Cell Phone Articles
Google I/O: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Google has detailed the changes and improvements coming to the Android OS with the next update: 4.1 Jelly Bean. Jelly Bean is set to bring some key improvements to the ecosystem with a definite focus on eliminating the lag time and often jerky touch-response often found on Android devices. Of course other changes will be coming as well such as camera improvements, keyboard and voice tweaks, NFC data transfer, Notifications, Search and Google Now.
Samsung Galaxy Note Review
We know this one’s a little late, but we thought that while we eagerly await Samsung’s Galaxy S III to show up on our doorstep and with the Galaxy Note 2 supposedly around the corner we should at least finally do a Samsung Galaxy Note review. The phone/tablet, or “phablet”, hybrid has sparked polarizing opinions amongst smartphone users regarding both its size and the viability of its capacitive stylus.
Windows Phone 8 Finally Announced
Hot on the heels of its Surface tablet announcement, Microsoft has finally unveiled Windows Phone 8. The new version of the increasingly popular OS is a significant improvement over its predecessors and has been almost completely rebuilt from the ground up. However, the new features and abilities have come at a price; because Windows Phone 8 is such a radical switch all current Windows Phone devices running WP7 or WP7.5 Mango will not be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8. The news has come as a blow to WP users, many of which have only just made the switch by purchasing the recently released Nokia Lumia 900.
The Different MS Surface Tablets
There’s been some confusion regarding the two new Surface Tablets that were recently announced by Microsoft and what those differences mean, if anything. Of the two that have been announced one will come running Windows RT and the other will use Windows 8 Pro as its operating system (OS).
Microsoft Surface Tablet Announced
Microsoft has actually managed to impress tech gurus and tablet fans alike around the world with the announcement of its new and upcoming Microsoft Surface Tablet. Complete with 10.6 inch screen, Gorilla Glass 2 display and new VaporMG scratch-resistant casing, the Microsoft Surface tablet continued to bring out more and more new features with every successive announcement.
Microsoft's Interactive Xbox Live Ads
The LA Times has reported that Microsoft is planning to introduce interactive ads, called “NUads”, to its Xbox 360 streaming services. Already signed on are Toyota, Unilever and Samsung Mobile to deliver NUads over Xbox channels like ESPN, TMZ, UFC and NBC News.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Preview
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is the direct successor to the original and remarkably successful Galaxy Note. The Galaxy Note almost single-handedly created the niche, yet thriving “phablet” industry, with its originally questionable size that sits somewhere between what one might consider a smartphone and a tablet. Knocked by many at first, and still to this day by a few less, the Galaxy Note managed to find its place in an ever increasing, yet oftentimes evolutionarily one-directional industry.
Data-Only Plans Within 24 Months?
CEO of AT&T, Randall Stephenson, has claimed that an American operator will likely produce a data-only smartphone plan within the next 24 months. While it’s true that users can already opt for a form of plan that excludes monthly payments for text and calls, any incoming call or text on that data-only SIM would incur some pretty serious overage fees. What’s now being suggested by Stephenson sounds like a data-only plan that would either allow for calls and texts to be received without overage fees, or one that would completely block-out any form of non-web-based communication.
Fort Lee Bans Texting While Walking
This is an interesting and controversial piece of news that popped up on our radar. The city of Fort Lee, New Jersey, has started issuing $85 tickets to pedestrians caught sending text messages while walking. The move is based on the premise that the lack of concentration caused by texting while walking increases the likelihood of pedestrians veering off course or failing to recognise danger and subsequently causing accidents.
$1b on Ghost City for Research
This is definitely one of the more unique stories we’ve ever discussed. Plans have gone through for a US$1 billion city in Lea Country, USA just west of Hobbs. The city will house no people, nor will it be responsible for directly producing anything. Instead, the purpose of the Center for Innovation, Technology and Testing (CITE) will be a mock-city where new technologies can be safely tested without affecting or interfering with the everyday life of a populace.
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