By Aldo Panessidi

As a typical profile... mobile consumers are highly socially engaged, remain continuously connected and rely more and more on their both carrier based or unlocked smartphone's features and applications on a daily basis.

Smartphone penetration has seen a meteoric rise, spiraling from just 18% in late 2009 to 44% in October 2011.  A recent 'State of the Media: The Mobile Media Report'  conducted by Nielsen indicates that 64% of 25-34 year olds and 53% of 18-24 year olds own a snmartphone and have led in smartphone penetration compared to every other age group since 2009.  The individuals in these generation groups also understand that mobile accessories are designed to protect, personalize and enhance your mobile devices.

Some of the more popular smrtphones include the iPhone4s, Blackberry bold 9900, Samsung Galaxy S II and the Motorola Droid Razr.   Apple is the top smartphone manufacturer by operating system with 28.6% of the market followed by Blackberry and HTC at 17% and 158% market share respectively.  Android outdistanced every other smartphone platform with an ever-growing 42.8% market share... leading Apple iOS at 28.6%, Blackberry at 17% and Windows at a paltry 5.3% market share

The top market leaders are also currently jockeying for top position in the tablet market... with Apple iPad 3, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10, Blackberry PlayBook and  the Motorola Xoom.  Enhance your mobility... turn your device into a power tool.  Discover the select accessories, such as, stylus & pens, data cables, batteries, SD micro cards, desktop chargers, earpieces & headsets as well as glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Currently, Android leads all other platforms in every age group, followed by a strong showing from Apple iOS.

Although penetration of Android OS and Apple iOS smartphones tend to be slightly higher among those 18–24 and 25–34, older audiences are beginning to own devices previously dominated by younger groups.

By, Megan Fleet

Any guy or gal on the dating scene will emphasize the importance of first impressions. Let's be honest, shopping around for our tech toys and gadgets is a lot like a first date. Good lines? Nice feel? Good fit? Dressed to impress with personality enhancing mobile accessories?

So when checking out the latest Motorola tablets, the DROID XYBOARD 8.2  - it quickly caught our attention and is worth the classic “pros” and “cons” list. In tablet-speak, the physical dimensions are nearing ideal at 8.2 inches. What should have been a beautiful fit in portrait orientation, Motorola made the decision to push a landscape orientation. This strange preferential treatment of landscape is also clear in the Motorola XOOM as well. When hand held,it is a more uncomfortable silhouette to handle than the portrait.  Choice of protective case may make a difference in comfort level, but that is a matter of personal preference for consumers. Protect your tablets with the latest innovative fashion design protective bags, sleeves and cases collection.

But, when held in portrait the black bezel is almost too narrow for comfort. Where is the Goldilocks medium? Luckily, the svelte, light size of the tablet negates usage fatigue in the end-user. In fact, the tapered edges, thin body, and overall lightness really make this tablet incredibly attractive.  Enhance your mobility... turn your device into a power tool.  Discover select accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

As any fashionista, this writer will own up to wanting to see equally attractive protective covers, cases, and the like to dress up this tablet. For the home, would like to see other accessories, such as , stylus & pens, docks, chargers, data cables, earpieces & headsets that integrate this kind of purchase into day to day living.

What’s more, the price point for this beauty is enticing at about $249). Agreements with Verizon are available for greater discounts on the device, but as always, look into carrier options and contracts as the long term cost seriously outweighs the upfront additional costs on the device.

Worthy of a second date? Likely. Do your homework and be comforted in the fact that the tablet market is ever growing and not nearly as exclusive / tied to carriers, so your choices are varied!

By Megan Fleet

While the reign of carrier-dedicated smartphones is still in effect, the is a ever-growing contingent of rebel consumers wanting to liberate themselves from the typical long term high cost service contracts only offered by unlocked cell phones. Alas, with this rather feudal system still imposed on consumers, market analysts and watchdog agencies alike continue to monitor and gauge consumer spending and behavior trends what devices will be top sellers this holiday season..

Analyst Mike Walkley and his team ran the numbers - no surprise that Apple’s iPhone 4S came in as the best-selling smartphone across all carriers November. The Samsung Galaxy S II is gaining in popularity and the increase in sales reflects it. The inspired handset was November’s top-selling smartphone at T-Mobile and rocketed to take 2^nd place at AT&T and Sprint. The Motorola DROID RAZR is also worth mentioning for its 2^nd place showing at Verizon - this writer loves the Gorilla Glass on this handset for us clumsy smartphone owners – iPhone users must have protective cases with the very shatter-prone glass.  Data is still being compiled for the BlackBerry 9900 Bold.

To explain the continued sales strength of the iPhone 4S, Walkley explains “strength continues as distribution increases – our November checks indicated iPhone sales remained strong in the US, particularly at ATT&T and Sprint. Further, our checks indicated global share gains.” Global numbers will only grow with Apple introducing its darling to huge markets this December: China, Brazil, and Russia. Analyst also predict a strong consumer and market acceptance for tablets... in particular the Apple iPad 3G, Samasung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom, HTC Jetstream with the BlackBerry PlayBook bringing up the rear.

Paired with the analyst’s report of the apple iPad2 retaining its billing of “world’s top-selling tablet,” this news is great for online retailers. Designer protective cases & bags, skins, stylus & pens, and even screen protectors are hot must-haves that the global consumer will jump on. Thanks to the world wide web and globalization, their online shopping options seriously opens up their ability to customize their devices with accessories.

Unfortunately, good news for Apple and Samsung does not translate into good news for their competitors. RIM and HTC, both who have seen their sales and product demand decrease after the iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S II launches. With negative reception of product pre-announcements by both RIM and HTC, a little rebranding, positive press and innovative accessories and technology developments are in order.

The holiday race is far from over though and the unlocked smartphone consumer market could easily help make up the difference for these lagging device manufacturers. Something we hope they keep in mind when brainstorming a comeback.

By Aldo Panessidi

Before October, the casual smart phone consumer was likely blissfully unaware of the existence of a company by the name of Carrier IQ. Thanks to researcher Trevor Eckhart, it has come to light that the stealth software company is recording keystrokes, SMS messages and other information and possibly reporting the data back to their servers. Carrier IQ’s response? Issuing a cease and desist letter to the whistleblower, Eckhart, and releasing a media alert dismissing the accusations saying that they are “not recording keystrokes or providing tracking tools.” Enjoy the freedom brought about by unlocked phones... which allow you to choose not only the service provider but the plan that best meets your lifestyle needs.
The potential privacy contagion is rumored to be limited to certain smart phone OS’s, so be an informed consumer and review all your mobile device options. The best part is the great offerings and releases of new phones and from Apple, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola, HTC and everything in between during the holiday season! This Holiday Season - protective accessories solutions make excellent and greatly appreciated stocking stuffers.

And to end on a high note, legislation may be in the works to bring greater data equality and accessibility to all Canadians. Christian Paradis, the Minister of Industry, recently made significant remarks at the International Institute of Communications Canada Conference in Ottawa that rolled out “an update on measure taken to support the digital economy in Canada […] Canadians should receive the same services wherever they live.” The implications of this could be huge, ending regional monopolies by carrier based on tower service areas. Putting the power of choice back into the hands of the consumer who could better take advantage of unlocked mobile devices creates a competitive environment to drive technology and affordable, customizable plans. Music to all Canadians’ ears!

By Aldo Panessidi

After some challenges with a first generation tablet, Motorola is unleashing its Xoom 2 in an attempt to garner a greater share of of the tablet market.  At the moment Apple’s iPad is undeniably dominant and synonymous with “tablet.”

Armed with Honeycomb platform, the first edition Xoom was the first to market for the Android OS tablet. Based on industry reviews and tepid sales, Motorola may have been better served by taking its time developing a tablet that could better compete with the competition that was right on its heels.  The Xoom contemporaries (such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1) stole the show with their faster speeds, sleeker look, and just plain sexier.

So has Motorola taken notes? It appears so. Xoom2 is indeed faster, sleeker, and generally less cumbersome (slimming down from 1.5 lbs to an oh-so-svelte .22 lbs). Scrapping the original screen, the reincarnated version boasts a Gorilla Glass-coated IPS screen that delivers 178 degree viewing angles (a la Droid Razr which is a dream to hold). Beware the copious smudges. Carry a cleaning cloth - an easy accessory to pick up with your additional tablet protective accessories.

There are micro-HDMI and mico-USB ports and the ease of multi-media integration is lovely, but they seemed to forget an SD option entirely. Storage limitations are also a consideration with 16 GB limit at the moment-  to appease customers concerned with gigabytes, check the other tablet options to meet your unique needs.  Enhance your mobility... turn your device into a power tool.  Discover our select electronic  accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich

The Xoom2 may very well be the perfect tablet for some consumer’s... who can optimize device efficiency with  stylus pen accessories, glider gloves for touch screen, extended battery life, and other fun gadgets. But, like any major purchase, it is best to do the research and take a few contenders out for a test drive.

Unfortunately, this market shifts at breakneck pace and has little room for manufacturers who can’t keep up and innovate and Motorola’s Xoom2 doesn’t quite meet the cutting edge quota (especially when considering cost and a dual-core).  When compared to tablet industry darlings that flaunt a quad core and a perfect marriage of technology and beauty… Xoom2 loses luster.

Check out this engadget video on the Motorola XOOM 2
Click here to view the video

To summarize the Xoom 2 is a stylish successor to the original Honeycomb tablet. The build quality is much improved, and Motorola is on the right track with those oddly shaped corners and built-in IR emitter. There has been an explosion in Honeycomb tablets since the first Xoom launched, and while the sequel does plenty right, it isn't enough to claim the head seat at the Android tablet family table. Fortunately, the Xoom 2 has bypassed Moto's tendency to over-tinker with the core Android experience on its phones, resulting in a pretty reliable tablet, although it still behaved erratically with video content.  View the innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories from the industry's most leading brands

By Megan Fleet

In an era where patents are sold and bought  like commodities in lieu of protecting intellectual rights;  and where mall innovators are snapped up for their technological visions and execution, - HTC is a wonder to behold.  The rising star of the smartphone world has « arrived. »

Ten years ago HTC couldn’t even be considered a boutique cell phone to set yourself apart from the mundane crowd of Motorolas and Nokias. It was, however, a company earning its chops manufacturing hardware for Windows Mobile-powered devices for household names like Compaq and XDA.  Now HTC is manufacturing the Raider, Amaze and Desire line of cell phones coupled with a plethora a innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories

HTC's big break came in 2008 : with the Android. The Dream and G1, which launched the brand into the periphery of the ever growing smart phone consumer market.  Its years as a technological innovator for Windows helped carve a niche and secure a market notoriety for cell phone and mobile accessories.

The following video provides an excellent account of The Quietly Brilliant Story of HTC

Throughout the years there has been escalating competition in particular from Samsung cell phones.   But as any good capitalist knows, a competitive environment spurs creativity and innovation. And, as any informed consumer knows, also keeps costs competitive thanks to vendor agnostic retailers such as puremobile.com where the buffet of unlocked cell phone and mobile devices can be sampled, reviewed, and easily paired with practical yet fun wireless accessories.

HTC is an underdog with elegant and smart technology that marries performance and beauty into something intuitive and tangible for a memorable end user experience. Translation? HTC is a rising star .  They may have lost the dominant Android market share to Samsung but the recent performance and successes of Sensation and EVO 3D will pair with upcoming jewels like the Ville and sharp music accessory bundles (without the proprietary encumbrance of Apple’s iTunes) for a bright 2012.

Accessories make great stocking stuffers for the tech savvy Android aficionado in your life, take a gander at some great holiday accessory deals at puremobile.com!

PureMobile your one stop shop for cell phone and mobile device accessories

Discover wide selection of top quality, innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories from the industry's most leading brands.

The Hottest Brands · The Coolest Products · The Lowest Prices

PureMobile has an accessory solution for every lifestyle.... This is personal. This is you. This is  Shopping Simplified.

Aldo Panessidi

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are typically two of the biggest shopping days of the year, and as consumers continue to use mobile devices more frequently to make online purchases, 2011 is shaping up to be huge for online shopping. A new study from ad network InMobi found that an estimated 60 million people will use a mobile device for online bargain-hunting this coming Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and 21 million of them will make purchases on their devices and associated mobile accessories.

Typical deals are shoppers looking for

A new survey found that Black Friday bargain hunters will be on the lookout for tablets more so than any other mobile device next Friday. Among those polled, 32% said they would be hunting for a Black Friday deal on a tablet and tablet accessories this holiday season. 25% of respondents said they would scout for deals on HDTVs, 24% said they would be looking for deals on laptops and laptop accessories with the remaining 19% plan to hunt for deals on smartphones and cell phone accessories this Black Friday.

Holiday Gift Wishes

When asked about the one gadget respondents would most like to receive as a gift this holiday season, tablets and tablet accessories dominated yet again. Apple’s iPad and Amazon’s Kindle Fire were tied atop the list, each having been named by 10% of those surveyed. Smartphones and related cell phone accessories filled the No.2 spot with 9%, HDTVs were mentioned by 8% of respondents and laptops and digital cameras were tied with 6%. Only 4% of those polled said that an Amazon Kindle eReader was their ideal gift.

Accessories such as covers, cases, skins, earphones, headsets, chargers and batteries make nifty and inexpensive stocking stuffers.

Now SAVE 20% OFF all phone and mobile accessories during our exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale!

PureMobile provides an accessory solution for all lifestyles.... come discover the freedom of our unique Shopping Simplified experience.

Written by: Aldo Panessidi

It's the most explosive development in the tablet market since the release of the original iPad and the latest apple tablet the iPad2. The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire represents a major shot across the bow at Apple, according to a new ChangeWave survey which primarily targeted North American consumers.

According to ChangeWave demand for tablets this holiday season is three (3) times higher than for the same period last year.

It seems that today, shoppers have broadened their tablet interest from to include the Kindle Fire from Amazon... you can view more in this consumer demand survey

The more interesting stat, perhaps, is that more than a quarter of respondents in ChangeWave’s survey who confirmed an imminent Kindle Fire purchase said they would buy the Amazon tablet in place of an iPad.

“Tablet providers (Iconia, Xoom, Flyer, Galaxy Tab, PlayBook, etc) have failed to gain appreciable traction against iPad’s 67% market share, and iPad 2 should be a popular holiday purchase,” indicated officials at ChangeWave. “However, strong early Fire uptake seems likely, raising speculation Apple now faces a real tablet contender. Survey data says 26% of likely Fire buyers (i.e. of the 5%) say they will delay/put on hold iPad buying. Sustained Fire uptake and ‘buzz’ will depend on consumer/reviewer reactions to Fire’s user experience.”

Moreover, when asked if they intended to purchase a tablet in the next 90 days, 14% of the 3,043 North American consumers surveyed by ChangeWave said yes. Only 6% said they intended to purchase a tablet in a similar survey conducted in August, and just 4% intended to purchase a tablet in November last year. ChangeWave’s new survey also found that 65% of respondents intended to purchase Apple’s iPad 2, while 22% were eying the Kindle Fire. Only 4% of respondents intended to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and no other tablet vendor garnered more than 1% of interest among those polled.  We expect consumers that want protect and personalize their devices to  invest in most fashionable and trendy tablet accessories with the latest technology to enhance functionality

“The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire is turning out be a real competitive threat to Apple, who until now has almost completely dominated the tablet space,” ChangeWave said. “But the most immediate impact of the Amazon device is on the rest of the competition, where the survey shows it wreaking a devastating blow to a range of second tier tablet manufacturers, including Motorola, RIM, Dell, HTC, H-P and Toshiba.”

Amazon’s tablet may end up helping Apple in the long run. “The ChangeWave survey shows the Amazon Kindle Fire is going to leapfrog the competition and become the number two product in the tablet market, as long as it can provide a quality user experience,” ChangeWave said.

The Motorola RAZR SmartPhone is here! True Next Generation Mobile [R]Evolution - Faster. Thinner. Smarter. Stronger

But why was Eric Schmidt spotted using what looks to be a BlackBerry?

Author: John Castell Jr.
Editor: Aldo Panessidi

You can clearly see this in the following images from Engadget. One would think that Eric Schmidt would have learned his lesson after having made the same snafu - when he was caught earlier this summer using a non Android phone.

Special thanks to MHI for the images

Picture 1: Eric Schmidt - sitting next to Marni Walden, Verizon's chief marketing officer

Picture 2: Eric Schmidt - caught using the BalckBerry 9900 Bold... Is it a faux pas? Or his the power of Google taken over Eric Schmidt's better senses?

The Motorola DROID RAZR Review Round Up

The new Android 2.3 powered MOTOROLA RAZR is the total package! Running the latest Android OS 2.3.5 Gingerbread - Motorola promises that the RAZR will even outperform the iPhone 4S.  The mind blowing power of the DROID RAZR's dual-core processers delivers more mission critical business and communication services.  Whether in the light of day or dim of night, hyper–vibrant colors keep everything looking beautiful on the Super AMOLED Advanced 4.3" display.  The RAZR can even stream music, pictures and more at your beck call - anytime, anywhere - from your home or work computer.  What's more, the RAZR is armed with Kevlar for strength and because a phone this arresting deserves protection Motorola is coming out with trendy phone accessories.  You can get more information on the DROID RAZR at http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_droid_razr-4101.php

Make heads turn when you embellish and personalize your RAZR with authentic Motorola phone accessories. Motorola is launching its with a wide assortment of cool DROID RAZR phone accessories to make your RAZR as unique as you are. From lapdocks to headsets to portable power packs and wireless keyboard - impressive accessories designed to further compliment it's huge processing power. Including protective phone accessories that are sure to impress! Here is a link where you can find the coolest branded phone accessories at the lowest price.

Motorola DROID RAZR is [r]evolutionizing the mobile and communications industry - offering dual core processors similar in power and functionality to those currently found in brand name NetBooks.   One of the most interesting phone accessory is the Lapdock 500 Pro - which enables users to dock their  smart phone and start employing it like an ordinary computer; with a full size keyboards  and up to 14” display.   Click on http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Fact-Sheets/Motorola-Lapdock-500-Pro-Fact-Sheet-3868.aspx for more information on the lapdock.

In addition to the lapdock, Motorola is releasing numerous trendy phone accessories such a wireless keyboard, HD Station and HD Dock, Vehicle Navigation Dock, P893 Portable Power Pack, Universal Travel Charger and Elite Silver Bluetooth Headset .   Pure mobile offers a full range of Motorola phone accessories.

Motorola is outdistancing the competition with the launch their new patented nanotechnology called Splash Guard.  This thin transparent layer coats the entire phone with exception of the screen.   Splash Guard as the name infers is designed to repel water and moisture, saving your phone from crippling  short circuits and other moisture induced operating problems.   Motorola tested their Splash Guard technology in up to 1 meter of water - with total success.  So feel free to use your phone in the pouring rain.

Motorola is also cognizant of well being and fitness through their revolutionary MOTOACTV platform.  Sold as a separate product - MOTOACTV employs its own 600mhz processor to track your heart rate, time, distance, speed and calories burned.   Individual functions track your indoor/outdoor running, walking and cycling from the use of stationary bikes, treadmills as well as elliptical and step machines. For your outdoor activities, MOTOACTV provides an inherent GPS System; with an audio coach that ensure your on the right road and heading in the right direction.

Motorola MOTOACTV is a separate product, With separate tracking functions to individually tracking your indoor / outdoor running, walking and cycling. As well as tracking for stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical and step machines. For all your outdoor activities, the MOTOACTV even has a GPS system to track your routes. While you’re constantly on the move you’ll have an audio coach that gives updates and keeps you moving.

With a capacity to hold up to 4000 songs and an FM radio - Motorola’s MOTOACTV,  allows you to listen and stay up to date on the latest hits.  Moreover ,  you can sync your MOTOACTV with your DROID RAZR so that you can answer calls with your MOTOACTV and be fed through the same Bluetooth headset.

Whether your business, or just an individual trying to stay in shape. Motorola will be ready to enhance your world coming this November 2011.

Make sure you visit this link http://www.puremobile.com for all you cell phone and wireless devices accessory needs

You can view the entire Motorola Droid RAZR Faster. Thinner. Smarter. Stronger. event liveblog!  By Brian Heater at this link:  http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorolas-faster-thinner-smarter-stronger-event-liveblog/

AT&T has officially announced their lineup for the upcoming holiday season with android phones. It appears that they have five new phones that they are going to be introducing to the marketplace. As with all other carriers the next couple of months will be crucial for sales and getting an increase in their subscriber count. The following is a quick summary of the phones they plan to release shortly.

Unlocked Samsung Captivate Glide

This new phone unlocked Samsung Captivate Glide has QWERTY keyboard functionality and is a 4G capable android-based smartphone. It comes with a 1GHZ dual core processor and has a 4 inch super Amoled screen. It comes with an 8 megapixel camera and a staple of doing video at 1080p.

Unlocked Samsung Doubletime

For those of you who like to do texting and multitasking should be happy with the release of the Samsung Doubletime unlocked. It has a dual interface that allows you to use the touch screen and comes with a full flip out keyboard. The phone runs on android 2.2 and comes in a pink and white color scheme. The camera on the phone is 3.2 megapixels and is capable of doing voice-recognition for simple tasks. For those of you that like to use social networks, you'll find this phone to be a good option for you.

Unlocked Motorola Atrix 2

Unlocked Motorola Atrix 2 is  probably the most powerful of the upcoming releases yet still has an affordable price point. It is capable of handling 4G speeds which provide easy access to music and video online. The phone is able to capture video at a full 1080p and has a 4.3 qHD high resolution display.

Rounding out the other two releases is the AT&T Avail and the Pantech Pocket. Specifications of these phones are set to be available shortly and we anticipate they are going to be a run-of-the-mill android-based smart phones offered at a cheaper price point. Let's hope that this lineup of phones make the holiday season for AT&T successful.