enough to feel secure …

Stephanie Tilenius, Google VP of commerce, introduces Google Wallet at an event in New York today. Sarah Tew/CNET Editor’s note: We used Cover It Live for this event, so if you missed the live blog, you can still replay it in the embedded component below. Replaying the event will give you all the live updates along with commentary from our …

Executives from AT&T and T-Mobile visited Capitol Hill for the second time this month to defend the $39 billion deal announced in March in which AT&T would swallow its smaller rival and create a dominant wireless carrier with more than 129 million subscribers. Lawmakers don’t have a say over whether the merger gets approved. That’s up to the Justice Department …

Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in our physical health (see: Four killer iPhone apps that help you lose weight), we forget about our mental health. But take it from a guy who can get mighty moody, it’s no less important. MoodKit is a new app packed with tools designed to improve not just your mood, but also your …

Google Wallet is a new service from the search giant that uses near-field communication (NFC) tech to let you buy stuff by swiping your mobile phone at the till when you shop. Wallet is expected to launch this summer, and will be coupled with a sister service called Google Offers, which lets you make savings when you go shopping by …