Sprint’s version is pretty identical Verizon’s 4G LTE version, but should be closer to the stock HSPA+ version’s software. Most notably, Sprint’s Galaxy Nexus won’t block the phone’s Google Wallet function, which will allow users to make electronic payments using its NFC connectivity. Sprint is also tightly integrated with Google’s VoIP/ voicemail feature.

Google (or Sprint) has not given a specific launch dates past “mid-2012,” so you’re going to want to get those notifications if you want to get your hands on one early.

Gaming accessory maker Razer has been making all sorts of peripherals for the PC gaming crowd for years, but it looks like they got the memo about the recent growth of mobile gaming. Well, they’re working on equipping the mobile gaming crowd now: they just introduced the Razer Electra, a pair of over-ear headphones that’s designed for mobile gaming and audio.

The Electra features leatherette ear cushions and a flexible headband to keep it light and comfy, but still kept relatively compact for travel. Sound comes by way of a pair of 40mm drivers that feature an “enhanced bass response” to give your mobile games some boom, while the ear-forming cups give off passive sound isolation.

For mobile use, the Electra features a detachable/replaceable cable, which is a nice touch that makes for a long-lasting kit, but since you’re likely to use this with a smartphone, the Electra can do calls too. The headset can be used for voice calls – one of the bundled cables sports an in-line mic. It’s listed to be compatible with the iPhone, as well as HTC and Blackberry smartphones.

The Razer Electra will be available in October for $60.

“If you don’t have an iPhone, you don’t have FaceTime on your phone…” But if you don’t have a Wi-fi connection, your iPhone won’t have FaceTime either.

Apple just served up two more new iPhone ads, following up on the “if you don’t have an iPhone” theme that they first released back in March. This round of ads focus on FaceTime, which will let you video chat with anyone who owns a FaceTime-supporting Apple device (i.s. the new Macs, iPhone 4, iPod touch and iPad 2), and AirPlay, which will let you stream media to network-connected speakers and TVs. If you’re familiar with the first set, you already know how these two go. You know, they all start with “if you don’t have an iPhone,” then the voiceover talks you through the feature, then make you realize that you already knew what it was all about. Two videos after the break.

Now here’s a good way to get some attention with an ad: instead of simply having people read the print, let them have some interactive fun. This McDonald’s in Stockholm, Sweden makes use of a game called “Pick n Play” that passers-by can play using their iPhones. Never mind the title though; it’s actually Pong – if Pong used GPS and location-based HTML5 to plug you into the game. Because it uses location-based tech to let you play, you don’t need to download an app for this one. All you need is to enter a URL, and the iPhone’s GPS will do the rest. If you manage to last 30 seconds using the up and down controls on your phone’s browser, you get a free treat from the McDonald’s down the street. [One more clever billboard after the break.]

Here’s another interactive billboard that makes use of your mobile’s camera. Preferably, one with a fast snapper. If you can snap a photo of a food item (like a cup of coffee or pie) while they zip through the screen, you get the item for free. You’re likely going to need a lot of patience for this one, but as far as mobile games go, at least this one rewards you with a free snack.

[via CNET]

The Sith Series handheld laser by Wicked Lasers is a futuristic-looking baton that emits blue laser beams on both ends. What could be cooler than that? (No, don’t answer that. I think we can all agree that owning a Ferrari is cooler than that, unless you drive like a jackass.) For a nickel under $600, you can take the Sith Series home with you… after you pass a mandatory Laser Safety Test. Because while it looks like a really awesome $600 toy, this thing can actually set things on fire. Because apparently, it’s an actual high-powered handheld laser.

Now, we have no idea what someone would do with a $600 handheld laser, or how anyone could legally sell these things to anyone who can pass a test. But if you think it’s something you just need to have, and you’re willing to not use it unless you’re alone in a desert, supervised in a laser-proofed lab, or a certified fighter in some awesome laser-weapon gladiator league that we don’t know about, then here’s what you need to know:

Product Features

• High powered handheld laser features a second beam of intense power.
• Use individually to fire a laser that reaches beyond the stars or connect them for a bipolar beam.
• Use separately or secure each 1W Spyder 3 together via the Spyder interconnector to operate as a double bladed laser.
• Dual Smartswitch safety technology prevents unauthorized access.

Laser Certification Requirement

With greater power comes the need for greater responsibility, Wicked Lasers now requires every potential customer to review the Laser Safety Training video and pass a mandatory Laser Safety Test.Our customer’s well-being has always been our number one concern, and with a product this dangerous, we are almost crossing the line by offering it for sale. The Sith Laser is the first and only laser product in history that requires the buyer to pass a Laser Safety Test to qualify for purchase.

Warning: This may look like a futuristic weapon, but attempting to play or duel with a pair of Class 4 burning lasers will result in permanent blindness to anyone exposed to the Sith’s Dual Laser beams and/or reflection.

• Dark floors, walls, and ceilings are all potential fire hazards to direct contact.
• Skin, clothing, and hair may ignite and burn with direct contact.
• Use only in a controlled scientific research environment that has been audited by laser safety professionals
• Using the Sith Laser you assume all risk to yourself and to associated property value of the objects around you.

Guidelines for safe operation: Because the Sith is difficult to master, please exercise extreme caution when using this device. Do not point it at any persons, animals, vehicles, or valuables. Wear the properly rated laser safety glasses at all times and only operate a double-bladed laser with 2 lasers of the same wavelength. Because of the dual nature of this device, activate only one laser beam at a time, and do not move the Sith laser when activated, unless you are in a controlled environment.

Class 4 Double Laser Hazard Warning:

Extremely dangerous is an understatement to 2W of laser power aimed in polar opposite directions

• Accidentally looking at a 1W laser beam will cause immediate and irreversible retinal damage (i.e. permanent blindness).
• A Class 4 beam can set fire to skin and other objects in the beams path.
• Use with extreme caution and use only in a controlled environment.
• Do not attempt to pick up, rotate or authorize any uncontrolled movement with this device.

Proper safety goggles (with an O.D. of 3+) for every person in the vicinity of the beam and/or its refraction is required.

[via CrunchGear]

With the number of Magic the Gathering-related apps available for the iPhone, fans of the trading card game are pretty spoiled these days. Thanks to all the apps, you don’t have to create decks using a pen and paper or lug around a bunch of counters to your next game anymore. But seriously, this has got to be the most creative (not to mention the most expensive) MtG-related use for an iPhone we’ve ever seen. To hell with bringing your actual cards with you. That’s so analog.

Okay, we’re not sure if they’re really iPhones or just a bunch of cheap knockoffs, but that’s not the point. When you replace a five-cent common card (such as a basic Plains card in this case) with what looks to be an iPhone, you’ve got to be loaded. The idea’s awesome and crazy at the same time, although we’re iffy about actually playing with you since we’re pretty sure you can easily cheat with those things. We’d definitely love to watch you try to shuffle them though. We’d also like to know what happens when those things run out of juice at the same time.  [TNW, via DVICE]

HTC has sent out an invite for an event that’s going down on April 12th in London, 1:30PM local time. Other than an invitation to join them to “see what’s next,” it really doesn’t give any details. The image of a rippling silvery liquid in the background gives a clue to a few possibilities though.

Could this be the official international/European launch for the EVO 3D? That image could be meant to represent some type of 3D screen. There’s only one other “mystery” phone up their pipeline that we know of that deserves the hype, and that’s the HTC Pyramid. It’s pretty similar to the EVO 3D’s spec (it also packs a 1.2GHz Snapdragon CPU and 4.3-inch screen), but as far as we know, the Pyramid doesn’t come with the Evo 3D’s dual 3D cameras and glasses-free 3D screen.

Of course, they could also launch a previously unheard-of tablet with 3D capabilities, which would be a total surprise, but something like that would certainly deserve the hype. We’ll know more very soon.

This video of a dancing Android mascot was caught in China, where Sony Ericsson used it to promote the Xperia Arc. Yeah, it really isn’t that big of a deal if you think about the grand scheme of things, but it’s just one of those clips – among many available on YouTube – that you just have to see if only once, because… well, it’s pretty entertaining if not downright weird. Best dance performance by a mobile phone mascot we’ve ever seen, hand’s down. Last time we saw the Android mascot in live action was when he was being stitched up with human thumbs (presumably somewhere in Asia as well), which initially showed us that Android gets around. But this video? It shows that ‘Droid sure knows how to party.

[via Electronista]

Tech presentations. No one does it better than Steve Jobs, who pleasantly showed up onstage today to deliver the iPad 2 presentation. If you missed the live stream this morning, you can still catch the keynote over at Apple’s website now. Quality’s a bit bad and the stream speed isn’t that great since a lot of people are probably going to watch it today. Hopefully, they release the HD version soon. Of course, you could just read about it since everyone in tech land is going to be going over this, but again, no one does it better than Jobs. Great to see him looking lively on stage today. Check it out here.

[via Electronista]