Smartphones and Tablets

Over the past couple of years, smartphones have been seeing explosive progress in everything from performance to functionality. At the start of every year, someone makes the claim that it will be the “Year of the Smartphone.” Well, it looks like we’ll be going on the third “Year of the Smartphone” in a row this year, and I, for one, am not disappointed.

Intel Enters the Race

Intel has been talking about developing smartphone processors for a while, but now it’s official. In the second quarter of this year, Lenovo will be launching the very first Intel powered Android phone, the K800. While not quite as power efficient as the traditional ARM processors, Intel’s Medfield chip, now known as the Atom Z2460, will offer a new level of performance in smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks. It will definitely be interesting to see how it compares to Nvidia’s ARM-based Tegra 3.

Nvidia and Tegra 3

Tegra 3, the first quad-core processor to be found stuffed inside a tablet (the Transformer Prime) has been on the market since December, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t make an appearance at CES. Not only were there several Tegra 3 tablets from manufacturers like Toshiba, Asus, and Acer, but Fujitsu stole the show by displaying the first Tegra 3 smartphone. And in case you were curious about Tegra 3’s performance, a Tegra 3 tablet was shown playing Skyrim on an HDTV. So yes, current generation console performance has officially been achieved in the mobile sector.

Tons of New Smartphones

Just about everyone had a new smartphone to announce at CES this year. Samsung announced its Galaxy Note (as well as the Galaxy S II HD for T-Mobile); Sony came out with the Xperia S; Motorola had the Droid 4 and new RAZR MAXX (claiming 21 hours of talk time); and Nokia showed us the Lumia 710, as Windows Phone that might actually compete with the iPhone and Android for once. And that’s just to name a few of the big players’ announcements.

HDTVs and Entertainment

Apart from all of the fancy gadgetry, CES has always been a staging ground for home entertainment breakthroughs. HDTVs specifically, as well as other home appliances, have always been popular topics.

HDTVs

For the last year or two, HDTVs at CES were all about 3D. That phase is finally starting to die down (I personally say “Good riddance”), and the TV sector is transitioning onto the next big thing: OLED. LG wowed the audience with a magnificent 55-inch OLED TV that had some of the most vivid colors, deepest blacks, and sharpest image ever. Plus it was only 4mm thick!

There were of course plenty of other products on display, including Dish’s new wireless satellite receiver boxes, some fun remote controlled surveillance equipment, and a ton of talk about a new wave of GoogleTV devices.

Video Games

Even though video game-related stuff is more of an E3 thing, there was plenty to go around at CES. For starters, the Wii U got some demo time, strutting its upgraded graphics and tablet-like controller. The PlayStation Vita also got some valuable face time, with Sony announcing a planned launch date of February 22^nd.

CES 2012 continues through Friday, so stick around and we’ll keep you informed of all the cool gadgets and technology that are headed our way this year.

The iPhone

It comes as little surprise that the iPhone made up a good portion of that 6.8 million units, and while Android phones as a whole outsold the iPhone, it’s still an impressive feat considering that the iPhone 4S held the most sales out of any single device (at somewhere around 3 million units). The 4S was also the most returned device following Christmas, and by a rather large margin. The reason for the high return rate is uncertain. It could be that people felt that the 4S didn’t offer much noticeable improvement over their current model, or perhaps they were enticed by the better spec’d Android phones on the market, and tempting after-Christmas sales (which are still going on).

Android Phones

As a whole, Android phones made up for about 55% of smartphone activations on Christmas day, though no single Android device could compare with the iPhone 4S’ impressive figures. But there are definitely still a few notable contenders.

The Galaxy S II

Available on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, the Galaxy S II gave people a lot of options in terms of plan pricing and coverage – its record breaking specs certainly didn’t hurt either. With its 1.2Ghz to 1.5GHz processor and 4.3 to 4.5-inch screen (depending on carrier), it appealed to many considering an iPhone but wanted a bit more power or screen space. Estimates put Galaxy S II activations around 1.5 million. The only people who couldn’t get in on the action were Verizon Wireless subscribers.

The Galaxy Nexus

Fortunately for those on Verizon, there was a (arguably) better option: the Galaxy Nexus. While it shares a similar 1.2GHz processor to the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Nexus features a stunning 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a first for smartphones. It also features Google’s latest version of Android and comes 100% free of any manufacturer or carrier bloat. Sales figures on the Galaxy Nexus weren’t overly impressive, though, since it wasn’t marketed all that aggressively, much like the previous Nexus devices.

The Droid RAZR

Instead of going for the Galaxy Nexus, Verizon subscribers flocked to the Droid RAZR, an ultra thin, uber sleek phone with equally impressive specs. Plus you get that bit of nostalgia if you ever owned one of the original Motorola RAZR phones in the past. They really did do a surprising job of capturing the original look in smartphone form.

The BlackBerry Torch

If you’re a BlackBerry fan, you probably already know that the Torch 9810, 9850, and 9860 is where RIM stepped up its game to compete with today’s current smartphones. Now you can have things like 4G, Wireless-N, and even a modern 1.2GHz processor all with the BlackBerry OS 7 users have grown to love.

Did we mention that Smartphone deals didn’t end with the holidays? In fact, many of the huge sales started just after Christmas, and many are still going on. T-Mobile in particular is hosting one last big sale day this weekend. If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber and you’re due for a new phone, you may want to consider the Galaxy S II or HTC Amaze, both phenomenal smartphones.

Angry Birds Seasons

Everyone should be familiar with the ever popular Angry Birds games. Angry Birds Seasons is the same beak smashing, pig squishing game play you find in the original, only themed to popular holiday seasons – in this case, Halloween. This time it includes a new type of bird and some delightfully eerie levels. Android uses even have the option to get it for free (ad-supported, of course).

Plants VS Zombies

This one has been out for a while on the Apple App Store, but only a few months for Android; nonetheless, Plants VS Zombies is an addicting strategy game set in your home, about to be overrun by zombies. Your only defense? Plants. Amass your army of photosynthesizing greenery and dig in for the long haul. This game is a hard one to put down, and the Android and iOS versions are currently on sale for just $0.99.

Pumpkins vs. Monsters

Though it’s clearly a knock-off of PopCap’s Plants VS Zombies, Pumpkins vs. Monsters is just as enjoyable, and arguably even more Halloween themed. The game play is similar, but much less immersive, making it a more casual experience, great for those brief moments of down time when you might have to step away at any time.

Ghost Detectors

What fun is Halloween without any ghosts? Both Android and iOS have plenty of ghost hunting apps available. Searching either the Apple App Store or Android Marketplace will give you a lengthy list of Ghost Detectors, EMF Sensors, and EVP Scanners. Some will even translate EMF and EVP signals into text! Spooky.

Other handy Halloween apps include Flash Light apps, GPS Maps and/or Route Planners, and spooky soundboards. There is also Trick or Tracker which is extremely handy for parents with multiple children who will be out trick-or-treating. Just remember to be safe out there and scare responsibly. Happy Halloween!

Nexus Gets Some New Hardware

Expectations were extremely high for the Galaxy Nexus, as die-hard Android fans know that the Nexus name is supposed to be a flagship device for the Android platform. Prior to the announcement, rumored specs for the Galaxy Nexus were all over the place, some suggesting a quad-core processor and others claiming things like a 14MP camera.

So when it was revealed that the Galaxy Nexus would only have a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, there was a bit of disappointment. To put this into perspective, though, the iPhone 4S’s dual-core processor runs at a reported 800MHz, so at 1.2GHz, the Galaxy Nexus will still perform quite well; however, other 1.2GHz dual-core devices have been out for a while, like the Galaxy S II.

The 5MP camera also came as a disappointment to some, though don’t let the low megapixel count fool you. The Galaxy Nexus’ camera has seen some major upgrades compared to other models. It features zero shutter lag and can take photos in rapid succession. It can also record stunning videos 1080p while simultaneously allowing you to take full resolution photos. So even though many smartphones feature an 8MP camera, like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and HTC Sensation, the Galaxy Nexus can still take equally impressive photos; however, it won’t be taking any 3D shots like the EVO 3D can.

Compared to its predecessor (the Nexus S), the Galaxy Nexus brought some significant improvements to the display, something the iPhone 4S failed to do. This new Nexus features a stunning HD 1280 by 720 Super AMOLED display. This combines the high-density of the iPhone’s Retina Display with the vivid color and power saving features of AMOLED. At 4.65 inches, the display makes for a fairly large device, but because it does away with all of the buttons on its face, it’s about the same size as most 4.3-inch display phones. Despite its size, its curved glass display helps it fit nicely in your hand, in your pocket, or against your face when making a call.

Lastly, the Galaxy Nexus features 4G connectivity, a small blow to the iPhone 4S. Depending on region, it will come in either 4G LTE or 4G HSPA+ varieties.

Android Version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Even though the Galaxy Nexus’ hardware didn’t blow everything else out of the water, it was only half of the equation. Perhaps the biggest benefits it brings are with the new version of Android, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

With Ice Cream Sandwich, Google gave Android a major overhaul, adding countless new features, the majority of which were designed to make Android more effective and easier to use. The camera features mentioned above were only the tip of the ice berg. Android 4.0 brings an entirely new user interface which is now even more customizable than ever, but in a much more intuitive way. It also includes new task management features for increased control over the apps running on your phone, enhanced data use reporting which is especially useful for anyone on a tiered data plan, and perhaps most importantly, hardware acceleration.

Hardware acceleration was a key element missing from previous versions of Android. It allows for the most advanced graphics hardware to run the entire interface, giving you a silky smooth experience more akin to iOS.

Like iOS 5, Andriod 4.0 brings some familiar enhancements, like integrated social networking and native photo editing. Android 4.0 even gave its voice recognition software an upgrade, and though it greatly improves the voice-to-text experience, it’s still no match for the capabilities of Siri.

Do you think the Galaxy Nexus has what it takes to earn the top spot in our smartphone ranks? Let us know in the comments.

The Bigger the Better?

The race to the biggest screens is almost entirely a marketing tool. Today’s smartphones really are just miniaturized computers, with a processor and RAM, but many consumers don’t know to look for this information; moreover, in the case of smartphones, processor and memory specs are hardly ever even listed!

Smartphone manufacturers know that the screen is one of the first things a buyer sees when looking for a new phone, and if you’ve ever been shopping for an HDTV, you’ll know that in the showroom, the bigger screens always stand out. That’s exactly why manufacturers have started producing bigger and bigger smartphones. Screen sizes are also numbers that advertise well because people can actually relate to them. 1GHz, 1.5GHz, dual-core, these terms only mean anything to those who are already familiar with the technology and likely already know what they want to buy. Everyone knows what an inch is, and that a 4-inch screen sounds better than a 3.5-inch screen.

But are these glassy pixel monstrosities really a step in the right direction? Sure, as long as the phones themselves aren’t getting too big. Back to that HDTV analogy, once you’ve bought one and brought it back home, you realize just how huge it is once all of the larger TVs aren’t around to skew your perspective. The same thing is happening with smartphones: people are buying the larger screens only to realize down the line that they’re too bulky to be practical. So what smartphone display size is right for you?

Screens Under 3.5 Inches

There are a lot of smartphones with 2.8 to 3.2-inch displays. These are generally entry-level devices, intended to be affordable but still functional. These are great for the younger crowd, such as teenagers, who might be more prone to losing or breaking a phone and have the younger eyes to see the smaller screen.

Smartphones with portrait style keyboards also have screens of this size. These are aimed at the business professional crowd who will be primarily using it for things like text messages, emails, and documents.

Screens 3.5 to 4.3 Inches

This is currently the sweet spot in terms of screen visibility and overall package size. The 3.5-inch devices are typically in the mid-range scale. Their performance can vary from very moderate, like the Huawei Ideos X5, to high-end, like the iPhone 4.

 
For things like multimedia and especially web browsing, the 3.5-inch screens can be a bit cramped. This is where 4-inch displays shine. The overall sizes of the phones are generally close to the same as the 3.5-inchers but extra screen space is a noticeable improvement. It’s for this reason that the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) is expected to have a ~4 inch display.

In the 4.3-inch range, you have some of the true powerhouse phones, like the Galaxy S II and Sensation 4G.  They’re starting to get a bit bulky but will still fit into most pockets.

 

Screens Over 4.3 Inches

There have been a few phones with screens over 4.3 inches. The Dell Streak was among the first, sporting a giant 5-inch display, blurring the line between smartphone and tablet. This was just too large to fit easily into a pocket – even purses had trouble.

 

4.5-inch screens are still quite large but much more manageable. Phones like the Samsung Infuse and the AT&T and T-Mobile variants of the Galaxy S II have 4.5-inch displays. They’ll still fit in a pocket, much thanks to their thinness, but be sure to consider just how big they are before buying them.

Windows Phone 7

Key Features: Enterprise Integration, Document Management, Ease of Use

Windows Phone 7 is primarily intended for enterprise environments, especially those running Microsoft Exchange. Its focus is to keep you connected with your workplace as much as possible; however, in order to keep competitive, Microsoft has added some iPhone-like features, such as Facebook integration, Zune Media Sync (for MP3 and video playback), and its very own Windows Phone Marketplace.

WP7 is best suited for someone who needs to stay connected to the office without actually being there, but also wants to use his smartphone for a bit of fun on the side. The HD7S is a great place to start.

BlackBerry

Key Features: Simple E-mail and Messaging, Battery Life, Contact Management

In the business world, BlackBerry devices are very popular. They offer great E-mail capabilities, and the widespread use of its specialized BlackBerry Instant Messenger is a great asset. It doesn’t pack quite as much power as its competitors, making it a bit light for things like videos and rich document processing, but it does feature great battery life. Like Microsoft, RIM has been adding social features onto the BlackBerry platform as well.

When work comes before all else, and the ability to respond to E-mails and messages quickly are key, a BlackBerry is the best choice. Check out the Torch 9800.

The iPhone

Key Features: Ease of Use, Huge App Store, “Trendy”

The iPhone changed the smartphone arena when it came out, sparking a shift from corporate use to mass adoption. It features great browsing, media playback, and socializing capabilities, and through its App Store, nearly nothing is off limits. The latest model, the iPhone 4, is quite powerful (despite its hardware being a bit dated) and most importantly very simple to use.

It’s an excellent choice for people who might be afraid of the complexity of a smartphone or rely on many Apple products already (iTunes, iPod, etc).

Android

Key Features: Massive App Store, Extensive Media Playback Options, Lots of Devices to Choose From

Android was Google response to Apple’s raging success with the iPhone. It’s a little rough around the edges, requiring a bit of customization, and generally appealing more to those more technologically savvy, but it’s very similar to the iPhone with many social features, media options, and excellent web browsing. One of the key differences between Android and the iPhone is the fact that the Android platform has a wide array of devices to choose from.

It’s a common misconception that the iPhone offers the latest and fastest mobile technology, but it’s actually Android phones that hold the crown. The latest Galaxy S II is even expected to be faster than Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5.

Android phones are great for anyone looking for an iPhone-like experience for cheap. It’s also a great choice for those who like the latest, fastest technology at their fingertips. HTC Sensation 4G anyone?

Summary

In short, WP7 and BlackBerry are for working hard, while Android and the iPhone are for playing hard. If you’re in the market for an iPhone, it’s a good idea to check out Android phones as well, and visa-versa. The same goes for WP7 and BlackBerry, of course.

The Need for Change

While Windows Mobile offered a lot of pure functionality, it was very rough and unappealing to the general user. It lacked integrated social features, such as Facebook or Twitter; it didn’t have a quick, streamlined interface; and perhaps most importantly, it didn’t include the app-centric experience that people have begun associating with smartphones. Microsoft knew it was time for a change, and thus Windows Phone 7 was born.

Windows Phone 7 (amicably referred to as WP7) took the typical “Windows Look” associated with Windows Mobile and tossed it aside, creating the new “Metro” UI, which features  widget-like panels for launching services and providing on-the-spot information, all wrapped up in a sleek, smooth experience.

Microsoft has also switched to an App-Driven ecosystem with WP7, much like the model used for Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Independent third-party developers can create apps for WP7 to be hosted on the Windows Phone Marketplace for end users to purchase and download; however, at just over 27,000 apps, the Windows Phone Marketplace can’t quite compare to either Android’s approximate 420,000 or iOS’s half-million.

What Sets WP7 Apart from the Crowd

With Android and Apple heavily dominating the smartphone market, WP7 has a very steep climb ahead of it, but it still has some redeeming qualities giving it a fair chance. Both Android and iOS take extreme sides with their development model. Android tries to keep a completely “open platform,” allowing anyone to develop and create an Android device. Apple, on the other hand, holds a firmly clenched fist of proprietary reign as the sole manufacturer of iOS devices.

WP7 comes in the middle, using proprietary and uncustomizable software (ala Apple’s iOS) and licensing it to a multitude of manufacturers to create new devices (ala Android). The approach will allow for a secure operating system with uniform and timely updates (something Android has trouble with) while keeping devices fresh and competitive (something Apple is currently struggling with).

In the end, WP7 is yet another player volleying for a share in the general user smartphone market, but unlike its competitors, it comes from enterprise based roots, which some argue hurts general appeal, but bolsters professional functionality. The HTC HD7 and Samsung Omnia 7 are both already off to a fairly strong start, and top smartphone manufacturer Nokia should be entering the mix soon.

Clearing up the Confusion

Android has often been referred to as the “Google Phone,” but there really is no such thing. Google produces Android as software only; however, Google does have its Nexus line (currently featuring the Nexus One and Nexus S) which are devices that Google contracts other manufacturers to build and feature 100% pure versions of Android. Because of Android’s openness, many manufacturers customize their Android devices with different levels of functionality. The Nexus line as well as Android phones featuring the “Google Experience” designation run Android exactly as Google envisioned it.

Some other confusion stems from Verizon’s naming techniques, giving all of its Android devices a name beginning with “Droid.” This has led many people to think that all Android phones are Verizon Droid devices, and therefore, only available on Verizon. The truth is that the “Droid” name is no more than Verizon’s branding for Android devices. Other Android phones exist on just about every major cellular carrier around the world.

  The Short Version In a nutshell, Android is a smartphone operating system created by Google, available on hundreds of different smartphones and tablet devices. You can think of them all as little Google versions of Apple’s iPhone and iPad.     Have any Android questions? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help.

Smartphone usage typically falls into two categories: light/moderate and heavy. Light and moderate users will use their smartphone occasionally throughout the day, perhaps sending several text messages, making a few calls, and looking up a restaurant or getting directions; the phone generally sits in their pocket, coming out when necessary. Heavy users are almost always on their phone, playing games, constantly replying to E-mails, or perhaps watching YouTube clips; they’re actively using their phone several hours per day.

One smartphone may provide several days of light or moderate use but struggle to achieve a few hours of heavy usage; alternatively, another smartphone may last a full day even with heavy use but fail to last much longer under light use. You need a phone that caters appropriately to the way you intend to use it, and we have a list of a few of the longest lasting smartphones we could find.

1: HTC Sensation

The HTC Sensation is the current top dog. With the latest mobile processor technology, it’s not only one of the longest lasting phones on the market, but also one of the fastest. The Sensation is also very well balance for both moderate and heavy usage. Keep in mind that 4G takes a heavy toll on battery life and consider turning that feature off.

Light/Moderate Use: Up to 36 hours

Heavy Use: 12-14 hours

2: Apple iPhone 4

Apple’s iPhone 4 is considerably underpowered compared to current smartphones, but its iOS still provides a fast feeling experience. Because of its lower performance hardware, the iPhone 4 offers great battery life, best for heavy use, but still manageable for the light and moderate users.

Light/Moderate Use: Approximately 24 hours

Heavy Use: Up to 16 hours

3: Google Nexus S

The Nexus S runs hardware that is very similar to the iPhone 4, though slightly faster, but due to its power-saving AMOLED display and clean version of the Android operating system, it gets a very different result in terms of battery life. For moderate use, the Nexus S is excellent, but under heavy use, its faster hardware gobbles up more power than is ideal.

Light/Moderate Use: Up to 48 hours

Heavy Use: Approximately 12 hours

4: Motorola Atrix 4G

The Atrix 4G uses Nvidia’s dual-core Tegra 2 processor, which is among the fastest mobile processors currently available. As a dual-core device, it can split heavy loads between the two cores, reducing power consumption. This results in admirable battery life under heavy usage, but because of its high-spec processor, it continues to draw a lot of power even while under moderate use.

Light/Moderate Use: Up to 24 hours

Heavy Use: Approximately 14 hours

5: BlackBerry Bold 9780

BlackBerries get some of the best battery life among all of the smartphones; however, they lack much of the functionality and performance found in those listed above. The Bold 9780 is great for light to moderate use, but its small screen and low-power design don’t really allow for heavy use as we’ve defined it.

Light/Moderate Use: Up to 48+ hours

Heavy Use: N/A

The Android operating system and iOS (the iPhone’s operating system) are the two titans in today’s Smartphone market. We’ve pitted the two platforms against each other in a battle amongst several categories which are integral to a Smartphone.

Ease of Use

Creating a product that is extremely simple and easy to use is Apple’s forte. The iPhone has a uniform experience throughout all of its versions. The Android platform tends to be different from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the interface is more complex than iOS’s. This point goes to iOS, no contest.

iOS=1 / Android=0

Flexibility

Part of what makes Android a bit more complicated to use than the iPhone is its flexible platform. You can easily alter your Android interface to focus on social networks, multimedia, apps (like the iPhone), or all of the above. Score a point for Android.

iOS=0 / Android=1

Hardware

The iPhone 4 has impressive hardware specs, but with a design refresh only once a year or so, you’re stuck with any design flaws it might have (such as poor antenna placement). The Android platform on the other hand has an entire slew of devices available, many easily matching the iPhone 4’s capability, and even several surpassing it. It’s a closer race in this category, but the point still goes to Android.

iOS=0 / Android=1

Network

One of the biggest drawbacks of the iPhone is the network it’s on. AT&T has become a victim of the iPhone’s success, and its network has become a mess of bottlenecked traffic. Android offers devices on all of the major cell carriers, so not only can you avoid AT&T, you can also choose the carrier best suited for your area. Rack up another for Android.

iOS=0 / Android=1

Multimedia Playback

The iPhone has always been an excellent multimedia device. In terms of fluidity and ease of use, it easily beats most Android devices, but Android has an advantage in that it does not require the use of iTunes. With Android, you can simply copy your songs and videos to your devices and play them directly, or you can purchase them through the AmazonMP3 app from your phone. We’re calling this one a tie.

Apps and Development

The iPhone certainly has more applications available than Android, but Android is also catching up very quickly. The iPhone’s App Store is also easier to navigate than Android’s Marketplace, but where Android really shines is application development. Android offers a completely open environment for developers, as well as true multitasking capability (unlike the iPhone 4’s limiting API’s for some multitasking). This gives Android far more potential than iOS, but since iOS is currently ahead in the game, we’re calling this one a tie as well.

Fragmentation

Fragmentation is a development term having to do with accounting for all of the different types of devices available. In short, it’s a bad, bad thing. Because the iPhone is really only available in a few flavors (the original, 2G, 3G, 3Gs, and 4), there are really only five devices to account for when developing an application (even fewer when you consider the original and 2G versions are essentially obsolete). Android on the other hand has hundreds of devices coming out, some with powerful hardware, others created as entry level devices. This makes development much more difficult, making iOS the clear winner in this category.

iOS=1 / Android=0

Conclusions

Tallying up the points, Android comes out as the winner with three wins compared to the iPhone’s two. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the Android platform is right for you. You should consider which categories each platform excelled in and attribute additional weight to those categories you feel are more important to you. Both offer very capable Smartphones, making neither a bad choice.

Results: iOS=2 / Android=3

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