By Aldo Panessidi

Google Android’s numerous handset manufacturers have made the mobile OS platform incredibly accessible to consumers across the world. The one downside is that each of these vendors goes through its own process to adopt the latest version upgrades. Some handsets are not capable of those major upgrades, like Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

Luckily for Sprint Nexus S 4G owners, the wait should not be much longer. An internal testing ROM was seen on Google’s servers that will update the Nexus S 4G to Android v4.0.4 build IMM26. Of course that file was pulled once it was seen, but the more curious of you can get a mirrored copy at xda-developers. But, with the removal from Google servers, it is likely better to wait for the official release.

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The popularity of this device has customers of Verizon wishing it was available as an unlocked handset that could be used with their existing contracts. As LTE 4G becomes more mainstream across North America, the availability of smartphones capable of taking advantage of these speeds will increase. Carriers have been rushing to pair up with manufacturers to augment their product lines. The question of whether customers will be willing to pay the premium cost of these data plans.

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The good news is that there is no requirement to utilize the 4G LTE capabilities until the costs are more accessible. In the interim, these customers have the good fortune of not having to purchase a new handset to get the Ice Cream Sandwich update which leaves more funds to invest in the must-have and secretly-covet accessories to make the most of your pocket PC.

As this report indicates, the version had release keys which denote a fast-approaching launch date. So far, the next gen Android platform has had great reviews, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for your Nexus S 4G update!

By Aldo Panessidi

Following my 'Cell Phone and Bathroom Usage' piece... I thought to research on the hygienic condition of typical cell phones and mobile devices.

You may want to brace yourself... for your smartphone and mobile devices are a petri dish accommodating and sustaining a thriving micro bacterial  ecosystem.   Dreadfully frightening isn't it?

In 2009, the prominent  journal "Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials" conducted a study wherein they tested the various cell phones brands (iPhone, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, Sony,  LG, etcc..) of 200 of their staff members.  The results were alarming  a whopping 94.5 percent of the devices were severely contaminated with various bacterial strains - many of which were resistant to multiple antibiotics.  Moreover, the study yielded that over 60% of the bacteria thriving on the phones were ultimately transferred to the users.

When one considers that most users take their cell phones with them everywhere... including the bathroom.  A startling 95% percent of common folk admitted to routinely using their mobile device, cell phones, tablets, laptops, notebooks and other media playing devices during toilet sessions... you can discover the statistics from a study conducted by 11 Mark in my previous blog on 'Cell Phone and Bathroom Usage'.

Microbes have been existing long before any other life form appeared on our planet.  Their inherent ability to thrive and multiply in adverse conditions and hostile environments has fuelled their prolific growth and widespread presence throughout the world.  Studies indicate their propensity to subsist in both highly populated regions and on public surfaces.  Our entire bodies as well as public bathrooms, phones, computers, park benches, restaurant kitchen counters and tables are all ideal hosts harbouring a magnitude of microbe strains - with paper currency being found to have one of the highest concentration of bacteria.   As such, it is plain to see that we are engaged in a true germ warfare... protecting our physical health against bacterial invasion.

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Wireless devices are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria...  as they generate the requisite heat which helps promote and facilitate breeding.   Furthermore, the majority of people do not think of routinely disinfecting their mobile devices, to this end, typical cell phones and mobile devices have more bacteria than toilet seats. I would highly recommend protecting both their devices and ultimately themselves with iSkin protective accessories' revolutionary  Microban technology.  Built-in to products during the manufacturing process, Microban antimicrobial product protection inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains , embarrassing odors and deterioration of both cell phones and other mobile devices.

It was also reported  that while older flip phones have more nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in, the flat touch screens of current smartphones are not immune to bacteria. Numerous studies have found colonies of streptococcus, staphylococcus and diphtheroids on people's cell phones. And there's even been one reported case of a person contracting an MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infection – a so-called flesh-eating bug – from a phone. Now that is downright nasty!

For the most part, though, the bacteria that reside on your smartphone and mobile devices come from your own skin and mouth. It's other people's germs you have to worry about; think about that the next time you set your phone down in a public place or share your phone with someone. You're taking in their germs, as well as the bacteria they've picked up just by using their cell phones out in world. You're not only touching the phone, but also everyone and everything that phone has touched.

By Aldo Panessidi

With the announcements at the recent CES - one has to wonder - what is 2012 the year of?” Will it be SmartTVs?  Perhaps it’s the year of the interactive technology?  Or maybe it is 4G LTE smartphones that will steal the spotlight this year. As of this early date, it is Android devices that look to have the competitive advantage this year. It very well could be a great opportunity to win over mind and market share, but they need to leverage the lead before Research In Motion (Blackberry)  and Apple bring their own 4G LTE devices to market later this year.

What kind of growth are we looking at? According to DigiTimes who published 2012 estimates, Monday, they are anticipating between 4% and 5% of smartphones shipped this year will be 4G LTE capable. When reviewing their sources it is really clear that Android manufacturers are months ahead of the competition. Samsung, LG, Pantech, Motorola Mobility and HTC were named as industry players that will be launching 4G LTE handsets.

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Depending on how quickly Apple and RIM work and how effective their messaging is, the gap could be quickly closed and the opportunity lost. More specifically, there is buzz around Apple’s to-be-released products this year, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3, which based on rumor will be 4G LTE capable.

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One point this writer would like clarified is what the ramifications of this technology coupled with the race to get smartphones with the capability to  use it will be.   Will the current trend continue  pattern of “sign long-term contract with service provider, get free smartphone"?    Or will we be able to break free from this carrier imposed yoke with unlocked cell phones that will empower us to choose our preferred service provider and negotiate a service contract that best meets our interactive needs at the right price!

Only time will tell what the implications will be. At the moment, 4G LTE has not been well-explained to the public and is potentially cost inhibitive. So, without a little tweaking it may turn out to not be the year of the 4G LTE network after all.

By Mitch Stevens

Since the release of the first iPhone in 2007 I have been jail breaking the iphone. I have been caught up in conversation many times about the ability of the iPhone. When I referred to the iPhone it's often hard for me to perceive it without being able to include the many Cydia applications I use with the wonderful IOS operating system.

Many people have often looked at me as if they were very confused, and say.  What is jailbreaking? This is the single most question I am asked when discussing the iPhone. I have thought long and hard on the simplest way to explain jailbreaking to a person who does not understand what it is at all about.   To this nd, I have crafted the following jailbreaking overview So I have tried to think about this as elementary as possible to facilitate reader  understanding.

Jailbreaking allows the iPhone or other  idevices such as the iPad and iPod user more freedom. When Apple developed the iPhone in their mega-billion-dollar factories, the developers, at their own discretion determined what we could and could not do with our iphones. That is a decision , I do not agree with that in any terms.  Like many people I paid for this product with my personal money and believe  that I should be able to decide on changing its appearance or the sounds it makes when it rebooting.  Yet in  2008 or 2009 jailbreaking your iPhone was declared illegal.

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Jailbreaking allows the user to download third-party applications from a store called Cydia. In this store many developers have been denied the chance to sell their application in the  ” Apple store".    Many of the applications in the Cydia store are better applications than many I have downloaded from the Apple store.  That being said these applications are hosted on repositories which are sources in the Cydia store.  These applications have gone through a screening process as the Cydia operators are stand up characters and would not ruin their reputation by enabling  applications that are unethical or damaging to your device.

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I have often had many people argue that they were afraid to download the applications from Cydia because they weren't signed from Apple.   There is a huge open source environment on the web... wherein different developers collaborate together to create new or enhance existing application with more powerful features.  As such, just because an application does not originate from Apple it does not mean it hasn't been fully screened or the code has not gone through an extensive testing process to filter or eliminate viruses.

Many of the applications from Cydia are just small tweaks. Such as, being able to swipe the status bar to open what's called SB settings.  Inside Sbsettings you can control Bluetooth, reboot, and much more. This is just an example of some of the applications that are available in Cydia. Also in Cydia you can download themes for your idevices. What I mean by theme is you can change the physical appearance of the iPhone. Whether it’s the size of the icons or the color of the status bar and much more. Needless to say, the question, What is Jailbreaking?  could revoke a 500 page book. I'm trying to do it in just a few paragraphs. So to putt short and sweet. Jailbreaking allows the user to download third-party applications and themes.  This will allow the user to use their phone however they wish. If you want to open the settings menu by swiping the status bar, that can be accomplished. There are many great applications and tweaks inside Cydia. Since this article is about what is jailbreaking? I am going to include a few must have applications from Cydia.

Top Must Have Cydia Applications :

·        SBswitcher  a tweak for iOS which will basically add a new pane over the multi-tasking pane, which will allow you to bookmark nine of your most-used apps. Now this new pane will allow a very quick access to all your favourite apps.  This app also gives you an easy access to a few of your System Settings. Bundled with its core feature, this app is definitely worth $0.99.  Props to the developer Tolani.  He has added in the release notes that this tweak is not yet available for iPad but should be soon.

·        Activator-Free- add gestures to open application.

·        Infiniboard-$1.99Vertically scroll the springboard.  Addis many applications as you wish to each page. No limits

·        Packagebackup-$7.99 Simple way to save your Cydia application in one centralized location.  Should you need to do are store simply do so with a couple clicks.

·        iFile $4-Great way to SSH into the device without connecting to a computer.  Do things such as change icons to much more advance task.

·        Springtomize$2.99- This application has over 50 tweaks inside it.  You can change the color of status bar, size of icons, change carrier, and more.

·        Winterboard- FREE This is how you add themes to the device for changing its physical appearance.  You can also add themes to the lock screen, change reboot sounds. This application is free however many of the themes are paid.

By Megan Fleet

In my formative school years, there were always concerns of what toll hefty textbooks and toting them around in backpacks would be.  Luckily, The students of the 21st century may  not have to share in that burden with Apple's announcement that it would begin offering digital  textbooks on their iPad via its iBooks 2 app.

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Apple is setting its sights on the textbook industry - Textbooks for iPad, which became available by way of a new textbook category in iBooks 2, which requires iOS 5 and is currently available as an update to the original iBooks app, provide students with a modern, interactive replacement for conventional printed textbooks. They support multi-touch gestures and also feature dictionary look-up integration and annotation. Students can highlight text, take notes and even create virtual note cards to reference later while studying.

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The books, which currently focus on high school-level subjects but will later expand to cover the entire K-12 curriculum, can cost up to $14.99, and Apple is working with publishing companies such as Pearson, McGraw Hill, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and DK Publishing to make it happen.

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To create interactive textbooks and other digital books for the iPad, Apple has also introduced iBooks Author. The Mac application provides robust tools that let anyone build and publish interactive digital books for Apple’s iBooks store. It has the same look and feel as Apple’s iWork apps, and includes features like gallery support, 3D animation, video and interactive image support and more. Users can even insert custom Javascript or HTML5 code into eBooks using iBooks AuthorPaired with the fact that multiple universities have launched test programs for distributing iPads to students and this looks to be a recipe for success. And, when the iPad3 is released later this year, its predecessor will be that much more affordable and accessible to students.

Now we just have to worry about early-onset carpal tunnel and “texting thumb” syndromes. But even there, with the number of hands free technologies out there, students could easily address those issues as well with the simple purchase of a few key accessories. God bless innovation!

By Aldo Panessidi

Apple’s bid for the number one PC vendor spot has been in the works since the success of the Apple II back in 1984 and continued success of the MacBook According to Asymco’s Horace Dediu, that was the year the company enjoyed 15.8% market share unfortunately did not launch it into ever-sunny skies until Steve Jobs returned back to the company and brought us the iRevolution. And if Mr. Jobs was present to see this achievement, one would have to assume he would be thrilled.

A recent poll of 42 analysts conducted by Fortune shows that Hewlett-Packard will soon topple from its ranking as the number one PC vendor in the world and be replaced by Apple. Based on the spike in iPad sales in the “holiday quarter” last year where sales jumped up from 11.12 million in Q3 to 14 million in Q4. Tally up the sales from Apple’s other PC product line of Macs (which had over 5 million units sold over the holidays), and the company exceeds 20 million units taken off their hands in the fourth quarter. When calculating market share, the NorCal company trounces HP 17.8% to 13%.

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2011 could just not have been HP’s year with some serious changes to their business and product offerings. Losing the prestige of this spot could also have been facing the marketing and development machines of Apple whose growth continues year over year (never fear for those who noted the less impressive results from last month, December reports will crush expectations).

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No doubt the Cupertino company will be able to continue its crusade to win over new customers, especially with the aid of its partners and complementary accessories. No more than ever, tablets are a lightweight, flexible choice that also doubles as a media device (and a GPS, browser, stereo and any other number of functions).

Keep posted as these numbers will all be confirmed and then the post-CES month rolls around. We are in for a ride!

By John Castell

Anyone who followed the Consumer Electronics Show knows that Nokia is making some serious moves to win business and mindshare in the United States this year. The company has moved lightning fast since signing agreements with Microsoft last year with Nokia Lumia cell phones winning some great nods of approval.

Based on the announcement that Nokia will be launching its first Window mobile OS smartphone with T-Mobile in the United States, which will allow Nokia to extend market breadth and reach wider consumer base. Noted as an important part of their strategy, the next few months of product releases and announcements are bound to keep the good press rolling.

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While it does not have quite the jaw-dropping specs and capabilities as their flagship Lumia 900, which will be launching with AT&T in March…  the Nokia 710 smartphone will be available for $50.  Walmart will have it available for free with a service contract.  This will further expand Nokia’s to capture the consumers that want transition from their current feature phone to a smartphone. With these incredible deals, customers have more funds to accessorize their new handset with accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

But what will customers get with this phone? To start, it is 4G capable with a great scratch-resistant ClearBlack screen that makes for easier outdoor viewing.  Browsing is made snappy with a Snapdragon processor and makes uploading photos taken from the 5 megapixel camera a breeze (and Nokia has some impressive camera technology at work). Even gamers will be satisfied with the interactive gaming experience through Xbox Live.  Experience the mind blowing clarity of XMI Speakers.  Uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today’s interactive lifestyle.   Our earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure.

While we can’t write to the accessory options available at Walmart or T-Mobile to accompany this purchase, there are an incredible number of peripheral devices and accessories to peruse online. And if you want a Nokia phone without being tied to a carrier, we will keep you posted on any unlocked options coming down the pipeline!

By Aldo Panessidi

The furor and fervor of CES is slowly dimming after its close and industry and consumers alike now have a moment to digest all that was seen, shown and announced in Las Vegas last week. With 2011being an incredible year of innovation and development, the question of “how will 2012 compare?” spiked the excitement of this year’s convention. The result? 2012 tech is impressive.   Get complete overview of the CES manufacturer brand announcements on the 'All You Need to Know On CES 2012' blog.

From very innovative protective accessories, charging solutions, power solutions, earpieces and headsets for new tablets and unlocked cell phones, and any number of apps were brought around for our perusal in this modern-day bazaar. But which innovations took home the coveted CNET award for 2012? The readers and editors of CNET granted the Research In Motion owned QNX platform for their latest Blackberry smartphones and PlayBook 2.0 as well as for the best best car tech for its QNX CAR 2 application which will has impressive implications. Tying the mobile OS into the car keeps the consumer demand for technological entertainment at their fingertips while incorporating conversational voice recognition.

The concept Porsche Carrera demonstrates how the “one-touch Bluetooth pairing using Near Field Communications (NFC) eliminates the hassle of pairing the driver’s phone to the car. And experience how conversational voice recognition and in-vehicle controls enable drivers to use the car’s infotainment system easily and conveniently.” This could be the breakthrough innovation that breathes life back into RIM and launch a myriad of car tech and mobile  accessories.

On the smartphone front, Nokia took home the Best Smartphone award for the latest Nokia cell phone release the Lumia 900 (probably for its great interaction with Microsoft technology and adaptability with other tech accessories). Another pseudo-win for Microsoft is BlueStacks recognition for its technology that gives Windows 8 products the ability to run Android apps.

Android itself was recognized for its role in the impressive quad-core Ice Cream Sandwich ASUS Memo 370T tablet. A great alternative in the tablet market, industry spectators are bound to be anxious to see what additional accessories will be forthcoming to further enhance the capabilities of this technology.

By Aldo Panessidi

During the Nixon administration the United States did the unthinkable and moved its currency off the gold standard.  In the following decades, how we use money has continued to shift and change most notably with technology. The internet has made the world marketplace truly global and has made money again more abstract than tangible with wire transfers, online shopping, and faster payment authorizations with credit and debit cards.

This evolution of money exchange has continued with smartphones and apps. Which brings us to the pertinent launch at CES: moneto, the world’s first multi-platform mobile platform mobile wallet. Brought to us by Device Fidelity and Spring Card Systems, this service will bring NFC capabilities to any Android device such as the Samsung Galaxy S 2, the Motorola Droid RAZR and the Sony Xperia in tandem with microSD card.

The specialized encrypted microSD card has both an NFC radio and antenna that bring MasterCard PayPass technology to the gambit of Android devices out on the market. This means the capability to pay on the go and add funds to prepaid accounts with direct deposit, ACH transfer, or third party money transfer services like Western Union or PayPal.

iPhone customers also have great moneto options available to them. There is a unique iPhone protective case that will bring this same capability to iOS users sans microSD card. It is now available to iPhone 3, 3GS, 4, 4S users and retails for $80. This does include $10 in pre-loaded funds for customers to begin their fast pay adventures.

For Google Android users, the microSD card will be available in two or three weeks and be a bit easier on the wallet at $30. To take advantage of this technology, pop in the encrypted card, slap on a small NFC sticker to the inside of your battery case (this boosts the NFC signal) and transfer funds to free yourself from credit cards and make mobile payments. For Android users this also means freedom to enhance mobility and turn their device into a power tool!  Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

By Aldo Panessidi

Is 2012 the year of Research In Motion? Last year was rough for the once mighty smartphone and tablet OS company, but with its recent CES recognition for the impressive QNX car technology and now the PlayBook 2.0 something tangible to review, RIM may have some more blue skies in its futures.   View this interesting video for more insight on Blackberry's PlayBook 2.0

According to recent reports, the PlayBook 2.0 will be available in February and will make the tablet actually functional again. How? Top of the list is that native email and calendar are now included and the company has caught up with the times and integrated social media networking (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) and all of your friends posts and activities can be viewed in the Contacts Hub.

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Next, the keyboard has been drastically revamped to incorporate autocorrect and algorithmic predictive typing. That will adapt to your typing style and suggests its guess of your next typed word. Surprisingly, this tablet does feature Android apps in its App World and reviews indicate that they run as smoothly as native code.

In fact, Alec Saunders, the VP of Developer Relations, has hinted at RIM learning its mistakes from its initial PlayBook launch and are humbly making changes to bring a competitive product to market that will allow for innovation with developers, tech accessories, and other peripheral technology. This attitude change has brought valuable partnerships with EA Games and Rovio and will create a compelling story for customers.

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Added incentive for investing in RIM and the PlayBook upon its release in 2012 is its competitive pricing. At $299 it may very well be the contender it was created to be in a market dominated by Apple and to a lesser degree Android.  As more news is released on the upcoming launch, we will keep you posted on whether the body has changed drastically enough to require new protective cases purchases and how current PlayBook customers will be able to recycle their other existing  accessories.