When we talk about a daily driver device, we’re referring to a smartphone that’s with us no matter where we go — our primary way of communicating with the world, our most favored device which, for now, just might come as close to the perfect device as possible.
The TAG Heuer MERIDIIST INFINITE phone being shown at Baselworld 2014 may be just another overpriced luxury phone of questionable smartness, but it has one trick up its sleeve that makes it pretty freaking cool — photovoltaic charging. In other words, due to Wysips Crystal Technology, the battery charges when the phone is exposed to light — sunlight or artificial(!!!).
HTC today unveiled the HTC One (M8) – an upgrade ( 5.0 inch screen vs prior 4.7 inch screen) front facing 5 mp camera – to their premium line of Android smartphones. Touting the continued use of metal housing and breakthrough antenna technology HTC introduces a phone with 90% metal (up from 70% in the prior version).
If the error code 80C805E2 means nothing to you, you probably don’t use a Windows Phone. I’ve seen it crop up twice, with two different email addresses, and the fixes have been different for both. For my GMail, I had to delete and re-add the whole account; for Outlook, I had to wait for a text message backup to complete.
As I noted previously, I ordered the BlackBerry Q10 off contract via Amazon primarily out of nostalgia, because I think this is going to be the last widely available North American BlackBerry device with a keyboard.
It’s become a running joke that I always have to one-up my friend Helena when comparing our extended batteries at tech events. While I am certainly not consciously competing over which of us can carry the biggest battery, there is truth to the fact that I prefer larger extended batteries; the new iBatzz Battstation Optimus 20400 certainly fits this bill.
The UNICEF Tap Project is a fantastic program that challenges us all to go without our smartphones. What do we get as a reward, other than the reward of unplugging itself? Generous donors like Georgio Armani Fragrances will give one day of drinking water to a child in need for every 10 minutes we can go without our smartphones.
I’ve been eyeing the no-contract pricing on the BlackBerry Q10, and last week the non-contract price suddenly plummeted from $599 down to $399 for both AT&T and Verizon, so I bought one. As of now, the price on Amazon continues to fluctuate between $399 and $ 599 — likely because of some type of demand pricing algorithm Amazon uses.
Our readers understand the importance of connectivity, because having access to the Internet has become a huge part of our lives; that’s why we pay a fortune for mobile data plans, and then we pay even more to connect additional devices. Karma Wi-Fi takes a different approach that is less expensive and surprisingly social.
The Ventev powercell 6000+ is a 6000mAh backup battery. Featuring dual USB ports, the 1A port charges phones while the 2.1A rapid charging port will keep your tablet running. A built-in US 110 plug means you don’t need a cable to charge the battery. Best of all, Ventev powercell 6000+ is under $75.
Color Cables is an Indiegogo campaign running through midnight April 6, 2014. Their goal is to raise $20,000 with which they hope to offer cables for charging and synchronizing your MicroUSB and iOS (30 pin and lightning) devices. But these are no ordinary cables; according to the company each cable glows, is colored, and won’t tangle.
One of the things that comes up every time I leave the country is how I’ll manage data while roaming this time. In the past, I’ve paid the $120 to AT&T to get 800MB international roaming data. This trip to Mobile World Congress, I did that data package on my iPhone, but I gave KnowRoaming a try on my iPad.
With a new smartphone announcement comes the inevitable stream of new smartphone accessories. Such is the case with the new Samsung Galaxy S5 introduction at Mobile World Conference. Proporta, a British accessory purveyor has announced a new line of Galaxy S5 accessories, featuring collaborations with Quiksilver and Barbour. Check out Proporta’s full line of Galaxy S5 accessories at their website.
There is a large number of people excited about the Samsung Galaxy S5 recently announced at Mobile World Congress. With a new phone comes new cases and accessories. X-Doria has announced three cases and a screen protector. The products will be available from X-Doria’s Amazon Marketplace and for pre-order from the X-Doria website. Prices range from $24.99 to $29.99.
Samsung announced the Galaxy S5 this week at Mobile World Congress, so naturally it is time to start seeing some accessories for the new phone. iLuv has introduced a line of cases that promise to be stylish, protective and functional. There are also three screen film options ranging from $9.99 to $19.99. The cases retail from $19.99 to $69.99. Preorder at the iLuve website.
Sony knows not every consumer is on the bleeding edge of technology, but they still want a great smartphone experience. The Sony Xperia M2 is a mid-range Android product with big-time specs, from a 4.8″ screen to an 8 megapixel camera with various Sony apps to perfect every shot. Check out the hands-on video below for all the details!
Sony is showing off the accessories for their new Sony Xperia Z2 Smartphone and Tablet. Among them are a quality XY microphone, a noise canceling headset that uses the smartphone as the brains of the cancellation, a waterproof SmartBand fitness band, and a totally cool tablet remote that doubles as a handset for making calls via tablet. Check the video for pricing. Here’s a closer look at some of the key accessories.
I’ve tried the FitBit Flex, Nike Fuel, and Jawbone UP; while each fitness band had its positive points, there always seems to be something … lacking. At their event last night, Samsung introduced their Gear 2 and Gear Fit watches; one of these may be the all-in-one watch and fitness band combo I’ve been waiting for.
Sony’s new flagship, the Xperia Z2, promises to be even better than its predecessor. It’s waterproof in freshwater for up to 5 feet and 30 minutes, has 4K video capability, and a gorgeous 5.2″ screen. I’ve had some hands-on time with one, and I love the glass body and build quality. Click through for more pics and a video walk-through.
Sony has continued to struggle in many ways, yet at the same time keeps producing some amazing gear – and at MWC the trend continues. Today at MWC Sony launches new Xperia devices including the Xperia Z2, the Tablet Z2 and the mid-range M2. Each of these bring competitive prices, high-end features, slick designs and the legendary Sony build quality.
We brought word of the new Plantronics BackBeat FIT yesterday and posted a first look video. (See it.) Judie spent some time with both colors of the new stereo Bluetooth headset at MWC 2014. They look great, have nice specs and, most importantly, the sound terrific. The BackBeat FIT arrives in April but you can check out the gallery now.