PhoneTalk

HTC One Series on display at CTIA

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, May 08, 2012 (permalink)
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At CTIA, manufacturers and carriers have the opportunity to display some of their higher-end cell phones that will be available in the coming months. Case in point are the HTC One series of phones. This Android 4.0 smartphone is meant to entertain and capture special moments on the fly and all while sporting a stylish design. Since this is a phone from HTC it’s going to have a ton of special features that are all there to enhance the user experience such as HTC Sense for overall phone navigation and HTC ImageSense that’s loaded with camera enhancements. The rear-facing camera will have a f/2.0 back illuminated sensor that allows for more light to go into the sensor. The camera can also be used to record HD video.

As for specs of the HTC One Series phones there will be a few versions: HTC One X, HTC One S, and HTC One V. Specs will vary between models, however, the HTC One X will sport a 4.7-inch display and 1.5GHz dual-core processor, while the HTC One S will have the same processor and a smaller 4.3-inch display. The HTC One V will have a smaller display.

Verizon unveils the next DROID Incredible 4G LTE at CTIA

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Monday, May 07, 2012 (permalink)
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The latest member of HTC’s popular DROID Incredible line has been unveiled at CTIA in New Orleans. The DROID Incredible 4G LTE by HTC has quite a few upgrades including a larger screen size. The new smartphone sports a 4-inch super LCD qHD display, which means the screen is viewable in direct sunlight and images are crisp. It has a built-in NFC chip for use with mobile wallet apps and a snappy 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Additionally, the phone will be running the latest version of HTC Sense 4, Beats Audio, Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, and as its name suggests work on Verizon’s speed 4G LTE data network. The 4G LTE connection can be shared with up to 10 other WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature. Other noteworthy features include a front-facing camera for video chat and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with a flash and 28mm lens. The camera can also be used to record HD video and even snap a picture while capturing video. The DROID Incredible by HTC 4G LTE will be available from Verizon in the coming weeks.

Verizon launches LG Spectrum and BlackBerry Curve

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Friday, January 20, 2012 (permalink)
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Last week at CES, among the devices that Verizon Wireless announced were the LG Spectrum and the BlackBerry Curve 9370. This week, the two models are available for purchase.

First up, we got a chance to checkout the Spectrum at CES. That phone is fast thanks to the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity. The data connection can be shared with up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature. It also has a vibrant and bright display, which will come in handy when using the included SmartMovie HD app for creating and editing videos on the phone. The cell phone is currently running the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but will be upgradeable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone also sports a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. Overall, the LG Spectrum is a high-end Android smartphone that’s loaded with entertainment-centric features.

The BlackBerry Curve isn’t a 4G LTE phone, but it can be use around the globe. It’s also running the latest BlackBerry 7 OS, sports a 5-megapixel camera with a flash, and the company’s trademark tactile QWERTY keyboard making it an ideal business companion.

iLuv’s ArtStation Pro at CES expands a tablet’s entertainment possibilities

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, January 19, 2012 (permalink)
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For many who purchase a tablet – especially a model with at least a 10-inch screen – the idea of using it to view videos is especially appealing. The trick is finding the right case or accessory to make that an easy experience. The ArtStation Pro iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tablet docks might be just the solution. The tablet clicks into place and the tablet can be rotated for viewing in horizontal or vertical mode. Once attached, the included remote control can be used to manage things like Power, Volume, Play, Next, and Previous. For those who use the tablet for some work or to check e-mail it will also work with a paired Bluetooth keyboard. Prices for the stand start at about $150.

Like the idea for a stand, but don’t have a tablet? There’s also a similar option that’s a bit more compact and works with a smartphone or even a Kindle. The MobiAir is a speaker that can be connected via Bluetooth or via the 3.5mm headset jack that can also be used to charge the device. Prices start at about $70.

Griffin’s WindowSeat 3 Handsfree shown at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Wednesday, January 18, 2012 (permalink)
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With cell phones performing more tasks, more and more people are finding that they need a permanent spot for them in the car – especially in light of all the laws banning use of a cell phone while driving. Griffin showed off a product that could do the trick, the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree. Once the product is mounted to a windshield or dashboard, users can securely place their smartphone in the 3-point mounting bracket and then adjust it in place so that it can be seen at the right angle (think: turning it into a better position to see driving directions from a map on the phone.) The accessory works with a plethora of smartphones since it is so adjustable, though you likely will not be moving the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree accessory between multiple cars. It also comes with an auxillary audio cable so you can connect the phone to the car stereo’s Aux-in jack and use the built-in microphone for handsfree calling.

Pantech Burst: An affordable and fast smartphone for AT&T

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, January 17, 2012 (permalink)
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One of the trends in the mobile space at this year’s CES was a move towards more affordable smartphones. Case in point is the Pantech Burst that will be available in either ruby red or titanium with AT&T service for under $50 with a new two-year contract on January 22nd. The Android smartphone features a 1.2GHz processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen, rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera, and will work on AT&T’s 4G LTE data network. The cell phone also has a friendly user interface and shortcuts to access popular features from the lock screen.

MetroPCS adds two new 4G LTE phones to line-up

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, January 17, 2012 (permalink)
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During CES, MetroPCS announced it would be adding the 4G LTE compatible Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G and the LG Connect 4G to its line-up. The Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G will run the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, sport a 1GHz processor, a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 3.5-inch display. Users will be able to use Google Talk to make video calls. While the LG Connect 4G is a bit more high-end featuring a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4-inch touchscreen display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Screen Protector making it durable. It will also run Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but the phone’s 5-megapixel camera will be able to record 720pHD video. Music lovers will appreciate that the LG Connect 4G will also come pre-loaded with Rhapsody Unlimited Music service. Both phones will require one of the company’s smartphone plans.

Innovation in cell phone charging technology at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Friday, January 13, 2012 (permalink)
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In addition to the tons of products announced at CES, also on display are new technologies in the work. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a proliferation of devices such as PowerMat that let users place a phone on a surface and get a “wireless charge.” Those products typically need another part to get the charge, such as a special battery pack or cable connection. At the show we saw something a bit more advanced from eCoupled. It uses the same idea of having a special surface for charging, however the phone or battery-operated device doesn’t need an attachment as shown below in the see through purse. When the purse with the cell phone in it is placed on the charging surface it locates the cell phone and starts charging the battery. No additional parts needed on the phone.

Nokia Lumia 900 at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Friday, January 13, 2012 (permalink)
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At a press conference at CES, Nokia unveiled the Nokia Lumia 900, which will work with AT&T’s 4G LTE network. As is the case with the previous Lumia models, the 900 has the unibody build so there’s no visible seems on the phones adding up to a sleek design. The smartphone also features an 8-megapixel camera featuring Carl Zeiss optics and a front-facing 1-megapixel camera. The Lumia 900 is running the latest version of Windows Phone 7 (Mango) OS and has a host of Nokia apps included on the phone. Get a closer look at the Lumia 900 in the video below.

Motorola unveils DROID RAZR MAXX at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, January 12, 2012 (permalink)
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Building on the thin design of the DROID RAZR, Motorola and Verizon announced the DROID RAZR MAXX. It’s thin like its predecessor and also has an integrated battery (so it’s not removable). The smartphone will run Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS when it becomes available in the coming weeks, but will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Get a closer look at the RAZR MAXX in the video below.

In other RAZR related news, Motorola showed off the DROID RAZR in a new color: purple. That version will be available with Verizon service. Additionally, the DROID RAZR will be receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS.

For YouTube

Sony Tablet P at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, January 12, 2012 (permalink)
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At CES, Sony showed off the newest member of its tablet family, the Tablet P. The “P” stands for Portable since this tablet will close up and fit right inside a jacket pocket. The design features two screens connected by a hinge. The screens can be used together as one large screen or separately. For example, when typing a document the top screen could be the blank page and the bottom would be a QWERTY keyboard. The tablet runs the Android Gingerbread OS and will be available later this year. Watch the video below to see the tablet in action.