Showing posts with label Smartphones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smartphones. Show all posts

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Next Generation Quad-Core Smartphones Compared

This year we have already seen a number of next generation smartphones from several different manufacturers, which share one particular feature in common, one that looks set to become increasingly common. This feature is the quad-core processor which provides new levels of smartphone performance which have previously not been seen before.

In this article I will look at the key features of some of these new super phones to see how they measure up against one another.

HTC One X
HTC's newest flagship smartphone is certainly the most advanced phone from the manufacturer to date. Along with its powerful 1.5GHz quad-core chip, it also has HTC's most advanced 8 megapixel camera thus far which comes with loads of innovative features in both still and video modes. The HTC Sense UI runs over the top of the newest version of Android (Ice Cream Sandwich), providing an intuitive and highly customisable interface. Despite there being no SD slot, this handset is particularly suited to music lovers with 32GB of on board storage and integrated Beats Audio, while the 7 inch IPS LCD2 screen displays content in high definition.

LG Optimus 4X HD
This was actually the first smartphone to boast a quad-core processor, and at 1.5GHz it is certainly capable of top performance. The LG Optimus 4X HD ticks all the boxes and offers several similar features to the HTC One X. An advanced LCD IPS-HD screen (also 4.7 inches) provides high definition display, and the Android ICS platform also offers plenty of customisable features and downloadable apps from Google Play. In order to store your files there is a lower level of storage at 16GB, although it does have a micro SD slot which can accommodate a memory card of up to 32 GB. A similar camera is also included, although it does lack a few of the features of the HTC handset.

Samsung Galaxy S3
The Samsung Galaxy S3 is the long awaited follow up device to the extremely popular Galaxy S2, and its popularity looks set to be matched with the new version. This is arguably the most advanced smartphone available, not just from Samsung, but on paper it also outdoes the competition in most areas. Along with an advanced 8 megapixel camera, 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 4.8 inch HD S-AMOLED screen, there are many innovations not found on rival Android devices. The most notable is S-Voice. This is similar to the Siri feature on the Apple iPhone 4S, and allows users to carry out a variety of tasks simply by talking to the phone. Also, there are new wireless sharing methods included like S-Beam, while the upgraded TouchWiz UI and storage variants from 16BG to 64GB leave no doubts about this phone's credentials.

The HTC One X and the LG Optimus 4X are some of the best smartphones out there, with features matched by very few rivals, and both are great choices. However, it has to be said that if you want the most cutting edge smartphone available, the Samsung Galaxy S3 would be my top recommendation.

Thursday, October 4, 2012 by Unknown · 0

Sunday, June 3, 2012

HTC One V - Pushing The Boundaries Of Lower Mid-Level Smartphones

Recently, HTC announced their One Trilogy handsets. They are the HTC One X, One S, and One V. The HTC One V may not have the powerful and speedy quad-core processor like its sibling the One X, but it boasts ground-breaking specs that are pushing the boundaries of lower mid-level smartphones of today.

This handset hosts powerful innards that push the expectations of smartphone users. The HTC One V is HTC's answer to onslaught of boundary blurring mid-range level of smartphones by famous Nokia and Samsung. It comes packed with 5MP shutter with 720 pixels HD Video Recording capabilities. This is also packed with Beat Audio, just like older HTC handsets.

Even if this handset is designed to fall in the shadows of high-end models and high priced handsets, the HTC One V packs an impressive and pocket blower features. It boasts a speedy and fluid user interface accompanied by strong software and hardware. All in all, this handset offers an all-round pleasant experience and is equipped with eye-candy packaging as well.

This handset is packed with 4GB worth of internal memory and you can also add more via DropBox and as much as 23 GB more free cloud storage for 2 years. You do not have to worry about setting the phone up; it is basically designed for easy and manageable set up.

HTC One V
Again, this handset is packed with a 5MP shutter and it uses 1GHz Qualcomm processor. You will also get the latest Android Iteration the Ice Cream Sandwich on this handset. There is also the phone's 3.7" display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.

This handset sports a unibody design that is famous to HTC. It has a form factor and aesthetic design arced or curved chin. This is just like the famous HTC Legend. This is also a sleek and slim handset. This is the same size as the Apple iPhone 4S. With the phone's aluminum unibody build, this is by far one of the toughest and sturdiest handset to date. It offers zero distortion or flex when under high levels of pressure. The handset weighs in at 115 grams only. With it, this handset is guaranteed of free breakages and unwanted damages. This is also a handset that can beat the famous Samsung Galaxy brood with their plastic casings.

The HTC One V follows the trend and styles of modern handsets of today. Just like its HTC One siblings (One X and One S), this handset features few physical buttons. They are the sleep/power button and physical volume control rockers.

As you can see, the HTC One V is definitely pushing the boundaries of lower mid-level smartphones of today. With this phone, you get more without having to pay more.

Sunday, June 3, 2012 by Unknown · 0

A Look At The Key Features Of The Nokia Lumia 800

The Nokia Lumia 800 is one of two new Windows powered smartphones from the popular mobile phone manufacturer. Along with the Nokia Lumia 900, it brings a new appeal to the windows phone platform, which although not as popular an iOS or Android, it is gaining momentum thanks to new releases like these. In this article I will look at some of the key features of the Nokia Lumia 800 so you can decide if it is the right smartphone for you.

The handset measures up at 116.5x 61.2x 12.1mm, so it is about average in terms of its dimensions. It is also relatively lightweight at 142 grams. The front of the handset is dominated by a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, which has a resolution of 480x 800. This is by no means the highest resolution out there; however it is high enough to allow decent display quality, meaning the handset is equally at home browsing websites as it is playing movies and photo slideshows. The screen is manufactured from Corning Gorilla Glass, which gives users peace of mind against dropping the phone, as it is unlikely to smash. Nokia's ClearBlack display technology is also included as with the Nokia N9 and Lumia 900, which is praised for its true, deep blacks which contributes to general display quality.
Nokia Lumia 800
The Nokia Lumia 800 comes with a generous 16GB of internal storage as standard. Although there is no microSD slot, and therefore no expandable storage, the 16GB should be more than adequate for the majority of users as it will comfortably store an average sized music collection, along with files like photos and videos. Also, you can easily transfer your content to and from a computer thanks to the handset's USB connectivity.

When it comes to internet browsing, the Nokia Lumia 800 is well equipped for a great internet browsing experience. Data download speeds of up to 14.4 megabytes per second are available when using a 3G connection. This means that website contents will load quickly, and streamed data such as YouTube videos will load instantly with little buffering lag.

As a camera phone, the Nokia Lumia 800 is a decent offering. At 8 megapixels, the quality of the resulting still images is very pleasing, while the process of taking them is simple enough thanks to features like autofocus and dual-LED flash and there is also the added bonus of Carl Zeiss optics, leaving no doubts about the camera's build quality.

The Windows Phone Mango OD (version 7.5) provides an intuitive, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing user interface which provides a great alternative from iOS and Android operated devices. Working alongside this is a 1.4 GHz processor. this is by no means the most powerful processor out there, but Windows powered smartphones can currently only accommodate a single core processor, so it is certainly ample enough for any task you throw at it.

The Nokia Lumia 800 has plenty of impressive features as you can see, but as an added bonus it is also a very stylish handset. Available in Black, White, Magenta and Cyan versions, it is the perfect choice for those who also view their phone as a fashion statement.

by Unknown · 0

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Huawei Ascend D Quad - For The Hardcore Smartphone User In You

During the Mobile World Congress 2012 held in Barcelona Spain, Huawei was able to impress the crowd with its latest offerings. One of these noise makers is the Huawei Ascend D Quad. This is one of Huawei's Quad-Core handsets introduced to the world via the Mobile World Congress. It is without a doubt a top of the line handset that will capture your heart. You do not have to be a geek to be able to appreciate this handset. This is truly for the hardcore smartphone user in you.

If you look at the phone's design, you will notice that it is quite familiar, to say the least. I know you're thinking of the famous Samsung Galaxy S2, because you are so right! On the other hand, this handset boasts a more conservative and thinner look than the famous Galaxy S2.
Huawei Ascend D Quad
This handset promises you a great deal of exploding features. With the phone's K3V2 1.2GHz Quad-Core processor and matching 1GB worth of RAM, you are guaranteed of a faster and smoother handset. The phone's screen is another highlight of this handset. It is packed with a 4.5" IPS + LCD capacitive touch screen. In short, you will get a lot of viewing area on this handset. This may not be an AMOLED handset but its IPS + LCD screen will take care of your viewing angles and color quality.

Huawei may be well-known for their amazing hardware productions and not so much on the software area. But luckily, Huawei ships this handset with the best and latest Android Iteration the Ice Cream Sandwich. I am sure that you are unaware of how powerful this latest Android OS is. Imagine being able to unlock your handset without touching it and by just looking at the phone's camera? That is a pretty neat feature that only the Ice Cream Sandwich can give you.

So what other features can you expect on this handset? For one, there is the phone's 8MP camera with a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels. It comes packed with dual-LED flash and auto-focus. There is also the phone's 1.3MP Front-Facing camera. If video recording is your thing, then this handset will allow you to record videos at 1080 pixels and at 30 frames per second.

There are more to this powerful handset than what I can tell you. If you are a true-blue hardcore smartphone user, then the Huawei Ascend D Quad is for you.

Saturday, June 2, 2012 by Unknown · 0

Echoer Is A Powerful New Social Networking App For The iPhone 4S

One of the wonderful things about the iPhone 4S is the sheer number of applications that users have access to via the iTunes App Store. Social networking applications are currently one of the most popular types of application with new software popping up on a weekly basis. We take a quick look at the new Echoer application, the newest social networking software for this great phone.

iPhone 4S
Many people may think that they do not have the time for another application of this type or even need one. Echoer is very different from other software as it is purely a tool for users to comment on places that they visit. This in turn allows other users to act on their recommendations and therefore Echoer is potentially a very powerful tool for the iPhone 4S. The application is very simple to use with users being presented with a map that shows their current surroundings. This is achieved by the application using the phones GPRS to pinpoint the users exact location. This map will then highlight where other users of the software have left "echoes". These echoes can be either a thought, an event or a discovery with each type having its own colour so they are easier to spot on the map. A thought could pretty much be anything that is on your mind that relates to your current location. An example of this could be suggesting trying out the new steam room at a particular gym. An event simply highlights an upcoming event such as a band playing at a bar. Perhaps the most useful area of this app is the discovery section where you can recommend restaurant meals, films worth seeing or a new clothing range in a department store. The more popular that any echo becomes the larger it appears on the map which makes it easier to quickly check out what most people are interested in.

The concept behind the Echoer application for the iPhone 4S is very good and it enables users to easily discover things about places that are near to you or even places that you are planning to visit in the future. It also allows you to share you experiences with the community and this is not only restricted to other Echoer users. The software links with both Facebook and Twitter which means that your thoughts can potentially viewed by thousands of people. This app works very well indeed and it will only improve as more users sign up and enhance the overall experience. The application was launched in Canada in February and because of the success it has achieved it has now been made available for UK iPhone users. The application is free from the iTunes App Store but at this moment in time most of the echoes that have been posted are in the London area but as the popularity of the software grows expect to see its use become much more widespread.

Echoer for the iPhone 4S is a well designed application that helps users to discover things about the world around them in addition to posting their own thoughts. As the popularity of this software grows the service will improve and provide a wealth of information about a variety of topics from traffic congestion to recommended restaurants.

by Unknown · 0

Navigation Apps Installed As Standard On The HTC One S

The HTC One S comes pre-installed with a number of navigation applications which work seamlessly with the handset's GPS functionality. In this article I will look in more detail at some of these and the benefits they provide.

HTC Locations The HTC Locations app is provided as standard on the HTC One S, and works in a similar way to the popular Google Maps application which is also provided as standard on all Android and iOS devices. HTC Locations has a number of differences though. One of the most attractive features of the app is that you can download a map for a number of different countries, which is ideal for when you are planning on going travelling. The map will be stored on the phone itself, so you do not need to stream the map over a cellular network connection which as you may know, can quickly rack up substantial charges when outside your home country. This way, you can easily find your way around your new surroundings without worrying about the cost. All that's required is to ensure that you have downloaded the relevant map for the location, and that you have GPS turned on when you are using the Locations app. To do this on your HTC One S, simply open the settings menu and tap the Locations option. From here you can then toggle the 'Enable GPPS Satellites' option on and off.
HTC One S
HTC Navigation Also included as a standard app o the HTC One S, the HTC Navigation app provides a number of similarities to the Locations app, but has the added bonus of a turn by turn navigation service. The HTC One S therefore has the ability to replace a SatNav unit, which can be quite a money saver. In fact, the Navigation app even says the names of roads, which is a feature which many standalone SatNav units lack. This feature does require a yearly subscription, however, there is a 30 day free trial the first time you use the service.

The HTC One S is the perfect phone to take advantage of these apps. The high resolution screen means that the maps look fantastic, and the sound quality is enhanced by the Beats Audio system. The phone also of course has GPS connectivity included, and as mentioned this removes the need to be connected to a data service like 3G or your network provider's coverage.

If you are planning on going travelling, the HTC Locations app is perfect. If you regularly drive to places you are unfamiliar with, the HTC Navigation service can also help. The HTC One S makes the most of these app, making it perfect for navigation tasks, and of course also offers plenty of other features which add to its appeal.

by Unknown · 0

Huawei Ascend D Quad XL - Quad-Core And Ice Cream Sandwich Handset

Huawei introduced a couple of their latest handsets during the Mobile World Congress 2012. One of them is called the Huawei Ascend D Quad XL. Huawei also dubbed their 2 latest mobile phones (Huawei Ascend D Quad and Huawei Ascend D Quad XL) as the fastest smartphones of today. Why? This is because both of these handsets are packed with amazing Quad-Core processors.

If you are seeing the Ascend D Quad XL for the very first time, then you won't be able to stop yourself from comparing this with the famous Samsung Galaxy S2. You are right, because this handset is similar when it comes to the design of the Galaxy S2.

The handset is quite light at 150 grams. It is also clad in think black plastic cover. The phone's actual dimensions are 129 x 64 x 10.9mm. It is big and yet it is quite slim for its size. But the most amazing thing about this handset is its powerful processor. We are not talking about a dual-core processor here, this phone is packed with a quad-core processor which clocks at 1.5GHz. You can say that it is pretty capable of beating famous handsets of today. The good news doesn't end there. You want to know why? Well, this is because this handset is pre-installed with the latest Android Iteration the Ice Cream Sandwich. Not only do you get the most powerful processor on this phone, you will also get the most powerful Android OS to date.

Huawei Ascend D Quad XL
Now, this handset is packed with an 8MP shutter with a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels. Its video recording capability is at 1080 pixels and at 30 frames per second. With this, you can get all of the nice and best shots while being trigger happy. The images and videos that you will capture on this handset are done with a blink of an eye. That is how powerful and fast this handset is.

Going back to the phone's Quad-Core processor, you can say that it really makes a huge difference. This is most especially true if you are used to using a dual-core or single-core mobile phone. You know how tangible it is and how it is capable of loading things quickly. This is times two in the case of a quad-core handset. It is now more responsive as ever.

So with the powerful processor and Android OS of the Huawei Ascend D Quad XL, you are guaranteed of extremely fast mobile phone processing and best Ice Cream Sandwich OS features like never before.

by Unknown · 0

The Impressive HTC One S

The HTC One S is one of the first batches of handsets that originally ships with the latest Android Iteration the Ice Cream Sandwich. It may not be as powerful as its bigger sibling the HTC One X, but it is packed with features that is capable of beating current Android rivals in the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the LG Optimus 2X. In this article, we will talk about the capabilities of this smartphone and if it can really surpass its top-selling Android rivals. Read on!

The Build - If you look at this handset, you will notice slight resemblance to the famous HTC Sensation. But on the other hand, this handset is a bit on the sexier side and it is the sexiest HTC handset to date. This handset boasts that all black finish with a bit of colored metal ring found around the phone's camera lens. Like most HTC handsets, this boasts an aluminum body with micro arc oxidation finish. This is also said to be five times tougher than the average aluminum of today. With this, you can say goodbye to buying a protective casing for this handset. It is safe and secured on its own.
HTC One S
Its Features - This handset is one of the first phones made for the Ice Cream Sandwich and the new HTC Sense 4 User Interface. If you are familiar with an Android phone, then you won't have any problem in operating this handset. You will find 7 customizable home screens on this handset. All of them can be scrolled through and you can populate your phone with widgets and apps as well. If scrolling is not for you, then you can pinch your way through this handset. The phone packs decent features in the likes of 8MP shutter with 1080p video capture capability. You will also get 16GB worth of memory on this handset. But as expected, you won't be able to expand the phone's memory. You will also get the same Beats Audio technology found on other HTC handsets.

The Mighty Screen - This handset packs a 4.3" Super AMOLED capacitive touch screen. You will find the phone's color reproduction and contrast improved like never before. Saturated reds and greens leaps right out of the phone to you, while blacks are inky and deep as well. Its sharp resolution 540 x 960pixels comes packed with a pixel density of 256ppi. Everything is fairly shard on this phone.

Powerful Performance - This may not be a Quad-Core handset like its sibling (One X), but this is capable of giving you enough power and speed that you will ever need. It boasts a dual-core processor with dedicated graphics processing prowess and a 1GB worth of RAM. With this, you can easily skip between apps without the phone slowing down or lagging on you. In short, apps will run smoothly at all times. The phone's camera functions quite impressive. It delivers quality 8MP stills and it comes with an option to snap away at a relatively high speed. You do not have to wait on your phone that long, it is now capable of shooting and capturing images in high speed.

With its powerful processor and specs, the impressive HTC One S can definitely give its Android rivals a run for their money.

by Unknown · 0

Monday, May 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 And Samsung Galaxy S3 Likely To Be Constructed With Liquid Metal

In the next few weeks we are set to see the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S3, the eagerly awaited new flagship handset from Samsung. It is widely expected that we will see the new iPhone 5 revealed soon afterwards as Apple are keen not to lose ground on their closest smartphone competitor. New rumours suggest that these two new devices will be focusing on the design of the handsets in a bid to catch the attention of the buying public.
Samsung Galaxy S3
The latest rumours to surface on the internet suggest that the new iPhone 5 will be constructed from a new liquid metal material. The iPhone 4S was the last major smartphone release from Apple and although this model was very pleasing on the eye many consumers complained about the rather delicate glass construction. Despite toughened glass being used on the front and back panel of this phone there were still numerous cases of the phone being damaged when dropped. Apple look to have taken this on board and will construct the new model from liquid metal. The use of this type of material means that the phone will not only be incredibly durable but it will also be much lighter in weight than previous versions of the phone. It is no secret that Apple currently have patents pertaining to liquid metals and in particular the materials use in the construction of mobile phones so do not be surprised if this is one rumour about the new phone that proves to be correct.
iPhone
It looks as though the Apple iPhone 5 may not be the only handset that uses liquid metal in its construction as Samsung are also looking to use the same type of material on their new Galaxy S3 handset. With several major smartphone manufacturers offering very similar technical specification on their devices the design of the phone is becoming one of the most vital aspects. Apple have always been renowned for their ground breaking styling and Samsung will be keen to ensure that their technically superior phone can match their biggest rivals when it comes to design. We may not have long to wait to see if these rumours regarding the construction of these two new devices prove correct. Samsung are holding a major event on May 3rd where it is expected that the Galaxy S3 will be unveiled. We will probably have to wait until the end of the summer before we hear such news about the iPhone 5 but certainly by the time autumn arrives we will have had a chance to see both of these devices in the flesh.

The use of new materials on the iPhone 5 is no surprise as Apple attempt to give the handset an edge over its competitors. Given the success of the Samsung Galaxy S2 it is also no shock that the manufacturers are trying to compete with Apple in this area rather than focusing on more common designs that are offered by numerous other phone manufacturers.

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Unknown · 0