By Megan Fleet

Every brand and company has its shtick, its M.O., its press friendly sound bytes. Google is no different when espousing the virtues of its Google Android operating system at each event they are able to use a soapbox and spread their smartphone evangelism. The main gospel is the Android culture of openness and the lack of limitations is to the benefit of the consumer.

This is great PR spin. And this writer truly loves a good euphemism laced with truth. So, while Android is more open that its competitors, it is comparative. When held up to open-source software like Linux, it is actually quite closed. Hence, a Hollywoodesque Benniffer moniker is bound to catch: Clopen.

At the moment, Google makes the Android OS source code available to companies and individuals to customize to their liking. Very open and transparent, non? Flip side of this coin is the Google mobile suite: Gmail, Android Market, Google Maps, and the long list of “Google” stamped functions. These are closed sourced. The double talk is confusing for customers. Especially when end users purchase a no-Market Android device. Not good PR.

Throw in the custom skins and fragmentations used by the varied carriers and manufacturers and there is a varying standard of quality for the smartphones bearing the Android and Google names. This is damaging to a brand. In fact, Marketing Land’s Danny Sullivan wrote that these quality control discrepancies are resulting in customers with outdated devices in their hands. This particular quirk can be addressed with accessories (protective cases, upgraded screen skins etc), but what is under the hood is harder to resolve.

Case in point: the latest Android OS release, Ice Cream Sandwich. Various manufacturers have hedged and speculated about when the update would be available and on what phones and what carriers (at least with an unlocked phone, the customer will have more say in to get the latest Android OS). As of right now, only one physical device has the update on it. The flagship Android phone, Galaxy Nexus. Newer devices like the DROID RAZR, DROID Bionic, and the Rezound should see the update later in 2012, but there are many others like the LG Revolution (launched only 7 months ago) that will never get the ICS upgrade treatment because of the carrier (please see above note about unlocked phones!).

Luckily for customers, the Open Handset Alliance which encompasses major US players (LG, HTC, Motorola, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T to name a few) which has pledged with Google to bring an end to fragmentation and bring the latest Android OS to devices if the smartphone release is 18 months old or younger.

By: John Castell

Is anyone else starting to get the many variations of Samsung Galaxy cell phone lineup mixed up? Clearly banking on the strong brand name, Samsung  is preening over its revamped Galaxy Ace, the oh so originally named Galaxy Ace Plus. As stated by JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics in the latest addition’s press release, “In 2012, we will continue to make every effort to create an easy and fun mobile experience by expanding our incredibly popular GALAXY smartphone line of business, which is now one of the most recognized and successful mobile brands in the world.” This is a remarkably true statement when considering the success of the Android’s flagship smartphone…  we are also hoping that perhaps 2012 will see similar success with Samsung Galaxy tablet releases.

The Galaxy Ace plus is touted to be a more budget friendly mobile device, it does not appear to be a tech junkie’s preferred handset. Using last year’s minimum specs – 1GHz processor, 5 MP camera, and 3GB memory.   Enhance your mobility and turn your 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 your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Despite Android’s release of its latest OS – Ice Cream Sandwich, this Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus smartphone still has the tried and true combo of Gingerbread OS and TouchWiz.  Moreover Samsung is marketing the Galaxy ace Plus to trendy young professional who are chomping at the bit for ICS.    Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Discover the latest innovative protection solutions… stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Something else to consider is that despite the increased screen size the resolution is actually worsened as the pixel density is decreased. This less than revolutionary device will be made available in Russia starting this month. After that launch, the newest Galaxy handset will be roll out to Europe, CIS, Latin America, Southeast and Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Africa and China. Whether this new addition will be made available in these markets as an unlocked device is unknown at the moment or when it will be brought to North American shores.

By Aldo Panessidi

Speculations that Apple would lose its steam with its loss of Steve Jobs at the helm are coming up to be nothing but hot air and competitor’s wishes.  In a survey conducted by Alpha Wise on behalf of Morgan Stanley, Apple is poised to sell as many as 190 million iPhones in 2012. No doubt, the continued strength of the brand will also lead to higher iPad tablet sales.  As always there is a plethora of accessories including bags, sleeves & cases, docking stations, micro SD memory cards and speakers as well other accessions which will continuously fly off the shelves too.

Samsung, you continue to capture us with your Galaxy cell phones and Galaxy tablets product line… next on the line in the rumor mill is a branded variant of the 5.3 inch device said to be coming to the AT&T lineup early 2012.  Samsung’s “Note” made it through the rigors of the Commission and was expected to make a US debut, but again, it’s thought to be a disappointing update: a color variant of the international mode currently available. Until 2012 consumers won’t know if these U.S. versions will be unlocked devices or again tied to AT&T.  Experience the widest online selection of Bluetooth Headsets and BlueTooth Car Kits.  Latest technology from top brand manufacturers.  Hands free functionality is designed for the interactive ‘on the go’ lifestyle  and allows safe driving

Translation can be a tricky business – remember Babblefish? These same limitations and inaccuracies are found in some smartphone applications. Luckily, there are a fair number of educational app options now available that may come in especially handy for the international traveler or language learning aficionado. Buyers beware – read user reviews and be prepared to shell out the money for a quality app. Also, high quality earpieces & headsets are a great investment to get the best experience out of the app investment.

There are definitely two sides to the coin of Research in Motion’s announcement at this week’s quarterly earnings press conference. The manufacturer informed the public that its next generation of BlackBerry smartphones will not make an appearance until “the latter part of calendar 2012.” Originally slated to hit the market in the first part of 2012, the set back could indicate that they are reviewing the recently jailbroken OS (currently on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and expected to be used on the next gen smartphones). This could be a smart move if done properly. Giving themselves time to work out bugs, regain its reputation for security, and smooth over the debacles of 2011 could staunch the business loss.

By Aldo Panessidi

Samsung is on a roll with its Galaxy line of Android smartphones, so let the good times continue to roll… The manufacturer has recently released its latest : the Galaxy S Glide. Boasting a stellar slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a camera that takes great pictures, and a surprisingly robust battery life (almost two days with regular, vigorous use!), this latest addition performs well but has its shortcomings that may be deal breakers for some consumers.  Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  The latest innovative protection solutions, stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

For the techies out there – let’s start this out with the nitty gritty details and specs.

Specs:

- Android 2.3.5 with TouchWIZ 4
- 480 x 800 pixel Super AMOLED display
- 1Ghz Tegra 2 dual-core processor
- 1GB RAM / 8GB internal storage
- 8MP camera with flash / 1.3MP front-facing camera
- 720p video capabilities
- WiFi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1 w/ A2DP, A-GPS
- 124.5 x 63.5 x 12.7mm
- 147.4 grams
- 21Mbps HSPA+ (850/1900/2100Mhz)
- 1650mAh battery

The Phone

Because cell phones have become pocket computers and as such are extremely mobile, the feel and weight of our smartphones is important to consider. The Galaxy S Glide is heftier than many others. The hard slide-out QWERT Y keyboard is bound to add some weight to the device. Depending on the user, it could be a « just right » handset, but like any thorough Goldilocks smartphone searcher keep trying them on for size.  Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories, such as stylus & pens, SD Micro memory cards, batteries, speakers and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

One thing Samsung got spot on with this device is that it is beautifully balanced when the keyboard is in use.  Get powered up for work, life and play easily and conveniently with a collection of desktop chargers, wall chargers and car chargers.   Get all the power and energy you need for the mobile lifestyle.

The camera is another bright feature on this smartphone. The optics for all of the Galaxy family of mobile devices are consitently superb. With an 8MP camera that is accurate and fast, it also features and autofocus that aids in consistently high quality shots. With this in mind, this writer does recommend a removable micro SD memory card to ensure continued good performance and saved pictures.  Experience the latest in earpieces and headsets that combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure

Performance & Software

Despite the fact that this smartphone addition is using a capable, but out of date Tegra 2, it does work well on the Android platform for smooth performance and for what it lacks in power it is stable and more worry free.   Discover an extensive selection of the latest lithium technology replacement cell phone and wireless devices batteries.  Ensure your device is powered by brand name batteries for longer operating life

Network Speed and Call Quality

So, the call quality isn’t an issue on the network, but as with the other Samsung devices, the earpiece has a lower output. Despite the noise canceling secondary microphone at the back of the phone, this fault is still noticeable in busy environs with more white noise, users may want to experiment with higher quality Bluetooth devices to improve this sound quality.

Also disappointing is the mono speaker quality. Functional for conference calls and the like, it is shrill and unpleasing. For music and other media, customers are better off using a separate media device for their entertainment usage. Discover  XMI Speakers‘ uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating  today’s interactive lifestyle.

Wrap-up

Overall, this phone may be exactly the right phone for some users because of its fit and keyboard and camera. It doesn’t wow with its processor and shiny new insides or a beautifully sleek and aethetically pleasing body, but that likely wasn’t the goal of Samsung. They clearly invested time and efforts in the keyboard and made the most of aging hardware to provide a compromise to customers with different needs. The only question left to answer is if this latest addition will be made available unlocked or what carriers it will be made available through.  let the latest in trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style!  Discover an extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection.  Make your mobile devices stand out.  Customize your look – how cool can you be?

By Aldo Panessidi

January 3, 2012

Nokia bids Farewell to Symbian!

The Finnish mobile device manufacturer, Nokia, has not found much success moving from their popular feature phones to the smartphone market. Nokia cell phone’s Symbian OS platform has proven to be no match for Android or iOS.  So, in a move that clearly shows their intention to abandon ship, Nokia is dropping the platform and renaming its latest phone Nokia Belle. This effort to catch up with its contemporaries on the technology level adds some zing to the 2012 speculation. Will the adoption of a new platform include the release of a powerful, competitive tablet?

Google Pumps the Brakes on ICS update for Nexus S

Buzz around  the Android 4.0 (ICS) upgrade has brought the anticipation level to high pitch for Samsung Nexus S users around the world. The roll out of the update began a few days ago but has been unexpectedly paused in a multitude of regions. The Google Community Manager, Paul Wilcox, let the masses know in a forum post that the update release for those regions were stopped for the moment as they needed to have feedback monitored. These customers may need to indulge in new mobile  accessories to fill the gap as they wait for their update.  Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories, such as stylus & pens, SD Micro memory cards, batteries, speakers and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

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Pricing for LTE speculated to significantly drop by 2016
New technology is always more expensive. In return, customers get to be a part of the elite club of users, show off their new toys to contemporaries, and bask in the light of innovation. And then, as it becomes more cost effective to manufacture and sell, the prices drop and the technology is made more widely available to the masses. This is the projected case for the 4G LTE networks. Industry leaders indicate that the monthly price for the zippy fast networks should drop approximately 60% by 2016. At the moment 4G LTE handsets are more costly than their 3G counterparts and the pricing structure for 4G data plans through carriers is so expensive that those users inclined to ditch their cable for the 4G will be waiting for the prices to decline even more. In the interim, customers are better served to invest their money in extra desktop chargers or top of the line Bluetooth headsets as well earpieces and headphones.

700,000 Android Devices Activated by Google daily

Google and Apple have their horns locked. Each claims to be the best. Statistics are thrown around to tout their dominance. Stats like those shared by Google’s Director of Mobile Platforms, Andy Rubin , earlier this week. According to him, Google is now seeing a rate of 700,000 unique Android smartphone activations on a daily basis. Their app, accessory, and  tablet sales are not nearly so dominant, but that may change in 2012.  More and more consumers are letting trend setting fashionable accessories express their unique style!  Discover an extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection.  Make your mobile devices stand out.  Customize your look – how cool can you be?

By Megan Fleet

When news is first released of up and coming software updates, new smartphone designs, or really mobile tech related, blogs start buzzing and consumers are on the ball. Watching to see what the manufacturers, OS companies, and carriers will do with all this… newness. Will the latest smartphone be unlocked? Will the manufacturers release cutting edge accessories with the smartphone? How will they make this technology more streamlined into everyday life?  Unlocked cell phones enable you the freedom to break free from service providers long-term locked in service plans.

When the hype dies down, the downloads have been made, and the beautiful mobile device in the customer’s hands is a little less shiny, the reports of glitches and problems come out of the woodwork. So in a now familiar song and dance routine, it is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus’ turn to step onto the stage and hear the critiques.

The first complaint on the list has to do with the multi-touch functionality of the display. Apparently some apps can cause a failure of this function. What is more disconcerting is that the issue is not resolved when those problematic apps are closed and that the loss of multi-touch functionality is seen other apps as well. The only fix at the moment is switching off the display and then turning it back on. When using in the car for satellite navigation, this particular flaw could be dangerous without a car holder to keep the device as hands free as possible.  Discover the widest online selection of Bluetooth Headsets and BlueTooth Car Kits. Hands free functionality is designed for the interactive ‘on the go’ lifestyle  and allows safe driving.

Fortunately, the causes of the issue are looking to be addressed and mitigated in a quick manner. The transition from major OS updates on smartphones can have a lagging effect on legacy apps that may not be updated to be compatible with the newest OS, causing glitches and hiccups (like this latest ICS upgrade for the Galaxy Nexus).   Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  The latest innovative protection solutions allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside our brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

The fact that the problem does persist when the apps are closed points to a more challenging problem on the operating system, but Galaxy Nexus is running version 4.0.2. These errors haven’t been reproduced on the Nexus S which is on the next OS version, so looks to be already fixed! If this particular set of flaws is a deal breaker, perhaps the Nexus S would be a better fit…

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By Megan Fleet

Some people would look at current market share distribution for Windows OS smartphones and give a shrug “meh – 2% of the market? Not a likely contender.” It is true that Microsoft hasn’t had the easiest road breaking into this new era of pocket PCs (aka smartphones), but the latest joint venture with European feature phone giant, Nokia, looks to be a step in the right direction. What would a giant step in the right direction be? Pairing up its OS with a Samsung handset. This is precisely what they have down with the Samsung i8350 Omnia W, a move that is bound to shake things up as Samsung has quickly become the Android golden child of smartphone manufacturing.  Let the latest trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style!  Discover award-wining design protective cases and skins that deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection.  Make your mobile devices stand out.  Customize your look – how cool can you be?

Time for the good, the bad, the ugly and a few ideas of rectifying some of the bad and ugly.  The Omnia W isn’t revolutionary. It’s a far sight more attractive than its predecessor, the Omnia S, but is still a midrange phone intended to compete in the North American market. Its most notable features? Powered by a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU and the Mango 7.5 OS, great battery life and screen clarity with the Super AMOLED touchscreen, Mobile Office document viewer / editor (one of the features that makes this a great buy for business professionals), and a multitude of social network integration and cloud services.   break free from long-term locked in service contract… unlocked cell phones enable you to enjoy the freedom of choosing your service provider and negotiating the service plan that best meets your interactive lifestyle.

Now for where the Omnia S is lacking… Storage (it is non-expandable and there is no mass storage), no Flash support in browser (so no streaming your favorite guilty pleasure from ABC.com while on the go), and no video support are the most notable. Luckily these are shortcomings are either addressable by purchasing external storage or SD memory cards and investing in a separate media device for shooting video and streaming Flash content.

While the Omnia S doesn’t have the most dazzling internal stats, processor, or operating system, this Windows / Samsung collaboration does hit the intended mark of being elegant, aesthetically pleasing, business oriented smartphone for the a midrange market that integrates the best part of Microsoft and Windows: ease of use. They have made social media, texting, and the new ways we communicate all integral in the People Hub and have stayed with the current “Siri” trend of voice activated commands.

On the bright side, accessories such as Bluetooth headsets, car chargers as well as protective cases and skins along with screen protectors.

For its shortcomings, there seem to be few that can’t be overcome with a bit of extracurricular accessory acquisitions and eventual Windows OS updates. As with any smartphone, this writer chalks much of it up to personal preference and how individuals use their devices. With plenty of unlocked phones, OS, and competitive carriers out there, it is a buyer’s market. So investigate the options, usage plans, and your must-haves in a mobile device and happy hunting!

Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  The latest innovative protection solutions allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside our brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

By John Castell

Android OS lovers alert! All the buzz around the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich update has become tangible! Rumors are abounding that the Samsung Galaxy SII (which is an Ice Cream Sandwich ROM) has been tied to a technology leak across the pond. The international version of the Samsung Galaxy SII will be getting an update that will wow customers: Wi-Fi calling features. There is still no news on other carriers implementing this feature with unlocked cell  phones, but the full ICS release is still further out.

As with any emerging technology, the ICS ROM has its quirks and flaws which will be worked out in the last stages of development and beta testing. But, seeing Ice Cream Sandwich in action after the many hours of speculation volleyed between the techies of the smartphone world paints anxious Samsung end-users with a promising picture. With a major upgrade (v2.3 to v4.0.01), users can generally see some major differences whether they are good, bad or ugly. Industry indicates a very seamless transition in going from one version to the next.   Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases accessories.

What customers will notice and really appreciate is the new task switcher. It will allow you to dismiss apps with a single swipe and then become a task manager. Also, aesthetics and maneuverability through the web browser were modified slightly but shouldn’t evoke emotional extremes of love and hate towards the new OS. Regardless of your take on it, lovely accessories can get you to extremes of aesthetics. The latest  trend setting fashionable cases and skins accessories express your unique style.  Make your mobile devices stand out.  Customize your look – how cool can you be?

To walk through the phone and the ICS OS, the following video is available.

If you want to download this firmware then you can do so via the provided link below.

DOWNLOAD
Password: samfirmware.com

By John Castell

Samsung has led the charge in Google Android’s mission to win the hearts and minds of smartphone users and potential customers.  The South Korean company’s Samsung Galaxy II and highly anticipated tablet have launched it to top smartphone billing in the world this year and have it poised to give the upcoming Apple iPad 3 some true competition. So when looking at its Galaxy Player 5.0 media player Samsung’s answer to the iPod touch, there were high expectations.

Compared to its playmates in the app-running, connected media player arena, we are sorry to report that this member of the Galaxy family line-up doesn’t live up to expectations. When considering that the astronomical advances made in smartphones, apps, and all of the associated technology and consumer inspired accessories, one has to ask: “what is the point of paying for a smartphone that doesn’t have calling ability?” Well, it’s for the storage that makes it a media-centric and media-dedicated device for consumers’ music, video, movies, etc.   Accessories are designed to protect, personalize and enhance your mobile devices.  Discover the latest innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories from the industry’s most leading brands

How did this particular media player measure up? 40 GB if a microSD memory  card is used as well. That is a full 24 GB less than a high-end iPod Touch. Die hard Samsung fans can always supplement this storage limitation with memory card, USBs and the like, but is something consumers need to beware.

As for aesthetics… this media player lacks the satisfying gleam and sophistication of its counterparts and also its Galaxy family members. Cheap and plastic-like with a somewhat bulky frame, Samsung missed the mark. Its physicality could be overlooked if the sound on this device was even decent. Without headphones the sound is tinny. They try to cover up the bass deficits with the headphones they include (which are decent), but use another headphone set of your choice and your eardrums and feet will be sorely let down.   Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand accessories.

The plus side is that Samsung was true to its word in regards to battery life and the hours of media play an end-user will experience. But at the end of the day, that is cold comfort for the price. Coming in at approximately $30 more than the iPod touch, Samsung will likely find few takers and a slew of excess inventory on its hands. This writer’s advice? Factor in all the costs in memory cards, USB sticks and headphones on top of below par camera, video, and sound quality. More likely than not, you are better off investing the cash in a high end, unlocked Samsung smartphone that will outperform and neatly keep all the same functionality in one pocket.

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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.

By Megan Fleet

Even with Steve Jobs gone from the Apple helm, his revolutionary, consumer-inspired products continue to be hot on the market. Upcoming releases start the buzz early on and steadily grow in intensity… resulting in a resounding drone by the time the product actually arrives in Apple stores and the Occupy Apple Store participants can open their deceivingly simple boxes and lovingly put their new toys in their designer cases.   Discover the latest Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod and MackBook accessories

With the iCult in full force, be prepared to be inundated with news of the next generation iPad tablet that is rumored to be released between mid-March and mid-April of next year. A skeptic may ask “How do they know this?” Well. As of now this news is being cited as an anonymous source in Apple’s component supply chain by DigiTimes. The second generation iPad still has high production (in the 14 – 15 million unit range for 2011’s fourth quarter).  But come January, Apple will significantly drop its orders to suppliers to somewhere in the 4 to 5 million range. The supplier that gives its name and solid credence to these reports is Foxconn who has indicated that in the first quarter of 2012 they will build 9.5 – 9. 7 million iPad 3 units.  Protect your Apple devices with innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories from the industry’s most leading bra

So with all this talk of production, what will be new with the next iPad? Well, as of now, this next Apple tablet is said to be a bit thicker than the iPad 2 which would leave room to include a high resolution Retina Display. Earlier speculation thought the next generation iPad would launch in February, but this latest news from suppliers clarifies matters. It remains to be seen if this difference in size will affect the versatility of accessories.  Enhance your mobility… turn your device into a power tool.  Discover select accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Because of the exclusive BGR report last week which stated Samsung’s timeline in revealing its new tablet at the Mobile World Congress in February. This new Samsung tablet may give the newest addition to the Apple family some genuine competition as it will be featuring a Retina-topping display resolution as well.

Translation? Samsung will have a first to market tablet with the Retina-topping screen. Likely to capture some market share and give Apple its first “run for its money” in the tablet sector.

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.