Best Phone Blog

One of the best things about smart phones is that they allow users to consolidate various accounts online into a single inbox and be able to check all their emails, private messages, instant messages and other details in a single threaded inbox view.

Push email has really changed the way we access information. However, most folks tend for forget that one other feature that consolidation does is to bring together one’s address book; which leads us to the topic at hand, be careful when sending messages to everyone, because you can never really tell who everyone is.

Also, judging by the number of incredibly embarrassing videos that folks tend to self upload in the first place, it seems that being able to use media sharing sites while being intoxicated is not much difficult so it might be an idea to leave your shiny new Galaxy S at home if you’re planning a big night out!

So yes, be careful with the information you obtain at any given moment, with smart phone technology able to access the web easily and instantly, it would be all too easy to accidentally send the wrong things to the wrong people. According to recent reports, the most likely possibility of an office blunder comes in the form of miss-sent email messages.

Of course, the worst part is accidentally writing an email and sending it without thinking about the consequence. Unlike in desktop environments where there are so many things that would prevent a person from being active. Smart phone access is instantaneous and quite unforgiving considering the fact that it will not give users the time to think about whether they will send an email or not.

According to the study, over 1/4 of men are reported to have sent emails that they regret while about 17 percent of women have confessed that they sent an angry email all too soon. In any case, avoiding becoming part of the group is as simple taking the time to decide what you really want to write in the first place.

Mobile phones are a treasure trove of information on its users. From contact information, message histories and even photos and images, a mobile phone can hold plenty of important information on users. Even a simply music playlist can give a quick insight into the nature of the owner of the device.

It is now a common practice to make use of old mobile phones by either selling them off to others, trading them in or simply by having the devices recycled. And by all means, mobile phone owners should find way to utilize their old handsets. But it is also important to ensure that prior to letting go of the device; information on the handset should be wiped clean.

This begins with the removal of all storage devices. This is basically just the SIM card and memory stick (if the handset supports it); this alone will take out a large chunk of information on the handset. However, it does not remove data stored directly in the device. Users should manually delete file folders, media content such as music, videos and images to ensure that nothing gets left on the device.

Many users tend to forget to clear out the internet history of their mobile phones. Since the advent of 3G networks, more and more people have become used to getting push email, instant live updates and more web based accessibility. This however has given any device more data on their users. Be sure to clear out browser histories, cookies and of course, delete all the extra apps you have downloaded over time.

Most devices will have a special computer application that would allow users to simply wipe all phone data using a computer. Others, such as devices that use the Android operating system, have a factory reset switch that would revert the device back to its original state.

Ever wonder what the creator of the original mobile phone has to say about modern day smart phones? Well, Martin Cooper happens to be an Android fan. At least for now. The 81 year old mobile phone inventor has expressed his belief that Google Android smart phones are just as capable, if not more so, than an Apple iPhone. The inventor has also mentioned that the iPhone is more suited for younger consumers, which explains why he gave his unit to his grandson.

This is definitely great news for other Android fans out there. Even if this does not determine how well the Samsung Galaxy S or the HTC Desire will fare against the iPhone 4 in terms of sales, it still is quite interesting to note that even the man we have to thank for inventing the first handset is behind the Android OS all the way.

Mr. Cooper has been known to express how he thinks a lot of today’s mobile devices have too many features. And this may mean that other, more essential attributes, are neglected. Considering his vision for mobile phone use, he must be referring to the dependability of a mobile device when it comes to its call features.

Sad to say, Apple’s reception problem is its biggest Achilles heel. Smart consumers know that the issue is hardly fixable through a software update, because it can be attributed to poor design. At any rate, the father of mobile phones has been using an Android device for a few months now and is quite happy with it. That does not mean that he will use it forever though, he is always checking new developments of modern day mobile phones.

Mr. Cooper keeps a number of mobile devices and actively participates in testing upcoming handsets too. Currently, he is testing a Vertu for a company in Europe.

The First ELSE originally popped out late last year at a time when the Android 2.0 Éclair was still an exclusive Motorola model and nobody had an idea what the new Windows Phone 7 mobile platform would look like. It was shown off in a period that nobody could confirm if Google was indeed making their own mobile phone and whether Apple would be coming out with a new OS.

At that time, Emblaze was pushing for design innovation when it came to user interfaces. Since the advent of the Apple iPhone OS, most designs for the UI were limited in style and function, relying heavily on the desktop established “click an icon” control system. Emblaze’s First ELSE strived to be something more.

The one finger control system might sound gimmicky, but from the demonstration videos and the hands on example that the OS showed off at the Mobile World Congress was more than enough to convince tech fans that this new user interface just might work. Add in the fact that it looks incredibly stylish and futuristic and we all knew that when the First ELSE comes out, it will have a cult following.

With giants such as the Android and iPhone OS already dominating the field, carving out a niche is already a huge feat.

However, due to financial troubles, Emblaze has announced that it will be cancelling the production and development of the First ELSE. Reasons cited for the action mostly focused on the fact that the company needed to re-allocate the funds in order to stay stabilized. Many believe that taking down ELSE is a bad move –that Emblaze is risking the loss of a potentially marketable product.

It has been revealed that the ELSE UI might be sold to other developers and manufacturers, so it is possible that other incarnations of the technology might appear in other devices in the future.

Our society today is using more smart phones than even before and as each day passes, the more we grow dependent on the technology –and for good reason too. Smart phones are no longer the simple communication tools that the first mobile handsets were. They can do so much more now –businesses rely on enterprise devices for their employees on the field and people in general consider the smart phone as an all in one device.

And by all in one, the smart phone serves as a media player, digital camera, internet and email access device, and of course, as a mobile phone.

Google’s Eric Schmidt believes that the future of the world relies heavily on the information and convenience that the internet provides. And while the web was first made accessible through computers, it is hard to deny the fact that accessing cyberspace through portable devices is much more logical. Information, anywhere, anytime –this is probably some of the key factors that Google considers when creating new technologies for users.

The Google augmented reality feature, Google Goggles. It turns search into a visual experience and provides users with instant, real time data and information about the things they see around them.

Cheaper devices are also making the internet more accessible to people too. As technology progresses, many of the once high end devices are now made more affordable (and partially obsolete) with all the new models being released. This means that more people will get to go online and as this continues being connected to the web will become a given standard.

Of course, the fact that wireless LAN and 3G technology keeps improving is also an important factor. Having a decent mobile phone is one thing, but having a reliable network also matters a lot for smart phone users.

We have all seen the impressive concept videos of “future smart phones” made of transparent, super thin, flexible touch screen displays and many believe that the technology has plenty of potential to make mobile phones even more convenient to access.

But as cool as having a wrist mounted device would be, nothing is more practical than the concept devices that sit safely in the pocket or a bag (as having a fragile electronic gadget on the wrist is not really conducive to commuting and any other activities).

Augmented reality will play a very important role in the future, as it allows users to instantly pick up relevant information about where they are and about the things around them. The functions can serve from simple visual instructions on where to go, what do to and what time things will happen. Take the Tube for example, bringing up a handset will give the user arrival and departure schedules as well as destinations, possible stops and even ticket prices. Some phones can do these now at a considerable length, future technology is aiming to make it instant.

HD is making a serious show on mobile phones these days as 720p video recording is fast becoming the new standard for high end smart phones. DivX encoding is also being supported more as well. Eventually, most media formats might be compatible with handsets as well (such as OGG, MKV and others).

While high definition video is making a solid mark on the mobile phone industry, the same cannot be said of the 3D technology. Considering that many people have only recently switched to HD, only a few are willing to invest in a 3D television. This is even more the case for smart phone users as handsets are not exactly good for 3D video –even with the glass-less parallax technology.

While it has already been confirmed more than a month ago, the acquisition of smart phone manufacturer Palm by Hewlett Packard is still underway. For the most part, the two companies are already considered as one. Technically, there are still papers to be signed and various other proceedings to be followed through.

In any event, the deal is already pushing through and despite the initial statement from HP that hinted at the possibility that they would not be delving into the smart phone industry, it seems that HP is now intent on ‘speeding up’ their entry to the market. In any case, it is hard to tell what the famous (yet fickle) company is planning on doing at this point.

Regardless of how Hewlett Packard decides to play this out, many industry believe that the acquisition of Palm can nothing but a great thing for HP. While Palm’s WebOS has made it well known in the phone industry, it has yet to make a name for itself with the average market. Even the older Palm PDAs and pocket PCs were catering to a very niche crowd, and their later venture into smart phones was little different.

HP on the other hand, caters to a larger market. These general use devices such as printers and laptops are used both by enterprise and general buyers. Being tied up to HP’s name and brand will help spread Palm to a larger market range –a feat that it failed to achieve before the acquisition.

At the same time, HP will have a new operating system and the entire library of patented technology that Palm has developed throughout the years. For now, existing Palm owners will be happy to know that the WebOS mobile platform, as well as the Palm smart phones will continue to be supported and developed for by HP.

If you just recently bought a smart phone, then chances are you are new to apps. While the technicality behind it may not be so unfamiliar, there is still a significant degree of difference to the mentality behind getting apps for a mobile phone and apps for other electronic devices like a computer or a laptop.

Unlike desktop computers, laptops and other hardware, the smart phone is an in-pocket tool that people carry around almost the whole day, every day. While fitting it in with plenty of apps is tempting, that would prove to be very counterproductive, what is important is determining what apps are needed and what are not. And there are plenty available, whether you choose the Bada operating system (as seen in the new Samsung Wave 2), the Google Android OS (with it’s flagship phone, the Nexus One) or the latest iPhone.

For new users, the best thing to do is to avoid “tool” apps that are meant to enhance, change or alter the current performance of your phone or mobile operating system. The reason for this is that despite the fact that many experts would recommend such tweaks, the smart phone is a personal tool, and what might be convenient and effective for one person does not necessarily apply to you. Give the handset several months of use before you learn what kind of adjustments you would like to see and get the appropriate tool apps if available.

Games a major type of apps that people go for, and this is something that one should try out. Playing games will make a user more familiar with the control and response of a handset. Just be sure to download content in moderation and avoid storing too many rarely used games that would clog up your menu.

Lastly, check your interests. Be it personal or professional, there are plenty of apps for people have different interests. From media to travelling to food to clothing, these apps can range from simple reference guides to real-time internet based apps that provide you with the latest news, updates and even location based services.

Running out of batteries is a social phenomenon –it happens during the most unfortunate of circumstances. At least, that is how most of us remember it. The truth is, mobile phone batteries run out of charge regularly; even if the device is not being used, if it stays on standby long enough, the battery will eventually have to be recharged. But people do not always observe the rates at which their batteries drain, which is why it happens all too often that many forget to charge their devices or simply find themselves in an hour long trip with only 30 minutes of power left.

In order to ensure that a user are able to fully utilize a phone’s charged up battery, here are a few simple tips to keep the energy supply last longer.

First off, set things on low. Mobile phones have plenty of settings; speaker volume, ringer volume, LCD lights and more. If you need it, use it; but unless you are really hard of hearing, setting a ringer volume on a lower setting will help conserve energy (and it is also more polite to lower down the volume when in certain locations too).

The screen is one thing that many people tend to ignore. There are often settings for how bright the screen should be (especially for touch screen devices) as well as how long the backlights stay on. Lowering the duration of time that lights stay on as well as the overall brightness will conserve energy.

Second, stay offline. If you really do not need to see the latest live updates to your social network, it is best to disconnect from 3G. Not only will this save energy, it will also save you from exceeding the monthly data bandwidth.

There are many more ways to keep a phone from using up too much energy, but what matters most is keeping aware of how you are using that energy and knowing when you should recharge.

Now, if there is one form of electronic communication that people use, and more often than not, trust, it is Email. Email alone was enough to push mobile phone technology to develop better handsets and eventually smart phones (it was the need to have access to email that made RIM, Palm and Microsoft focus so hard on making pocket PC technology and later, smart phones).

Apparently, some folks at Facebook do not share the same idea, people like Sheryl Sandberg for example is one of them. Sheryl is chief operating officer for Facebook (though we now wonder how long she will be holding that position). According to her, Email is going away.

Now, the reason she states for this is mostly due to the fact that the ‘younger’ generation prefers to use the internal messaging and chat options of Facebook as opposed to having to open another browser window and sending an email (or opening up email software like Outlook). In this regard, yes, it is true; private messaging is becoming the favorite tool of choice for casual conversations.

However, email is also the individual’s private address on the internet, it is where information about banking details, account registrations, forum tracking, personal subscriptions and other such content are sent and stored. People even use an email address to sign up for Facebook as well.

So no, there is no need to shut down one’s email address today or even years from now.

Email will be around for a long time, it may take on a different form, hosted on a new server, or even start allowing users to send email content using various media (as opposed to simply attaching a file). In that regard, there is no way that a social networking site would ever be able to phase email out.