Best Phone Blog

Much ado has been made about the Galaxy S II which has been experiencing record sales and is among the most wanted phones this summer. After using the phone, it is not hard to see why as the phone sports liquid smooth navigation, scrolling and usability. But the phone’s most outstanding feature (other than the dual-core processor) is the Super AMOLED Plus screen that is featured in a 4.3 casing (screen size).

That said, there have been a trickle of complaints involving the Galaxy S II screen which some have pointed features a yellowish tint which no doubt would be a manufacturing problem if these reports are true.

Over at XDA Developers forum, a member named Erethnor has made a thread about the problem which is titled “Display problem/yellowish left side.” Since the thread has been made, more than a few members have commented on the thread expressing the same issue. As it would appear, there is a yellowish hint along the left side of the screen (1/3 of the entire screen). According to said reports, the yellow tint is not always visible and is mainly noticeable when the brightness has been set to low. Those affected by the issue claim that the discoloration is most noticeable when there is white text on a dark background.

This is not the first time that a device has been plagued by screen issues. Most noticeably was Apple’s iPad 2 which had light leakage back in March. Needless to say that did not affect the sales of the iPad 2 so it’s safe to say as long as Samsung identifies the problem and fixes it, it should not be a huge deal.

Those who would like to read the thread for themselves as well as add their two cents can visit the thread here. You can also find a great range of Samsung Galaxy S II deals here.

The Motorola Xoom, which is the first Android device developed to run the tablet-specific Honeycomb 3.0 OS, will soon be available in the stores. Therefore, users will be able to get a kick-start in the next tablet war. According to first impressions, the device has earned positive feedback. However, a question still remains whether it will be able to compete against the iPad. According to the experts, the Xoom comes with amazing features and mobile technologies that will be able to beat the first-generation iPads. Some of the great features that users can enjoy using this device are the optimized operating system and screen size.

With all the high expectations, the Xoom comes with the best features and specifications to compete against most of the top tablet devices available in the market. For instance, the overall style as well as hardware specifications of the Motorola Xoom point out some noticeable benefits. Although iPads are still ruling the market, Google’s operating system installed in this Android device is also making it as a preferred choice for high end users.

The Motorola Xoom is also more customizable when compared to other tablet PCs available in the market these days. This device is upgradeable to faster 4G networks, where available, and the company is also planning to make numerous small acquisitions for differentiating itself from the rival handset makers.

The Motorola Xoom also comes with a Tegra 2 dual-core processor provided by Nvidia, which will be able to deliver up to two GHz of power. The device will be launched as a Wi-Fi/3G device in April. However, in the second quarter, Motorola Xoom contracts will be obtainable on 4G LTE networks. Due to the Tegra 2 dual-core processor, the device will be able to provide high quality graphics as well as viewing for the users. The image clarity of the dual cameras is also great in the Xoom.

The after taste of the Kin failure might still be lingering in Redmond and the hearts and minds of Verizon execs, but that does not mean that the boys responsible for the ill-fated platform launch are planning to totally ditch the idea of having all your social news and feeds as well as phone life managed from a single location online.

Probably the most compelling feature about the Kin launch was the Kin Studio which allowed you to manage contacts, messages, Facebook feeds and Twitter feeds as well as photos and videos from a centralized location that could be accessed by ones browser.

Thanks to a vague job posting by Redmond based technology giant Microsoft, we have reason to believe that Microsoft is not totally shelving the idea of Kin Studio. According to the job listing:

Help us change the way people think about mobile phones. The Mobile Studio will redefine the mobile phone for millions of everyday users around the world. We are looking for an intuitive and driven User Interface Designer with the ability to conceptualize and lead the design of features built for mobile phones. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who is excited about making a real impact on future mobile products and experiences.

The candidate will be part of a team that is responsible for extending and evolving the functionality of Windows Phone. We’re looking for someone that is forward-thinking and willing to challenge & provoke new ways to connect with our consumers. This position requires strong design, communication, and organization skills, and the ability to work across teams. You’ll also be expected to quickly broaden your technical understanding as new technologies become available. A deep understand of our customers and creating great product experiences is a must!

The candidate will work closely with a team of UI designers, industrial designers, user researchers, design managers, brand marketers and software engineers in a highly collaborative environment.

Of course the listing is very generic and it could mean nothing, but thanks to ZDNet’s Mary-Jo Foley who has had a good success rate of predicting Microsoft product features and what not, this will definitely be Kin Studio minus the Kin name and disappointment.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed and we’re hoping to hear some more information about this at next Month’s MIX event, so stay tuned.

Source: ZDNet

As we count down the days till Apple’s WWDC event and the speculated launch period of the iPhone 5, rumors continue to swirl. Normally we would ignore these rumors but seeing these are coming from some credible sources, sources that were spot on about the launch details of the iPad, iPad 2 and the iPhone 4, we’re going to give a listening ear.

To begin with, we’re hearing that design will be tweaked a bit. While it will not be radically different from the current generation (iPhone 4), we do understand that the rear will be aluminum. This might be Apple’s response to the glass on the back of the current generation which has been reportedly chipping or breaking all together when it comes in contact with any sort of abrasive particle in a case. As for the screen size, we also hear speculation that it will be increased, maybe not to 4.3 inches which seems to be the norm for Android devices, but definitely something bigger than the 3.5 inch display on the current model. Last but not least, the bezel between the screen and the sides of the device is almost nonexistent which could indicate a larger screen (or more black area).

Last but not least, NFC support is said to be dead. According to those who claim to have sources inside Cupertino, NFC will be shelved for the iPhone 5 due to no specific standard. While that point could be argued by many including Samsung and the British government, it should be noted that Apple skipped USB 3.0 altogether in favor of Thunderbolt which they were influential in developing with Intel.

As we said before, everything is just a rumor as of now, but seeing many of these same sources were correct a few months ago, we would say there’s at least a 50-50 chance that they are now.

Source: CNet

You might be curious as to who in the world uses Google Maps, you might also be wondering who in the world is that girl blocking W 8^th Street near Washington Square Park. To answer the first question, only 150 million. We’ll get to the second question a little later.

You might remember that since Google released Google Maps last year, the company saw its share prices increase while many GPS manufacturers around the world saw their shares drop. After using Google Maps for a while it is not hard to see why so many people like it, 150 million to be exact. Not only is the service free, it is also very useful and thanks to the recent updates it now supports realtime traffic rerouting in the United States.

Well get ready for some data stats. According to Marissa Mayer, VP at Google, the company now boasts over 150 million Google Maps users and the application guides users 12 billion miles every year. More impressive, on average, the app saves users two days’ worth of traveling time per year.

According to Marissa, the company is still debating on the state of Google Maps for the iPhone. As you are aware of, Google Maps is default on the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone, however, Navigation is strictly an Android affair. But if some within the company get their way that could change very soon.

As for the girl you currently see, her name is Marissa Mayer, yes she is an actual female who is a VP at Google and has been working there for over a decade. Unfortunately, hers is not the voice that guides you on Google Maps.

The world is yours, the line reads from many a novels and playwrights, especially the all to famous James Bond series. But considering Samsung’s steady trend and push to become the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile devices, we could see similarities with the reference being applied to them, and why not, just days before it’s February 14th debut at 2011 Mobile World Congress, we’re finding out that those interested in tasting of the Galaxy line will be able to do so if they fancy the Ace S5830 or the Mini S5570, that is of course if you reside in Germany. The new devices will be landing in Samsung’s German market by the end of this month and will sport some decent specs, not great but decent.

First up is the Galaxy Mini which sports a 3.14 inch QVGA display that is capacitive as well as multitouch supporting. There is a 3.2 megapixel camera on the camera’s rear along with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and social network integration. The suggested price for the device is €299.

Next up is the more expensive and feature rich Galaxy Ace which carries an MSRP of €399. But for that price, you get a bump in screen size from 3.14 inches to 3.5 inches and instead of a QVGA display, its now HVGA display. The camera is 5 megapixels and there is also Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n along with an 800MHz processor. For those times when one is lost and cannot find their way, there is an included AGPS receiver.

As we said before, decent but not terribly exciting specs so those who are interested, we would advise waiting a few more days till MWC to see what Samsung pulls out of their hat before plopping down a couple hundred on these devices.

Source: Samsung.de

It has been no secret that the iPad 2 will be getting a major graphics boost thanks to Apple’s intention to install a version of their Retina display in the forthcoming tablet. But if the latest rumors are to believed, not only would the device receive a much needed resolution bump, but a graphical one as well, as would the iPhone 5.

With the advent of 1080p, comes the requirement for faster and better hardware. Up until now, most top of the line mobile devices have been able to play 720p video with no problems, Apple included. But as the industry takes another leap, this time towards the full HD resolution of 1080p, the hardware requirements must be beefed up as well.

A new chip in the iPhone 5 as well as the iPad 2 would enable both devices to render polygons at a much better frame rate without hiccups or sluggishness. Not only that, but according to reports, the same chipset that is arriving in the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 will be making their way to Apple’s next generation Apple TV line which would enable the device to pump out 1080p videos from Netflix, Hulu and iTunes.

This would mean huge gains for game developers who have been pushing the boundaries of the iPad recently, and with Apple having a firm foot in the mobile gaming department, an update to the iPhone and iPad’s A4 processor, one that would give it that extra oomph, would once again set it in a class of its own.

To be expected, Apple is not discussing details about the device or any speculations at the moment, but the company is slated to be holding a press event within the coming weeks/months that would clarify these rumors or annul them.

Smart phones are expensive and easily resalable bits of modern technology and as such, one should always be aware that smart phone theft is pretty high –simply leaving the phone lying around is a sure way to get unsavory characters interested in it. There is also much to lose as well. Aside from the fact that being stolen from can be emotionally scarring and the direct financial loss will surely affect you, there is also a matter of privacy that should not be forgotten.

Sure, there are plenty of semi-obvious things that you would not want exposed to the public –and most of that may often include entire albums of the most ‘candid’ shots you have taking with your smart phone’s five or eight mega pixel camera (or recorded in 720p HD). But beyond those embarrassing pictures of that ski trip that had you slamming face first into another skier on the slopes, there are a lot of other things to be worried about.

First off, smart phone information is a stalker’s paradise. It has information on who your friends are, what your last online or SMS communications were, where you’ve been, where you will go and for those who update the phone’s organizer function, what your plans for the rest of the week is.

GPS and location based apps keep a record of what routes you take and where you spend most of your time in. Even if you live your life as an open faced book with the people around you, being exposed to such as high degree is never a good idea. Even worse is the fact that smart phones often contain very sensitive information; banking and financial data is also stored in the smart phones of some folks.

From credit information to your PayPal account, a single online transaction on the smart phone will leave a trace of your financial data on the device.

The new HTC HD7 is the phone that is being billed as the ultimate in entertainment and it seems that the phone will not let down HTC in that department though. The phone, despite offering the best in terms of entertainment is very light on your pocket. This is because the phone has very compact dimensions and measures just 162 grams.

The phone houses in a massive touch screen display that measure in at 4.3 inches. The best possible way to utilize this screen is to watch movies, and you can do so in High Definition because the phone’s massive 16 GB of internal storage lets you do that without a sweat. The phone has a 1 GHZ processor that makes HD video playback and many other high end functions easy. The phone also has 576 MB of RAM and 512 MB of ROM available.

A 3.5 mm stereo output lets you enjoy the videos and songs that you would have stored in your phone on any other headset should you not decide to use the phone’s fantastic speakers. The phone comes with Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound technologies. The phone also has a stand that comes out from the camera and this lets you enjoy the movies without actually holding the phone. Being a Windows Phone 7, you can enjoy Xbox LIVE integration that lets you play Xbox games on your phone.

The phone not only lets you watch HD movies, but record them as well. This is because the phone’s 5 megapixel camera comes with options like flash, autofocus and so on to capture the best possible videos. HTC has revealed that the phone will be available with T-Mobile contract. You can also enjoy the phone without a contract options by buying it outright.

HTC has launched a new phone that is being billed as the ultimate in the gaming smartphone segment. The new HTC 7 Trophy has a number of features that would certainly make sure that it lives up to the name.

The new HTC 7 Trophy features a touch screen that measures up at a hugely impressive 3.8 inches. The screen is also capacitive and has a 480 x 800 resolution that will make many a phone to go red with envy. The phone has a 5 megapixel colour camera that has options like auto focus and flash to make even the most novice of mobile phone users look good at taking pictures. The camera also has built-in scenes like candlelight, landscape, and portrait that would easily match the environment of your subject, letting you take even better pictures.

The phone has 8 GB of internal storage that lets you store your songs and movies. The phone has Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound technologies in it, and these offer excellent virtual surround sound. The phone supports audio formats like m4a, .m4b, .mp3 and .wma. The gaming experience offered by this phone is second to none. This is because the phone comes with Xbox LIVE integration that lets you stay in touch with your friends and compete with them over your favourite Xbox game titles on the phone itself. This means that you are never far away from the ultimate gaming experience.

The HTC 7 Trophy has features like GPS that offers free navigation using the Bing Maps application. The phone runs on a 1300 mAh battery that provides talk time of nearly 400 minutes in GSM mode. The phone is expected to be released later this week and will be available on a two year £30 a month deal.