By Megan Fleet

Motorola has done it again!  Introducing a new Droid RAZR! This one was launched last Thursday by Verizon and has the likely moniker of “DROID RAZR MAXX.” As with any other mobile carrier, the handset is available at a discounted price when a new two-year agreement is signed. The asking price is $299.99. With that kind of out of pocket investment and a signed contract, this writer would highly recommend consumers to shop around for an unlocked cell phone.  These unlocked cell phones empower consumers to break free service provider long term contracts and permit to negotiate a plan that best meets your lifestyle needs at the lowest price.

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Compared to its predecessor, the DROID RAZR, this latest Motorola is housed in a thicker frame (only slightly). After that the differences are nominal. In fact, Droid-Life affirmed rumors that each of these devices runs on exactly the same software. Even the Android versions for both the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX are the same kernel, build number, and baseband version. The community forums have some miffed participants that accuse Motorola of simply charging customers for a new battery, but this streamlined user of software should actually make things easier on the manufacturer, carrier, and consumer.

Discover the Droid RAZR MAXX in this insightful video :

Smartphone manufacturers are known for making slight changes and rebranding devices. This allows the newest handsets to accommodate tech changes by tweaking the software versions from the old to the new device. Some examples of this are the DROID 2 and DROID R2D2. The silver lining is that as the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX, it will all be interchangeable which permits tech-savvy users to take advantage of a wide range of custom ROMs.

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Alas, with the slight variation in size, all accessories may not be interchangeable. But with the internal specs unchanged, peripheral devices and more technical accessory purchases should meet the system requirements of both smartphones.

By Aldo Panessidi

Following my ‘Cell Phone and Bathroom Usage’ piece… I thought to research on the hygienic condition of typical cell phones and mobile devices.

You may want to brace yourself… for your smartphone and mobile devices are a petri dish accommodating and sustaining a thriving micro bacterial  ecosystem.   Dreadfully frightening isn’t it?

In 2009, the prominent  journal “Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials” conducted a study wherein they tested the various cell phones brands (iPhone, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, Sony,  LG, etcc..) of 200 of their staff members.  The results were alarming  a whopping 94.5 percent of the devices were severely contaminated with various bacterial strains – many of which were resistant to multiple antibiotics.  Moreover, the study yielded that over 60% of the bacteria thriving on the phones were ultimately transferred to the users.

When one considers that most users take their cell phones with them everywhere… including the bathroom.  A startling 95% percent of common folk admitted to routinely using their mobile device, cell phones, tablets, laptops, notebooks and other media playing devices during toilet sessions… you can discover the statistics from a study conducted by 11 Mark in my previous blog on ‘Cell Phone and Bathroom Usage’.

Microbes have been existing long before any other life form appeared on our planet.  Their inherent ability to thrive and multiply in adverse conditions and hostile environments has fuelled their prolific growth and widespread presence throughout the world.  Studies indicate their propensity to subsist in both highly populated regions and on public surfaces.  Our entire bodies as well as public bathrooms, phones, computers, park benches, restaurant kitchen counters and tables are all ideal hosts harbouring a magnitude of microbe strains – with paper currency being found to have one of the highest concentration of bacteria.   As such, it is plain to see that we are engaged in a true germ warfare… protecting our physical health against bacterial invasion.

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Wireless devices are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria…  as they generate the requisite heat which helps promote and facilitate breeding.   Furthermore, the majority of people do not think of routinely disinfecting their mobile devices, to this end, typical cell phones and mobile devices have more bacteria than toilet seats. I would highly recommend protecting both their devices and ultimately themselves with iSkin protective accessories‘ revolutionary  Microban technology.  Built-in to products during the manufacturing process, Microban antimicrobial product protection inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains , embarrassing odors and deterioration of both cell phones and other mobile devices.

It was also reported  that while older flip phones have more nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in, the flat touch screens of current smartphones are not immune to bacteria. Numerous studies have found colonies of streptococcus, staphylococcus and diphtheroids on people’s cell phones. And there’s even been one reported case of a person contracting an MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infection – a so-called flesh-eating bug – from a phone. Now that is downright nasty!

For the most part, though, the bacteria that reside on your smartphone and mobile devices come from your own skin and mouth. It’s other people’s germs you have to worry about; think about that the next time you set your phone down in a public place or share your phone with someone. You’re taking in their germs, as well as the bacteria they’ve picked up just by using their cell phones out in world. You’re not only touching the phone, but also everyone and everything that phone has touched.

By Aldo Panessidi

With the announcements at the recent CES – one has to wonder – what is 2012 the year of?” Will it be SmartTVs? Perhaps it’s the year of the interactive technology? Or maybe it is 4G LTE smartphones that will steal the spotlight this year. As of this early date, it is Android devices that look to have the competitive advantage this year. It very well could be a great opportunity to win over mind and market share, but they need to leverage the lead before Research In Motion (Blackberry) and Apple bring their own 4G LTE devices to market later this year.

What kind of growth are we looking at? According to DigiTimes who published 2012 estimates, Monday, they are anticipating between 4% and 5% of smartphones shipped this year will be 4G LTE capable. When reviewing their sources it is really clear that Android manufacturers are months ahead of the competition. Samsung, LG, Pantech, Motorola Mobility and HTC were named as industry players that will be launching 4G LTE handsets.

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Depending on how quickly Apple and RIM work and how effective their messaging is, the gap could be quickly closed and the opportunity lost. More specifically, there is buzz around Apple’s to-be-released products this year, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3, which based on rumor will be 4G LTE capable.

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One point this writer would like clarified is what the ramifications of this technology coupled with the race to get smartphones with the capability to use it will be. Will the current trend continue pattern of “sign long-term contract with service provider, get free smartphone”? Or will we be able to break free from this carrier imposed yoke with unlocked cell phones that will empower us to choose our preferred service provider and negotiate a service contract that best meets our interactive needs at the right price!

Only time will tell what the implications will be. At the moment, 4G LTE has not been well-explained to the public and is potentially cost inhibitive. So, without a little tweaking it may turn out to not be the year of the 4G LTE network after all.

By Aldo Panessidi

We recently had a chance to view and blog about the leaked Sony smartphone roadmap. If this is to be believed we expect Sony to release three phones in 2nd quarter of 2012… these are the LT22i Nypon, the MT27i Pepper and the ST25i Kumquat. it is most probable that these three cell phones will be formerly announced by Sony at next month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

From a leaked document found on an Indonesian website agency… which is the equivalent of the US based FCC has listed Sony’s code named ST25i smartphone as the new Sony Xperia U – thanks to GSM Arena for the provided specs. Above is one of the first leaked images of the new Xperia U which is a welcome addition to the Sony Xperia cell phone business line. Which makes wonder if Sony is planning to follow in Samsung- branded cell phones footsteps by creating an a plethora of Xperia models.

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Get the spcs for both the yet to be officialy named Sony Nypon and Sony Pepper .

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By Megan Fleet

The Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS is ramping up in hype and anticipation as the flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is due to be released in Canada. Industry experts point to an OS that is classic and polished and also has capabilities that can marry function and frugality.

But how can a smartphone save you money? Since the advent of the feature phone and VoIP services like Vonage, customers have had alternatives that permit them to ditch the landline and consolidate their monthly household costs. This has had serious repercussions for the power and profits of telecommunications companies that have had to adjust with the times.

When combining VoIP capabilities (where calls can be made from an internet connection instead of a landline connection or cell tower) and smartphones, customers again will have the power of their pocketbooks to use against the mobile carriers they had previously chosen over traditional landlines. The capability is there and with the ever growing popularity of smartphones VoIP providers like Skype, Vonage and Axvoice are developing apps to make their technology available and attractive to smartphone users. These same apps should be available for tablets and media devices to keep us better connected with this tech.

As businesses have known for some time, VoIP is markedly less expensive and as is typical in innovation, the technology has found its way to the consumer market. For anyone who has been shocked by a cell bill that had voice plan overages or has family and friends overseas, this option can make a marked difference in the wallet.

The VoIP apps that will be available on Android 4.0 devices (I personally use a VoIP app on my iPhone for calls to Europe and has saved hundreds of dollars) are intuitive and easy. The repercussion of this service is a serious blow to the current services provided by mobile carriers that can lock customers into contracts based on call service in addition to exclusive phone deals.

The freedom to choose an unlocked phone of your choice and choose the carrier plan of choice to provide the best data plan (calling plan can be minimized) makes for a healthier competitive market that will undoubtedly result in further innovations!

By Aldo Panessidi

No doubt, Nokia cell phone Lumia 900 made quite an impression at CES, but another (non-Samsung and non-Apple) smartphone contender made waves as well. That is Sony Ericsson’s Xperia S. Taking the approach of tailoring and optimizing software to the hardware, Sony has taken the familiar and effective Gingerbread OS and made a device that runs incredibly smoothly and also has the look and feel of a great smartphone.

Like the Nokia Lumia handsets, the Sony Xperia S smartphone is made of a single piece of high density polycarbonate which feels substantial and appears chic and modern. It also serves as a great frame to the 720p screen that uses the Sony Bravia Engine and fuses the LCD glass to bring down reflections. Let the latest in trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Discover an extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look – how cool can you be?

Another impressive feature is this handset’s camera. For what it lacks in flashy new Android OS updates, a 12 megapixel rear facing camera that can be used with just the press of a side button – even when the phone is turned off! Incredibly zippy, this camera goes from zero-to-shutter in less time than the Galaxy Nexus. And, the photo quality far surpasses the competition as well.

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Unfortunately, Sony Ericsson opted to use the Snapdragon S3 chip instead of the S4. Also disappointing is the lack of LTE on this device (which the manufacturer doled out to its AT&T exclusive Xperia Ion in the US). There are rumors that an LTE Sony phone will come Canada’s way in Q3, but in tech terms that is quite a ways out.

Some silver lining to the LTE regret is Sony will be bundling Video Unlimited support and the Xperia S is Playstation Certified which is great news for gamers who will have access to an ever growing number of PSOne games. This makes a case for purchasing better earpieces and headphones, speakers and additional MicroSD Memory cards to get the most of the device investment.

Canada should see this smartphone hit the market in March or so, but actual release dates and carrier availability are bound to follow, so keep tuned!

By Megan Fleet

Some things sound too good to be true. There is always a price to be paid. In the world of smartphones and contracts, the pipers are usually paid with hours of time, creative loopholes for promotional deals, and hidden costs with the long contacts signed to nab the desired handset of choice.

But, for those consumers who are in the market for a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and have avoided these long tied-in contracts or whose contract have come to term, there is a promotion that merits serious consideration.  As of January 13 , Best Buy has made this Android / Samsung poster child available for $99.99. This will require a three year contract, but the offer will extend to all carriers (apparently with the exception of Fido): Virgin Mobile, TELUS, Bell, and Rogers.

This is definitely an option to consider in comparison shopping as the official launch date of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus for Fido, TELUS, and Rogers is this Friday and three year contract deals are seeing handset costs around $160 or $600 outright. These carriers have began their sales of the Android 4.0 smartphone earlier than the announced release date, but TELUS will be releasing this device on Friday as well, but will match the Best Buy introductory price of $99.99 for signing a three year term.

With the number of carriers offering this kind of introductory offer, it isn’t likely to disappear any time soon. In the spirit of informed consumerism and seeing the true long term costs of both the new Galaxy Nexus handset and the contract terms, look at unlocked phone options and deals as well that will allow you to pick the best contract (and a more reasonable length!) for you.

Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool!  Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Or, if the contract offering from Best Buy, TELUS, Rogers and all the like is your cup of tea, be sure to shop around for the protective cases and skins for your new smartphone and depending on the laws of your area, hands free accessories as well. No matter what route fits best, happy shopping and enjoy your new gadgets!

By Megan Fleet

Let’s be honest, the latest hero device from the Nokia cell phone line-up, the Lumia 900 wowed spectators at the CES. From the keynote Microsoft address that showed an impressed audience the fruits of its partnership with Nokia and how the device works with Microsoft peripheral devices like the Xbox. The stellar performance of the Nokia Lumia 900 was duly recognized by CNET which named the smartphone as its category winner at the 2012 CES.

The move from Symbian to Windows mobile OS and the added bonus of BlueStack’s technology which will bring Android apps to those customers has sparked excitement and hope into both Nokia and Microsoft that 2012 will bring a 180 degree shift in sales and market share.

What is better news is that the vague announcement that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be available in “the next few months” may be whittled down to a more accurate date if the rumor mill is based in any kind of truth. Even more reliable is that the March 18^th date is being bandied about by Windows gurus Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley. These two “all about Windows” people came together to work on TWiT and discuss March as the release month in the latest Nokia developer newsletter.

Mister Thurrott is apparently not one for vagueness by making it clear that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be released precisely on March 18^th. Hopefully his crystal ball or tea leaves are accurate as anxious customers are bound to seek out this sleek unlocked cell phone as soon as possible.

Surely the smartphone manufacturer will make more accurate announcements that will include date of availability, the cost, and start touting more of the peripheral accessories that will heighten the handset’s popularity and longevity in a fickle, competitive and ever changing mobile tech market.

By Aldo Panessidi

When Apple launched the iPhone 4S there were plenty of bystanders that were disappointed that the latest smartphone was not the elusive iPhone 5. The silver lining is that this prolonged release has given plenty of fodder for the tech gossip mill as we all speculate if the next generation iPhone will be drastically different.

Latest reports note that Apple’s upcoming device will be slimmer than the iPhone 4S and iPhone handsets and will also strut some new tech as well. The iPhone 5 may have a quad-mode chipset from Qualcomm that will work on all 4G LTE and 3G networks which has the implication of making this unlocked cell phone device more widely available across mobile carriers.

Giving credence to these details is a BGR exclusive last month that reported Apple’s intention to launch a completely redesigned iPhone in the fall. It will have an aluminum case and a rubber or perhaps plastic bezel that will protect and cover a new wrap-around antenna.  Possibly more dependable accounts came from Morgan Stanley’s analyst, Katy Huberty, who noted that Apple sent a communication to clients last Friday. Those statements assured that Apple’s business will continue to grow even with a slowing demand for high-end smartphones. There is no question that the company’s strength is in its iTunes, iCloud and other proprietary technologies that marry customers so closely the OS platform.

Included in Huberty’s comments was the mention of Apple’s next generation tablet, the iPad3 which is slated to launch at some point in the first half of the year. With traditional pricing strategy in play, the iPad2 will be lowered in cost to attract additional customers to the iOS platform and to Apple’s strength in the tablet market.

Surely these new smartphone and tablet devices will come with revamped and original peripheral accessories.   Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Discover the latest innovative protection solutions… stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

By Megan Fleet

For a woman like my grandmother who was hampered by blindness and arthritis but who also embraced all technology that improved her quality of life and kept her as independent as possible, Clarity’s upcoming product, the Fortissimo speakerphone would have been a hit. So, right out the gate I would like to say that I love the functionality and purpose of this product.

Recent reports note that it is to be brought to market by Clarity sometime this Spring. A comprehensive solution that is geared towards the mobility-challenged and for those with other disabilities, the implications for communication, enhanced enjoyment of media, and leveling the playing field make this a winner out the gate. It features massively loud 95dB speakers, huge buttons, Planttronics ‘Vocalyst’ technology, DECT connectivity and Bluethooth capability… making wireless earpieces and headsets great accessories to make the most of such a great gadget. The combination of these technologies and design can make the world of difference for those who are limited by hearing, seeing, and mobility challenges.

The Fortissimo features Plantronics’ Vocalyst technology that takes the physical design considerations to the next level by pushing social network updates, send messages, and push emails. This capability helps connect those who are more easily isolated to the world and could have safety implications as well.

To ensure that customers aren’t left in the dark if things go awry, there is a dedicated button on the device that will automatically call the Clarity support center. From there, a rep can remotely program the phone which will offer a huge sigh of relief for those who are not so tech savvy.

With a projected launch of April or May, the device is said to retail for $500 and will undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment.