Best Phone Blog

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.

Reports show that the Apple app for the free bumpers is ready for download. To be eligible for the free Apple bumper, iPhone 4 users must use the app to log into the Apple iTunes store and select the special offer. Each account may only avail of the offer once –allowing Apple to control the distribution of the free bumpers and ensure that every owner gets a piece.

For iPhone 4 owners who have already bought an iPhone Bumper earlier (prior to the emergency conference where the announcement was made) refunds are available. Since the bumper is exclusively available on the online store, purchasers will be given an instant refund on their credit cards.

As convoluted as some of Apple’s explanations and schemes may be, they are actually pulling off the giveaway pretty smoothly. Many would even argue that the use of a special application is a stroke of genius that would allow Apple to closely monitor which user has gotten the bumper and who has not.

Still, the problem still exists. Even if Apple gives out free bumpers, owners will still be left with a phone that has a malfunctioning antenna. Since the problem is a hardware issue, it is unlikely that Apple would ever be able to instate a proper repair program for all existing users, let alone a recall that would actually fix the solution.

In the end, not all users are happy with the iPhone 4, with the antenna issue and lack of proper support from Apple, many are considering a switch to other mobile handsets instead. Samsung has taken the initiative to seek out disgruntled iPhone 4 owners who speak about their iPhone problems on Twitter, and are offering free Galaxy S Android devices to get users to switch. So far, the public has given a very positive reaction to Samsung, not only are free offers always welcome, but the i9000 Galaxy S is also a very impressive phone as well.

We all rejoiced when the very first leaked images of the Apple iPhone 4 was leaked. Among the first new features that we all got to confirm was that the device would come with a front facing camera. The feature has been in pretty big demand since the very first iPhone came out and this is the only time that it actually came to be.

Unfortunately, the hardware was not supported by the software that we all expected it to have. Instead of the camera being an easy to use add-on, usage was controlled and limited; just like everything else with Apple.

Apple introduced FaceTime, which is basically their easiest way to cut down the freedom people could have with a front facing camera. FaceTime is made so that it only works with WiFi and it can only call other iPhone 4 users. Despite the fact that over 1.7 million people did buy an iPhone, they are (mostly) not the folks we want to talk to.

Fortunately, Fring has also arrived for the iPhone 4.

For those not familiar with the new app, this video chatting feature is made just like FaceTime but with fewer restrictions. First off, connectivity is a choice between any available networks; this means that users are no longer limited to sticking with WiFi as 3G will be supported as well.

More importantly, Fring allows users to connect to other mobile devices such as Android or Symbian smart phones –further giving the front facing camera a better purpose.

Despite the fact that Fring does more than what Apple originally planned for the iPhone 4, there has been no move to stop the development or distribution of the app. Seems like Apple is recognizing that Fring is really able to bring out the full potential of the new iPhone 4 camera.

It is surprising about how Apple tends to keep beating around the bush with all the possible solutions they can take. Instead of just providing what might be the most logical solution to the situation, they would actually bring out an open letter that only serves as a quick distraction from the issue.

This is the case with the antenna problem, and that is just one of the many things that people find wrong with the iPhone 4. The list of problems is actually much longer, and according got a couple of recent reports two more major issues are about to be added to the list.

Of course, the new problems can be talked about some other time. The issue here is that the iPhone still has other pre-existing issues that need to be addressed.

The first, as mentioned is the antenna issue. The solution is actually quite simply: give people free iPhone bumpers. The accessory is already available worldwide, using it is easy and yes, it actually solves the antenna issue. But instead of taking in a quick loss on the bumpers (because Apple sold so many iPhones), they would rather people be amazed at how low their signal strength is and forget that calls are being dropped.

Another issue is the lack of free sat nav services. Nokia’s Ovi Maps and Google’s Maps already give users that much freedom, but Apple is tied up to TomTom. Skobbler, a new sat nav app, provides free navigation freedom without any issues. Of course, there is no telling how such an app could affect other sat nave based iTunes content.

For those who feel that FaceTime is a big slap in the face of the new front facing camera, they can opt to have their video chats held on Fring. This impressive little social networking app is the best way to connect with friends and families.

As impressive as the new Windows Phone 7 mobile platform may be, many gaming fans are still disappointed that there is still no announced lineup of games that the smart phone operating system will be supporting.

This is a major factor that many gamers are considering. For the most part, the hardcore market of gamers are not always too keen on spending money for mobile phones, many would be happy with basic GSM handsets and simply allocate their money for great games or updates to the console. And with Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox 360 announced to be pretty pricey (as well as the new Xbox 360 “slim” type), they will need a very good reason as to why a gamer should also get a WP7 handset.

The integration of the Xbox Live Games service on the new OS did not really come as a surprise for the gaming industry; though many appreciated that existing accounts are reportedly useable in the new mobile platform. Despite this, there are some gamers concerned about the accumulation of gamer points and in game achievements as many still view the mobile app gaming industry as a casual gaming market. For points and achievements earned there to be counted along a player’s console rating is considered by some to be an affront to their skills.

As stated, there is still no announced lineup of games for the WP7 operating system. While it has already been demonstrated by Microsoft that games can be transferred from the phone to a computer or to a console, there are not titles that would be making use of the feature.

According to reports, Microsoft is offering various incentives to developers to create games for WP7 but with the production details becoming too complex for some independent creators, they still turned down the offer.

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.

It seems that the famous social networking tool (or to be more technically correct, micro-blogging device) Twitter has been having a few technical problems recently.

According to reports, the system was having availability and refresh issues on various areas and territories with the new features being added in as well as the improvements in Twitter’s overall performance. Despite the many complains that went up over the weekend, the micro blogging company says that everything is fine now and users can go back to their daily tweets.

Come to think of it, a slight performance hiccup over the weekend is not really a serious issue, particularly, when the symptoms were more of intermittent issues as compared to actual service removal. Yet, many people were reacting so quickly to it. It appears that our society is far more reliant on Twitter than originally thought. In fact, if Twitter can get a reaction like this, who knows what will happen if Facebook stays offline for about three full days?

In other Twitter news, it seems that mobile phone users who are fond of location based services such as Foursquare and Gowalla would be happy to know that the micro blogging site is about to launch their own Twitter Places function. The service will be combining both the phone’s GPS data with the Twitter app allowing users to add a location tag to their tweets.

While many are excited at the great possibilities that can be done with their new feature, there is concern as to what Twitter will be doing to the GPS data. While it is presumed that the feature will not automatically get user info when not allowed, there is always the possibility data mining.

In any case, the Twitter service has already been restored and according to the latest updates, users should no longer have any issues to deal with.

We all love football, and nothing is bigger than the upcoming World Cup to be held in South Africa. Of course, not everyone has the leisure of being able to attend the event, but that will not stop us from enjoying the sport from the comfort of home (or the local pub). Giving the UK a helping hand is Nokia and their Ovi store, with a wide range of World Cup oriented apps, fans can keep on top of the latest events, learn the upcoming match schedules and of course keep the spirit alive in their very own handsets.

Nokia Goal is the one stop shop for all the final details of finished matches. When you need to know what the best plays or the highlights of match, you can expect to see it listed here. It is small, fast and easy to use. While the information many not be over-detailed with specs, it provides the fastest way to see what you might have missed.

But if numbers are your thing, then you might want to try out the AP 2010 World Cup Coverage. Yep, the Associated Press is coming out with their very own world Cup app that provides users with all the big match lineups, scores, play by play analysis, standings, player profiles, and of course, plenty of downloadable media content. The app is also available in a wide range of languages as well.

If you are a looking for an app that is not only focused on this year’s main event, but also for general football coverage, then you cannot go wrong with the ESPNsoccernet application. This provides users with a thorough list of player rosters, matches, biggest plays and of course, current match details and game results.

ESPN also provides plenty of extra features such as live commentary, visualization, and all the main tables and charts detailing team and player performances.

Microsoft is trying to drum up more hype for their upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform. Not only are they giving the public a few well-placed tidbits of information, they are also giving developers more of an incentive to work on projects for their upcoming entry.

In line with this, they have released new and improved policies for the Windows Phone Marketplace. This includes guidelines for the certification and application submission that will cover the upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform. Windows wants to open their doors (no pun intended) to independent developers, hobbyists and, possibly, new talent coming from schools.

Since the first Marketplace was introduced around eight months ago, the app store has shown promise in terms of customer base and reasonable terms for developers. They amped up the package with policies for an unlimited number of paid app submission, an annual registration fee of about 70 GBP that includes 5 free premium app submissions (14 GBP for succeeding apps) as well as a push notification service which is an optional asset for the developers.

To encourage students to try their hand on making their own apps, there is a free registration system for DreamSpark students which also has the 5 free premium app package.

For the benefit of both developers and consumers, a trial API is an optional inclusion in the package. This would mean that users would have to avenue to check whether they really want to buy an app after trying it out.

For a better market reach, Microsoft is also giving developers the means to publish their apps through a new “worldwide distribution” system which only has to be paid once.

Speaking of payment, a 70/30 scheme will be used in favor of the developers. It does seem like a hefty sum but at least Microsoft is transparent and reasonable about the policies. Hopefully they will not get Apple’s habit of spontaneous revisions.

With the virus issues resolved, it looks like the Samsung Wave S8500, announced at Mobile World Congress, is now arriving in the UK free from any problems and is causing quite a stir. The Wave runs Samsung’s proprietary Bada smartphone operating system and is powered by a 1 GHz processor. The device costs £369.99, but Samsung Wave deals are being offered by a number of operators. Coming out on Vodafone on June 1st, it already announced amid the network’s list of “coming soon” devices earlier this week. The phone is now available for purchase in the UK as of June 1st.

Should you opt for Vodafone’s £25 ($36) per month two-year plan, which also furnishes you with 300 free minutes, unlimited texts, and a 500MB data allowance; you can have the Wave for free with some discounts, and mail in rebates. Prices begin to get a bit higher from there, though strangely enough, no 12-month or partially subsidized options are available to choose from. Buying the Samsung Wave will also get you a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes rucksack as an extra freebie, which is a nice touch.

The phone has many outstanding features many UK consumers will be excited to use and see. The phone itself is a video/photo users dream. Offering a 5 mega-pixel camera, a super fast processor, and tons of Apps to edit, upload and share all your photos and videos, Bluetooth 3.0 and WiFi. There’s also the TouchWiz 3.0 interface among the specs, plus DivX/Xvid support, a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm audio jack. To put it shortly the phone is feature packed.

The Wave sure will cause a wave in the smart phone market, Samsung cites their “Samsung Apps”, which is their app store they are offering a $300,000 contest to developers to encourage more applications to production. So with Samsungs backing the Wave is looking like one of the many in Samsungs Bada line that will turn heads.