Tech 21 Century » Mobile Phones

HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio

BlogAdmin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:48:32 +0000

We all listen to music on our phones these days. Funnily enough there was a time not so long ago when this was considered a big thing and most phones weren’t cut out for music playback or could only hold a couple of songs. Ever since the iPhone we have all expected to have iPods or decent MP3 players on our phone and HTC is hoping to lift that notion up a notch with the new Sensation XE.

The Sensation XE is a collaboration between HTC and the now HTC owned company Beats Audio – set up by Dr Dre. The company is renowned for making headphones for the street with an orientation towards bass. These headphones are at the top end of the scale with more street cred than Bose, but with a set up orientated towards urban and beat styled music.

The HTC Sensation XE is a phone based on the original HTC Sensation that was launched a few months back. The XE comes with a number of radical improvements that in our opinion have transformed the phone from a good phone to a great phone and certainly one worthy of your money as much as the Samsung Galaxy SII.

The phone comes with a pair of Beats in ear headphones which are by far a greater attempt at music playback than most other kinds of headphones bundled with phones. This means the device offers the Beats bass experience. The new Sensation also comes with Beats software on the phone which helps create the effect and makes an overall more complete music player than the software which is bundled with most HTCs.

We found the Beats audio to be easily turned on and off and to provide excellent soundscapes for urban beats and music that had that orientation. More mid-range timbres were drowned out to an extent but we did love the idea of the Beats audio. The phone can also be used with normal headphones, though the software doesn’t work with normal headphones – a bit of a negative. What is worse is that Beats headphones cost a princely sum, which can also be a bit of a negative.

The Sensation comes with a dual core 1.5GHz processor making it one of the fastest smartphones ever created, allowing it to take care of the most impressive of applications or the greatest levels of multitasking. This processor offers a great deal more speed and performance than the original Sensation, which was underclocked to 1.2GHz, even though the XE comes with the same 768MB RAM.

The device also keeps the best features of the original including the qHD screen that really looks the business indoors, offering amazingly detailed images and which is excellent for browsing. It may not be quite as good as the Super AMOLED Plus screen of the Galaxy SII, however it is still excellent. The phone also comes with the wonderful Sense 3.5 on top of the same Android Gingerbread found on the original Sensation.

This new Sense 3.5 doesn’t change things massively, however it does create a sleeker feel to the phone and the device is a little bit prettier because of it. The animations and other little things that give the HTC its own feel are better than ever and this really works well with the power.

The phone also looks that bit different from the original. The device is still milled from one piece of aluminium, though it now comes in a black and red livery and looks all the better for it. The new colours have given it spark and aren’t gaudy as many smartphones can be. The phone gets a red ear piece and a Beats logo on the back and it is all tastefully done.

Now, the Beats audio is also all about substance and a bit of style too. The phone gets new earphones, which are excellent and wonderful Beats software, which really makes the phone that bit better overall adding to the3 sum of its parts. The audio sensation is great and the bass abilities of the device are great thanks to the excellent cans and the nice software.

Overall this is a rare triumph of style and substance and the Sensation XE is an excellent device.

HTC Sensation XL

Delay of the iPhone 4S Caused a Drop in Smartphone Sales

BlogAdmin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:55:23 +0000

The popularity of smartphones cannot be underestimated. Almost ubiquitous around the world, whether Apple, Android or Windows daily life is geared around sharing information, texting, tweeting and snapping pictures. So could it be possible that their popularity is actually waning? That was the fear of manufacturers earlier this month when for the first time since they came on the market quarterly unit sales of smartphones dropped.

However it seems that the reason was the delay of the iPhone 4S, rather than a drop in enthusiasm amongst consumers Analysts say consumers were expecting a summer launch of the new iPhone product and therefore held off on buying a new smartphone. Much of the anticipation and expectation centred around a new iPhone 5. Yet, expecting a game changer, or at least a device that had the potential to turn their heads, consumers slowed buying smartphones in the third quarter of the year, waiting to see what Apple would produce.

The revelation is great news for Apple, and despite concerns raised that the iPhone 4S does not quite match some of its Android counterparts in the market, like the Samsung Galaxy II for example. It is a worrying blow for Android manufacturers and their new Android handsets launched over the same period, as these were seemingly not enough for consumers to buy on spec, as they waited to see whether a new Apple smartphone would be a better buy.

It does serve as a timely reminder that while Android now holds the upper hand in the smartphone OS stakes, when it comes to individual handsets nothing comes close to the market-altering power the iPhone commands.

Indeed the success of the iPhone 4S in just its first weekend have proved it to be the most popular smartphone yet. Over four million sales were made in just the first few days, breaking the record set after the launch of the iPhone 4. Across the globe, queues and registers of interest have showed that, despite falling off in terms of the competition and the standard laid by other Android devices, there is still staggering demand for a new Apple product.

One of the manufacturers hit most severely by the popularity of the iPhone 4S is RIM. News suggests BlackBerry smartphone users, instead of purchasing more BlackBerry phone deals, are turning to Apple. Tech analysts suggest that moving from BlackBerry to Apple makes an easier transition as the Android operating system can be confusing for someone who has not used it before. Others had suggested Apple directly targeted BlackBerry users, launching features like iMessage on the iPhone 4S in direct competition with the hugely sought after BlackBerry Messenger. The international outage at BlackBerry which affected users earlier this month caused a lot of anger and frustration, which could have led some, coming to the end of their contracts, to decide to look elsewhere.

Apple might have worried that their devices were not as popular as they might once have been, with the widespread criticism leveled at the iPhone 4 over the antenna and the increased demand for Android devices which has increased in 2011. However the success of iPhone 4S contracts should put their mind at ease. It might not be as good as some other smartphones on the market, and it may have to contend with a new Android operating system before Christmas, but Apple still commands tremendous sway in the marketplace.

The Galaxy Nexus versus the Motorola Droid Razr

BlogAdmin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:42:55 +0000

Within just ten hours of each other, two new smartphones were announced aimed at knocking the iPhone 4S off its perch. Samsung and Google unveiled the Galaxy Nexus deals, the latest in its highly successful and popular Galaxy series which is the first handset to run Android 4.0, and Motorola launched its new Droid Razr deals. 2011 has been the year of Android, largely thanks in part to high quality devices like the Samsung Galaxy SII and the Sony Xperia range. Android now accounts for 40% in market share, with many smartphone users suggested their specs and style are much better than Apple devices and Windows phones.

In terms of specification and looks, the Nexus appears to win. The Nexus is huge with a 4.65 inch 1280 x 720 pixel resolution screen compared with the Droid’s 4.3 inch qHD 960 x 540 pixel resolution touch screen. The Nexus’ Super AMOLED curved screen is designed to make images and video look crystal clear and its shape is aimed at making it ergonomically easier to hold and use whether texting, typing or making a call. In terms of looks, the major selling point of the Razr, unsurprisingly, is its size. At 130.7 mm by 68.9 mm by 7.1 mm it is incredibly small and incredibly super skinny, undoubtedly one of the smallest smartphones on the market.

Underneath the bonnet, in terms of operating systems there will be more excitement surround the Galaxy Nexus thanks to its status as the first handset to run Android 4.0. The Droid Razr runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. Although the new Android OS, named Ice Cream Sandwich, will be rolled out on different devices, the nexus is the first one to run it without any other software, and illustrates a growing partnership between Google and Samsung. With new features like Face Recognition and an option to set and monitor data usage it should feel faster and with a smoother service. In terms of power, both possess a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB of Ram. The Razr has 16GB of internal storage, the Nexus is available with both 16GB and 32GB. The Razr also offers 4GLTE, where applicable with its carrier.

Where some fans might be disappointed with the Nexus is in terms of its camera. While like other smartphones at the top end of the market, the Razr has an 8 megapixel camera that supports 1080b video. While the Nexus supports the same HD video quality, its camera is only 5 megapixels, even lagging behind the iPhone 4S which upgraded from the previous generation to an 8 megapixel. The front of the smartphone has a 1.3 megapixel camera. As the handset is such a centrepiece of the Android 4.0 launch it seems strange that it would carry a camera so much weaker than its rivals.

Android has had a phenomenal year. Even the success of the iPhone 4S will not dampen that as the increased popularity of the Apple product appears to be taking business from Research in Motion’s Blackberry rather than from Android devices. That two such potential industry leaders should come on the market so close after the launch of Apple’s new smartphone illustrates the desire for Android manufacturers to keep developing new ideas and designs to keep consumers happy suggests their success could run into 2012. Whether those with the Galaxy SII will upgrade straight away, or will simply wait for an Android 4.0 update on their own device remains to be seen. The immense popularity of the SII could be the only thing to dampen the Galaxy Nexus’ welcome; expectation is very high. Motorola has continued its focus on creating an innovative and eye-catching style that is in line with its other devices. It is also an powerful smartphone more than capable of holding its own in the market. For tech nerds, the Nexus will edge it slightly, although its camera does let it down.

HTC Sensation XL

BlogAdmin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:30:34 +0000

Integrating the Beats technology and combined with an impressive 4.7 inch display, the new HTC Sensation XL offers unprecedented entertainment quality.

HTC Corporation, a leading Smartphones manufacturing company, has recently introduced the HTC Sensation ™ XL, which integrates Beats Audio ™ technology. This latest innovation is the result of the new HTC cooperation with Beats, which was announced last August, driving the entertainment levels offered by mobile phones to new levels, thanks to the impressive 4.7 inch display and optimized listening experience offered. The HTC Sensation XL adds to HTC Sensation XE, thereby offering customers a powerful HTC family of Smartphones with Beats Audio technology.

“With the Beats Audio, HTC Sensation XL remains loyal to the HTC’s commitment to offer the best possible sound in the mobile arena, whether it’s an audio track or sound effects for a movie or a game,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “It is an excellent example of why our partnership with Beats is so important to users today and tomorrow.”

“The HTC is an incredible partner and fully embraced the desire to make the music experience offered from a mobile device as stronger and richer possible,” said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Beats.

Exquisite design, exceptional performance and amazing sound

With a 4.7 inch screen, slim design (only 9.9 mm thick) and Beats Audio technology integrated, the HTC Sensation XL was created specifically to provide the best experience in entertainment, with great sound and picture for music, movies and games. The HTC Sensation XL has a unique set of sound from Beats, which ensures that users listen to their favorite music.

Exclusive to HTC only, the HTC Sensation XL is accompanied by the new Lightweight headset urBeats ™, which were specifically designed to work seamlessly with the audio profile Beats device. With the built-in microphone, making calls is easy and hands remain free while the remote control on the headphone cable allows users to stop, forward or restart an audio track, and also answer an incoming call while listening to music.

Users can also send to their friends their musical suggestions or information for a track, via a text message, e-mail, or through their profile on Facebook ®.

HTC Watch

The new HTC Sensation XL also features HTC Watch, an application / service which is easy to use and brings the entire collection of the most recent quality films and television programs in your palm, giving you a visual experience that will fascinate you. The HTC Watch uses progressive download technology which allows you to view a video without having to wait first to complete the download. There is the option of either renting or purchasing a video, and in case of purchase, you can watch it to up to five different HTC devices.

Capture the moment

The HTC Sensation XL has 8MP camera with wide angle lens (28mm, f / 2,2) and BSI sensor, to capture a wider image with each click for better shots in low light conditions. When operating as a video camera, the HTC Sensation XL gives users the ability to record unique moments with superb picture sharpness and incredible stereo sound, perfect to share their videos on YouTube ®, Facebook ® or the screen of their television.

Availability

The HTC Sensation XL will be available in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific in early November. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, HTC will also put into service a limited number of packages that will include a special acoustic version of Beats Solo.

HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio

Issues Surrounding Mobile Security And Privacy Concerns

BlogAdmin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:57:46 +0000

With the increased use of Android Phones, Tablets, and other mobile devices, our society becomes increasingly dependent on these forms of technology to get through their daily lives. Many of the software programs and applications offered through these devices to allow an increased ease of connectivity, personal management, and living. You can manage your finances, invest in your stock portfolio, all while keeping in touch with our job or children. The benefits of these mobile devices are myriad but in recent years there’s been a lot of talk about the privacy issues concerning many of the forms of technology that we currently use.

Even though our relationship with technology is becoming more personal and idyllic for larger portions of society, there are still some very real concerns over privacy and data theft/hacking that’s gotten a lot of attention in the press lately. It’s likely that the only reason why hackers and malware is so prevalent is because is simply because so many people are now using these forms of technology.

In fact, Google recently announced that “more than 90 percent of Android users are running older versions of the mobile operating system that contain serious kernel vulnerabilities. That gives attackers an easy way to bypass Android’s security sandbox, which is supposed to limit the data and resources each app is allowed to access.”

Cell phone providers don’t want customers to freak out or quit using these forms of technology. It’s not that difficult to protect yourself against various forms of malware and hackers that are trying to gain access your your personal and sensitive data. It’s important for mobile users to update their software regularly and resist downloading suspicious or unsupported apps and software.

Norton, the mobile and computer software company, recently issued a statement to all mobile users that it’s not that hard to keep your information safe. It should be the practice of every Android and mobile users to read the list of permissions that an Android app requests before you do any installation. For example, if you’re installing a game, it doesn’t need to have access to your email or contact list. This is a big red flag. Users simply need to get smarter with what and who they give permission to and the apps that they download.

Android versus Windows Mobile 7 and Apple iOS 4

BlogAdmin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:51:20 +0000

The battle between the mobile operating systems is really getting into its stride and making it harder and harder for consumers to choose which platform is right for them. There are three main contenders to cover; Android, iOS 4 and Windows Phone 7. Each has different positive and negative aspects, so let us discuss the major features and see which comes out on top.

iOS 4 is a platform developed by Apple and used on its iPhone range, as well as on the iPad tablet and the iPod Touch media player. In its current iteration a number of new features have been added, including multitasking to make app-switching easy and unhindered. FaceTime for video calling is also available on the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch, although it is limited to use over a Wi-Fi network. iOS 4 is compatible with hundreds of thousands of apps and games, all of which are accessible via the App Store and iTunes. It has a slick, intuitive interface with multiple homescreens that can be customised with shortcuts to your favourite apps.

Android, which is currently in version 2.3, is produced by Google. It is very different to iOS 4 in many ways, the most significant one being that it can be used by any manufacturer which chooses it for its handsets since it is open source, unlike Apple`s platform. This means everything from expensive high end phones to entry level budget options can run Android. One of Android’s key benefits is that it is compatible with Flash content, allowing you to view Flash-encoded videos and other online content sources in the native web browser. Apple cannot boast this function as it has locked out all Flash compatibility from iOS 4 devices.

Windows Phone 7 represents a mixture of both iOS 4 and Android. It has been made available to a number of big name mobile manufacturers like Samsung and HTC so that you can get some variety in handset capabilities, but developer Microsoft keeps a tight control over the minimum specifications of these handsets and does not allow third parties to trifle in the interface. The purpose is to give Windows Phone 7 the uniformity of experience which is guaranteed to iOS 4 users while also opening the market to enable a bit of experimentation like Android.

The victor in this battle can come down to a number of individual traits and budgetary restraints. Android mobile phones are usually cheaper than iOS 4 devices while still retaining all of the modern functionality you would expect with open access for manufacturers to tweak and improve every aspect of the platform. Meanwhile Windows Phone 7 is developing its reputation as the platform of choice for gamers thanks to its integration of Xbox Live functions. iOS 4 remains the most desirable of the bunch thanks to the pop culture prestige of the iPhone, but with this comes added expenses and up-front investment which may not be for all consumers.

Latest Blueberry Phone-The i9000

BlogAdmin — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:31:02 +0000

This blueberry phone was released somewhere between 2009 December or in the early 2010 (depending on the country). And depending on the model you can even expect for Wi-Fi and 3G too. But as the name “shows” this is more likely a cheaper version of the Blackberry. Anyway, the i9000 consists of 2” (inch) display which looks nice. The pictures look sharp but the 262k color depth is not capable of delivering stunning graphics of a 16M depths. But when thinking about the price, you simple can’t ask for that higher quality display units from the i9000 either.

The length is 98.8 mm and the width is around 53mm. The depth is set at 13.3 mm. So it’s not that slim looking either. It weights around 96grams which is lightweight for a mobile phone. There is a micloSD slot for expanding the memory. Other popular applications such as a phone book, calculator, clock and battery status meter (+ signal strength) are also included. The operating system is called the MTK. This is actually is not a new OS but a customized version of another OS called the Nucleus.

Since there are no 3G or Wi-Fi don’t expect for super fast web experience either. The default browser supports HTML, WAP,JAVA-support, etc. The camera is not capable of making any staggering impressions either. It supports dual-SIM function which is another very popular feature in these types of blueberry phones, however the embedded TV is missing and the user is only left with the provided FM-radio. The multimedia support is OK but again in comparison very poor. The only supported audio codec is mp3 and for video 3GP (low resolutions). The manufacture says that the i9000 supports popular E-mail clients and includes the unavoidable Facebook also.

Since this is a Malaysian company this mobile phone has some built in support for some of the Islamic books such as Al-Quran but they are optional which means (in my opinion anyway) that you have to manually install them over the internet for instance. Anyway, the battery has a capacity of 5 hours and a standby time of 250 hours (over 10 days) but remember that depending on the occasion and the settings (volume, etc) the actual talk and the standby time may change. So as a final thought, even though this is a cheap device in comparison with other latest phones in the market but with the lack of great multimedia + poor quality camera this is certainly not for everyone.

Who will win-the IPhone or the Nexus One

BlogAdmin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:20:36 +0000

There is a huge storm that is brewing in the world of mobile phones. It is one that has been coming ever since Apple threw out the gauntlet challenge a couple of years ago. Everybody could see that the next digital world to be conquered after desktop computers was Internet while you are on the go. There were several ways to do this. Laptops, special Internet only devices, and even some weak mobile phone devices were the most popular ways of doing this. But Apple embraced the Internet on the phone concept and introduced the IPhone. When people first saw it, they could tell that it was made with the Internet in mind first. All other phones with Internet capabilities were created with the Internet features as an afterthought. For years, the Iphone has dominated the smart phone market with very little competition. Now Google has introduced the Nexus One. Will it be able to compete?

The Nexus One has taken the idea of the IPhone and has upgraded it. When the engineers at Google were creating this phone, you can tell that the phone had no other purpose but to be an IPhone killer. The people at Google think so highly of it, that they have labeled the phone a “super phone”. This shows a lot of confidence in a phone that has not even reached the market yet. But they have good reason to be cheerful. The hardware on the phone is unrivaled by today’s standards. They have a bigger screen than the IPhone and a 1 Ghz processor made by Qualcomm. Apple announced shortly after Google introduced it’s phone that they were going to go with Qualcomm as well. This definitely lends credence to the fact that Google made the right decision in their processor choice.

Many IPhone lovers have said that this phone is a rip off of the IPhone. This may be true but it is a very well done rip off. As of right now, IPhone still has the advantage in the application category and already installed user base. The Nexus One does force Apple to have to step up to the plate with a great phone, the next hardware upgrade cycle. There is competition now and the IPhone is getting a little stale. They do not want to fall in the Motorola Razr category.

The jury is out in the case of who will win the IPhone vs Nexus One debate. As of right now, Apple has a huge lead but Google is a strong company that has the resources and the technology know how to quickly catch up.

What are the best IPhone applications for you to choose

BlogAdmin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:44 +0000

Over the last three years, people who are smart phone users, have come to expect a lot from their devices. It is no longer enough to have only the best phone features around. Items such as call quality and network coverage are very important but other features also come into play when a consumer is choosing their phone. The other options that a user might look for are whether the phone comes with a good suite of applications and robust Internet capabilities. How good the data plan is and will it allow the consumer to tether devices to the phone are also features that are important. To today’s smart phone user, these items play an important part of the decision on whether they will purchase the phone or not.

With the IPhone, users have become enticed by the amount of applications that they provide. There are so many though, that it has become hard for the average person to choose which one would be right for them. There are a ton of bad applications and time wasters that are available through the app store. One thing that the average user of the Iphone does not have, is time to waste on choosing an application. So how does one decide which application is right for them?

The first thing that you want to do, is narrow down the category that you are looking for. Are you looking for a business application? Or are you looking to find a game that you would like to play for a long trip or to entertain your kids with. The key to finding the right application, is that you know what you are looking for when you start to digitally walk down the app store aisle ways. Know what you are looking for and stick to it. It is real easy to get distracted by all the applications that the app store offers.

After you have chosen a category to look at, check the ratings for the application itself. User ratings are very helpful in determining which applications are good and which ones are junk. Every application will have a couple of negative ratings but if it seems like there is a theme brewing, it is probably best to steer clear of that application. If most people seem to have a problem with the program then it is most likely not the right one for you.

If picking a category and paying attention to the ratings are not enough, then you can search online for the answer. In the last two years there have been many blogs that have popped up, for the sole purpose of reviewing IPhone applications. They test the applications and give their opinions on it. Even if you don’t follow their opinions directly it should give you a good ideal on what the application does and if it is right for you.

Choosing which application is right for you on the IPhone can be hard. Yeah, there are a few standards that all people choose to use but once you go on your own and try to find something new, it can be difficult. Just trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to try something new out. You might be surprised.

Should you worry about security on your IPhone?

BlogAdmin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:27:43 +0000

In the short time that it has been out, the IPhone has taken America by storm. It is the number one most desired phone in all of the key spending demographics and it is considered the “it” phone to have. More and more people have been signing up to get one and it is starting to see its share of copy cats. Everyone wants a piece of the success that Apple has experienced with the IPhone. Also with this success, comes people that will try to exploit it for their own personal gains. They will try to find holes in the phone and use it against people who are not tech savvy and can prove to be an easy victim. This leads to one question that should be asked, is your IPhone safe?

For the most part, the answer is yes. Your IPhone is safe to use and you should have no problem with it. But you have to remember, it is similar to a mini computer and just like any computer there will be holes for hackers to exploit. The IPhone is not as open as other systems, when it comes to the ability to be able to find these holes, but it can be done. As a matter of fact is has been done, several times now. The good thing about these holes being found is that it didn’t affect most users and they were patched up pretty quickly. There was a case of a boy in Australia who was able to take the IPhone and change users background wallpaper without their knowledge. This was mainly done on hacked versions of IPhones but other more experienced hackers found out how to do it on un hacked versions as well.

The fact that there are modded IPhones out there, show that the security on the phone is not completely safe. Several years ago, a group of hackers that wanted to make changes on their IPhone, set about trying find a way to do that. Once they found out how to do this, they released an executable onto the Internet that allowed others with IPhones to participate as well. Apple created patches to stop this activity but the hackers defeated the fixes every time. This shows with only time and some very knowledgeable people, the security of the IPhone can be compromised.

The security intrusion that most people should worry about, when using their IPhone, is when they are using the Internet features. They can fall victim to a phishing attack, the same as anyone using a computer. For some reason, people think that there are a new set of rules when you access the Internet from the phone, than it is when you access the Internet from a computer. It is the same thing. The same damage to your credit and reputation that can be done on the computer can happen on the phone as well. If you follow the same rules as you do when you are on the computer, you should be relatively safe.

For most people, security on the IPhone should be an afterthought. There are no serious attacks out there to worry about. But do not get too confident. There is someone out there right now, working on an attack vector for IPhone users. If you are careful, you should be fine.