Jailbreak is apparently a dirty word for Apple as the iPhone giant has censored it on iTunes

Apple has censored the word ‘Jailbreak’ from its iTunes app and music store.

The Jailbreak term, which has now been blocked, is often used to describe the process of removing restrictive elements of Apple’s iOS operating system, letting users customise their iPhones in ways Apple doesn’t allow.

Such is Apple’s concern over the jailbreaking phenomena that it’s apparently censored references to it in content on the App Store.

The censorship was first picked up by an iOS hacker who noticed cetain music tracks with the term, such as rock band Thin Lizzy’s ‘Jailbreak’, appeared with their name partially blocked by asterisks.

At the time of reporting, the censorship appears to be somewhat inconsistent. It hasn’t blocked out every search result on iTunes, and the ones it has see the title blocked but the description left unscathed.

It seems a bit extreme if you ask us – but then we know how Apple likes to keep its walled garden just that, walled, so it’s not entirely surprising.

Interestingly, the censorship isn’t affecting every version of the App Store in different global regions, so perhaps this is some kind of error.

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BlackBerry 10 is arriving before the end of 2012 so we take a look at how RIM could take back the mobile market

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We take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S Advance, a turbocharged Galaxy S with Android 2.3 Gingerbread

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We go hands-on with the Motorola Razr Maxx, which has the biggest commercial battery ever seen inside a smartphone

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BlackBerry 10 is arriving before the end of 2012 so we take a look at how RIM could take back the mobile market

RIM has recently lifted the lid on its next iteration of the BlackBerry operating system platform, BlackBerry 10. The QNX-based system will be debuting on a new crop of smartphone handsets towards the end of 2012 and will also roll out to the existing BlackBerry Playbook tablet device.

In our relatively brief preview of RIM’s latest platform it was quite apparent that the company had gone back to the drawing board for a completely fresh start. This is great news because RIM really does need to re-invent itself to come back from the brink this year and next.

We saw some elements of the homescreen interface, notifications, an aggregated mailbox complete with social networking updates, an interesting approach to the touch keyboard and some unique camera capabilities.

We’re pretty sure this was only scratching the surface of what BB10 has in store and it shows the company is moving in the right direction. It got us thinking though – what will BlackBerry 10 need to offer users if it’s going to be the product that saves RIM?

Ease-of-use

Some of what we saw in RIM’s preview suggested the company is thinking very hard about how to make BlackBerry 10 more intuitive than its predecessors but this is definitely an area in which it needs to make leaps and bounds rather than baby steps.

Previous RIM builds felt very clunky and dated indeed. We think part of the problem was a need to cling to a common design ethos which was distinctively RIM/BlackBerry, but one which ultimately hamstrung every iteration with its clumsiness and obscure nature.

From what we’ve seen so far there is nothing reminiscent of these previous versions but, admittedly we’ve only seen a limited array of features and we really hope this ‘from scratch’ approach has persisted throughout the whole design process.

Certainly the concept is sound – a continuously flowing interface which allows for a single drag in one direction. There’s something there which reminds us of Microsoft’s downwards scrolling Windows Phone homescreen.

Generally, that’s a good thing, although Windows Phone can become a bit of a chore to navigate if you have hundreds of Live Tiles to scroll through, hopefully RIM will have an alternative solution here.

Style

Let’s face it, BlackBerry phones and the earlier builds of BlackBerry OS have always been lacking in style, especially when you stack them up against their contemporaries. RIM’s back catalogue has a clear problem when it comes to the form of design rather than the function of design. Its products have felt like style was at best an afterthought and at worst entrusted to engineers rather than actual card-carrying designers.

Things seem to be improving though, the build of BlackBerry 10 we saw was very slick indeed in terms of the fonts used, icon styles, placement of interface elements and so on. Many of the menu bars and texts boxes were black but we did notice a bit of dull grey creeping in for the notifications and messages inbox and we think this is something RIM would do well to avoid.

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LinkedIn has launched on Windows Phone, and it’s a fantastic looking app that puts the iOS and Android versions to shame

Windows Phone may not be a haven for exciting new apps, but that doesn’t mean the quality isn’t there, as the new LinkedIn app shows.

Designed to provide an app version of the business social networking website, LinkedIn on Windows Phone is a master class in the Metro interface ethos.

It’s visually striking, incredibly easy to use and actually boasts new functionality over the Android and iOS versions. Firstly, the ‘Jobs’ tile allows you to search for jobs, including the ability to save specific listings.

Secondly, there’s also a tile called ‘Companies’, which allows you to look up companies and follow their activities.

This goes on top of the usual ability to accept pending connections, browse the groups you are a part of, check out top news from your connections and write updates. You can even see who has recently viewed your proflle.

The LinkedIn app on any platform isn’t a substitute for the web client but it’s designed around what you might need to access on the move, making it a worthwhile download.

And considering it’s free and one of those rare occasions when Windows Phone can kick Android and iOS where it hurts, it’s definitely worth a look.

Head on over to the Windows Marketplace to download the app.

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There’s no UK channels to enjoy, but you can now watch a range of Finnish TV shows on the Nokia TV Windows Phone app

Nokia TV has launched, bringing with it the promise of television content on Lumia Windows Phones.

The app, which is now available from the Windows Marketplace, contains access to a number of television services from Finland, including URHOtv, Ruutu and The Voice.

At this moment in time there are no English programs to enjoy, but Nokia hasn’t ruled out the chance to maybe watch a spot of your favourite TV show on the move.

Speaking to The Verge, Nokia was asked if Nokia TV will be opened up to other counties, to which the Finnish company replied it would answer the question ‘at a later stage’. So that’s not a flatout no but not exactly a yes, either.

Even if you live in the UK, you can download Nokia TV using this link.

In terms of presentation and functionality, Nokia TV looks great and within seconds we loaded up a clip of The Voice.

Suffice to say, the free app works very well and with some UK content in the future it could prove yet another reason why you should consider going with Nokia if you are wanting to make the leap over to Windows Phone.

Note: Press the link from your Windows Phone device as the link doesn’t return a result from a browser, regardless of the country you select.

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The leaked HTC Ville C smartphone is set to launch in an attempt to bridge the gap between the One S and the One V

A leaked spec sheet suggests HTC will be releasing yet another handset in 2012, known as the Ville C.

The device, which will probably launch with another name especially when we know the ‘Ville’ codename was also used for the HTC One S, is reportedly going to pack a 1.2GHz MSM8260 dual core processor.

Providing the details are correct, that’s the Snapdragon S3 and not the more recent S4, which means it will be fast but not quite as fast as the One X and the One S.

Oddly, the picture (see above) displays 1.7Ghz but that’s a typo, according to BriefMobile.

Other specs include 1GB of RAM, 4.3-inch qHD LCD display, 8-megapixel camera, 1080p HD camcorder and a 1,650mAh battery.

Most interesting is the alleged operating system version number. Android Ice Cream Sandwich is seen alongside HTC Sense 4.5, which suggests we’ll be seeing a Sense update for the One range some time 2012.

As well as a few other specs, the leak describes the Ville C as an ‘ultra slim PDA phone’ – make of that what you will.

If you ask us, it seems a bit soon to release yet another device, especially when the One range hasn’t had a chance to take off.

It’s also strange, given that the One S, X and V covered most budgets. Only budget is missed – £250 for the One V is still a lot of dosh – but the Ville C doesn’t seem to be taking on that role.

Still, more choice is always good so bring it on, HTC.

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Android Ice Cream Sandwich will land on the Sony Xperia S from the end of May, according to Sony support staff

According to support staff on the Sony forum, the official release date for the Sony Xperia S Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update is late May/early June.

The official spiel on the forum from Sony Xperia support user Markus said:

‘Xperia S is planned to get ICS somewhere around late May/early June. That’s what’s been said and that’s still what we’re sticking to. Any other dates (such as June/July) is just speculation.’

‘The roll out is, as always, gradual and will not happen over night for all phones. Some phones might get the update in late May whilst other will get in it mid June etc,’ Markus added.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich is a big update for Google’s mobile platform, and is considerably nicer to use when compared with Android Gingerbread 2.3. With that said, the Xperia S reinvigorated our love of the platform – even with an older operating system.

Combined with its excellent HDMI capabilities, one of the best displays and an attractive form factor, the Xperia S deserves to do well, and even more so when Android 4.0 arrives in the near future.

In our Sony Xperia S review we said: ‘The Xperia S may have lost the Ericsson name but it’s found itself in the process. It’s a fantastic device that has reinvigorated our appreciation of Android.’

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We go hands-on with the Motorola Razr Maxx, which has the biggest commercial battery ever seen inside a smartphone

The pitch behind the Motorola Razr Maxx is simple: it’s got a massive battery and will run for days on end – Motorola says at least three – off a single charge. That means no more carrying spare phones, no more constant charging and no more having to use a payphone at 2am because your battery has died. Or at least that’s the angle Motorola is running with.

The Razr Maxx originally launched in the US at CES 2012 back in January shortly after Moto launched the original Razr in the UK. Fast forward five months and we finally get some Razr Maxx action in the UK. Check out what Know Your Cell thought of the device here.

Looking like a slightly fatter version of last year’s Razr, the Razr Maxx packs a massive 3300mAh battery that pushes the thickness from 7.1mm to 8.9mm and the weight up to 145g. It keeps the same length and width as 2011’s RAZR, as well as the same 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display.

Adding all that extra juice in the battery department hasn’t been kind to the Razr Maxx’s looks though, making the handset visibly chunkier and significantly heavier in the hand. It still looks smart, however, retaining the original Razr’s unique good looks and styling.

Click here to read our review of the Motorola RAZR

If the battery is as good as Motorola says it is though we reckon most users will forgive the additional bulk and just enjoy not having to charge their phone quite as often. Others, namely those used to super-skinny handsets, will not be impressed. At present we’re undecided but we’re looking forward to seeing what kind of battery life 3300mAh generates.

Motorola says you’ll get 600 hours on standby, 18 hours of talk-time and 17 hours of video playback from a single charge. These are big claims and will require testing, which we’ll do in our full review. But if Moto can pull it off this will be quite a USP, especially given that 75 per cent of consumers hold battery life as their number one concern.

Storage, RAM, CPU and imaging are all the same as they were on the original Razr. Why Motorola didn’t add some additional extras, like an S4 Snapdragon CPU, for instance, to sweeten the deal is unclear but it’s presumably to do with R&D costs and keeping the price-point down.

Motorola’s Smart Actions ships aboard the handset, allowing you to automate the device until your heart’s content, as does the company’s MotoCast service. Both of which are very useful but you do need to opt in completely to get the most out of them, especially the former.

As a cloud-service MotoCast is extremely underrated. Not only does it let you assign multiple PCs to it but it also supports tons of video and audio codecs and will also stream documents from any of your attached PCs to your smartphone. As with most cloud-based services you will need a hefty data plan to make the most of it when you’re out and about – streaming music and video ain’t cheap on mobile data.

That’s about it for now. The Razr Maxx is essentially the Razr just with a bigger battery. We liked the Razr first time round, so we’re expecting to be impressed by the Maxx. Of course we’d have like to have seen some new additions – a higher resolution display, faster CPU and Android 4.0 – on board but that’s not what this handset is about, unfortunately.

Check back early next week for our full review of the Motorola Razr Maxx and it’s amazingly massive battery.

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