It's hard enough titling this story without making it confusing, but I've notice a lot of people are anxious to see the iPhone on the Verizon network. Interesting enough these are probably the same folks who, in the beginning, disliked the Apple cell phone, simple because its fruity logo and fanboy community. Sure, it's a popular product, but it's got its pluses. But the iPhone wouldn't have all its nifty features and success without ATT's 3G network infrastructure.

Sometimes having the most "towers" or "reliable service" doesn't give you the best foundation to run some of these high end mobile devices. I noticed a while ago that ATT was working on implementing the HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) network compared to EV-DO or EVDO by Verizon. While all the techinical jargon, wireless technology and infrastructure makes sense to me I feel the general public just see's 3G and not that 3G encompasses many different types of networks.

There are many 3G Technologies out there and I think that ATT has chosen the best one for the future. Its features and capabilities can articulate faster networks given users the ability not only use better web-rich applications but also use voice and data at the same time. Verizon's EVDO network is that in itself, data only. When a phone call is triggered on a data device on Verizon's network, it switches the EVDO radio off and activates the cell radio for transmission. The radio for ATT's network simple uses the same signal for voice and data. There are some down sides.

Since your voice is traveling over data networks, there's a more likely chance for packet-drop or "your cutting out". Ever use a VoIP telephone and then start surfing the internet. Same deal.

So while you get better reception on the Verizon network (technology for celluar conversation is way more reliable) you'll tend to have issues on the data side. Some users don't care.

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CNN recently released their first App to Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPod Touch. Boasting Live Video capabilities, push notifications and other features, CNN is showing that they really have planned out their new app for folks. However, at $1.99, many are complaining about the banner ads that appear in the app.

Most apps are free in the App Store, and also carry ads. People don't really mind the ads in the application, as they really don't get in the way of using the app. However, a lot of folks agree that paying for an app should allow you to get away from the ads. CNN has decided to go the opposite direction and users are not happy about it.

Personally, I agree with everyone else, since if you're paying for an app that should be your advertising dollars. But we do see advertising in other paid mainstream media so this might be something we're going to see in the future.

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So I thought I ruined my calibrated UN55B7100 today when I upgraded the software. Turns out it was simply accessing the service menu that would restore it working condition. Basically B series TV's like mine have the ability to input custom calibration modes for Day and Night viewing, and a reset hides them.

These calibration settings are not easily found, since you have to get into the service mode of the TV. This mode is HIGHLY NOT Recommended for users since editing some things in here can cause your TV not to work anymore, or what we like to call in the tech world, bricked. On the other hand there are some neat features that you might like. For instance I found the hotel mode which allows me to have the TV automatically tune to a specific source when it's turned on or for what it's worth a specific channel... Every wonder why in the hotel when you turn the TV on it's always on the Hotel's Info Channel? There's you're answer.

I've now got my Samsung 55" upgraded, calibrated, and sources updated for optimal viewing.

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DICE gave the community a first-look at Battlefield: Bad Company 2, DICE's next installment of its FPS with the new FrostBite engine. New vehicles with improved controls, more weapons and an adjustments to the gameplay. Some of the kits have been slightly altered also. I'm really anticipating the release of BF:BC2 and hope that it lives up to the hype and expectations of it's predecessor.

So far DICE has shown and spoken of the following vehicles:

• UH-60 "BlackHawk" Helicopter (+4)
  
• 2-Man Quad (+1)
  
• Jet Ski like Watercraft (+1)
  
• BMD-AA Anti-Air Tank
  
• Abrams M-1

I'm sure there are more vehicles to. I'd like to see what DICE has in store for us. Their latest blog talks about how BF:BC2 is going to be vehicaltacular in the up and coming sequel.

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