Microsoft Studios recently released Kinectimals, their own take to the virtual pet phenomena previously dominated by Japan’s Tamagochi. Kinectimals lets users be the care taker of their own tiger cubs – cute, cuddly and inexpensive at only $2.99. This game also marks Microsoft’s first release in Apple’s App Store, although back in 2008 Microsoft unveiled Seadragon for the iTunes App Store.

This stand alone pet simulator transports users to the island of Lemuria directly from any iOS device (iPhone or iPad). Once in the island, users are now able to nurture these cubs with an added cheer of 5 unlockable cubs via the Xbox 360 of the same title.

Kinectimals is already available on Windows Phone Devices and come to think of it, Steve Jobs would have been a proud owner of a tiger cub. Long gone are digitized dinosaurs and whatnot; virtual tiger cubs are the now beloved virtual pet of the modern era. Download it now via app store.

Based on these screenshots, the new Mango update will be coming with the following features:

• comes with Facebook chat integration that comes along with the Windows Live Messenger in Messaging Hub
• comes with Office 365 support along with SkyDrive and Sharepoint integration
• comes with an overhauled Gamex/Xbox Hubs with some sync options found under the settings page
• offers Group Messaging where you will be able to create groups of contacts that can be either text or e-mail
• lockscreen now shows the “Now Playing” item

In addition to these features, the Windows Phone 7 Mango update is expected to come up with more Xbox Live integration. Well, all of the features listed above are still unconfirmed by Microsoft, but as you can see from its screenshots, there is a big possibility that all these features will be offered by the said upgrade.

However, its mango-colored invite does not really mentioned about the Windows Phone 7 that leads us to thinking that Microsoft is upgrading its mobile classification as well as its features. It is really nice to hear that Microsoft is coming with such upgrade that will surely enhance the mobile experiences of a lot of users.

But for now, since Microsoft has not confirmed anything yet, let us just wait for more updates as well as for the official announcement confirming all these details. The Windows Phone 7 is definitely a good one and with this upgrade we can expect something better.

So what do you think of these new features?

Reportedly, the Finnish mobile manufacturer had promised to deliver low-cost Windows Phone 7 smartphones “very quickly”. Furthermore, according to CEO Stephen Elop, one of the primary points Nokia and Microsoft have come to agree with is for Nokia to reach a “very low price point”.

This is a relief but we still need to wait for the results Mr. Elop had promised. Since, based on Microsoft’s track record, it has been rigid in implementing specs for its mobile phones thereby increasing the overall costs.

A couple of blogs had mentioned that in order for Nokia to drive its costs down the company might need to switch to other hardware brands – starting with its chipset. From using Qualcomm’s ICs, Nokia might go for ST-Ericsson- which already stated that they’re capable to meet Nokia’s demands.

It’s only a must for Nokia to become strategic with its plans to release its first WP7 phones especially with the low sales volume its Symbian-powered phones suffered. Plus, we can’t discount the fact that other phone manufacturers will be using the same platform for their devices. More details to follow.

Nokia and Microsoft will work closely to outclass the tough competitors. Conversely, the alliance is bound with agreements. Nokia Microsoft phones will be operated by Windows Phone 7. By that, the partnership means that Symbian and MeeGo are expected to be phased out gradually.

For the online services, Nokia will use many Microsoft applications to skirmish against Google’s apps. Apparently, Bing will be used as Nokia’s main server across its array of devices.

For marketing, Microsoft adCenter will help to promote Nokia’s devices and services. Moreover, Nokia phones will be supported by Microsoft tool to create applications. For continuous expansion, Microsoft will incessantly develop Windows OS to provide better and growing services to all Nokia phone owners.

Here’s a video broadcast of the Nokia-Microsoft partnership:

Together, Nokia and Microsoft will upgrade mobile- phone services and experience. The monstrous merger intends to create a new dimension in the mobile ecosystem. Expect a tougher mobile- phone war in the coming days.

Let’s wait until the first Nokia Microsoft Phone is unleashed. Only by then we will know if the merger will outdo the Android and iPhone. What do you think?

EyeSight is dedicated in producing mobile software technology that will utilize regular built-in camera in tablets and mobile phones to recognize hand wave signals. As you know, it could be bothersome at times to use your tablet or answer a call from your touchscreen phone while doing something like cooking, cleaning the dishes or driving.

With this software-based technology from EyeSight, you only need to wave your hand to browse your tablet or tap to answer a phone call from your handset. It’s that easy! If you’re interested to learn more about the new EyeSight hand wave UI then check out the video below:

Eyesight had previously introduced its Natural User Interface for Android powered devices. Now, they are introducing their hand gesture UI not only to Android-based devices but also to Windows platform as well. It claims that its interface requires low CPU and memory resources so it’s perfect for mobile gadgets like tablets, smartphones and netbooks.

Unfortunately, EyeSight will not be available directly to users. App developers should acquire its license and include the functionality on their mobile applications. No words which app would be the first to use this new mobile UI technology. But, we’re positive that it won’t be too long.

Loaded with features that can be found on a full PC, the Ciara Vibe ExoPC is a vibrant and lightweight tablet designed with an 11.6-inch display. It’s also equipped with a high capacity storage memory of 2GB along with its 64GB Intel Atom Pineview Processor. The tablet is basically coated in black and just weighs around 2.09 lbs.

On the other hand, the tablet is also made with LCD Brightview touchscreen with multi-touch support. Other features of the Windows 7 Home Premium tablet include fingerprint-resistant coating, 1366×768 resolution, 512 L2 cache, SDHC memory card reader support, Realtek High Definition Audio with two built-in 1.5 watt speakers, Intel GMA 3150 with shared graphics memory, 2 USB 2.0 ports, headset jack, microphone input, mini HDMI port, integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, and Bluetooth.

The tablet is also packed with 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity. So you’ll surely be surfing the web and download your favorite music as much as you like! And with its Lithium-ion battery, you are assured that your tablet will last up to 4 hours even when left uncharged.

What do you think? Would you get a Ciara Vibe ExoPc too?

For the Kin ONEm, here is a quick rundown of the specs:

• 2.6″ Capacitive Touchscreen TFT QVGA (320×240)
• Physical slide out QWERTY Keyboard
• 4GB Storage (no expandable memory)
• 4GB ROM
• 256MB DDR RAM
• 5.0 megapixel Auto-focus camera with Lumi-LED Flash
• Li-Ion Battery with usage time of up to 340 minutes and standby time of up to 210 hours.
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 3.31”x 2.66”x 0.73”
• Weight: 3.9 oz.

Verizon is offering this one now for $20 under a 2-year contract.

For the Kin TWOm, here’s the specs:

• 3.4″ Capacitive Touchscreen TFT QVGA (320×240)
• QWERTY Keyboard
• 8GB Storage (no expandable memory)
• 8GB ROM
• 256MB DDR RAM
• 8.0 Megapixel auto-focus camera with HDR CMOS and LED flash capable of 720p video recording.
• Li-Ion Battery with usage time of up to 365 minutes and standby time of up to 232 hours.
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 4.38”x 2.36”x 0.64”
• Weight: 4.7 oz.

Verizon is offering the TWOm for $50 under a 2-year contract along with a free LG Ally.

Almost dead, but revived just in time for the Holidays. Better late than never anyway.

Here’s a quick rundown of this middling smartphone’s specs:

• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 512MB ROM
• 576MB RAM
• 16GB flash storage (instead of the old 8GB)
• 3.8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with 480 x 800 pixel resolution
• 802.11n WiFi
• Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p video recording capability

Here’s a hands-on YouTube video of the HTC Trophy 7 care of Mobilyz:

Although Verizon has no other Windows Phone 7 handsets in their smartphone lineup, Verizon was able to at least get the HTC Trophy and is also bundling this for Microsoft Employees for 2011.

One interesting thing to note about this is Verizon’s aggressive marketing of their GSM band service. The ability to still use the Verizon network outside American borders is something that the company is apparently proud of if their marketing strategy is any indication.

This phone is now being offered to Microsoft Employees for a penny under $200 for the usual two year contract by next year. No news yet when non-microsofties will be able to get this from Verizon, but hey the phone is already available everywhere else.

Fear not, as the valiant leaks coming from the Big WP7 event yesterday confirmed that Microsoft is planning to have a compatible sync-software for Windows Phone 7 smartphones to connect it with the Mac. A recent leak coming from Odedran confirms that it would be a Zune version for the Mac (iZune? *chuckles*) and it will be available once the new smartphones are in the shelf of your leading U.S. stores.

It’s also important to emphasize that Zune 4.7 is really pumping up its own market place for the arrival of hungry WP7-users wanting to get more apps for their windows branded phone. Come to think of it, it would really be generous for Apple to give Microsoft that kind of privilege knowing that it is having some problems with Green A as the prominent rival right now.

As Android continues to grow rapidly, it has also become an indirect target for these lawsuits. But the thing is, these companies are not directly filing charges against Google and opted to file charges against those manufacturers that are using the Android platform in their handsets instead.

The Google Android OS is among the most popular platform as of the moment. In fact, more manufacturers are really working hard to come up with the most powerful smartphone that can offer the most appealing applications and features and the Android OS has been a consistent choice.

As far as Microsoft and Motorola’s case is concern, apparently Microsoft filed a case against Motorola before the International Trade Commission as well as in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington. Microsoft filed a case against this manufacturer for infringement of nine Microsoft patents on Motorola’s Android smartphone devices.

These patents at issue basically has something to do with a variety of functions incorporated in various Motorola handsets that plays a significant role in delivering various features such as synchronizing email, calendars and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power as well.

Microsoft strongly believes that Motorola should stop copying its (Microsoft’s) patented inventions on its Android-based smartphone devices since Microsoft has been working very hard to come up with the latest innovations and is doing everything they can to protect their billion dollar investment.

Microsoft is not the first company to sue an Android-based handset manufacturer for alleged patent infringement; a few months ago Apple also filed a similar case against Taiwan-based mobile gadget manufacturer HTC.

This latest legal proceeding seems to be a little interesting as we don’t know exactly where it is going to. Some expect it to result to a quick cross-licensing agreement and some believed that it will just be another prolonged court battle that may take years to finish. Let us just wait and see how this case will really end.