About a week ago, our friends at Ford lent Skatter Tech a brand new 5-door Focus 2012 Hatchback Titanium for an opportunity to check out the latest in-car tech. For those not familiar, the Microsoft-powered SYNC platform first made a debut at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Ford has since built on this platform introducing MyFord Touch at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show for a touch-screen experience with powerful voice commands, better smart phone integration, more entertainment options, internet connectivity, navigation with traffic alerts, and many other perks.

SYNC with MyFord Touch

The in-car infotainment system on the Focus 2012 revolves around an 8-inch touch screen. MyFord Touch splits the home screen into four quadrants for the phone, navigation, climate, and entertainment. Common functions for any of the respective zones are accessible on the main screen and users can click on one of the color-coded region to open the full zone for more options.

Unfortunately, there is one major problem. Consumers now have high expectations when it comes to easy-to-use uncluttered and responsive interfaces thanks to the advent of the latest generation smart phones and tablets. Ford still has a long way to go when it comes to improving on its touch screen experience. The software often takes a few seconds to respond to a touch or even bring up a new menu. Interface elements are not always consistent, some fonts are quite difficult to read, and the recessed display forces drivers to lean over to see information on the edges of the screen.

Multimedia

Setting aside my concerns regarding the experience of the underlying SYNC platform, the Focus 2012 actually excels when it comes to providing a robust in-car entertainment experience. Getting basics out-of-the-way, Ford includes AM/FM radio and a single-disc CD player. To take things up a notch, the Titanium model comes with a Sony 10-speaker sound system and a sub-woofer which makes HD Radio and Sirius XM a lot more enjoyable. Though I prefer the Mark Levinson sound system found in Lexus vehicles or Harman Kardon in Mercedes, those are not exactly a fair comparison.

Under the center armrest are two USB ports for smart phones and MP3 players. SYNC can even access music on a flash drive or a portable hard drive. Being able to charge USB devices without a third-party car adapter with these ports is also a plus. Thanks to Bluetooth A2DP support, I could stream music from the cloud-powered Google Music straight to the car wirelessly through a Samsung Galaxy S II. I briefly tried playing tracks from both the iPod app and Rdio on an Apple iPhone 4 over Bluetooth and it worked seamlessly. I was quite impressed to find the previous and next track controls on the wheel functioning perfectly when navigating through tracks on both Android and iOS devices.

SYNC with MyFord Touch can actually display album art along with music from devices such as iPod when plugged into a USB port too. Images unfortunately did not appear when streaming tracks over Bluetooth. Also under the center armrest are RCA jacks for playing video on-screen. Plugging in a portable DVD player or a gaming console should work just fine. I was a bit disappointed to notice the lack of a dedicated AUX port, but working around the issue with a AUX-to-RCA cable is quite easy. There is a SD card reader under the arm rest for multimedia  as well, though a card with navigation data occupies the slot for those who bought the respective technology package.

Navigation System

While portable navigation systems now retail for under $100, many drivers still prefer a factory out-of-the-box solution. Those who opt for the SYNC with Navigation package can enjoy the convenience of voice-guided turn-by-turn directions with traffic alerts powered by TeleNav. The touch screen interface lets drivers select a home location, configure favorites, browse previous destinations, search for points of interest, input a street address, find an intersection, or look for places on a map.

I tested the reliability of the navigator over a period of a week while driving across the San Francisco Bay Area. While the directions were spot-on the vast majority of the time, the navigator sent me driving in circles in at least two occasions even though I was just a few blocks away from the final destination. Re-calculating a route also took a little longer than a 2012 car should take. Bring up memories of the sluggishness of the Garmin StreetPilot I purchased nearly a decade ago is never a good sign. I still felt Google Maps Navigation works better on my Android smart phone.

Voice commands are another highly touted feature. SYNC with MyFord Touch, powered by Nuance, adds recognition support for over 10,000 words. After putting this to the test while on the road, I found plenty of good and some bad. Starting with the positive aspects, the voice recognition was actually quite accurate. The navigator quickly pulled up a list of possible matches within seconds when I tried dictating several addresses and names of restaurants.

With that being said, the system frustratingly requires speaking very specific phrases which may take sometime to learn. However, that was actually not the real problem. The entire reason for voice activated car technology is to keep drivers focused on the road. Unfortunately, SYNC with MyFord Touch fails to alleviate that issue. Well-designed voice integration should only require one or two interactions to input a destination. With the current system, I found myself having to interact nearly 4-5 times before the navigator begins guidance in almost every occasion.

I also felt the maps screen could use a better color palette for distinguishing labels from streets and highways. The display was also overly cluttered with way too much overlaid information. Keying in an address was incredibly slow since the system takes a second or two to catch up with itself after a pressing a digit or letter. While I do not expect the quality of the Google Earth implementation on an Audi which even has satellite imagery, snappier performance could go a long way.

Smart Phone Integration

One big chunk of SYNC on Ford vehicles is smart phone integration. It’s a great idea since it keeps eyes on the road and prevents drivers from fiddling around with a device. It is also perfect for those who would rather not wear a headset. Pairing Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows Phone devices via Bluetooth was quite easy with a PIN which appears on-screen. The interface can remember multiple devices though only it can only connect to a single one at a time.

I was quite actually quite excited for the automatic phonebook download feature, but I found it struggling to import the nearly 2,000 entries in my device — though I am probably an exception. With this data readily available in the SYNC system, drivers can simply speak a name rather than having to remember a phone number. In my situation, the voice recognition failed to identify any of the names in my phone book even though I could browse through a full list on-screen — speaking a 10 digit number worked just fine.

I answered a several calls while on the road with a single press thanks to the talk button shortcut on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the audio quality over Bluetooth was not too pleasant for either party. I often struggled to hear the person on the other end even with the volume turned up and I heard complains from others as well. With that being said, I managed to place a few good calls which leads me to believe that signal strength due to poor coverage was likely a major factor. Regardless, the seamless experience of automatic pairing as you enter the Focus 2012 and having the system transfer a call back to the handset as you exit the vehicle is great.

MyFord Touch also boasts support for transfers of contact images, though the feature did not work with any of the several phones I paired to the car even after manual import attempts. Ford also advertises support for reading out incoming text messages and responding from a selection of pre-defined replies, but this feature only works with a limited number of smart phones.

Instrument Panel Display

A 4.2 inch LCD display in the center of the instrument panel complements the larger main display centered on the dashboard. This miniature screen provides bits of information such as fuel efficiency, outside temperature, indicators for lighting, the odometer, trip details, distance until an empty tank, vehicle settings, cruise control status, and more.

With the navigator running, the interface dedicates a third of the screen to display directions. This is quite helpful especially when the passenger might be using the main display to mess around with climate controls or find a new radio station. Drivers can interact with the small display by using a five-way directional pad found on the left side of the steering wheel.

Active Park Assist

While automatic parallel parking was once a technology reserved for luxury vehicles, Ford makes it available to the masses on the Focus 2012. I have seen the feature advertised for a few years by several manufacturers, but I actually never tried it myself until I Ford handed me the keys to this car. I decided to give the assisted park a shot in a private residential area with nearly no traffic since I did not have high expectations. Ford proved me wrong as the Focus identified an available spot, took control of the wheel, and reversed into the spot on my first try — I only had to keep my foot on the brake to control the speed.

After some added confidence, I decided to try parking on a busy street in Los Gatos downtown. The Focus 2012 backed into an available spot rather quickly which is a major plus since drivers do not have to worry about holding up cars behind them. The self-parking system also does an amazing job of bringing the back and front tires of the Focus within just few inches of the curb every time. I soon put the technology to the test in Berkeley a few days later. While parking is quite easy in areas with plenty of room, I found myself in an extremely tight fit this time around with just a foot or two to spare on a slope. I soon realized that the Active Park Assist can actually perform a multiple-point turn by maneuvering the car back and forth until parked properly.

The backup camera not only provides a line of sight which is much-needed for a hatchback, but also adds visual indicators for distance proximity and draws a trajectory path for easy alignment. The Focus 2012 also has audible feedback with beeps which get louder and faster when getting too close to an object. If I had any suggestions for improvements, it would be to add visual indicators on-screen for the front of the vehicle as well to complement the existing audible alerts.

I also noticed that Active Park Assist only allowed parallel parking on the right side of the street, but I later found owners mention that turning on the left indicator switches modes on an online forum. Ford should consider providing some on-screen guidance to inform users of the option to parallel park on the left side of a street as well as it can come in handy in cities such as San Francisco which have many one-way streets with parking on both sides.

Other In-car Tech

The Focus 2012 comes with plenty of other bits of tech which deserve a mention. For instance, the driver or passengers can control multimedia playback from the steering wheel, the touch screen, or physical controls below the display. While most cars have automatic headlights which turn on when dark, Ford actually has rain-sensing wipers which automatically clear the windshield too.

Though the Focus 2012 has an automatic six-speed transmission, drivers can manually change gears with a touch of a button on models such as the Titanium. There is a built-in universal garage door opener which can replace up to three remote controls. Speaking voice commands such as “cooler” or “decrease temperature” can adjust the climate. My favorite one might just be the ability to say “defrost” when windows begin getting foggy.

New smart phones may now offer built-in mobile hotspots, but Ford also has its own solution. SYNC with MyFord touch lets owners plugin a USB 3G modem to create an in-car hotspot for up to five users. Aside from that, drivers can enter the Focus 2012 without having to reach for their keys thanks to touch sensitive door handles and start the engine with a click of a button.

A Few Bugs

While in-car tech advancements are always exciting, it also creates many opportunities for bugs. I had one particularly bad experience just a few minutes after I began driving the car. The whole SYNC with MyFord Touch system froze leaving me unable to interact with the car using the touch screen or even the controls on the steering wheel. Though the physical controls below the display were still functional, I could not use the touch screen to make calls, get directions, play music, or control the climate. I had to eventually turn off the engine and waited for the entire system to reboot.

I also noticed that the system takes several minutes to perform scheduled system maintenance when starting the car on multiple occasions. I had to wait nearly 5 minutes before I could input an address and another few minutes before the navigator initiated guidance. Considering this happened several times in just a week, I sure hope that Ford resolves this issue in the near future.

The Bottom Line

The Ford Focus 2012 definitely offers some of the best consumer-focused in-car tech when lined up against other vehicles of the same class. The company is also working hard to quickly to create an eco-system for third-party applications delivered through smart phones and even hopes to have developers taking on prototyping new concepts with open-source hardware.

While advancements are good news, I strongly feel Ford could improve on user experience. The sheer number of things going on when seated in a Focus 2012 is rather overwhelming even for a computer engineer. Finding simple bits of information such as the time or the temperature often takes more than a single glance due to a cluttered and disorganized interface. there is just too much information on just about any given screen at any time. The ridiculous number of buttons on the steering wheel alone is a bit concerning. Having three sets of controls for a single task is probably unnecessary.

Speeding up the interface which often takes several seconds to react to even simple tasks such as entering digits on a dial pad is a great place to start. Possibly even implementing a Metro-inspired interface for a clean minimalistic distraction-free experience would be a huge improvement. With that being said, Ford still beats many competitors when it comes to being compatible with the technology you already own without having to deal with expensive proprietary add-ons.

I was particularly impressed with the active park assist and I would not be surprised to see Ford eventually begin implementing technologies such as night vision, lane tracking, pre-collision braking, or dynamic cruise control. The 5-door Focus 2012 starts at $18,200 and the Focus 2012 Hatchback Titanium Ford provided Skatter Tech came in a $27,470 configuration. Those looking for a new car packed with technology should definitely consider taking this vehicle out for a test drive.

Links: Ford Focus 2012 | SYNC for MyFord Touch

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

While there are many ways to keep an eye on your home, just about every option comes with a drawback. Professional security systems are too expensive and consumer-oriented options are often overly complicated. Skatter Tech reviewed the competing Avaak VueZone earlier this year, but there was one major concern: the company avoids labeling its product as a security solution.

Fortunately, D-Link has a relatively affordable option which hopes to play nice with an existing home WiFi network for easy installation. A remote web interface, apps for popular smart phones, and motion detection alerts make this surveillance camera seem quite attractive too. I just wish D-Link picks a shorter name next time: DCS-932L Wireless N Day/Night Home Network Camera.

Configuration Process

Getting the basics setup is incredibly easy taking just a few minutes. I powered up the DCS-932L with the included AC adapter and opted to use WiFi for connectivity. There is an Ethernet port on the back for wired connections too. While configuring old network cameras would generally entail typing an IP address into a browser, I was able to take advantage of WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) — commonly found on most modern routers. For those not familiar with this feature, pairing is easy as clicking a “push button” on your router and the security camera.

Once connected to the internet, the LED on the front of the security camera turns green. I noticed a new item appear in the Network Devices section of Windows 7. Clicking on that icon opened my default web browser for access to the configuration panel. The interface closely resembles a D-Link router page which is not too surprising. I found tons of options to customize network settings, enable Dynamic DNS for easy remote access, adjust image/video quality, configure motion detection, set up email notifications, backup to a FTP server, and much more.

Unfortunately, there is one major flaw. D-Link fails to offer any way to link the DCS-932L camera to its consumer friendly service labeled mydlink.com for monitoring and managing cameras without using the application found on the provided CD. It is quite unclear why there is no way to configure the this service through the local web configuration interface While using a CD is by no means difficult, the requirement seems quite primitive for a futuristic gizmo. Not to mention, configuring this security camera with a CD-free computer such as a Chromebook or MacBook Air is not possible.

Features

The DCS-932L is unlike several of the other security solutions I have come across due to its simplicity. This device is wire-free aside from needing a power supply, of course. While other solutions often requite an additional “base station,” this camera can connect directly to an existing WiFi router. D-Link makes it possible to stream a live video feed to a web browser on just about any computer or to a compatible smart phone. Users can adjust motion detection sensitivity and enable email alerts.

Another neat touch? The D-Link DCS-932L has built-in night vision support unlike the Logitech Alert system or the Avaak VueZone. I was not expecting much in terms of visibility in the dark, but the incredible quality blew me away. The IR LED sensors lit up my entire pitch-dark living room and there was barely any blurriness either.

I was somewhat relieved to learn that D-Link offers the option to continuously upload captured content to a FTP server for safekeeping. This can can prove valuable if an intruder attempts break or damage the camera. The only disappointment? The backup feature only supports images — no video.

Web Interface

While there is a router-like interface accessible through an IP address for monitoring one of these cameras, most users will likely choose to use the friendlier mydlink.com service. I was glad to find an uncluttered easy-to-use interface. However, there is one major issue: viewing a live camera feed through the website requires Java.

This makes mydlink incredibly slow to load and Java still freezes up even the best web browser momentarily while loading. I also noticed I was unable to view my camera feed on a Chromebook which lacks Java support. While I am not necessarily a fan of Adobe Flash, it was definitely the way to go since the plugin has a lighter footprint and works in more browsers.

Aside from those concerns, mydlink.com lets users monitor up to a total of 32 cameras through the web portal. There is a simple zoom slider, but D-Link oddly does not provide a way to pan around. Since the camera has a built-in microphone, it is easy to listen in too.

Mobile Apps

While the desktop web browser interface could use some work, the smart phone counterparts work quite well. After installing the app from the Android Market on a Sprint Nexus S, I could tune into a live feed even when I was away from my home on a mobile 3G or 4G network. I briefly tested the iOS counterpart and the interface was essentially identical.

The app makes it possible to snap a screen shot, view stats (resolution, frame rate, and bit rate), and switch to a full screen view. Although connecting to a camera sometimes took nearly 30 seconds, quality was generally acceptable. Being able to listen in is also a neat touch.

With that being said, there are two features I would like to see D-Link include in a future update: video capture and motion alerts. Users can currently only snap an image of a live video stream and adding support for recording clips would be helpful. In addition, D-Link should begin delivering push notifications for detected motion since both Android and iOS support the technology. While email alerts are available, I would rather see a native app provide instant feedback.

The Bottom Line

Even after using the Avaak VueZone video monitoring network and the Logitech Alert surveillance system, the D-Link DCS-932L is by far my favorite. VueZone requires a base station, comes with monthly fees, and users need to replace batteries from time-to-time. Though Logitech’s solution offers the best video quality, the base price is incredibly expensive and there are additional charges for using mobile apps. D-Link’s camera is the only solution with night vision technology, no monthly fees, an affordable price tag, and packed with incredibly geeky features.

The D-Link DCS-932L retails for just $99 and works great for in-door monitoring of any home. Being easy-to-setup adds plenty of value for those who consider themselves a bit technologically inept too. While I would like to see features such as support for saving video triggered by motion detection, this security camera still provides plenty of value. D-Link can also introduce new features through firmware updates and new versions of mobile apps too. If you are looking for an affordable security system for your home with a light footprint, this device is definitely worth considering.

Link: D-Link DCS-932L

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Playing a brand new game generally requires a computer with the latest hardware or a current-generation gaming console such as the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, or Wii. OnLive’s service essentially shakes up these traditional necessities with a new streaming technology. With a constant high-speed network connection being the only requirement, those looking to enjoy a flagship title can install a little program on just about any computer even if under-powered or take advantage of an existing HDTV with the OnLive MicroConsole.

We have mentioned OnLive in the past and with concerns at least once, but never had a chance to review it. Since then, the service has grown to include a larger selection of titles reaching nearly a hundred and the company now offers a more attractive pricing scheme too.

The MicroConsole

The OnLive Game System retails for $99. This package includes a MicroConsole TV adapter, a wireless controller plus a rechargeable battery, a power supply, a HDMI cable, a USB play and charge cable, two AA batteries, and an ethernet cable. Additional controllers are $49.99 and an optional component video adapter is available for $29.99 too.

While traditional gaming consoles feature plenty of processing power inside, this device merely receives a stream of video from OnLive’s cloud and sends actions from your controller back to the same servers. Since the MicroConsole does not need as much horsepower, the device is only about the size of two decks of cards with just the bare essentials inside.

The MicroConsole features plenty of connectivity with ports for Ethernet, HDMI, Optical, two USB ports, and a power input. Despite a lightweight footprint, the device can deliver up to 1080p over HDMI and 1080i over analog using the component video adaptor. Of course, it requires a wired internet connection with at least 3-5 Mbps of bandwidth depending on the size of your television screen.

While the device unfortunately lacks WiFi connectivity, which is a major flaw, there are other solutions for those trying to get online when too far away from a router. For instance, users can set up a WiFi Bridge by linking the MicroConsole with a WiFi-enabled computer using an Ethernet cable.

Wireless Controller

The Wireless Controller is a near clone of the Xbox 360 controller with the addition of a few playback buttons at the bottom. It feels just as solid as an Xbox 360 controller and only a bit heavier. OnLive claims the included rechargeable battery will last through 36 hours of play — though I did not have enough time to verify this claim. It is also easy to plug the controller into the port on the front of the MicroConsole with the included USB cable for charging while playing games.

OnLive also deserves a credit for making the Wireless Controller compatible with a set of two AA batteries too. For those wondering, up to 4 players can simultaneously enjoy split-screen games with one console too. If you are not a fan of the OnLive Wireless Controller, the MicroConsole also supports plugging in a keyboard or mouse with USB.

Gaming Experience

I tested two games over the course of two hours with the MicroConsole. The first was Deus Ex: Human Revolution and the second was Dirt 3. I played these titles on a 46 inch Sony Television over HDMI and using a 20 Mbps connection. Other network activity was kept to a minimum and I had a chance to try the controller in both wired and wireless modes.

To be honest, I did not have high expectations for OnLive as I went into playing Deus Ex, an action role-playing game. Surprisingly, I found the responsiveness of the menus and the quality of the stream in the opening scenes quite impressive. It felt much like watching a 720p Hulu video stream.

When the actual gameplay began, things changed as I noticed more dropped frames and bit of lag in the responsiveness of controls. In one instance, I would move my character forward slightly and he would continue to move for a fraction of a second after I released the joystick. This issue fortunately faded away to a certain extent as the system adjusted itself to accommodate the network capabilities.

The game is quite playable for most, but I would not be too surprised to hear complains from slightly more serious gamers. Unfortunately, that concern has some validity. I noticed some difficulty with precision aiming and quick reactions during gun fight scenes. Making micro movements to aim and shoot was more of a problem than it should.

I had some similar issues with Dirt 3 which is a rally car racing simulation game. There was a major disconnect between my actions and that of the vehicle on-screen making the game very difficult to play. I spent nearly a half-hour on the first race replaying over and over. There was simply too much lag between each move which becomes quite frustrating. While OnLive users will likely learn to anticipate and compensate for the mentioned issues, it is still a major downside to the cloud-powered technology.

Experience On A Computer

I tested the same two games on the Mac over a WiFi connection using a keyboard and wireless mouse. I initially thought I would be able to use the OnLive controller on my Mac, but soon realized otherwise. While the OnLive client supports the use of gamepads on both Mac and PC, it does not work with the OnLive Wireless Controller — though it ironically supports the Xbox 360 controller.

Gameplay is essentially the same on both a PC and Mac. I tried the same level in Dirt 3 and anticipated even more difficultly with accuracy of controls due to a wireless connection, but I found that it was actually more responsive and playable on the Mac. I also felt that it was easier to make smaller movements by tapping the keys on my keyboard, but some of the same problems with precision remain.

I dove into Deus Ex and continued in the story mode to find that using a mouse makes it easier to accurately aim and fire — definitely more responsive than the MicroConsole too. Quality was definitely better on my Mac. While games are still not nearly as responsive as a traditional console, the client on my computer was definitely better than using the MicroConsole.

The Price

OnLive originally charged $15 a month just for access to the service, but membership is now free. Users still need to pay to play a game and 10 minute demos are available to get users interested. Games are available through several pricing models: purchase, rent, or subscriptions. Buying a title is approximately the same price as a console game coming in at around $50 for a new title or $30 for an older one. Rentals generally last 3-5 days with a price tag ranging between $5-9. Finally, the PlayPass subscription model offers unlimited monthly access to over 90 games for $9 a month — though it excludes many new releases.

The Bottom Line

I have two very varied opinions when it comes to making up my mind about OnLive. From one perspective, the service is an amazing technological feat. On the other hand, OnLive requires a hiccup-free high-speed network and still faces issues with controller accuracy, lag, and low frame rates. While hardcore gamers will simply dismiss and smirk and at the mention of this gaming solution, it is definitely a viable option for casual gamers.

As someone who is not too serious about gaming but enjoys picking up a controller from time to time, OnLive makes sense. Low-end hardware is no longer a barrier either. The service also comes with plenty of advantages too. For instance, I can play any game in my OnLive library on my laptop, the MicroConsole, or just about any computer with my account credentials. The company is also for pushing the service to tablets so gamers can enjoy the same set of console titles on the go and even use a regular controller paired over Bluetooth.

Those debating purchasing a dedicated PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 over a MicroConsole have a few things to consider. The selection of titles with OnLive is quite limited though quickly growing. Then again, the MicroConsole retails for just $100 while the other aforementioned solutions are nearly 2-3 times as expensive. Technologies such as Xbox Kinect or PlayStation Move are definitely out of the question limiting gaming to just a traditional controller. With that being said, accessing OnLive will keep getting easier as the service will soon make an appearance embedded into smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and even set-top boxes.

If you have a high-speed network, OnLive is definitely compelling and will likely become even more attractive if the company continues to innovate at the same pace. It is simply too hard to recommend the MicroConsole to everyone since there are just too many variables from selection of titles or hardware limitations such as the lack of WiFi. With that being said, I think it is important to evaluate your necessities before pulling the trigger on the shopping cart. At the very least, it is easy to install the OnLive client on your computer to give the service a test drive.

Links: OnLive

Editor’s Note: Sahas Katta contributed to this review.

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

The Droid 3 is the third iteration of Motorola’s iconic premium line following the debut of the original Droid in late 2009 and the Droid 2 in 2010. The latest model sets itself apart from the rest in terms of design and features. This smart phone is larger than previous generation models and shows several signs of improvement. Motorola did a fine job addressing many concerns that came with the Droid and Droid 2. While there are many reasons to call this device impressive, it still has its faults like every other phone on the market.

Hardware

For dimensions, the Droid 3 is 64.1 mm wide by 123.3 mm tall when you are looking at it in portrait mode. At 12.9 mm thick, it is pretty slim for a phone with a hardware keyboard. With a 4-inch display and a boxy design, the device feels very bulky in the hands. It is also somewhat heavy weighing in at 6.5 oz, but not too bad.

The Droid 3 has a rather good build quality which is noticeably better than any of the Droids that came before it. The glass and metallic materials give it a premium feel. Even with ordinary plastic covering the back, minor bumps or drops are not a concern thanks to Motorola. The sliding mechanism for the keyboard is solid too. It was a bit stiff and hard to slide open at first, but I have noticed it loosens up over time.

Typing on the keyboard was an enjoyable experience. I love the spacious keys and dedicated number buttons on the top row. Some might find the individual voice control and search function keys useful, too. I sent a few emails with minor typos. My only gripe is the flat keys on the Droid 3. I prefer the Droid 2′s keyboard slightly better in this regard. If you have larger thumbs, you are going to have a tough time typing accurately on the Droid 3.

Inside, you can find a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 16 GB of on-board storage. A built-in micro SD card slot allows for up to 32 GB expansion, totaling 48 GB of potential storage. Speaking of ports, the Droid 3 includes micro USB, micro HDMI, and the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. Motorola throws in WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, a compass, and an accelerometer as well — all norms in modern smart phones. No 4G connectivity here, only 3G.

Display

The Motorola Droid 3 features a 4-inch qHD display. It has a 960 x 540 resolution, putting it at roughly 275 pixels per inch. This is lacking in sharpness compared to other smart phones, but for the vast majority of customers it is more than adequate. The display gets pretty bright on its maximum settings. Colors look slightly over-saturated to the naked eye, but some might appreciate the extra pop that comes with it.

The reflectiveness from the glass is about on par with every other phone with a glossy display. Using it in sunlight is not really a problem, especially if you crank the brightness all the way up. Viewing angles are acceptable, but not great.

Operating System

The Droid 3 runs Android 2.3 “Gingerbread”, the latest version of Google’s operating system. The very moment I turned on the Droid 3, the first thing I noticed was Motorola’s custom user interface. It changes the look of Android in favor of a dark blue color scheme. At this point, the phone did not feel like it belongs in the Droid line. And frankly, it still does not. Swiping between home pages has a neat little transitional effect that looks like they are all in a cube formation.

Similar to just about every other Android phone, you are going to run in to bloatware. You will find apps such as GoToMeeting, Let’s Golf 2, Nova, a selection of V Cast apps, Citrix, City ID, and ZumoCast among others. Some are even just downright confusing. For instance, there is Google’s Navigation app and Verizon’s Navigator app as well. My personal favorite oddity is the Messaging and Text Messaging apps — both are separate, but serve the same purpose.

The Motorola Droid 3′s performance is a mixed bag. Though it handles basic tasks and animations well, certain apps were dreadfully sluggish. I spent a lot of time using The Weather Channel app to track Hurricane Irene and the map was beyond slow to load. I felt like I was back in time using my iPhone 3G. And just to make sure it was not the app, I opened the official Maps app only to receive the same results. Browsing the web was okay. 4G capability really would have made it shine, but I think 3G is sufficient enough for now.

The biggest problem I had with the Droid 3 was, well, it burned my finger. The very first app I downloaded was Advanced Task Killer. At the time, I did not know this specific app was not compatible with newer versions of Android and particular phones. So about ten minutes after I installed, I noticed the phone began getting uncomfortably hot. Since I had been using it for a while, I just set it down and picked it up later. The heat returned. I went to touch the back of the phone and it was so hot that it burned my finger slightly. Hours later the tingling sensation was still there.

Even though the Droid 3 cooled down after I removed Advanced Task Killer, it still does get pretty hot after continuous use. Google should remove any apps that cause these types of issues. No end-user should ever have to experience that.

Multimedia

There is plenty of audio and video formats available on the Droid 3 — all the usual ones. No issues with playback support whatsoever. But what it does play, it does not play with great quality. In numerous tests for both audio and video, there was a constant noise coming out of the speaker in the background. Also, voices sounded muffled. Either I have high expectations for a smart phone or the sound quality was mediocre and I am willing to place all bets on the latter.

As for content, YouTube is as always available on the device. Netflix, Blockbuster, and HBO Go are too if you subscribe. No signs of Hulu Plus, however. Android includes a Google Books app for downloading and reading eBooks.

Cameras

One word can pretty easily describe the overall performance of both the front and rear cameras: bad. Yes, there is not much to say in this area. The rear camera is an 8 megapixel shooter with 1080p HD video capture support. Obviously, the front VGA camera is much worse than the back but both exhibited grain and color inaccuracy in addition to other weaknesses. One unusual problem I encountered is with the LED flash. On its automatic setting, it went off indoors even when it was not necessary. Luckily, those of you who like to tweak for hours on end, the vast array of customization options will bring tears to your eyes.

Video calling simply did not work. There is no Skype, ooVoo, or Google Talk support for video calling at all. I had to finally download Tango to test it out. And when I did, the Droid 3 broadcasted video in black and white. I have no idea why. I checked the Camera app to make sure the settings were all normal and they were. There were no problems with the connection, though I really prefer my video conferencing in full color.

Network Reliability

WiFi and 3G are very stable and I had no problems connecting either. Verizon Wireless has a reputation for being reliable and that stays true with the Motorola Droid 3. I did have a bit of trouble connecting my devices to the mobile hotspot. After the third attempt, it worked. Thankfully, it worked well, with pleasantly speedy load times for a phone. Of course, this only matters for those brave enough to fork over an extra $20 per month for 2 GB of data.

Call quality is pretty average — not terrible, but not excellent. Both callers reported muffled sound with slight background noise. Speakerphone was no better. These are only small inconveniences and did not negatively contribute to the experience with the handset.

Battery Life

According to Motorola, the Droid 3 gets about nine hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby. I find this very, very hard to believe. In my test, I unplugged the phone at full charge at 11:07 p.m. It died the next day at 7:04 p.m. I noticed that on standby, it has incredible battery life. But the moment I start to use it, the battery drains quickly. Still, the battery on the Droid 3 is comparably competent. You can easily get a typical day’s use out of it. It is worth noting that this device does not come with a spare battery.

The Bottom Line

The Motorola Droid 3 feels like a mid-range smart phone. It shines in terms of hardware and design. Gingerbread is an absolute plus as well. Nothing about this phone is awful. Most of the features like battery life, performance, and camera quality are just over the border of adequate. If Motorola priced the Droid 3 at $99, I would recommend considering this device, since you would get what you pay for. But for $199.99 on a two-year contract, I can confidently say there are better options to explore for the price. The HTC Sensation 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S II are great, to name a few. Its only major appeal is the hardware keyboard. The Droid 3 could have given the best phones of 2010 such as the HTC EVO 4G a run for their money. Unfortunately, it is 2011.

Link: Motorola Droid 3 on Verizon Wireless – $199.99

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Launching a year after its popular predecessor the Droid X, the Motorola Droid X2 is back for another round this summer. There are many aspects about this smart phone that are appealing, particularly because it did not meander too far away from the original Droid X, and the areas where it does differ are generally for the better, such as a new dual-core Tegra 2 processor and a gHD display. So the real question is, can the Droid X2 live up to expectations and fill its predecessor’s shoes? Lets find out.

Hardware and Design

First things first, let me just say that the Droid X2 is a big phone, both in terms of power and in size. Powered by a dual-core 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU and coming in at 5 inches tall by 2.57 inches wide by 0.39 inches thick and weighing a solid 5.46 ounces, it has exactly the same dimensions as the original Droid X, which makes it almost as big as my hand. It is covered in rubberized plastic, which makes it easy to grip and prevents scratches to the body, making it feel sturdy and durable. In terms of aesthetics, the soft matte dark grey finish and slender build (apart from the bulge) and fairly well inlaid buttons make the Droid X a relatively subtle phone—it’s nice to see a phone without an entirely glossy finish, unlike some of its competition.

Additional features include the same four rectangular Menu, Home, Back, and Search buttons beneath the display that were on the Droid X, a 4.3-inch display that dominates the phone (more on this later), a micro-USB port and HDMI port on the left spine, a chrome volume rocker on the right spine, and a 3.5-mm headphone jack and power button on the top of the phone. The removable 1,540 mAh and included 8 GB microSD card are hidden behind a rear slide-off panel held firmly in place. The Droid X2 also sports an 8 megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash, 3G mobile hotspot, 720p video recording, 512 MB of RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and 8 GB of internal memory for apps.

There are undoubtedly big perks to making the Droid X2 this large, particularly when it comes to the screen. However, there are also some downsides to this, one of which is that for me at least the smart phone felt too bulky. While male readers will likely not have this problem, I was not able to fit the Droid X2 into all of my pant pockets, especially my front pockets, which was the same problem I had with the Droid X. In addition, the awkward little bulge where the camera sensor is that we complained about with the original Droid X is back. This makes the Droid X2 fairly top-heavy and just a bit awkward to hold, as well as a little awkward looking. I wish Motorola would have done away with this bulge, as it detracts from the otherwise aesthetically pleasing symmetric design.

Operating System

The Droid X2 ships with Android 2.2. (Froyo) pre-installed with Motoblur, with Verizon promising an upgrade to 2.3 (Gingerbread). Hopefully this will come sooner rather than later since Android Ice Cream Sandwich is already on its way too.

Motoblur on the Droid X2 is definitely newer than the version found on older Droid phones (including the Droid X). Users can now hit the home button twice to pull up a thumbnail view that allows them easier access to the seven home screens (though I must say, seven screens was a bit excessive and I personally only used four). Another new addition is a new toolbar on the apps page, which lets you get to the Android Marketplace faster as well as create app groups.

There are four icons in the tray at all times: Contacts, Camera, Text Messaging, and All Apps. While latter is not removable, the other three are interchangeable and remain static as you browser through various home screens. Additional improvements that users may find particularly fun are streamlined social networking support through a widget that merges updates from Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and LinkedIn. A new Data Saver option delays downloads until on Wi-Fi to save battery and limit 3G data usage. A Mirror Mode app lets you view pictures, games, and videos in 1080p on any HDTV via the HDMI output (though you will need to buy a HDMI cable, as one is not included in the Droid X2’s packaging). Other pre-installed apps include Blockbuster, NFL, Skype, VCast, and City ID.

One thing I did notice, however, is that there were several times when the Droid X2 would stutter even when I was just unlocking the phone or swiping between home screens. It is odd considering there is a dual-core processor to back it, but it might have something to do with the Motoblur UI. When it comes to typing, the Droid X2 has a multi-touch virtual QWERTY keyboard and a fancy cursor-selector. It also comes pre-installed with Swype too. While I personally prefer a physical keyboard to a virtual one, I had relatively little trouble typing on the touchscreen keyboard, especially when I switched it over to Swype. The speech-to-text, however, was not all that accurate, with significantly more mistakes than with regular multi-touch typing, though that seems to be my experience with that particular feature in general.

Display

As mentioned above, the Droid X2 comes with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display. The display is the same size as the Droid X’s, however, the Droid X2 features a qHD display, meaning it has an impressive 960 by 540 pixel display in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Seeing as the Droid X’s display only checked in at 480 by 854 pixels, this is a significant upgrade. The end result of this is of course a more detailed display with brighter colors and improved viewing angles. I personally was very impressed with the image quality and clarity of the 4.3-inch qHD display.

Network Speeds and Mobile Hotspot

The Droid X2 operates on Verizon’s 3G CDMA EVDO Rev A network and connects to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. Download speeds were on par with what you would expect from a 3G phone and while this is certainly decent, I was left wondering why Motorola and Verizon didn’t put the Droid X2 on the 4G network for faster data speeds.

The Mobile Hotspot application, which came pre-loaded with the Droid X2, was definitely on par with the Droid X’s if not more so. It can handle up to five devices on its 3G network at once, just like its predecessor, and takes between 15-30 seconds to start running. I personally got to test this feature more than I expected, as Wi-Fi in my house was out for a good five days and the only way I could go online on my Asus netbook or my Macbook was through the Mobile Hotspot, and it worked great on both devices. Most of the time, anyway. There were a few times where it would kick off my netbook, usually when there were one or two other devices also connected to the hotspot but if I shut off the hotspot and restarted it I generally had no problem reconnecting.

Users who want this service will be charged an extra $20 a month for 2GB of data usage with an overage fee of five cents per megabyte.

Call Quality

The call quality on the Droid X2 was decent if not better than average. Tested under Verizon’s 3G network in the San Francisco Bay Area, I didn’t have a single dropped call and both my voice and the callers’ voices were clear with minimal distortion. The speakerphone was adequate, not the best I’ve ever used but I could still hear the caller’s voice with relatively little cutting in and out and with a decent amount of volume the caller could hear what I was saying the majority of the time, even in louder settings like in a car parked by a busy intersection. This was thanks to Motorola’s noise cancellation, which worked remarkably well first on the Droid X and now the Droid X2. All in all, the Droid X2 actually works remarkably well as a *phone* and not just a mobile browser, which is not something that all of its competition can say (I’m looking at you iPhone 4).

Camera

The camera feature was one of my absolute favorite parts of the Droid X, so I went into testing the Droid X2 with high expectations and at the end of the day had mixed reactions. Overall the camera is good. The 8 megapixel camera produces similar quality pictures as the Droid X did, which are decent for a phone camera but naturally are no match to those taken with an actual camera. The Droid X2’s camera does have quicker shutter speed, which Motorola claims is 44% faster than the Droid X’s, and also features a new continuous auto focus mode to improve picture quality. It can also record HD video, which tops out at 720p. Additionally, the Droid X2 comes with an updated Gallery, which allows users to see photos in their own libraries as well as in online libraries such as Facebook, Flickr, Photobucket, and Picasa and in your friends’ libraries.

I did have a few gripes about this camera, however. I was personally disappointed that they removed the convenient red two-stage dedicated camera button that was on the bottom right spine of the Droid X. I was definitely missing it on the Droid X2 when I was taking the always-required above-the-head Myspace personal shots. Turns out it’s hard to press the touchscreen shot button when you’re holding the phone over your head and can’t see the actual screen. It definitely didn’t help that if you didn’t press the touchscreen button exactly the right way the effects menu would be brought up and you’d have to exit that before trying to take the shot again. Motorola should consider reorganizing their set up. Finally, I was a little surprised by the lack of a front-facing camera on the Droid X2. I expected that since the Droid X2 is being marketed as one of the top-of-the-line Droids available to consumers they’d include this feature as it is available on some of its competition.

Battery Life

The battery life was probably my absolute favorite feature about the Droid X2. Given the fact that it does have an amped up processor and a 4.3 inch screen, I assumed that the battery life would be a little dismal and that I would need to recharge the Droid X2 both at night and once during the day, even with Verizon advertising that the Droid X2 can have up to 480 minutes of usage time or 220 hours of standby time. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case and that I could easily go the entire day with moderate use without having the recharge the phone. In fact, I went a full day and a half with minimal use (e.g. taking a few pictures and the occasional email check and web browsing, which all in all accounted for maybe an hour and a half of use during the thirty-six hour time frame) before the Droid X2 finally died. This is of course nowhere near the advertised nine days of standby time, and isn’t as good as some of the other available options, however it is fairly impressive nonetheless.

Bottom Line

There’s no question about it, the Droid X2 had enormous shoes to fill—the Droid X was one of the best smart phones released on the Verizon network last year. Priced at $200 with a 2-year contract, the Droid X2 is certainly on par with the Droid X, retaining a majority of its features plus adding a few new perks like the enhanced display and of course the amped up dual-core processor along with good battery life, a durable and aesthetically pleasing build, and decent call quality. It’s definitely a good phone.

When it comes down to it, though, the Droid X2 doesn’t really add anything significant to the market, at least not in the same way that its predecessor did. Not being 4G capable, not providing Android 2.3, and the lack of a front-facing camera are major handicaps, since all of these features appear for now at least to be the direction that smart phones are heading in.  That said, if you just want a good quality 3G smart phone, then the Droid X2 will not disappoint.

Link: Verizon | Motorola

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

While just about every Android smart phone features a one-piece candy bar form factor, Kyocera took a risk and stepped away from the traditional comfort zone. The Echo features a 5 megapixel camera and 8 GB of internal memory, but the star of the show is its dual 3.5-inch displays. These combine to form a spacious 4.7 inches of screen real estate. Gimmicky in some instances and useful in others, the Kyocera Echo still deserves recognition for providing a unique experience.

Hardware

If you are looking directly at the face of the device, the Kyocera Echo seems pretty compact. It is 4.5 inches tall and only 2.2 inches wide. Turn it on its side, and you will find a different story. The phone is 0.7 inches thick, which is not much thinner than the standard laptop. It also weighs a full 6.8 ounces. To its credit, the two screens overlap — one over the other — when the phone closed. Still, the bottom portion alone is thicker than my entire iPhone 4. Fans of skinny jeans can safely pass on this device.

The phone as a whole is not too pleasing to the eye either. The Echo just looks like a big block when placed on a table. Kyocera squared off all the edges and there are not any special patterns or designs on the surface of the phone. The only component that adds a small touch of style is the plastic ridge on the top and bottom of the front display for an artificial metallic look.

What the Echo lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in build quality. I am completely comfortable plopping this right on the table. I usually feel the need to gently place smart phones. This feels very solid in the hands and no parts look like they will snap or break any time soon. Even the hinge which opens the phone to reveal a second screen is robust and can act as a useful grip on the back. My only concern is how well it will hold up over time.

All of the ports and controls are on the left side of the device. Starting from top to bottom: there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot, power button, volume toggles, and a charging port. The right side of the Echo is left completely barren, since the hinge covers it when the phone is open. I would prefer the power button on the top, instead of oddly squeezed in with the rest of the controls on the left.

Finally, we get to what is going on behind the scenes. The Kyocera Echo has a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor with 512 MB of RAM. WiFi and GPS are built-in, as is an accelerometer, digital compass, proximity sensor, and light sensor. You will not find 4G in this smart phone, only 3G, which you will probably appreciate once you hear more about the battery life.

Display

The Kyocera Echo is most notable for its not one, but two LCD WVGA capacitive displays. Each are 3.5 inches diagonally with an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, making for roughly 267 ppi. Combined, the two displays provide 4.7 inches of touch screen goodness and an 800 x 960 resolution. The unique hinge mechanism allows the top screen to fold out adjacent to the bottom screen. Then a push inward returns a satisfying click, which assures that both displays lock into place and ready for dual action.

The displays themselves are vivid and sharp. They are not as reflective as many other phones, which can help when using the phone in direct sunlight. Colors are fairly saturated, although the overall color temperature is a bit warm. An improvement to viewing angles and brightness probably would not do any harm either. Though the TFT display is by no means problematic, having a Super AMOLED or a Super LCD would be even better — possibly drive up the price a lot too.

Speaking of the two screens, touch responsiveness is horrid. I never feel like I am in control using the Echo. I can touch an icon on the display or swipe between home screens, but it chooses when to actually respond. If you are new to touch screens, this is not a big deal. But if you are moving from something like the iPhone, it is incredibly frustrating.

Operating System

The Kyocera Echo ships with Android 2.2 Froyo, which unfortunately is not the latest release. Android 2.3 Gingerbread became available late last year and the upcoming code-name Ice Cream Sandwich is already on its way. The skinning is not as bad as other manufacturers, but Kyocera does throw in a few apps and slight custom look. In my tests, these never had any negative effect on the OS worth noting.

Performance and productivity are both fairly mediocre. Graphics were just not as smooth as I would like and even the browser speed was no match for some of the more powerful smart phones on the market. Oddly though, Flash performed better than I expected. According to the AnTuTu benchmark test, performance of the Kyocera Echo is about on par with the Nexus One — a device Google released in early 2010. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

Like most Android phones, the carrier — in the case, Sprint — loads the phone with bloatware. The Echo comes with Sprint Zone, NASCAR, Sprint Football Live, Sprint Radio, Sprint TV & Movies, and a few game shortcuts. Kyocera also includes its Tablet Mode Extension and VueQue apps on, but I would not consider these bloatware. Rather, these apps aid in the multitasking capabilities that come with having two displays. The former app allows regular apps from the Android Market third-party apps to extend onto the second display when the Echo is open. VueQue is a fancy YouTube app for watching videos on one screen and queuing new videos on another — though the app limits browsing “related” videos only.

Additionally, tapping and holding on both screens at the same time brings up a menu of seven apps. These are the only seven apps that play along with the two displays and allow two apps to run simultaneously. They are Browser, Contacts, Email, Gallery, Messaging, Phone, and VueQue. All of this limited functionality made me feel like the Echo is gimmicky at best. As for keyboards, Kyocera pre-loads Swype for a serviceable solution to typing in portrait mode.

Camera

In case you did not notice the trend here, the Echo is mediocre in a lot of areas. The camera is no exception. It is a 5 mega pixel shooter with flash and a small mirror on the back. It absolutely blows my mind that Kyocera choose not to include a front-facing camera, so forget video calling. The one camera it does not exactly have the best quality either. Photos are extremely grainy in low-light situations and improve only slightly when more light is present. Video quality is equally just as bad, it is at least 720p HD. The slew of customization settings Android provides might help a bit if you know what you are doing, but do not get your hopes up on this camera.

Network / Hotspot

In the Greater New York City area, Sprint was very reliable. The 3G network is speedy, consistent, worked well with the Kyocera Echo. I only randomly lost signal for about five minutes, but it was up and running again in no time. I had no issues with WiFi connectivity. Unfortunately, you will not find any 4G capabilities on this device. Call quality was pleasantly solid with decent clarity on both ends. The Echo does a good job silencing any background noise.

The Echo does come with a WiFi mobile hotspot, which can connect up to five different devices using a secure pass-code. I connected my laptop to the hotspot without any issues. It is of course slower than DSLR, but is not by any means slow for 3G. Keep in mind that the network speed does quickly degrade when more than one or two devices are connected. For those interested, Sprint charges $29.99 per month in addition to the data plan for access to the hotspot feature.

Battery Life

As I mentioned, the Kyocera Echo does not offer 4G connectivity and the reason for that is most likely to preserve as much battery life as possible. Kyocera promises that the Echo gets 7 hours of talk time. I have never participated in a 7-hour phone call, but here is what I can tell you about battery life. During my testing period, I unplugged the Echo from charging at a full 100% at 4:46 p.m. on a specific day. The very next day at 10:03 p.m. it died. The phone was in use for maybe 30% of that timeframe. The other 70% was standby. By these measurements, battery life is not absolutely terrible, but not great. With that being said, I can not imagine getting 7 hours of talk time.

Luckily, Kyocera ships a special extra accessory with the Echo. It is a portable battery pack which can act as a USB charger when running out of power. The modular USB cable can either plug into a wall adapter or a computer for data syncing. The same adapter charges the portable battery pack and the phone too. Owners can also pop out the internal battery from the phone and interchange it with the one from the portable battery pack as well. This is definitely a neat convenience.

The Bottom Line

I used the term “mediocre” multiple times and in many different sections of this review. That word just about sums up the Kyocera Echo — mediocre. It has poor performance, camera quality, responsiveness, and the design is not exactly what some might call eye candy. The dual screens also feel like a gimmick most of the time. On the plus side, both displays at least look good and call quality is definitely adequate. The Kyocera Echo is available on Sprint for $99.99 on a two-year contract, which is probably a fair price. But considering all the better options out there, I find this device hard to recommend.

Link: Kyocera Echo – Sprint

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Keeping an eye on your home is not easy. Professional security systems are expensive to install and consumer-oriented options are often difficult to configure properly. Fortunately, Avaak comes to the rescue with the VueZone which aims to potentially solve the hassles of video monitoring in an entirely different fashion. This solution boasts motion detection capabilities with instant email alerts, mobile apps for three popular platforms, and a friendly browser-based management console.

The Purpose

When I first came across the VueZone at CTIA Wireless earlier this year, a ‘security’ use-case scenario was first to cross my mind. After speaking with the folks from Avaak and taking a deeper look, it is clear that the VueZone rather falls along the lines of general purpose niche-market gadgetry.

Although I would recommend a robust security camera for guarding valuable possessions, the VueZone is still a great way to monitor your home and potentially even ward away thieves. Owners could keep an eye on their front door or package deliveries. It is also a great way to watch over aging grandparents. Parents can make sure teenagers get home one time or even look after pets.

Getting Setup

Avaak truly knows how to make things simple. I recently had to deal with a D-Link WiFi security camera which required installing software from a CD or accessing a router-like configuration page by typing in an IP address into a browser — both of which are probably too difficult for the average person.

Configuring the VueZone was fortunately quite easy. The gateway plugged right into my router with the included Ethernet cable and I powered it up with the AC adapter. My review unit packaging came with two Motion Detection Cameras and four CR123 batteries though each camera only needs one battery leaving two spares for the future. I was able to pair these by flipping on the camera switch and clicking the sync button on the base station while both are within a foot’s distance.

Mounting these two cameras is also an hassle-free task. Avaak includes four little ball mounts which fasten to a wall with either a peel-and-stick adhesive or a nail. The circular shape and the strong magnet inside allows for easy positioning and rotation. Although firm enough to stay in place on its own, a bump of a shoulder could easily knock the camera off the mount. With two spare mounts provided, it is easy to relocate cameras to one of the other ones at any time.

Last but not least, I headed over to the VueZone website to register a new account. The booklet in the packaging provides a unique code to activate your service. The interface is definitely up to par on the latest web technologies and a clutter-free look. I could easily navigate around the interface and customize settings. I even updated the firmware on the gateway and cameras with just a single click. The fool-proof technology is great for the average person and is convenient  for geeks as well.

How It Works

Interestingly enough, VueZone cameras do not use WiFi to communicate with the gateway. Avaak choose to go with a 2.4 GHz radio frequency which has a range of approximately 300 feet and low-power consumption. Unlike traditional video monitoring solutions, this is not an always-on solution. That’s right, these cameras are asleep until needed. Users can manually configure scheduled recording times or enable motion detection capabilities. Of course, you can tune into a live stream on your own at any time as well. The web portal and the mobile apps have battery meters to indicate the amount of power left in each unit. According to the Avaak marketing materials, the CR123 should keep a camera running for about six months with about 5 minutes of use per day.

Camera Models

Avaak only provided indoor Motion Detection Cameras for review, but the company also offers other models. There is another indoor version available for a lower price without the motion detection capabilities. An outdoor iteration designed to withstand rain, snow, and wind is in the works.

The simple wire-free ideology is quite brilliant in my opinion, but there are other aspects to the technology which need improvement. For instance, the camera is incredibly slow to react when motion triggers video capture. I casually walked in and out of a room in a about 5 seconds to find that the VueZone only began recording as I left. While the VueZone is not a security solution, this flaw alone especially defeats the entire purpose of the motion detection feature.

The web-based configuration settings panel offers choosing from video resolutions of 1600-by-1200, 640-by-480, and 320-by-240 pixels. Unfortunately, going with the highest resolution results in a frame rate which is slow enough to resemble a slide-show. While switching to a lower resolution alleviates some of the issue, the degraded quality makes it difficult to recognize faces or objects. Tweaking the sensitivity settings or increasing the video capture duration did not help much.

I also found low-light conditions are an unfortunate recipe for pixelated and grainy video. The lack of a night vision mode makes the VueZone almost entirely useless when the sun isn’t shinning. There are no microphones for audio capture either. On the other hand, the D-Link DSC-932L offers both night vision and audio capture in a single package. With that being said, the best part of the VueZone is support for up to 25 cameras with a single gateway.

Cloud Portal

Avaak offers a web portal accessible at my.VueZone.com to manage your cameras. The interface includes options to schedule recordings, manually record video clips, snapping images on the fly, and much more. Browsing through galleries of previously saved content or even viewing a live-stream in full screen mode is easy too. Avaak also makes it possible to share video clips and images with friends through YouTube and Flickr, respectively.

While the implementation is quite fancy, the major drawback is the monthly subscription costs. VueZone Basic is a free ad-supported package which includes live-video monitoring from computers and smart phones, snapshots for motion capture, and a maximum of 5 cameras. Upgrading to the $5 per month VueZone Premier plan brings support for higher quality snapshots, removes ads, enables automatic video recording for motion detection plus email alerts, smart phone management, 2 GB of cloud storage, date/time scheduled recordings, inviting up to 10 friends to view live video, social sharing, and support for 10 cameras. A $10 per month VueZone Professional plan is much like the last one with 5 GB of online storage, up to 50 friends to view live video, and support for 25 cameras.

Mobile Apps

Avaak offers free VueZone apps for Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. Each platform supports live monitoring, recording videos, snapping photos, enabling/disabling motion detection, and browsing previously captured content. I spent a few days testing the app over 3G, 4G and even a public WiFi hotspot on the HTC EVO. Although connecting to a camera sometimes took nearly a minute, the quality was actually rather clear after a few seconds.

Although I did not have a chance to test the BlackBerry or iOS apps, I do think the Android iteration could use a little more polish. It is already packed with just about all the features you could want, but a fancier and cleaner look could go a long way for a better user experience. Keep in mind you do not need a smart phone to use VueZone, there is a perfectly usable web interface as well.

The Bottom Line

Avaak definitely has a lot going for it. The VueZone is consumer-friendly, is quite easy configure, and it actually works. With that being said, there are still a few drawbacks. It is not an always-on solution, users need to switch out batteries twice a year, video quality needs to improve, and there are monthly subscription costs to enjoy the full feature set.

A package with one motion detection camera retails for $199 while another with two motion detection cameras goes for $289. Additional motion detection cameras retail for $99 each. Avaak’s solution could serve just about any purpose whether you plan to use the VueZone for light weight security, monitoring your home, or looking after family. Assuming that you understand the limitations as a buyer, this will not disappoint. This second-generation monitoring technology is already quite polished and a third iteration will only get better. More importantly, the concept is quite unique and it stands out of the pack relative to traditional video surveillance.

Links: Avaak VueZone

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

It is often hard to figure out the perfect webcam for you. There are so many available on the market, and most of them do not have any unique features that can separate them from the rest. The HD Pro C910 is Logitech’s flagship webcam. Thorough testing reveals that the C910 falls short in a few areas, but has a lot to offer in many others. This is definitely a compelling gadget that deserves consideration.

Design

The design is, quite frankly, nothing special. Surrounding the small lens on both sides are two blue light strips that turn on when the camera is in use. The webcam also features dual mics, found on either side of the indicator lights. Though the webcam can swivel vertically — and does so in a very smooth fashion — it does not swivel horizontally. This might make it hard to video chat with multiple people on your end. Additionally, I am not fond of how wide the device is. When not in use, it can get somewhat distracting if trying to focus on the contents of the display. That is more of a personal preference though.

On a more positive note, build quality is very solid. The Logitech C910 definitely does not feel like it is going to break if, say, it falls off the top of your monitor. But even that is not a problem, since it feels pretty sturdy when perched above the display.

Setup & Installation

Installing the software for the Logitech HD Pro C910 was a breeze. The package does include a disc, but I did not need it. Immediately after plugging the webcam into the USB port, Windows 7 searched for and found the necessary drivers online. The installation guide popped up and within a couple of minutes, it fully installed the software with little to no work on my end. With many webcams, plugging in the USB only installs the drivers and no software, but the C910 did it all in just a few clicks.

Software

There is not very much to say about the software that comes bundled with the C910. The user interface is nice and clean. All of the webcam’s features — from adjustments to effects to preferences — are easily accessible. Logitech’s software includes a plentiful amount of tweaks for brightness, contrast, focus, and the like. There are also a number of fun effects to apply, some of which are especially amusing like video masks.

I did run into a couple of bugs, however. For instance, I was not able to play back any videos I recorded at first. I eventually got it working, though there are options to view the files and open them in other programs just in case. It is also worth noting that out of the box, video shoots in a 4:3 aspect ratio. I had to manually change it to 16:9 in the settings to get the full HD experience. But overall, if you plan on using this webcam primarily for video chatting, the software is not a concern.

Video Quality

If you have been skeptical so far, here is a bit of good news: the Logitech HD Pro C910′s video quality is superb. It is almost like leaping into the future if you are accustomed to using the standard 1.3 or 2.0 megapixel webcams built into most laptops. You can take still photos up to 10MP in size, which is plenty to work with if you do a lot of editing and fine tuning. The picture is crystal clear, thanks to auto-focus. Colors seem slightly under-saturated yet still manage to stay vibrant. Even indoors or in low-light conditions, minimal grain is present.

Whether in a video call or recording a video, the experience is very smooth. There is no apparent lag or stutter. When I experimented on my own, I conducted a video acll using the built-in webcam on my HP laptop and the C910 on my desktop. When I got up from my laptop to view the desktop’s screen, it still pictured me just getting up from my laptop. Going back to my laptop from the desktop, there was no such delay. Logitech did a nice job with this, though it is probably dependent on a good internet connection.

Audio Quality

Stepping down from the great video quality, overall audio quality is a big so-so for this gadget. Voices sound better than your average phone call, but certainly not life-like as Logitech promises. There is not really much definition. Background noises filter out quite well though and there is no odd noise that I know of. Most people in the market for a new webcam do not really take audio quality into significant consideration. So, unless you plan on performing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” via Facebook’s new video calling feature or Google+ Hangouts, the C910 is adequate in the sound category.

Conclusion

The Logitech HD Pro C910 webcam provides a great way to take photos on the computer or video chat with friends while utilizing the latest in high-definition technology. The video quality is honestly nothing short of excellent as is setup time, which is enough for most shoppers to take the plunge into buying one. If you can get past the average audio performance and some small gripes regarding design, the Logitech C910 brings plenty to the table. It retails for $99.99, but you can find it cheaper if you shop around. If you are looking for an even better value, perhaps you might want to check out the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema for just $50.

Links: Logitech HD Pro C910

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

The Samsung Droid Charge is the second Verizon Wireless smart phone with 4G LTE connectivity — the HTC Thunderbolt was first. While this device is not a part of the Galaxy S II family, there is a lot it still has to offer with a large 4.3 inch Super AMOLED display, a front-facing camera for video calls, HD video capture with another 8 megapixel camera, and a built-in 4G mobile hotspot. This device might appear to some as a Samsung rush job with a better handset on its way, but Verizon Wireless customers considering an Android smart phone should not dismiss the Droid Charge without a closer look.

Hardware

Those searching for a compact device should probably turn elsewhere. The Droid Charge stands a little more than 5 inches tall, is 2.66 inches wide, and about 0.46 inches thick — it weights 5.04 ounces. Surprisingly, this phone is actually much slimmer and about an ounce lighter than both the HTC Thunderbolt and the LG Revolution. When it comes to build quality, Samsung uses plenty of plastic which explains the lightweight design. While the Droid Charge is by no means flimsy, it does lack a premium feel which other device have. The back side of the phone has a glossy gray finish with as subtle underlying pattern and a shiny silver finish surrounds the sides of the phone for contrast.

While the phone looks quite fancy as it leaves the box, the Droid Charge unfortunately attracts plenty of finger prints — expect to find yourself wiping it clean regularly. Other Samsung devices such as the Nexus S 4G also have a “chin” on the  back side, but the bulge is more apparent on this device. With those complains aside, I should complement the unique bezel surrounding the 8 mega pixel camera and LED flash on the back which has a sharp Transformers logo shaped design.

There are four physical buttons for Menu, Home, Back and Search below the display while a 1.3 mega pixel front facing camera and the ear piece are right above. Also on top are the ambient light and proximity sensors. A pin hole microphone is at the bottom and a speaker grill is on the lower back side. The micro USB port and a volume rocker are on the left side of the phone while the micro HDMI port and the power button are on the right. A standard 3.5 mm headphone jack is on top. Prying off the back plate reveals a battery pack, a 4G SIM card, and a microSD card slot.

The latest generation of smart phones including the HTC Sensation 4G and Motorola Droid X2 now have dual-core processors, but the Droid Charge still runs on a single 1 GHz one. Including 1 GB of RAM would be great, but buyers will have to deal with 512 MB. I was actually impressed to find a 32 GB microSD card pre-installed and there is even over 1 GB of internal storage for apps. The Droid Charge lacks NFC, but it fortunately has a Bluetooth 3.0 and a GPS module.

Display

Although a higher resolution qHD display would have been nice, the quality of Samsung’s 4.3 inch 480-by-800 pixel resolution Super AMOLED screen is beyond impressive. Colors are rich and vibrant. Interface elements feel as though they pop out at you. While blacks on most screens are usually dark gray, the Droid Charge probably has the deepest representation I have come across. In fact, at times it is difficult to tell whether the display is even on during black loading screens. Devices with normal TFT LCD screens definitely can not say the same.

The image quality looks much like the Sprint Nexus S 4G, but without contour curved glass. The ambient light sensor maintains the brightness at comfortable levels. Viewing angles are also rather impressive and using the phone under direct sunlight is not too problematic. However, I was slightly disappointed to find that there was just enough spacing between the display and bezel to catch dust. The same issue applies to the gaps in between the four standard Android buttons. The display is quite responsive and sensitive to the touch, which is always a plus.

Operating System

With Android Ice Cream Sandwich likely making a debut any day, it is a let down to find the Droid Charge still running on Android 2.2 Froyo. The TouchWiz interface overlay is likely the reason for delay and Samsung will hopefully deliver an upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread sooner than later.

Unlike the traditional Android lock screen, the Droid Charge features a custom Windows Phone 7 inspired one. The custom home screen is flexible enough to accommodate everyone from lightweight to power users as they can choose to have just one window or up to seven. The interface zooms out when pinching two fingers together to get an overhead view of all the available screens.

TouchWiz includes widgets for news, calendar, clock, stocks, social feeds, and weather. While these are well-polished, the style is a bit too childish for my taste. Most of the widgets are also too large taking up a whole home screen in many instances without smaller counterparts. I felt that HTC Sense widgets look fancier and sharper in comparison. The tray at the bottom has four icons with one reserved for the app drawer and the other three remaining interchangeable.

TouchWiz continues to add random backgrounds to each icon for a fun look in the application drawer as we first saw on the Samsung Epic 4G last year. Rather than one long list, there are side-by-side pages for the grid view and users can rearrange icons in a custom order. Dragging down the notification bar reveals quick settings for WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Mobile Data, and Auto-Rotate — alerts are listed below as usual. While the level of customizations did not suit my tastes, I was glad to find that TouchWiz is not detrimental to performance. The entire interface is very fluid and runs without any hiccups.

Droid Charge owners can choose between a default Samsung keyboard and Swype for typing. Of course, voice-to-text input is available as it would be on any Android device. The stock browser performs quite well and Adobe Flash 10.3 is available for web sites which do not offer HTML5 video. TouchWiz also provides social networking integration for Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

My main concern with this device is the excessive amount of non-removable bloatware. Certain additions such as the alarm clock, calculator, desk cradle, visual voice mail, or voice recorder are not too problematic, but other ones can get in the way. A default weather app works, but better options are in the Android Market. Verizon also includes their own app store, a backup assistant, VCast Media, and City ID. A built-in chat client offers access to AIM, Windows Live, and Yahoo Messenger. ThinkOffice is one welcome addition for editing documents. VZ Navigator also comes with the phone, but I do not see why anyone would pay for this service when Google Navigation is entirely free. Samsung also includes a rather simple file browser app to manage content on your microSD card.

Multimedia

I am sad to have to continue on the topic of bloatware here as well. Samsung pre-installs Amazon Kindle, Bitbop, BlockBuster, Let’s Golf, Rhapsody, Rock Band, and Slacker Radio. There is also a Music Hub app which overlaps with Google Music for those taking advantage of the new cloud powered service. Media Hub offers movie purchases and rentals, but I am not sure if people will use this with Google Movies heading to smart phones any day now. However, I do welcome the All Share app which allows streaming content from and to DLNA compatible devices.

The micro HDMI port also allows playing photo slide shows, videos, and other compatible content on a HDTV. The built-in mono speaker is appropriately loud, but a stereo configuration would be nice. Plugging in a pair of headphones offers a better experience anyways. There is no FM radio unfortunately. Syncing content is easy with a microUSB cable since the Droid Charge appears as a mass storage device on Windows 7. I did not have to install any drivers for those wondering. Apps for Hulu and Netflix are already on certain Android device, but neither are compatible with this one.

Cameras

Although having an 8 megapixel does not necessarily equate to quality photos, it is clear that Samsung actually went with quality components. Images are appropriately bright and color rich too. While the native Android camera interface on the Nexus S 4G was a let down, Samsung includes their own software on the Droid Charge. Users can easily adjust exposure levels, control the flash mode, among other actions. Some standard features include geo-tagging, a self-timer, and a few color effects.

Capturing 720p HD video was rather impressive too. The Droid Charge actually has real-time focusing capabilities while recording unlike smart phones which require tapping to re-adjust. The LED flash can remain on for capturing video in the dark too. The only missing feature is probably a physical shutter button. In terms of quality, this device is rather getting close to the quality of an affordable dedicated point-and-shoot. Sharing captured content with friends and family through Email, Facebook, Twitter, or other services is also quite easy as it is on just about any Android device.

Video Calls

Verizon Wireless may have demoed a Skype app with video capabilities at CES 2011, but it is still not available over 6 months later. While the Nexus S 4G comes with Google Talk for video calls, the Droid Charge will not have the feature until Samsung delivers an upgrade to Android 2.3.4. Fortunately, a few third-party solutions such as Tango and Qik Video Connect are great alternatives.

I placed a few quick calls over 4G LTE and WiFi with no issues. There was a little lag, but nothing worse than expected from a smart phone. The 1.3 megapixel camera is also clear enough to easily make out faces. It works great in well-lit areas, but suffers in low-light conditions.

Network Reliability

Connecting to my router was no issue since the Droid Charge packs WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, however 4G LTE connectivity is more interesting. I had plenty of coverage in the San Francisco Bay Area with download and upload speeds both reaching over 20 Mbps at times. Even in areas with mediocre signal strength, I was still getting nearly 15 Mbps transfer rates. While the speeds are exciting, Verizon Wireless caps transferred bandwidth to 5 GB. A little math and at those data rates, you can technically consume your entire allocated bucket in as little as 30 minutes. (See my calculations.)

Although I did not like the Samsung TouchWiz dial pad too much, placing calls was still easy and I had no dropped calls. With noise reduction built-in, callers on the other end could hear me clearly even when there were minor disturbances around me. This is great for those who do not have a fancy Bluetooth headset with noise cancellation — though there is support for those too. The built-in speaker phone was also loud and clear. I definitely enjoyed Google Voice integration after installing the app as well. Did I mention this phone supports simultaneous phone calls and data use when on 4G?

Mobile Hotspot

I just about always end up needing internet access on the go. Even with a smart phone, there are times I need to use my computer to get online. While on a trip, I tried powering up the hotspot feature on the Droid Charge to find it malfunctioning. After a full reformat, it still failed to work. About two weeks later, Verizon Wireless shipped an over-the-air update which eventually resolved the problem.

When it works, the Droid Charge lets up to ten devices simultaneously get online over a 4G network. The hotspot also works on 3G, but software limits the maximum number of users to just five. The app launches rather quickly, but it really takes a minute or so before the hotspot actually begins working. I was glad to find that the app supports WPA2 security and choosing your own SSID network name.

Battery Life

During my week or two in use, I was getting about a full day’s worth of power with moderate mixed use of short phone calls, texting, checking emails, and browsing the web. Performing power-hungry tasks such as running Google Navigation or the 4G Mobile Hotspot will run down the battery in few hours. The capability of the removable 1600 mAh battery was about on par with Samsung’s claims for usage, but the 11 day standby claim is likely far-fetched. It is unlikely users will get more than two days if they barely touch their phone.

The Droid Charge comes with a USB cable which can plug into a computer for data transfer or charging. The packaging also includes a tiny square AC wall adapter with a USB port for faster recharging. I should note that mileage may vary when it comes to battery life for others and especially those living in areas with spotty 4G coverage. Smart phones generally waste plenty of energy searching for networks. I fortunately had nearly 4-5 bars of 4G coverage at most times and never had to see the Droid Charge fall back to 3G.

The Bottom Line

Verizon Wireless currently offers three Android smart phones with 4G connectivity: Droid Charge, Thunderbolt, and Revolution. Our review of the latter LG device is coming soon, but I would have to say the decision would be between the first two anyways. Samsung offers a slimmer profile, better battery life, and a nicer screen. On the other hand, HTC offers a fancy Sense interface which is quite important in many regards and a kickstand. Both devices lack the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and dual-core processors.

Those urgently looking to upgrade will definitely like the Droid Charge, but be aware that the industry is on the verge of moving to dual-core processors. The ridiculous amount of bloatware is also a concern, but there is fortunately plenty of internal storage space for other apps. Those looking to buy one can find this phone online and in Verizon Wireless stores for $299 after signing a new two-year contract. And yes, the price is probably the other barrier. The HTC Thunderbolt is available for a $100 less.

Links: Verizon Wireless | Samsung

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

When Google announced Google+ just a few days ago, I was immediately skeptical about its success. Google has a history of failing in the social network arena. First there was Google Wave, then Google Buzz — and both flopped. Plus, Facebook’s immense user base means it is a huge challenge for Google+ to pose even a minor threat to the site. Luckily, I managed to get my hands on an invitation to join the service and make a proper judgment. I have been using it for about a day and I am ready to offer up some first impressions.

Design

I am a design enthusiast myself, and therefore am a bit more critical with user interface and such in websites and applications. The first thing that came to mind when I launched Google+ was this could not possibly be designed by Google. It is actually very nicely designed. Everything is very accessible, yet the site remains clean and simple. Navigation for the stream, which includes the ability to filter activity by circles, and your added interests in Sparks are on the left. All the content is obviously front and center. Then to the right is a list of people in your circles, and the ability to start a Hangout. At the top, you can switch between the Home, Photos, Profile, and Circles views, as well as search for people.

Google+ really shines when it comes to all the little things added to make the experience just slightly more pleasant. For instance, the Notifications view is fantastic. Upon clicking a specific notification at the top right of the screen, instead of being brought to a new page like on Facebook, the post loads within the small area. And if you are tired of receiving alerts for a post that is continuously updating, you can mute it so it is not a bother. Another small thing I noticed is when in other Google services, a sharing option is present now to post content straight to Google+.

Circles and the Stream

I like the concept of circles. I especially like dragging and dropping people into these different groups. It makes organizing friends seem much less tedious. But circles go far beyond organization. Every time you share something in the stream — the equivalent to the Facebook news feed — you can choose exactly who you want to share your content with. Choose certain people, certain circles, all circles, extended circles, or the entire public. Extended circles mean everyone in your circles, plus all the people in their circles. Those who enjoy customization options will have a field day with this.

The stream, on the other hand, is very bare bones. Sharing choices are plentiful with statuses, photos, videos, links, and locations. But not very much is showing up in my stream. Really all I am seeing is status updates, photos, and hangouts (more on those later). Sparks just offer a way to keep up with your interests without leaving Google+. There is no way to write on a user’s profile, though if you post something to the stream and share it with individual people rather than circles, they will receive a notification for it.

Plus, for whatever reason, the stream does not show stories the way one might expect. Google+ orders them by recently updated. So if someone leaves a comment on a post from two days ago, that post moves to the top of the stream. I am not a fan of that at all, and I hope Google changes it soon. It is also worth noting that if you add someone to your circles, you are not automatically added into that person’s circles. It follows the strategy of Twitter instead of Facebook.

Hangouts

I will just go ahead and come out with it. Hangouts is the killer feature of Google+. In a nutshell, it just a group video conference, yet it feels like so much more than that. You can start a hangout by inviting certain people or circles, or just by posting it to your stream and letting up to ten users join in. There is one main view that features the person currently speaking, and the rest display in smaller thumbnails underneath. Clicking one locks that person into main video. A text chat is available on the left side as well.

I can see this taking off even further with celebrities. They can join Google+, post a hangout to their stream, and the lucky ten fans first to join get to have a live video chat with their idol. Some well-known people — albeit not exactly celebrities — started this last night. Vic Gundotra, the man behind Google+, started a hangout, as did Ben Parr of Mashable. I happened to snag a position in the hangout that Justine Ezarik started, better known as iJustine from YouTube. Overall, it is insanely fun. If anything is going to aid Google+ in taking off, it is hangouts.

Mobile

Currently, Google+ has a native app in the Android Market while the iOS App Store is left hanging, though there is a web app. I spoke with former Skatter Tech writer Sharath Shroff to get some information on the mobile experience. The app seems snappy and stable, and includes all the main features of the desktop website except for sparks. Huddle is a group chat feature that mimics the functionality of BBM and iMessage and works well.

Instant Upload is a nice addition to the mobile app. Any photos or videos you take are automatically uploaded to Google+ in a private album, where you can then choose to share them. While photos have their own hub, there is oddly no gallery for videos. So if you upload a video and post it to the stream, chances are it will drift off into oblivion after a few days.

The Future

So, now that I have given my pros and cons of Google+, I have to say I am generally impressed. I joined with the assumption that it would just be another Wave, but I do not think that is the case this time. I think the real problem with Wave was that Google took way too long getting it out to the public, so people just lost interest. If they manage to time this correctly, Google+ has some serious potential. Right now, the vast majority of its users are technology pundits, UI designers, and plain enthusiasts.

As for Facebook, the website finally has some worthy competition. In no way is Google+ going to dominate in the social network wars any time soon, but in the future it could possibly give Facebook the fright it needs. Competition always drives innovation. So get ready, because this is only the beginning.

Links: My Google+ Profile

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

The Nexus S first made a debut late last year and Sprint finally got around to offering a its own iteration last month: the Nexus S 4G. If the name tag did not give it away, the only new addition is support for the faster 4G (WiMax) network. For those not familiar, this is the second handset to carry the Nexus brand name. Google reserves this branding for flagship devices designed under their tight scrutiny to highlight the potential of Android. Although HTC built the original Nexus One, Samsung is behind this smart phone. Some may classify the Nexus S 4G as a developer oriented device, but it also runs a pure version of the latest Android operating system for an always up to date experience.

Hardware

In an age of over sized smart phones, many will be glad to get their hands on this device. The Nexus S 4G stands 4.8 inches tall, is 2.4 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick — it weighs just 4.5 ounces. This gives it an edge over other popular handsets such as the HTC Sensation and the HTC EVO 3D with a slimmer profile and a lighter body. Unlike most smart phones with carrier and manufacturer branding on the front, the Nexus S 4G has a clean slate. In fact, there is no mention of Sprint anywhere on the body. For those wondering, Google and Samsung logos are still present on the back side.

The entire device has a glossy black coat, which does unfortunately turns it into a magnet for fingerprints. Be warned that you will find yourself wiping the device clean regularly. With that being said, it is probably the most comfortable device I have held to date. The curvature makes the phone comfortable to hold and it slides away into a pocket easily.

One neat touch? The four standard touch sensitive keys on the front for Back, Menu, Search, and Home fade away when not in use. It is nearly impossible to distinguish the outline of the display when turned off since the glass has a mirror-like effect. The only other components on the front include the ear piece, a VGA camera, an ambient light sensor, and a proximity detector.

The power button is on the upper right side of the and the volume controls are on the upper left side. The microUSB charging port and the 3.55 mm headphone jack are on the bottom. The positioning of the power button and the headphone jack are out of the norm since both are usually found on top. Prying open the back plate — which is essentially the entire back side of the phone — reveals the battery pack. There is no microSD expansion or micro HDMI output for those wondering.

When it comes to horsepower, the Nexus S 4G features a Samsung 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor and 512 GB of RAM. This is a slight let down considering that the latest generation of devices including the Samsung Galaxy S II have taken the jump to dual core processors and twice the RAM. With support for the cloud-powered Google Music, buyers can hopefully deal with the fixed 16 GB of internal storage. Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR comes standard. Other sensors include a g-sensor, gyroscope, and compass. This smart phone also takes a leap with Near Field Communications (NFC) support for technologies such as mobile payments through Google Wallet.

Display

Although a higher resolution qHD display would have been nice, the quality of Samsung’s Super AMOLED screen is beyond impressive. Colors are rich and vibrant. Interface elements feel as though they pop out at you. While blacks on most screens are usually dark gray, the Nexus S 4G probably has the deepest representation I have come across. In fact, at times it is difficult to tell whether the display is even on during black loading screens.

While the glossy coat is definitely a downside, the anti-fingerprint coating on the front is a huge plus. Smudges do still get in the way, but they wipe off very easily. The 480-by-800 WVGA pixel resolution is not problematic for a 4 inch screen, but a future Nexus device will likely add a lot more pixels per inch. The contour curved display makes the Nexus unimaginably comfortable to use for extended periods of time. I was glad to find that the ambient light sensor managed brightness perfectly too. Reading the screen under direct sunlight is definitely less of a struggle than with normal LCD displays.

Operating System

Diving into Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread on this phone feels quite unusual. It is not because there is anything wrong, but rather because I have spent so much time with customized versions of the operating system. Just about every manufacturer including HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson add their own interface overlay for additional features. The vanilla Android operating system actually feels very different after going back to it after several months. If there is one feature I truly appreciate, it would be Sprint’s decision to chose not to bundle any bloatware. Even with over 50 apps from the Android Market, the Nexus S 4G ran smoothly without a hiccup.

There are still five home screens and live wallpapers. Users can add shortcuts for apps and widgets for blips of information as always. Google now goes with a darker black default skin over the standard white theme. The slightly cartoon-styled icons are out of the picture in exchange for minimalistic green ones in the notification bar. Reaching the end of a list after a flick generates an orange glow as an indicator. Holding down the home button brings up the eight most recent apps for quick switching.

The new default multi-touch enabled keyboard became an instant favorite as it now has a fancier look, impressive responsiveness, word prediction, automatic corrections, and an editable dictionary. Text selection is also easier with cursors for highlighting. Android’s powerful voice-to-text input felt faster than normal too. Accuracy also gets a boost with personalized recognition. For those who have not used voice actions, it lets users perform several hands-free commands including sending a text, listening to music, launching navigation, calling a person, emailing someone, bringing up a webpage, setting an alarm, or searching the web.

Multimedia

While the Nexus S 4G is not ideally a multimedia oriented device, it oddly became perfectly suited for just this purpose. It all starts with Google Music providing access to 20,000 songs on the cloud. Google Movies for purchases and rentals is on its way too. Hulu and Netflix, which are only available to a limited selection of Android devices, are both compatible with this smart phone.

To top it off, Samsung even includes a pair of branded headphones with a built-in microphone and a multifunction button in the packaging. A set of stereo speakers would have been nice, but a single mono speaker will have to do. The audio quality is not too spectacular. In fact, I have heard better sound from HTC handsets with virtual SRS WOW Surround.

As with any Android smart phone, syncing multimedia is easy. The phone appears as a mass storage device on Windows 7 without any additional drivers or software. There are even pre-created folders for types of media such as audio, images, and video. The operating system automatically recognizes and displays all compatible file types once unplugged. Those looking to read eBooks have access to a large selection from Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, or Google Books.

Cameras

The native camera interface is a huge let down and it makes complete sense why manufacturers opt to replace this app with their own custom solution. There are many flaws in addition to just looking plain ugly. Snapping images takes longer than it should. Access to quick settings are available right on the view finder, but the organization is far from intuitive. In addition, I found that most of these settings are reset each time you open the camera app.

The image quality is mediocre and could look better in my opinion. While not by any means horrible, it is easy to categorize snapped photos as a “camera phone” image. Samsung should have gone with an 8 megapixel sensor over the 5 megapixel one too. Buyers should not have to settle for washed out, faded, or grainy photos. The single LED flash at least helps in low light conditions.

I was also slightly shocked to realize that the Nexus S 4G lacks HD video capture offering only DVD quality. I doubt that it is a hardware limitation considering that the Apple iPhone 4 is fully capable with a similar 5 megapixel sensor. Hopefully a future firmware update can resolve the issue.

Video Calls

Nexus S 4G owners finally have an out of the box video chat experience — without having to rely on third parties — after updating to the latest version of Google Talk. Of course, there is voice-only chat too. Sprint allows video calls over 3G and 4G networks in addition to WiFi which offers plenty of freedom. The app takes advantage of the VGA camera on the front which looks fairly good, but do not forget that many smart phones already have better 1.3 megapixel cameras.

I had a chance to test this feature with the Android 3.1 Honeycomb powered Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The experience was smooth without any interruptions or glitches. While there are only a handful of smart phones that support this feature, keep in mind that Google Talk with video works on just about any computer with a web cam through Gmail in most web browsers.

Network Reliability

Although the Nexus S 4G lacks hardware noise cancellation, the outgoing audio quality was actually very clear to listeners. Listening to callers on the other end was impressive as well with a crystal clear and surprisingly loud speakerphone. While the same speaker did not meet my expectations for music, it works perfectly for phone calls. Bluetooth headsets work seamlessly too.

4G signal strength was actually stronger on the Nexus S 4G than with other Sprint devices such as the Samsung Epic 4G in the same location. I also noticed that this phone switches between 3G and 4G quicker than older devices. Of course, there is still WiFi 802.11 b/g/n too.

This phone also comes with deep Google Voice integration. Subscribers can take advantage of visual voicemail and automatic transcriptions without having to port numbers. Yes, that means not having to deal with two phone numbers. All the standard features including forwarding calls to other devices, setting up custom greetings, blocking unwanted numbers, enabling call screening, and configuring quite hours are fully supported.

Mobile Hotspot

With 4G enabled, I powered up the hotspot to find the feature not functioning. After some searching, I found that the hotspot only works on 3G networks — a horrible decision. I powered down 4G and the feature began working just fine. While 3G speeds might be enough for a device or two, having 4G is ideal for the advertised six users. In addition, Sprint limits monthly bandwidth to just 5 GB on 3G while leaving 4G usage entirely unrestricted.

I would definitely recommend against paying an additional $29 each month when you can not take advantage of the 7 Mbps download and 1.5 Mbps upload speeds of 4G. I am just hoping that this is not a hardware limitation so a software update can solve the issue down the road. The Mobile Hotspot interface at least allows configuring WPA2 security, a SSID network name, and limiting the maximum number of simultaneously connected users.

Battery Life

Removing the rear back plate reveals a replaceable 1500 mAh battery pack. The phone comes with a USB cable which plugs into either a computer or the provided AC wall adapter. Android 2.3 Gingerbread even includes a detailed usage meter with statistics for the apps and components draining the most power. This makes it easy kill rogue apps or choose more energy-efficient settings.

While there is nothing extraordinary about the capacity, this phone actually lasts longer than other Android devices with a more powerful batteries leading me to believe it has a lot to do with the inefficiencies of custom interfaces. Even with 4G and Bluetooth enabled, the Nexus S 4G will out last the HTC EVO 4G which has the same operating system and processor.

I would have to say that this phone can make it through a full day even with some decent usage unlike most other Android smart phones which often need a power boost half way through. Keep in mind that power-hungry activities such as Google Navigation, the Mobile Hotspot, or Video Calls will likely reduce the battery life to just a few hours. Browsing the web, listening to music, checking emails, sending texts, and other tasks are no challenge. The claimed 6 hours of talk time is quite reasonable, but the 17 day standby time is a far-fetched reality even if you turn off most features.

The Bottom Line

While Google touts the Samsung Nexus S 4G, this smart phone is hard to recommend with better options available. Although having the latest version of Android as it becomes available is a key feature, there are plenty of limitations for average consumers. The cameras could be better, it should have microSD expansion, and the mobile hotspot needs to work on 4G networks. Sprint offers this device for $149 after agreeing to a new two-year contract — monthly fees for an individual plan starts at $79. Paying just $50 more gets you the HTC EVO 3D which has way more bang for the buck at the same monthly rates. Keep in mind that this phone still has plenty to offer and those still interested can pick one up anytime in Sprint stores or online.

Buy: $49 on Amazon Wireless
Links: Google Nexus S | Sprint Nexus S

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Getting data from one place to another is by no means tough, but there are many drawbacks to the currently available popular solutions. For instance, flash drives could end up in the wrong hands when lost and these come with a fixed amounts of storage. Cloud services are another option, however these often have associated monthly fees and the risk of security vulnerabilities are not uncommon. iTwin hopes to solve this problem with a little gizmo for Windows machines which enables secure and unlimited computer-to-computer file transfers.

What Does It Do?

The concept behind iTwin is quite simple. The little gizmo breaks into two halves with each end going into separate machines. For those wondering, it does not matter if the local computer and the remote computer are on the same network or across the world. Once iTwin establishes a connection between both, users can securely transfer files between each machine. Transfer speeds are only held back by the upload and download network capabilities of the local and remote computer, respectively. Since iTwin directly ties into the Windows operating system, users can take advantage of the entire storage capacity of a computer’s hard drive or even external drives.

Getting Setup

I was quite impressed with the ease of configuration. After plugging the iTwin with both halves joined together into my Windows 7 laptop, I had to install a little program contained on the device. Although I was expecting a portable app, the application actually installs to and remains on your hard drive. Fortunately, it has a fairly small footprint and is easy to remove.

Next, I snapped off one half and plugged it into another computer. I had to repeat the installation process, which takes less than a minute, here as well. For those wondering, this is not Wireless USB technology. iTwin merely takes advantage of your internet connection and establishes a link between two different computers for file transfers. The device supports Windows XP and Vista too. Mac OS users are left in the dark for now, but iTwin claims to offer compatibility soon.

File Transfers

I was quite glad to find that iTwin takes advantage of Windows Explorer through a shortcut in “My Computer” rather than going with a custom interface. Dragging files or folders into the local window makes those items available to the remote window. Unlike Dropbox, iTwin does not pre-fetch data instantaneously. Icons for available items appear in Windows Explorer on the remote machine, but users will have to wait for files to transfer over each time they attempt to access one or more.

I found that transferring files over a local network is quite snappy. A 700 MB video file took just a few minutes to copy over WiFi. I tried this test again from a remote location and although the transfer speed was slower, it still worked like a charm. Users will be glad to find that it is possible to open, edit, and save documents on a remote computer directly from the iTwin folder too.

This is especially great since the technology eliminates the need for creating multiple files. With that being said, I should note that iTwin is best suited for a single person. Having two people adding and removing files on both ends will not end well since overrides are inevitable.

Just when I started to enjoy iTwin, I realized I need to leave the local machine on at all times. Setting aside the obvious fact that keeping a computer running is a huge waste of energy, the remote machine can not access any files if the local machine falls asleep. I hope to see a newer version take advantage of Wake-on-LAN to make it possible for iTwin to wake up the computer when needed. Remote access tools such as LogMeIn can already wake up a sleeping computer remotely.

Security Measures

Over the past few months, even some of the largest companies have had to deal with hackers leaking stolen data including personal information of customers to the masses. This situation has drawn heavy criticism to popular cloud services. iTwin fortunately circumvents this entire issue since their technology does not store any information online.

The separable physical USB components are essentially security keys — it is not possible to access data without one of these. In fact, iTwin servers only help establish a link between the two pieces. Data transactions occur directly between the two computers. Did I mention encryption? During the initial configuration, iTwin generates a unique key for each half. Using that token, all file transfers take advantage of AES-256 to prevent others from viewing your information.

iTwin also prompts users for an email address during setup and sends them a unique code. The company’s website offers a page to key that in from any browser to disable the connection between the two ends in the event that one piece is lost or stolen. Users who are still paranoid can configure an additional password for an extra layer of security.

If you were to lose the remote piece, unplugging the local piece would also prevent anyone from access your files. iTwin offers replacement halves on their website too. According to documentation, users can apparently reactivate both pieces of iTwin even once disabled by plugging both parts back together and connecting it to a computer when found.

The Bottom Line

While larger corporations take advantage of VPNs, the costs are expensive and getting setup is difficult. iTwin takes care of all the complications — buyers do not even have to deal with port forwarding even when behind a firewall for that matter. Another bonus? There are no monthly costs.

Cloud services such as Box.net or Dropbox offer a few gigabytes of storage for free and charge for additional space. iTwin has no bandwidth or storage limitations aside from the capabilities of your network and computer, respectively. I am confident many would agree that having a secure encrypted direct connection between two computers is safer than having to rely on a third-party too.

With that being said, there are some concerns worth noting. If iTwin’s servers go down or the company does not stick around, this device becomes useless. However, keep in mind that the same logic applies to cloud services too. Going with a flash drive may sound affordable, but finding a secure one with hardware encryption such as the IronKey we reviewed is just as expensive.

iTwin is definitely a great investment for business users who need to have secure remote access to a large selection of sensitive files and would prefer not having to carry a copy with them to avoid a the risk of loss. This device is already available for a one-time retail price of $99 and those who shop around can probably find it for less.

Buy: $89 on Amazon
Links: iTwin.com

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

There are several Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets already on the market, but HTC decided to launch the Flyer with Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is a smart phone operating system. Although most of these new tablets have a 10.1 inch display such as the Motorola Xoom or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the HTC Flyer has a smaller 7-inch screen much like last year’s Samsung Galaxy Tab 7. This tablet also breaks away from the pack with pen input support for handwritten notes and a brand new tablet optimized HTC Sense interface. There is a lot the HTC Flyer has to offer and news about an upcoming software upgrade to the latest tablet optimized Android 3.1 operating system is exciting too, but there are several concerns worth addressing for potential buyers.

Hardware

The HTC Flyer weights about .9 pounds (14.8 ounces) making it approximately as heavy as the similarly sized BlackBerry PlayBook. The 7.7 inch height and 4.8 inch width are perfect for holding with a single hand, but the 0.52 inch depth makes the HTC Flyer thicker than other tablets such as the Apple iPad 2 and Dell Streak 7. Although not problematic, I felt this tablet was a bit too bulky for a 7 inch device. It would be great to see HTC push for a lighter and slimmer design in a future iteration.

The front of the HTC Flyer is clutter free with the 7-inch display and a 1.3 mega pixel camera centered on top when held in a landscape view. The black border under the glass display creates enough space for holding without having fingers cover up screen. There are two sets of capacitive touch keys for Home, Menu, and Back actions — only a single set is visible at a time depending on the orientation of the tablet. A search key is notably missing, but a custom button to activate the pen mode is off to the right side. While most tablets have a flush frame, the edges of the HTC Flyer slightly wrap around onto the front side. Some may find it aesthetically unappealing, but it does offer a better grip.

The back side has a silver aluminum frame with white matte rubberized plastic covering the bottom and upper portions. The plastic parts take away from what could have been a streamlined uni-body aluminum design, but they also form a great grip for each hand when held in a landscape orientation. The upper piece surrounding the 5 mega pixel camera slides off for access to the microSD slot. For those wondering, there is no removable battery pack.

There are stereo speakers on the upper left and right sides of the back which is perfect for watching movies or listening to music. The power button and the 3.5 mm headphone jack are on top while a microUSB port is on the bottom. HTC includes a AC wall adapter for fast recharging and provides a USB cable for data syncing. The volume control is on upper left side.

Other innards include a 1.5 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM. The HTC Flyer comes with 32 GB of internal storage and users can add a microSD card (32 GB max) for additional space. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP stereo support enables compatibility for wireless headsets, headphones, and other accessories. There is unfortunately no HDMI output or DLNA support which is quite disappointing. The Flyer at least packs an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, compass, and GPS inside.

Display

The HTC Flyer features a 7-inch touch screen with a 1024-by-600 pixel resolution. This equates to a pixel density of 169 ppi making text and images look sharper than the 149 ppi screen on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Viewing angles are more than enough for comfortable use, but it still does not match the quality of the IPS displays Apple uses on their devices. Ambient light sensors manage brightness quite well ensuring the screen is easy to read. Even though the display can pump out an amazing amount of brightness, using the tablet under direct sunlight is still an issue due to reflection — a problem with just about any tablet. I also found that laying the HTC Flyer face down was safe since the edges wrap around the sides to prevent the screen from touch a flat surface.

More importantly, this tablet truly stands out because it features pen input support. HTC includes a special digitizer under the hood to make this possible. For those not familiar, most current-generation tablets do not work with digital pens. I was even more surprised to find the touch experience unharmed despite the inclusion of this technology. Tablet PCs generally have odd-looking dull displays which is quite frustrating. Aside from a subtle grid of dots on the screen, it is nearly impossible to figure out that there is a handwriting aspect to this tablet.

Handwriting

Tapping the writing button with the pen launches HTC Notes. This app makes several tools available including ones for a brush, crayon, marker, pen, and pencil. Users can also select different colors and choose from a set of thicknesses while jotting down notes. There are two buttons on the pen: one enables the eraser mode while the initiates the highlighter mode. The pen is also pressure sensitive which is an important feature for those who are artistic or simply want a natural feel.

When I first began writing on this tablet, it was awkward and difficult due to the small screen size. After I put the Flyer to use a few times, things got easier and I soon found it comfortable to jot down notes during meetings. The HTC Notes app supports typing text, snapping photos, and recording audio too — it even syncs up with Evernote.

Staying on that topic, I should note that there are only three apps on the HTC Flyer which support the pen. Trying to interact with standard interface elements or even punch keyboard letters will prove unsuccessful. The HTC Scribe software will snap a screen shot when you use the pen with an app that does not support it. Those interested can of course draw over the contents of their screen and share the file with any compatible app. I was also frustrated to find that certain interface elements still require interaction with your finger even when the pen is active.

The issues do not end there. This pen costs $80 for starters. It also requires a AAA battery for use. There is no slot in the tablet to stow the pen and HTC does not include a case with a holster for it either. Having to replace such an expensive accessory, which will inevitably get lost, is not fun. Justifying the price tag is tough. I think HTC should at least include a custom keyboard so that users can take advantage of this pen from within any standard Android app.

Operating System

It is somewhat disheartening to see the Flyer running on Android Gingerbread especially when I began getting comfortable with the tablet-optimized Android Honeycomb on the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. With confirmation that HTC plans to deliver Honeycomb to this Gingerbread tablet, I am especially curious to see how things will work moving forward. For instance, the new operating system does not require the physical touch keys which are currently present.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMY8m5r93mk&hd=1

Anyways, lets take a step back to examine the current state of things. When it comes to Android, just about every manufacturer includes their own interface overlay for a fancier look and additional features. Although I am a fan of HTC Sense on smart phones, the new version on the Flyer goes further than ever before. It has come to a point where the native Android operating system is almost entirely unrecognizable to the average person. In one way it is great that HTC is filling in the missing pieces with their own software, but others may cite the lack of consistency between Android devices.

A tap on the power button and the Flyer presents the new lock screen. In addition to standard goodies such as a security puzzle/password and a “drag to unlock” animation, HTC Sense lets users select four shortcuts for instantly launching an app. The new home screen, which works in landscape and portrait orientations, features a 3D carousel with eight customizable pages. There are more out of the box widgets than ever before and each one is more gorgeous than the last. HTC Sense also brings new informative live wallpapers with beautiful graphics including one for weather. The notification drop down menu now includes a list of recently used apps and a tab for quick settings. There are even a set of high quality skins to re-style the entire interface and users can download more ‘packs’ as they become available from HTC.

The native multi-touch keyboard is easy to use and voice-to-text input works wonderfully as always. There is little to no lag when switching between apps. For the most part, the performance on this tablet is better than with many Android smart phones. Although I would have prefered QuickOffice or ThinkFree, the HTC Flyer ships with Polaris Office for document editing and viewing. HTC Sense also upgrades the native browser, calendar, and email apps with an interface that takes advantage of the tablet form factor. I generally complain about bloatware, but I was glad to find a minimal amount on this tablet. I would prefer a totally clean install, but I do not mind that the HTC Flyer ships with apps such as Amazon MP3 or SoundHound which I would install myself anyways.

Entertainment

When it comes to audio, the HTC Flyer supports AAC, OGG, MP3, WAV, WMA, and a few more. Video format support includes MP3, WMV, AVI, and XVID. As I mentioned before, HTC Sense does not include DLNA integration on this tablet as it does on the HTC Thunderbolt. The lack of HDMI is also a bust, but some rumors indicate that a software upgrade might enable that feature over USB using the new MHL standard. For those wondering, there is no FM Radio support either.

The Flyer ships with HTC Watch for buying and renting movies. The Reader provides a tablet interface for the Kobo app and the HTC Scribe pen allows making notations and highlights. My personal favorite was the pre-installed Press Daily app which provides access to a digital replicas of major newspapers from across the country. Although you can easily visit The New York Times for instance, it is always nice to browser through the layout of the hard copy with your fingers.

Audio through the set of stereo speakers are decent, but nothing too outstanding. It is definitely by no means problematic, but HTC should considering including a better set in newer tablets. Those picky about quality should simply plug in a pair of headphones for a better listening experience.

Cameras

After snapping a few photos and recording a few short videos, I have to say that the main 5 mega pixel camera is rather lackluster. Considering that smart phone siblings such as the HTC Thunderbolt get the job done right, it is sad to see a wasted opportunity. Image stabilization is not too great and this is especially a problem since holding up a heavy tablet generally leads to unwanted movement. In addition to blurriness, there is a hint of grain which comes with each photo. Captured video has plenty of compression artifacts and is not as sharp as 720p video could look. Since there is no LED flash, quality in low-light conditions is poor.

HTC Sense does at least provide a fairly decent interface for the camera. Just a few basic features include a self timer, ISO settings, geo-tagging, auto-focus, and face detection. Brightness, contrast, and other image adjustment settings are of course included. The HTC Flyer also comes with a Snapbooth app — much like Apple PhotoBooth – for capturing self portraits with fun effects using the 1.3 mega pixel camera on the front. Although this device runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, it still lacks the new Google Talk app which offers video chat. Those looking to place video calls will need to grab 3rd party solutions such as Fring, Tango, or Qik from the Android Market.

Battery Life

With a fast 1.5 GHz processor and a smart phone operating system, I did not expect the HTC Flyer to last too long on a single charge. Fortunately, the 4000 mAh battery inside proved me very wrong. I found that this tablet lasts for nearly an entire week on a single charge with moderate use. Thanks to no 3G module draining battery life, this WiFi-only model is quite efficient. The Flyer definitely lasts longer than the Galaxy Tab 7 and only falls short of the WiFi-only BlackBerry PlayBook.

When it comes to heavy continuous usage, I found that this tablet lasts at least 7 hours. The built-in power saving software also helps conserve energy when the tablet is not in use. For instance, users can define hours of the day when the HTC Flyer should enter a “sleep mode.” I was also glad to find that charging with a microUSB cable plugged into a computer is possible since certain tablets no longer support it. Of course, plugging into a wall socket with the provided AC adapter is much faster.

The Bottom Line

When it comes time to decide whether to buy the HTC Flyer, here is what you need to know. A lot of consideration and thought clearly went into the hardware resulting in a great, robust design. The HTC Sense software adds a ton of features and plenty of eye candy, but things are about to change soon as the company prepares to deliver an upgrade to Android Honeycomb. The pen accessory is probably the most notable and best reason to consider this tablet, but the handwriting experience is still pretty limited. Finding apps is fortunately not an issue since there are 250k apps in the Android Market. Owners will definitely appreciate the long-lasting battery and the only cause for concern is likely the mediocre camera. Those ready to pick one up can find the HTC Flyer (WiFi model w/ 16 GB) at Best Buy for $499. Other retailers will likely carry the tablet in a matter of time. Other iterations such as the HTC EVO View 4G is making its way to Sprint stores too.

Links: HTC Flyer

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Looking for a new Bluetooth headset? You are in the right place. Fiddling with your phone while driving is definitely a bad habit, not to mention illegal in many states. BlueAnt is back with the Q2 headset, a follow-up to the flagship Q1 headset we reviewed last year. The new model boasts a sharp professional look, multi-pairing, streaming music, voice controls, a compatible Android app, and more.

Setup Process

There was a time when paring a Bluetooth headset meant having to read through a tiny booklet with nearly unreadable fonts. This process is fortunately a lot easier due to technical advancements and consumer-friendly engineering decisions. When you turn on the Q2 for the first time, it begins speaking to you immediately. The voice-guided instructions walks users through the pairing process. While some smart phones pair without keying in a number, the headset even reads out the commonly used 0000 pin code. I paired it with the Droid X2 and the Nexus S 4G without any hassle.

The BlueAnt Q2 automatically extracts up to 2,000 of your contacts from you phonebook shortly after pairing to announce their names during incoming calls. The multi-point technology also makes it possible to simultaneously remain paired with two Bluetooth devices at once. I had it connect to my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for calls over Google Talk and to a Kyocera Echo for regular phone calls.

Comfort and Design

I was glad to find that BlueAnt provides a total of four differently sized silicone ear buds in the packaging along with an ear hook and a carrying case. The Q2 can also flip over for use with either the left or right ear. While the ambidextrous design may seem like a no-brainer, competitors such as Jabra still make mistakes with headsets such as the Stone2 which only fits on the right ear. The Q2 stayed put throughout the day and did not fall out even during quick movements, but your mileage may vary. In my case, a combination of the ear hook and the included ear bud with a protruding loop for additional resistance was a perfect fit.

BlueAnt definitely made a good call when they chose to go with an entirely black body and a matte finish for the Q2. The buttons and two parallel lines have a brighter glossy gun-metal finish for contrast. It is a sharp look for business users and for those who do not want something as extravagant or flashy as the Jawbone Icon. An LED indicator makes a subtle appearance inside the grille and users can turn the light off entirely through the voice command settings. As for those buttons, a volume rocker is on top and a multi-function key is on the front face. There is also a dedicated power switch besides the microUSB port on the rear end.

Audio Quality

“Combined with state-of-the-art noise elimination and intelligent adaptive controls, the Q2 offers mega clear, mega loud sound without distortion.”

As with any Bluetooth headset, I tested the audio quality in several areas including a quiet room, in a moving vehicle, and a noisy venue. As stated in the quote above, BlueAnt boasts noise cancellation technology. The Q2 definitely does suppress some external sounds, but it has trouble with anything too loud. The person on the other end could hear me clearly when in an office setting or even a car, but a loud restaurant is definitely a challenge. I would have to say that even Motorola’s CrystalTalk technology on the Command One headset is a bit better. Nothing still beats the latest version Jawbone’s NoiseAssassin in my opinion.

As for signal strength, the Bluetooth radio inside had a range of about 25 feet and a wall before the audio became choppy. If you have an unobstructed light of sight, I am sure most smart phones can maintain a steady connection from even further away.

Other Details

Tapping the multi-function key prompts users to speak a command. Speaking “what can I say?” makes the Q2 read out all the available commands. Just a few options include call back, check battery, and redial. The headset supports the A2DP stereo audio Bluetooth profile making it possible to listen to music or even hear the turn-by-turn directions from you GPS app.

The Q2 packs a truly appreciated feature taking the notion of hands-free even further. When you receive an incoming call, the headset reads out the person’s name or number. Rather than having to reach for your phone or the multifunction button on the headset, you can simply say “answer” or “ignore” to accept or deny, respectively. There is also integration for Bing 411 with voice commands to retrieve movie times, top news, sports scores, stock quotes, traffic alerts, and weather conditions too.

BlueAnt also advertises an Android app, but it would unfortunately not install HTC, Kyocera, Motorola, or Samsung devices. When it comes to battery life, I managed to get over 3 hours of talk time including at least a day and a half on standby. To be exact, the specifications claim 4 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby. Charging the headset is also fairly easy with the included micro USB cable which can plug into a computer or the provided AC wall adapter.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to picking a headset, the BlueAnt Q2 is great option. It has a sharp, but subtle design for business and casual use. Getting it up and running is a cinch even for the technologically inept. The inclusion of a variety of ear buds increases the chances of a secure fit, which is quite important. Battery life is also pretty respectable. The main downside is probably the somewhat underwhelming noise isolation technology. BlueAnt offers the Q2 for a suggested retail price of $99, but discount hunters can find it for around $75 through third-party retailers. Buyers are definitely paying a premium and for the most part the BlueAnt Q2 will not disappoint.

Buy: $70 on Amazon
Links: BluetAnt Q2

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

We have featured portable pico projectors and handheld camcorders on Skatter Tech, but what about a device that can do both? The latest 3M creation is the Shoot ‘n Share which makes it possible to capture precious moments digitally and to playback recordings on a large screen instantly. With both a pico projector and a camera under the hood, this gizmo is unlike any other device on the market.

The Design

The Shoot ‘n Share is about 4.9 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide, and an inch thick. This makes length and width approximately the size of a large smart phone, but the depth makes it appear rather bulky. Considering that camera sensors are fairly small these days, I am guessing that the pico projector component consumes most of the space inside. The device is also lighter than it appears weighing just 5.6 ounces. This is definitely bulkier than most point-and-shoot cameras, but it is still small enough to slide into a pocket or carry in a bag.

The front face has a 2.4 inch display above a set of capacitive touch buttons for navigating through the on-screen interface. I should note that using the software feels rather primitive after spending so much time with advance smart phones. A power button, microSD card slot and a focus adjustment wheel are on the right side. An AV output jack and a HDMI port are on the left side along with a mini USB port which doubles for charging and data transfer. (Sticking to microUSB would have been nice.) The projector lens is on the top while a camera lens along with flash is on the bottom. There is also threading for use with a standard tripod, which is a neat touch.

The build quality is pretty robust, but the plastic materials take away any expensive or premium feel. The flimsy flaps covering connectivity ports are especially a bad idea. It looks like the Shoot ‘n Share is a design from at least 5 or more years ago. Although not necessarily ugly, 3M should slim down and get designers to envision an entirely new look. A more attractive body would definitely draw in more attention even if expensive or if there are other flaws.

Camera + Camcorder Quality

The Shoot ‘n Share can capture video at 720p (1280-by-720 pixels) resolution and can snap 5 megapixel still images. I would have to say that video quality is actually not bad. It is definitely not on par with a dedicated camcorder, but it does definitely beat the quality of video captured on many smart phones. There is also a LED flash which can stay on when recording in poorly lit environments. It actually did an impressive job of brightening up anything within a 10 foot range.

Captured images are not nearly as good-looking as video since there is a lack of sharpness and a bit of blur comes with each photo. Quality is better outdoors and in bright areas. 3M mentions auto focus, but the lens is most definitely fixed focus. A future Shoot ‘n Share iteration should definitely opt for an auto focus sensor, which is not exactly a far-fetched request considering that even slim smart phones have the technology inside.

When it comes to storage, 3M made one major mistake. The Shoot ‘n Share only has about 14 MB of internal storage space. This means room for just a handful of photos or a few seconds of video. I found that 1 hour of video consumes about 3 GB of storage space and a full 5 megapixel image takes up around 1-2 MB. Although microSD cards are affordable and easily available, one should come in the packaging. In fact, I think 3M should also include at least 4 GB of on board storage as well. I can only imagine buyers taking one of these home to find that it is unusable out of the box.

Projection Quality

Although the Shoot ‘n Share boots up using the on-screen display, clicking on a dedicated button projects the same interface onto a wall. It takes only a few seconds to turn on and the image gets up to full brightness within a minute. For those wondering, this device projects at 14 lumens when plugged in and at 12 lumens when running on batteries which makes it nearly identical to the specifications of the 3M MPro120 we reviewed last year.

This unfortunately also means that the projected image is quite difficult to see in a normal office setting or even in a naturally lit room. Turning off the lights and drawing the curtains helps, but this is probably less than ideal. 3M claims the Shoot ‘n Share can project to a size of up 65 inches in diagonal, but in practice I found that 40 inches was ideal for a good mix of enough brightness and image quality. Due to the standard LCoS display technology, users will need to manually focus the image with an analog dial on the side. It is not problematic, but I wish it was always in focus like the laser-powered MicroVision SHOWWX+ pico projector.

In terms of quality, the Shoot ‘n Share projects at a VGA (640-by-480 pixel) resolution which is a 4:3 aspect ratio. I am not sure whether high-definition pico projector technology is available yet, but the current setup feels like odd since the same device also captures video at 720p. I also found that the on-board software can playback downloaded video podcasts. I watched a short TED Talk video without any issues. The built-in speakers are also loud enough for a party of few to hear easily. It is also possible to plug-in a pair of headphones or a set of external speakers.

Other Details

The 100 mAh battery provides about two hours of projection. It lasts approximately the same amount for capturing video too. Recharging is thankfully easy using the included AC adapter or the provided mini USB cable. Plugging into a USB port of a computer turns the Shoot ‘n Share into a mass storage device for those who do not have a SD card adapter on hand.

Although 3M does not include a cable, those looking to watch recorded videos on a traditional HDTV can use the HDMI output. Fortunately, at least a composite video cable comes in the packaging. The Shoot ‘n Share is also compatible with optional accessories such as a cable for Apple devices, component video cables, an infrared remote control, and a car charger.

The Bottom Line

3M definitely stumbled onto something interesting. There are probably no more than a handful of device that feature both a camera and a pico projector inside. The Shoot ‘n Share will undoubtedly impress others since its relatively unknown. Battery life is respectable, but recoding quality could be better and the projector also has room for improvement. Those looking to pick one up should also purchase a microSD card as well since 3M does not include one.

It is hard to tell whether the Shoot ‘n Share is selling well or whether 3M will pursue a newer iteration down the road, but I can say it is one unique gizmo. It does a pretty impressive job for a first generation device and I can only hope a future iteration will improve on current flaws. It is also a bit expensive with a suggested retail price of $299, but shopping around will get you the Shoot ‘n Share for as little as $249 through retailers such as Amazon.

Buy: $244 on Amazon
Link: 3M Shoot ‘n Share

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Despite an early entrance into the world of tablets with the debut of the Galaxy Tab 7 running on a smart phone operating system last year, Samsung had plans for premium Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets in the works. The first of those announcements came at Mobile World Congress for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 earlier this year in February, but the company went back to the drawing board to create a lighter and slimmer iteration for CTIA Wireless 2011 by March to take on the newly announced Apple iPad 2. Samsung even revealed a smaller Galaxy Tab 8.9 sibling which will also hit stores sometime this summer. Although the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has an official June 6th launch date, Google gave away 5,000 limited edition WiFi-only tablets to attendees of I/O 2011.

I was fortunate enough to pick up one of these tablets while at that conference, but I should note that my review unit varies slightly from the upcoming retail version since it lacks integrated mobile broadband, does not have a custom TouchWiz interface overlay, and is missing a microSD card slot. For those not familiar, this tablet boasts dual-core processors for fast multitasking, 32 GB of internal storage, access to thousands of apps from the Android Market, HD video capture, cloud-powered music streaming, video chat, stereo speakers, and much more. A downloadable upgrade to the newer Android 3.1 operating system is also on its way.

Build Quality

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is just 8.6 mm thick and weighs 595 grams making it both thinner and lighter than the Apple iPad 2. For those wondering, it is not nearly as bulky as the first Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet: the Motorola Xoom. This limited edition model features a white glossy plastic finish on the back with an Android pattern, however the retail version will have a slightly rubberized black matte coat. There is also a silver trim across the edges for additional contrast and the front face has a black border around the display creating just enough room for a good grip.

The smooth rounded edges make the Galaxy Tab 10.1 comfortable to hold and the device does not get too heavy even during extended use unlike the last generation of tablets. The three-piece design with a glass piece on the front, a robust frame around the edges, and a fixed rear plate is by no means flimsy but a uni-body build would be preferable. I hope that a future iteration will feature an industrial anodised aluminum casing for a more premium feel.

The Design

Samsung only deserves credit for design considering they have the thinnest tablet on the market. The front face is clean as possible with no buttons and the bezel surround the display is not too wide. The only noticeable mark is a spot for the 2 megapixel camera on the front for video chat. The back side features a 3 megapixel camera and an LED flash for low-light photography.

There is a 3.5 mm headphone jack centered on top and Samsung includes a pair of ear buds in the packaging. The volume rocker and a power button are also on top towards the left. I also noticed that there is a small pinhole for a microphone at the bottom while stereo speakers are on the left and right sides of the tablet. I was quite disappointed to find that Samsung chose to go with their own proprietary dock connector over a standard micro USB connector. While the included modular cable can plug into a regular USB port or into the included AC adapter, finding replacements is not as easy. Notably missing are a microSD card slot for expansion and a HDMI port for output.

Display

After fancying over the impressive design, I turned on the display to find myself in horror. I immediately knew I had a defective unit as soon as the boot screen loaded. There was severe black light bleeding from the edges of the screen making it look as though white jolts of light were breaking out from several sides — the bottom right corner being the worst. I asked around to find that a few others also had the same issue. Even developer forums have members complaining about this problem and we can only hope the defects are not widespread to retail models.

Setting that major concern aside, other aspects of the 1280-by-800 pixel resolution display are just fine. Despite featuring a larger 10.1 inch panel, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 still has a higher pixel density of 149 ppi compared to the 132 ppi of the iPad 2 creating a sharper image. With that being said, I should note that Apple’s IPS screens still offer better viewing angles and richer colors. Samsung’s display is not in any way problematic, but colors do look slightly faded.

Another frustration was the built-in ambient light which does not turn up the brightness enough whether in a dark room or a bright office setting. I often had to manually tweak the levels for comfortable viewing. Fortunately, other sensors such as the accelerometer work perfectly fine by rotating the display quickly when changing orientation.

Operating System

If you have used an Android smart phone, you really have not tried Android 3.0 Honeycomb yet. The new OS is heavily revamped despite the fact that it runs on similar code, supports the same set of apps, and has many familiar UI elements. Google essentially reinvented its mobile OS to take advantage of a tablet form factor with a new look, easier navigation, better multitasking, improved organization, and subtle notifications. Reading about Android 3.0 is not really as effective as seeing it in action, so I recommend watching my walk-through video above.

If my demo was not clear enough, I can definitely say that everything from the home screen interface, multi-tasking, notifications, and pre-installed apps are well polished. The refreshing out-of-the-box Tron-inspired theme tops it all off setting it apart from other tablets. Even the native tabbed browser experience is a great blend between a touch screen interface and a desktop-like browser.

Although Google announced Android 3.1 at I/O 2011, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 still runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Motorola delivered the new version to Xoom owners a few days after the conference and Samsung will apparently do the same within a few weeks. The update is merely incremental, but it will bring several improvements: support for USB accessories (e.g. mouse or keyboard), a longer list of recently used apps, resizable widgets, and Wi-Fi connectivity improvements. Other additions include polish for pre-installed core apps such as the browser, gallery, calendar, and email.

While this news sounds great, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a few disappointments. Unlike the unmodified version of Android Honeycomb running on the Motorola Xoom, Samsung makes several customizations of their own. This limited edition model does not even run TouchWiz yet and small quirks are already getting frustrating. For instance, this tablet ships with a custom keyboard which is bright white and breaks away from the native color scheme. It is not nearly as responsive either and I was at least glad that it is possible to switch back to the original keyboard easily.

Another issue? Samsung dumps the official camera app for their own custom interface which is rather hideous. There is a good cause for concern considering that the upcoming update will likely bring a full-blown version of TouchWiz which means more potentially unwanted changes.

The Apps

Google’s largest hurdle is now apps. Although there are over 200k in the Android Marketplace, less than 100 are tablet-optimized Honeycomb-specific apps. The situation is better than it was a few months ago when the Motorola Xoom made a debut, but not my much. With that being said, I should note that the vast majority of smart phone apps run on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 without any issues. The tablet ran just about every one of the approximately 50 apps I had on the Samsung Nexus S 4G, which runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, without any hiccups.

While iOS zooms into iPhone apps on the iPad, Android 3.0 handles the situation differently. Older apps scale to fill the entire screen with a fluid width versus having to run in a small centered emulator-like window. I found that most apps remained crisp and did not have to suffer from blurriness. I should note that a few Android 2.x apps were buggy and that some even failed to run on Honeycomb.

Unlike the Motorola Xoom, Samsung ships plenty of bloat-ware with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Sadly, none of these apps are removable. Samsung bundles its own Music Hub which overlaps with the new cloud-powered Google Music streaming service. They also pre-install the Amazon Kindle app and it appears as though they even blocked Google Books from the Android Market, which runs on the Motorola Xoom perfectly. Pulse news reader and WeatherBug also come pre-loaded. There is also a Samsung App store which is oddly filled with nothing useful aside from a ton of spam.

Fortunately, the core set of pre-installed apps are a great example Android 3.0 Honeycomb’s capabilities and hopefully a sign of the things to come. Apps such as the Browser, Calendar, Gmail, Maps, Music, Talk, and YouTube are easy-to-use, fancy-looking, and powerful. Samsung even bundles a full version QuickOffice HD for document viewing and editing.

Cameras and Video Chat

Although tablets are definitely not ideal for photography, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 packs a 3 megapixel camera on the back along with a single LED flash. Sadly, images appear too grainy even in well-lit areas. The flash helps slightly in low-light conditions, but not by much. Holding up a large tablet steadily for a photo is not too easy either. Samsung makes 720p video capture possible, but there is not much to tout. While the inclusion of the feature is definitely welcome, a better camera such as the 5 megapixel sensors on the BlackBerry PlayBook is preferable.

Fortunately, the 2 megapixel front-facing camera adds a lot more value. It works perfectly with Google Talk out of the box for video calls. Quality was actually quite impressive. I had no issues calling others using a Chromebook, a Nexus S 4G, or a Windows laptop. The app even makes it possible to continue a voice-only conversation while multitasking which is a neat touch.

The Google Talk app also provides image stabilization for steady video streams. Music playback automatically fades away to a pause when you answer and incoming call. Notifications are also non-intrusive to your workflow. Third-party apps such as Tango make it possible to enjoy video calls with iPad and iPhone owners, but I still hope to see Skype make its way to Android tablets soon.

Battery Life

With a whopping 7,000 mAh battery inside, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 can keep going for at least a full week with moderate daily use. For those wondering, my general routine involves browsing the web, possibly playing a short Flash video, checking emails, glancing at my calendar, enjoying some music, placing a video call, and even looking up directions.

I would have to say the Apple iPad 2 still might have slight edge over this tablet when it comes to lasting on a single charge, but not by much. This tablet can definitely last through a full day of rigorous use and likely through an entire work week for most. Being a WiFi-only tablet also helps compared to those with 3G or 4G modules eating away battery inside.

The Bottom Line

If you are in the market for a new tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a great choice. In fact, it is likely the best Android tablet on the market. The hardware makes no compromises with a dual-core processor, plenty of storage, a large 10.1 inch screen, and plenty of battery life not to mention being the lightest and thinnest tablet on the market as well. The largest concern is the relatively young Android Market for tablets which is still maturing. Customizations to the native operating system with TouchWiz is also a potential problem. Assuming that Samsung delivers on timely updates and developers begin pumping up tablet-optimized apps, this tablet will have a bright future.

For those wondering, the most comparable retail model to the 32 GB version featured in this review will probably sell for $599 while a more affordable 16 GB option will sell for just $499. Samsung is also working with major cellular carriers for 3G/4G mobile broadband enabled iterations which should make their wait to store shelves in just a few weeks.

Links: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

A year ago, we reviewed the Droid Incredible. It was a stellar phone that we believed could “easily take the reins as the most powerful smartphone in the U.S market”. However, a year is a substantial amount of time in the world of electronics. With the development of phones like the EVO 4G and the recently reviewed Thunderbolt, the original model could not hold its own turf. Calling for a refresh, Verizon Wireless and HTC just introduced the Droid Incredible 2 with the hopes that the sequel will live up to its predecessor. Although the first model was truly incredible, can this smart phone live up to the family name?

Build Quality

In terms of size, the Incredible 2 succeeds in every department. It measures in at 4.75 inches tall, 2.52 inches wide, 0.48 thick, and weighs 4.8 ounces. This makes the phone just a bit longer than the original, which is to be expected because of the 0.3 inch increase in screen size. However, thanks to a superior unibody design, it is also a slimmer than the older model.

Aesthetically, the phone is an example of simplicity at its finest. HTC chose to go with a rubberized matte finish rather than the high gloss plastic of the previous model. This new finish prevents smudges and finger prints, and it feels great in your hand. However, I need to point out that when I put the phone in the same pocket as my keys it got a few copper dings on the side. This is disappointing because phones will frequently share the same pockets as keys and headphones, and I expect a more durable design. Even though many will buy a case for their device, it should not be necessary.

Hardware

This phone’s biggest failures lie in its hardware. While most phones are moving to dual-core processors, the Incredible 2 is still using a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon. Although it is more efficient and less taxing on battery life, it is still a 1Ghz processor — the same processor speed as last year’s model. Even more disappointing, HTC reduced the internal storage space from 8 GB to 1 GB dropping the phone’s total potential capacity a mere 33 GB.

The only real changes are the removal of the optical track pad and an upgrade to RAM. Considering the phone is marketed as a touch sensitive phone, cutting out the track pad makes a lot of sense. Plus, this caters to the phone’s simple design by getting rid of everything that is unnecessary. The RAM size is bumped up from 512 MB to 768 MB giving it the same multitasking capabilities of the Thunderbolt. However, its lightning-named peer crushes this phone because it has access to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network — something the Incredible 2 will never be able to access. Moreover, with only 33 GB of total hard drive space, this smart phone pales in comparison to the 40 GB capacity of its HTC sibling.

Display

Although the phone’s mediocre specs are disappointing, the new brighter display is something to be applauded. It may not sport the new qHD resolution like the upcoming EVO 3D, but the 480×800 pixel WVGA display never looked quiet as great as it does on this phone. Colors are sharp and blacks are incredibly black. In addition, the Incredible 2 is surprisingly responsive. There was no lag when it came to typing, and because of the improved RAM, the phone switches from screen to screen or program to program without the delay of its predecessor.

My one gripe is that the phone still uses a Super LCD instead of upgrading to a Super AMOLED. This would give the phone an uncanny ability to detect light and perfectly modify brightness. As it is now, the phones brightness settings are separated into three categories: light, medium, and max. If the phone had an AMOLED, then more minute changes in lighting could be detected which would improve battery life and readability of text. Nonetheless, the phone has a great display that is responsive and outputs images in great clarity.

Keyboard

If I had to summarize the Incredible 2′s keyboard in one word, it would be responsive. Typing has never been easier, and I did not experience the slightest bit of lag. I also noticed the haptic feedback is a bit stronger than the older model. This was a pleasant surprise because the vibration is a nice reassurance that my key presses are actually being dedicated especially when I am typing quickly. In addition to a great keyboard, HTC includes a complete version of Open Office for all of your writing and editing needs. It is a solid app that lets you get the most out of your keyboard. With a great keyboard and a free Office program, you can write wherever and whenever.

The speech-to-text function is also surprisingly accurate and it works in just about every application. Plus, the phone adapts to your voice without extra programming so Google’s voice input becomes more accurate over time. I was able to dictate a fairly long text message with only one or two minor hiccups. However, including a pre-installed version of Swype would have been a great addition that could set this phone apart from its competitors. Yes, geeks can figure out how to side-load the app, but including it out of the box would have made awesome.

Operating System

Even though Google released the 2.3 (Gingerbread) update a few months ago, the Incredible 2 is still using Android 2.2 (Froyo). Until HTC and Verizon Wireless make an update available or hold off until the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, customers will have to wait. However, HTC did upgrade its Sense UI giving a few, but much appreciated, updates. The newer custom interface features smoother animations, sharper fonts, and a more logical application selection screen. It breaks your apps into sets of sixteen letting users scroll through these groups one at a time.

Speaking of applications, HTC Sense added an application switcher to the pull down notification bar. In the older interface, users had to hold down the Home button. This would reveal a new screen displaying the most recently opened applications. It was a hassle, and honestly, I never used it. Now with the upgraded drop down menu, switching applications becomes much more intuitive.

Other than these few changes, however, the operating system is just more of the same. Unless you consider the updated application switcher a great leap forward, you will not find anything truly revolutionary. It is probably because the phone is still running on Froyo. Even still, I would have liked something that makes the device, well, incredible. As it stands, you can get the same exact OS and upgraded HTC Sense on the Thunderbolt, which stores more data and has 4G LTE support.

Multimedia

Because of the improved graphics processor, the Incredible 2 can play videos in breath-taking clarity. In a head-to-head streaming race against the original Incredible, the new model not only won but it also displayed the video in YouTube’s high-definition quality. The predecessor was about 10 seconds slower with the low quality selected. If you’re going to be streaming a lot of videos onto a smart phone, the improved GPU makes this phone a solid option.

Unfortunately, the smaller storage space makes putting videos and music on your device too much of a hassle. If you are a cinephile like me, choosing which movies to put on your device is a choice you never want to make. If you pick up the Incredible 2, you will be at these crossroads far too often. This smart phone also comes with an FM radio usable right away but with one minor hiccup. The app requires the use of headphones, but HTC does not include headphones out of the box.

Cameras

The 8-megapixel camera, dual-LED flash, and 720p video recording capabilities equipped with the Incredible 2 is a great way to capture life’s best moments. The camera’s built-in face recognition technology allows the phone to focus in on individuals. This creates a sharper, crisper picture. The camera application is also updated giving users easier access to editing tools. In the older Sense UI, you had to click the menu button, search through another tab to find a list of effect tools. Now, a magic wand icon appears as one of the four options on the side of the application. Once selected, the wand displays all the effects–grayscale, sepia, etc.– at the top of the photo app. The lists of effects also have complementary icons to illustrate what each option does to your photo.

Video Calls

This is easily one of the most confusing aspects of the newest batch of HTC smart phones. Like the Thunderbolt, the Incredible 2 includes a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera, but there is no application for video calls out of the box. Although the phone comes pre-installed with Skype, it only offers voice calls and text-based chat. Eventually, the leaked version we demoed will become available.Users can fortunately grab third-party apps like Tango or Fring if they want to make video calls.

The actual video quality is pretty standard. My camera was surprisingly clear, but it is definitely dependent on your location and internet speed. Although I only tested the device at home, I imagine video calling being too impractical in congested areas with a lot of noise. As aforementioned, this phone lacks the potential for 4G LTE support, which means the limited bandwidth will constantly plague your video calls leaving much to be desired.

Network Speeds and Mobile Hotspot

Unlike the Thunderbolt, the Incredible 2 does little to change the formula in terms of network speeds. It is same 3G that is standard with most smart phones. This means you will still be averaging transfer speeds of 0.7 Mbps for downloads and 0.2 Mbps for uploads. Although this was adequate a year or two ago, this is now child’s play compared to the 15 Mbps capabilities of 4G LTE.

A smart phone is a year or two-year commitment, and you will be paying around $100 per month to use the phone. If your total amount paid will be anywhere from $1,200 to $2,400, it just makes sense to pay a hundred or so dollars more now for a phone that maintains its value over time. As 4G LTE arrives in more cities, the Incredible 2 will start to look even more and more ancient.

As it stands, the Mobile Hotspot lets up to 5 users simultaneously use its 3G network. The configuration screen allows configuring WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security and monitoring the devices accessing your network. This gives you the freedom to kick unauthorized users off your hotspot whenever you wish. The service costs $20 for 2 GB of data every month.

Battery Life

Verizon claims the 1450 mAh battery will give you 6.5 hours of talk time and 361 hours of standby. Although the 6.5 hours is pretty spot on, no one can possibly believe that the Incredible 2 can last 19 days on standby. From my own experience, a light user will need to recharge the battery every two days. If you are someone who is always on your phone, you will need to charge the device at the end of each day.

This is actually a bit of an improvement over my Incredible, which needed recharging every 5 hours without fail. The larger 1450 mAh battery plays a major role for longevity, but the more efficient processor also helps conserve battery life.. Even after using the 3G Mobile Hotspot for almost 3 hours, the battery indicator only dropped to the half way point.

Bottom Line

The most disappointing thing about the Incredible 2 is that it barely brings anything new to the table. It feels like its predecessor all over again with a 1 GHz processor, Android 2.2, and 3G connectivity. A loss of some storage space makes it feel dwarfed by its peers. Even though the phone will see an eventual upgrade to the latest Android operating system, Verizon Wireless has not announced an official date. This usually means users could have to wait months before their phone gets the upgraded needed to just make the phone relevant again. As it is, the Incredible 2 stands as a mid range phone. However, in today’s circle of smart or super phones, we demand more from our products. This phone just cannot stand up against existing competitors like the Thunderbolt and the soon to be released EVO 3D. In the end, its more mediocre than incredible.

Buy: $80 for Incredible 2
Links: HTC | Verizon Wireless

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

At CTIA Wireless 2011 last month, T-Mobile announced the Nokia Astound smart phone. Although Symbian powered devices are relatively little used in the United States, this operating system brings powerful features to customers at an affordable price. The phone, also known as the Nokia C7, boasts an 8 megapixel camera, a 3.5 inch display, Wi-Fi connectivity, access to the Ovi Store, a built-in navigator, and much more. Before going any further, I should note that I am new to Symbian and that my three weeks with the Astound was the first true chance I had to really dig into the software.

Build Quality

http://youtu.be/HNtuDeC1UiU?hd=1

Apple, HTC, Motorola, and Samsung do not have much to offer when comparing workmanship to Nokia’s robust design. Like the Nokia E7, the Astound is also incredibly well-built. While many smart phones reap of cheap plastic parts, this one features a solid steel backing and a gorilla glass protected display. It is a bit heavier than other devices of the same class, but it also comes in at a pretty decent size standing 4.6 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide, and about 0.4 inches thick. The Astound is definitely easy to hold or slip into a tight pocket compared to monstrous smart phones such as the large Droid X. Things get even more impressive when you learn that this phone survived getting run over by a four ton shuttle, twice. I doubt that too many other manufacturers can make a similar claim.

Hardware

Being a T-Mobile handset, the Astound runs on GSM/EDGE. However, it can switch over to WCDMA automatically as well. For additional connectivity, Nokia includes WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and support for accessories with Bluetooth 3.0. For wiring in, a 3.55 mm head phone jack is on top and doubles for analogue video output. A somewhat recessed power button and a microUSB port companies it. An FM transmitter complements a built-in FM radio to let users enjoy audio with a car stereo for instance.

Capacitive send and end buttons surround the physical menu button on the lower front face. The Astound also sports a lock key, volume keys, voice key, and a camera button on the right side. A 2 mm charging pin is the only thing on the left side. Nokia packs 8 GB of internal storage into this device, but users can add a microSD card for up to 32 GB of additional space. Other internals such as the GPS module or the compass are standard.

Display

I was glad to find that the Astound uses AMOLED for its 3.5 inch display. While the nHD 360-by-640 pixel resolution is not much to tout, the screen is actually visible under direct sunlight unlike other competing smart phones. The rich colors pop out at you through the bright display. The capacitive technology works smoothly with Symbian for a responsive experience. Interacting with the interface is easy with even the lightest touch thanks to great sensitivity. While not nearly as fluid as Windows Phone 7 running on the HTC Arrive, it still beats a handful of low-cost Android smart phones. Other complementary features are an orientation sensor for switching on-screen content to a landscape view, a proximity sensor to prevent accidental key presses, and an ambient light detector to save power.

Keyboard

I unfortunately had a horrible typing experience. The on-screen virtual keyboard is quite cramped and tiny when held upright. The keys are in a grid-like layout, deviating from the normal QWERTY arrangement. Despite the fact that the iPhone 4 has similarly sized 3.5 inch screen, Apple makes typing a comfortable task. Switching over to landscape makes things a little easier, but the keyboard annoyingly takes over the whole screen like Android.

I was glad to find Swype pre-loaded on the Astound. The predictive gesture-based input software makes text entry significantly easier. The keyboard even adapts to non-dictionary words, but I still think that many buyers would prefer to see a better traditional keyboard too.

Operating System

This is where things get iffy for users like me. The Astound runs on the latest and greatest Symbian^3 operating system. It has been around for ages and there are tons of long-time enthusiasts, developers, and companies backing it. Unfortunately things are about to take a turn since Nokia already announced plans to replace Symbian with Windows Phone 7 after striking a partnership with Microsoft. While the switch might not even happen during the lifespan of this device, the news essentially alienates and warns off potential buyers.

Setting those concerns aside, I found that Symbian was a lot different from more recent operating systems such as Android and iOS. The intuition behind navigation feels odd even though it sports similar elements such as multiple home screens, icons, and widgets.

The Astound has a fairly decent pinch-to-zoom enabled browser, but it lacks HTML5 support. interestingly enough, it offers Flash Lite. Other notable key apps include a calendar, contacts, music player, messaging, photos, and videos. The Ovi Maps app offers international navigation and even works without a data connection present, which gives it an edge over Google Navigator. Third-party solutions offer document editing capabilities, but Symbian only provides a viewer out of the box.

A radio app lets users enjoy FM content with a pair of headphones plugged in. Users can transmit audio to other FM radio devices as well. Extra goods such as a to-do list, notes, voice recorder, calculator, and clock come pre-installed. There is even an RSS reader for those who need it. Access to Facebook feeds and Twitter streams is also a part of Symbian. Multitasking was actually quite easy and there is an easily accessible app switcher.

As much as I tried to like Symbian, I can not seem to tolerate it after trying other mobile operating systems. It feels antiquated much like Windows Mobile 6.5 was before Microsoft choose to dump it. Nokia seems to have added yet another coat of paint to cover up the aging, but it does not help much when compared to ease of use, fancy looks, and intuitiveness of Android and iOS.

Cameras

For photography, Nokia threw in a 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash for low light conditions. The physical shutter button makes snapping images easy and on-screen controls offer access to several settings. Symbian launches the camera app very quickly, which was impressive. The Astound even has some neat additions such as facial recognition and geo-tagging. While the quality is still not on par with some other high-end smart phones, it is probably better than most phones going for the same price.

A secondary VGA camera resides on the front face for video calls on WCDMA networks. The phone also offers HD-quality 720p video capture with the option to enable the LED for extra lighting. Quality was nothing extraordinary, but the Astound can get the job done when you can not find a camcorder. Users can even output recorded content to HDTVs with additional cables.

Battery Life

With a generation of Android “super phones” which barely last a day, I was not expecting much out of an even older operating system. The Astound runs on a mere 1200 mAh lithium-ion battery, which raised even more flags. Surprisingly, it turns out that Nokia’s hardware and software work together efficiently letting this phone keep running for at least two days on a single charge. A proprietary 2 mm AC wall charger comes in the packaging, but users can also turn to the microUSB port for slower recharging when necessary. Although I did not have a chance to fully test the talk time, Nokia claims 9.6 hours on GSM networks. That is a lot more than 6.3 hours on the popular HTC Thunderbolt smart phone. Nokia also mentions 6.5 hours of video playback, 3.8 hours of video capture, 2.6 hours of video calls, and 54 hours for music playback.

The Bottom Line

I generally recommend staying away from low-end or mid-range smart phones since monthly subscription fees are not any cheaper. However, T-Mobile and Nokia make a compelling case with great pricing for both the up front cost and the monthly rates. You can pick up for just $79 after signing a two-year commitment or pay $299 to walk away contract-free. Unlike expensive smart phone data plans from other carriers, users can opt for a $10 per month package for just 200 MB of data. Paired with the cheapest calling plan, your monthly dues can be as little as $50.

The Astound definitely does not have all the bells and whistles of the latest generation of smart phones, but it also offers a lot more than feature phones. In fact, it sits right in between the two categories of devices as a great mid-range solution. Nokia makes this phone a perfect buy for those looking for a taste of powerful device at the price of a low-cost handset.

Buy: Nokia Astound for FREE on Amazon
Links: T-Mobile | Nokia USA

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Late last year, Motorola announced the Command One Bluetooth headset which sports a rapid recharging technology and a companion Android app. It does not look as futuristic as the Jabra Stone2 or as fashionable as the Jawbone Icon, but this headset offers a robust set of features in a traditional-looking form factor. With laws in states such as California requiring the use of hands-free accessories for placing calls on the road, it is always a good time to have a reliable brand-name solution such as the Motorola Command One on hand.

Setup Process

After a full charge, I flipped the power switch on. The Motorola Command One begins speaking to you with audible instructions. These direct the user to head to the Bluetooth settings page on your device. While most new devices such as smart phones or tablets do not require a pin code, it mentions trying 0000 if needed. I got it paired to the brand new Android-powered Kyocera Echo without any issues.

I was glad to find that getting this headset paired is a hassle-free experience. Unlike older complicated solutions, users do not need to hold down multiple buttons to get the device into a pairing mode. Just flip the power button and the Command One walks you through the entire configuration process. If you happen to have more than one phone, this headset supports multi-point pairing for staying connected to two devices simultaneously. Although it can not bridge two calls together, it can place one on hold while you answer an incoming call from a second device.

Comfort and Design

To ensure a snug fit, Motorola includes five silicone ear pieces each varying in size. Paired together with the ear hook, the Command One stays put even with sudden movements. The headset flips to easily fit either the left or right ear, which lets users pick a preference. I found a comfortable fit, but keep in mind that it may vary from person to person.

The stylish metallic grille on the front face offers a neat contrast to the dull chrome finish, but it unfortunately fell off after just two hours of use. That is not a good sign for an expensive accessory which should last for a few years. To be fair, that piece was just a sticker for style and the rest of the build quality was more robust. I was also glad to find the front face warding of fingerprints and that the glossy black coat on the inside is hidden from sight.

A physical switch makes it easy to power the headset off when not in use. The opposite side features easily accessible volume rocker and a mute key. The talk button is awkwardly placed towards the end of the device surrounding the micro USB port. Pushing it launches voice commands, answers a call, or ends an in-progress conversation. It too me a few tries to get comfortable with the positioning, but it is not an issue after a few days in use.

Audio Quality

Motorola boasts its CrystalTalk technology which takes advantage of dual microphones to provide noise cancellation. Unfortunately, I was let hoping for more after testing the headset in various situations including a loud restaurant lobby, a moving car, and a quiet room. While the Command One works perfectly in silent areas, it only provides minimal background noise reduction. CrystalTalk does make it easier for the caller on the other end to hear you, but it does not do enough. Other solutions such as Jawbone’s NoiseAssasin technology do much better and almost entirely eliminates external sounds.

As for hearing the person on the other end, the speaker in this headset is loud and clear. In fact, it can get quite loud if pushed to peak levels. It is easy to hear a conversation even in loud environments, but I just wish the experience was as good the other way around too.

Other Details

Although entirely compatible with iOS devices and just about any Bluetooth-enabled gadget, Motorola offers extra features for Android users with a MotoSpeak app. Once installed, users can hear a text-to-voice read out of incoming text messages and reply to them without having to touch your smart phone. Although a bit skeptical about voice recognition at first, I am glad to report that it was pretty accurate.

I also loved that users can simply say “answer” or “ignore” after the Command One reads out the number of the incoming call. This eliminates even having to reach to your ear to click the multi-function key. For those wondering, I got about 4 hours of talk time out of the headset. Taking into account that I left the Command One on for nearly two entire days, I do not doubt Motorola’s official 5 hour talk time claim. I was also excited to learn that there is a built-in rapid charge feature which provides about 2.5 hours of talk time after plugging in for just 15 minutes. The Command One even reads out the battery level to ensure you always have enough power.

The Bottom Line

For those looking for a new Bluetooth headset, the Command One should definitely be an option. It sports a traditional look for business environments and provides plenty of talk time. When it comes to audio quality, Motorola still has some work to do. I was glad to find that pairing with voice-guided directions is quite easy and it might just let most users get away without having to flip a page of the instructions booklet. At a price tag of $129, this headset is quite expensive. Although available for around $100 if you shop around, it feels too unreasonable considering that it lacks any unique features which would set it apart from competition.

Buy: $109 on Amazon
Links: Motorola Command One

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

The HTC Thunderbolt makes a big splash for Verizon Wireless customers as it is the carrier’s first 4G LTE smart phone. This device sports a large 4.3 inch display, a front facing camera for video calls, a 8 megapixel camera for 720p video capture, a kick stand for enjoying movies, an integrated mobile hotspot, and much more. In addition, users will have access to thousands of Android Marketplace apps and the latest version of HTC Sense brings many enhancements. While the HTC Thunderbolt is not nearly as revolutionary as the original year-old HTC EVO 4G, it does built upon existing hardware with hundreds of refinements and plenty of polish.

Build Quality

When it comes to super sized smart phones, users can only hope for a slim chassis. The Thunderbolt is about 0.6 inches thick, 4.8 inches tall, and 2.5 inches wide — it weighs in at 6.2 ounces. This unfortunately make the Thunderbolt a hairline heavier, taller, and thicker than the older EVO 4G, which is slightly disappointing. With that being said, it does sport a cleaner streamlined design. The dark grey rubberized matte finish wards off fingerprints and offers a great grip. Branding for Verizon Wireless, HTC, and Google feature silver outlines while the kickstand, camera bezel, earpiece, and volume controls have a chrome trim for contrast.

Once someone picks up this phone for the first time, they will immediately appreciate the premium build quality. It may not have an industrial aluminum and glass body like Apple products, but the Thunderbolt still screams expensive. I was hoping for a uni-body design, but I was glad to find little to no flex with the plastic framework. HTC definitely stepped up its game since last year.

While the kickstand on the HTC EVO was great for enjoying movies, it was flimsy and the phone would fall over easily. The newly redesigned kickstand keeps the HTC Thunderbolt standing strong. It can even hold the phone up right in a portrait orientation and will not tip over when using the touch screen. I was also glad to find that the rear-facing camera is now flush with the back side and does not protrude outwards. Aside from that, I should note that some owners may have a hard time sliding this phone into a pair of tight jeans, but it can tuck away into most bags, pockets, or purses easily.

Hardware

The latest generation of smart phones — such as the Motorola Atrix — might be taking a leap to dual-core processors, but the HTC Thunderbolt only packs a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon. With 768 MB of RAM, there is plenty of room for multitasking. This phone does not back down when it comes to storage either, it packs 8 GB of internal storage and ships with a 32 GB micro SD card.

Although marketed as a 4G LTE handset, it is entirely compatible with Verizon Wireless 3G networks as well. Users can always connect to local WiFi 802.11 b/g/n networks and pair up with Bluetooth enabled devices. The Thunderbolt has an accelerometer to detect rotation, proximity sensor to prevent accidental key presses, and an ambient light sensor to conserve power. The digital compass and GPS module provide location for navigation too.

A front facing camera and an ear piece are above the 4.3 inch display while four touch sensitive keys are directly below: home, menu, back, and search. A volume rocker is on the upper right side and a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack is on top. The power button, also on top, is tad bit too small for such a large phone, but it is responsive and gets the job done. The positioning of the micro USB port, found on the lower left side, can get annoying since it is no longer possible to use the kickstand in a landscape orientation while charging. HTC also dropped the micro HDMI port in exchange for DLNA connectivity. The camera and a complementary dual LED flash are on the back. On that note, prying the rear door open reveals a 1400 mAh battery pack underneath. Sadly, users will need to power down the Thunderbolt and pop out the battery to get to the microSD card.

Display

A great looking screen is quite important since it is what you will be looking at all day. While newer Android smart phones are taking the jump to the qHD resolution including the upcoming EVO 3D, the Thunderbolt still uses a last-generation 480-by-800 pixel WVGA display. Colors are a lot more saturated compared to the HTC EVO, which looks washed out in comparison. Blacks are darker and whites have a “cooler” tone. Viewing angles are a lot more generous allowing more freedom.

The Thunderbolt’s screen is quite responsive, but not nearly as fluid as the HTC Arrive we recently reviewed. The ambient light sensor pumps up the brightness to combat direct sunlight, however a Super AMOLED display would have done a better job. Most of these improvements are quite minor and it is clear that users will need to turn towards the upcoming HTC Sensation for higher pixel density.

Keyboard

The EVO 4G lacks a multi-touch enabled keyboard forcing users to turn to 3rd party alternatives. HTC comes to the rescue with an improved version letting users type faster than before. There is little to no lag and the Thunderbolt even offers audible and haptic feedback. Instant predictive suggestions make it easy to skip over large words and the custom dictionary accommodates additional phrases.

I was not too happy to find that Swype no longer comes pre-installed, but geeky users can grab and install a copy manually. Google’s voice input technology comes bundled with Android for text entry and works quite well. It automatically adapts to your voice without any programming. A microphone button appears on the keyboard and is compatible with just about any text entry field.

Operating System

Although Google rolled out Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) a few months ago, the Thunderbolt still runs on Android 2.2 (Froyo). Until that update becomes available, users can at least enjoy the new and improved HTC Sense. The custom interface overlay now features smoother animations and transitions when browsing through various pages or switching apps. General operations are not necessarily any faster, but the experience is more polished. Fonts are crisp and sharper for easier reading too.

I noticed that the flagship drag down notifications bar now includes an app switcher which can make multitasking easier for new users, but it also replicates the functionally of holding down the home button and I wish there was an option to turn that off as an advance user. I was even pleasantly surprised to see an innovative tab switching interface present in the web browser. Previously, users had to hit menu to bring up a list of open windows. It requires multiple clicks, which is a hassle. Users can now simply squeeze a web page until it shrinks into a thumbnail and swipe to get to other pages.

Social networking integration is also a prominent HTC Sense feature. Users can log into Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter accounts from the system settings. These services import contact data including phone numbers and emails addresses into a universal list. A consolidated view makes it easy to view all your interactions with any specific contact including exchanged text messages, emails, status updates, photos, or call history from one place. Verizon Wireless worked with HTC to include a pre-installed multi-protocol chat client for AIM, Windows Live, and Yahoo! Messenger.

HTC does not bundle any new live wallpapers, but there are five different high quality skins which deeply tweak every last inch of the Android interface. The new theme even modifies the look of third-party apps that use the native Android user interface elements, making for a consistent experience. HTC also includes about 70 gorgeous widgets out of the box and lets users download more official ones when available. There is a clear unparalleled level of attention to detail and no competing custom Android experience comes close to Sense UI.

As with any Android device, Google integration is top-notch. Once you login, everything from your online calendar and email makes to your device within minutes. HTC even includes a custom app for Google Reader, a neat touch. There is full support for Voice Actions and Chrome to Phone.

Customers will likely be upset to find a handful of nonremovable bloatware. Bitbop, Blockbuster, Rockband, Rapsody, TuneWiki, VCast Media, and VZ Navigator are pre-loaded just to name a few. The HTC Thunderbolt also ships with a Verizon Android App Store which does not seem to add any additional value. The interface looks outdated and looks like a ported iOS app. Most users will stick to the 200k apps in the official Android Marketplace. Even the new Amazon App Store is better.

Productivity Tools

While Apple iOS only comes with document viewing capabilities, the HTC Thunderbolt comes with a full version of QuickOffice with editing support at no extra cost. Microsoft Office formats for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are not a challenge. Sharing documents through email or sending documents to other apps such as Dropbox is quite easy. Adobe Reader ships with the phone for PDF viewing. The office document support is only dwarfed by Windows Phone 7.

HTC has an app for POP3 and IMAP for those who do not use Gmail. Kindle also comes pre-installed. Verizon Wireless bundles a visual voicemail app too. Fans of Google Voice can grab the official app from the Android Marketplace for additional calling and texting features. Google Navigator provides incredible voice-guided turn-by-turn directions. Paired with Voice Actions and an integrated contacts lists, going places is easier than ever. I can just say “Navigate to John Smith” and it begins routing quickly. Even speaking a door number, street name, city, and state is also impressively accurate.

Multimedia

I have tried other Android smart phones such as the Samsung Epic 4G (Galaxy S) which comes with DLNA integration. Unfortunately, the app was quite buggy even after updates and it fails to playback many file formats. HTC Sense brings the best DLNA integration I have seen to date. It makes it possible to share content from your device to other ones and stream multimedia to your Thunderbolt from other compatible networked devices. There is excellent support for codecs and I managed to play just about every file format in my library including those encoded in DivX or Xvid. With a speedy WiFi 802.11 n network, even 720p HD content did not lag even the slightest amount. I also loved that I could enjoy my large music collection, which will not fit on my phone, while working around my house.

For those that want to copy media over, the HTC Thunderbolt has a mass storage device mode. Once plugged in with the included USB cable, users can copy multimedia into pre-created folders from a Macintosh or Windows computer without any extra software. After disconnecting, the phone takes a few minutes to automatically index new content. Amazon MP3 is probably the best place to go for buying new music, but DRM-free iTunes tracks are also completely compatible. HTC’s music player offers album artwork and lets users filter a library by album, artist, genre, songs, or playlists.

FM Radio works right out of the box, but owners will have to find a pair of headphones for signal since HTC does not provide a set in the box. Although this phone lacks stereo speakers, the SRS WOW sound enhancements truly make audio from videos and music sound a lot better.

Cameras

The new camera app offers a clean uncluttered interface with quick access to settings that matter the most. It is easy to toggle flash on, off, or set it to auto. One click brings up the gallery of previously captured images. Most owners will be glad to find that the camera app launches in about a second, but heavy photographers might scold the lack of a physical shutter key.

HTC Sense also adds a sprinkle of Instagram inspiration with about ten great effects which render in real-time — vignette, depth of field, vintage, and sepia just to name a few. Some of these even carry over into the video recording app which handles 720p HD capture.

Digital zoom is available on-screen at all times. It is also easy to share images with friends and family with access to multiple popular services just a click away. Other bonus features include a self timer, ISO settings, geo-tagging, auto-focus, and face detection. In terms of quality, pictures look a lot better than the HTC EVO. Video is also beyond impressive for a smart phone camera sensor. In low lighting conditions, the flash helps ease deteriorating quality.

Video Calls

Verizon Wireless demoed Skype compatibility at CES 2011, but there is no mention of the app on the HTC Thunderbolt. We did demo a leaked version recently, but there is no official word regarding availability from any of the involved parties. My testing of the early build revealed impressive audio and video quality over both WiFi and 4G LTE which is at least a positive sign of things to come.

It is a tragedy that no flagship video calling service ships with the phone despite the fact that there is a great 1.3 megapixel camera on the front. Until one becomes available, users can turn to services such as Tango, which supports calling iOS devices and tablets in addition to Android smart phones.

Network Speeds and Mobile Hotspot

This is where things get exciting. Verizon Wireless 4G LTE is no joke. I managed to get up to 35 Mbps upload speeds in San Jose. This is about seven times faster than the upload speeds on my residential Comcast home network. For regular use, I found that uploads averaged at about 20 Mbps despite some extraordinary spikes. Downloads in the same area were as high as 20 Mbps and averaged around 15 Mbps. While the speeds are exciting, Verizon Wireless caps transferred bandwidth to 5 GB. A little math and at those data rates, you can consumer your entire allocated bucket in as little as 30 minutes. (See my calculations.)

I never had to switch over to 3G in the San Francisco Bay Area since I always had 4G connectivity. The phone dropped to 3G at times in the Orlando area when I was at CTIA Wireless 2011. The phone handles switching between networks for you and there is no easy to access setting. Geeks can dig into service menus to set a preference manually. I would not bother trying to tweak it unless you live on a border line of 4G and 3G connectivity which is killing your handsets battery life as it tries to secure a signal.

An integrated mobile hotspot lets up to 8 users connect to your HTC Thunderbolt for either 4G or 3G mobile broadband. The settings panel lets users pick a network name (SSID) and bump up security to WPA2 for optimal protection. It is also easy to kick unauthorized users off your portable hotspot. Verizon Wireless kindly includes free hotspot use through mid-May 2011. Afterwards, the feature will run customers an additional $20 per 2 GB a month.

Battery Life

Verizon Wireless claims about 6.3 hours of talk time and 330 hours of standby. While the former was about on par with my testing which revealed nearly 50% remaining battery after three hours of use in a day, the latter is a far-fetched claim. With WiFi enabled and accounts multiple accounts configured to sync data, the Thunderbolt will run out of battery in about 2 days. After a few days in use I found about a little over a day of run time with my type of usage which includes testing just about every feature including the camera, video calls, email, texting, DLNA streaming, and FM radio just to name a few.

It is definitely an improvement over the HTC EVO 4G which was notorious for barely making through a single day. Keep in mind that using data and processor intensive apps such as the mobile hotspot or the navigator can drain the battery in as little as 2-3 hours. I would recommend keeping the charger on hand for those types of use. I would not worry too much about common tasks such as enjoying some music, watching a movie, or browsing the web.

The Bottom Line

Here is the deal. If you are a Verizon Wireless customer, the HTC Thunderbolt is the best smart phone that money can buy. With that being said, there is one major drawback. This phone will get outdated very quickly since it is essentially a refined version of a year-old model. If you are not some one who always needs to have the latest gadgetry, this phone will not disappoint. Updates such as Android 2.3 should trickle to this device in a matter of time, but you will not get the benefits of new technologies such as a dual-core processor or a high-resolution display.

If you are ready to pull the trigger, this phone goes for $250 with a new year contract through Verizon Wireless. Existing customers looking to upgrade may receive a $50 or $100 discount depending on the prior calling plan. If you shop around, trust worthy authorized retailers offer it for as little as $175. As for monthly fees, customers will need to shell out at least $70 a month for just voice and data. Those that plan on receiving or sending text messages will need to pay extra.

Buy: $175 on Amazon (ships free)
Links: HTC | Verizon Wireless

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Wireless keyboards might be all the rage, but just about every model has one major flaw: running out of power. Having to look for a pair of freshly charged batteries while trying to meet a deadline or hand in a term paper is not fun. While some manufacturers have created rechargeable solutions, having to plug-in with cables is still a hassle for some users. Fortunately, the eco-friendly Logitech Solar Wireless Keyboard (K750) comes to the rescue with a simple solution. Assuming that there is a decent amount of sunlight or artificial light, this keyboard claims to keep on going.

Configuration

I love plug-and-play, period. Once I pushed the tiny USB receiver into my Windows 7 laptop, the keyboard began working within a few seconds. I hate installing third-party software even if from a trusted source and I was glad to find that even function keys for launching the default web browser, email client, system search, and calculator work right out of the box. There are also function key shortcuts for launching the default media player and controlling playback. Volume adjustments and the mute key work perfectly as well. A power button can put your computer to sleep instantly.

I also plugged the keyboard into an iMac running Mac OS X and getting setup was just as simple: doing nothing. The Windows key turns into an Apple key, but you will have to ignore the physical logo on the hardware. All the bonus extra functions also work, which was a pleasant surprise. I launched Safari with a single click, skipped songs in iTunes, and controlled volume with no issues. The power key even brings up a list of options to restart, shut down, or make the computer sleep. This keyboard even worked on my Google Chrome Notebook with no trouble.

The Logitech Unifying Receiver technology is also a wonderful feature and deserves some recognition. As a Logitech Anywhere MX user, I already had one of these plugged into my laptop’s USB port. It took me about 5 minutes to grab a little app from the company’s website and pair my new solar keyboard with the existing USB unifying receiver. I soon freed up an extra USB port, making room for other gadgets. This universal technology works with most recent Logitech products.

Design

The Logitech Solar Wireless Keyboard is quite thin. Although it is probably not as robust as the aluminum build on Apple keyboards, the plastic body is fairly strong. The backside is entirely white with edges that carry over to the front. The keys have a smooth matte black finish, but the entire front side features a glossy coat. This unfortunately makes a keyboard a fingerprint magnet and Logitech even includes a cleaning cloth in the packaging.

While the keyboard does look quite fancy, especially with retro solar panels at the top, it can become quite nasty with no maintenance. For those wondering, this keyboard is about 17 inches wide, which is about the average length for desktop sized solution. Keep in mind it has a keypad on the side as well. It also extends about 6 inches long with at least an inch reserved for the solar panels at the top.

Comfort

Unlike most full sized keyboards, this one sports flat keys. It feels like typing on a Sony VAIO or an Apple MacBook. As someone who prefers this style, I found myself typing faster than ever. I took less than a few minutes to get used to the new layout, which is a major plus. There are no oddly shaped or misplaced keys. The buttons have a decent tactile click and require just the right amount of push. There is no ergonomic curvature or special layout which other Logitech keyboards feature.

This solar-powered model does not have a back-lit feature like the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard for obvious power conserving reasons. While it can make typing in the dark easier for average users, it is also distracting for heavy users who no longer need to look at their keyboard.

There are two pop out feet at the back for typing at an angle when placed on a flat surface. This props it up enough to feel more like a traditional keyboard. Typing with the Solar Wireless Keyboard on your lap takes some practice, but it is not too difficult. I found that the numeric keypad also makes inputting digits easy and quick. Directional keys and functions (F1-F12) are all in the right place

Solar Power

According to Logitech, this keyboard can keep on running for nearly three months in the dark. Since the keyboard is so thin, there is no compartment for AA or AAA batteries. A Maganese Lithium button cell rechargeable tucks away into the top and is something you will likely never replace. It can take as little as two hours for a full recharge under direct sunlight. Keep in mind that even a desk lamp, over head lighting, or natural lighting that fills a room can keep energizing this keyboard.

There is a power button at the top to conserve power when not in use. A quick status check button displays either a green or red light besides a smiley or frowning face, respectively, to indicate whether the current light source provides adequate power.

Logitech offers a neat little applet to gather more information about the keyboard. Pressing the status key brings up a window with a percentage of available power and the level of the energy reserve. Interestingly enough, there is also a light intensity meter at the top. Holding it up to a lamp boosted it to a full 500 lux and there was about 125 lux in a room with natural sunlight (not direct). Logitech recommends at least 100 lux for normal operation, which I do not think will be an issue.

The Bottom Line

As someone who works on a computer for a living, this keyboard is a godsend. Even casual users will appreciate not having to worry about replacing batteries each time their keyboard runs out of power. The hassle-free configuration is a major plus especially for those who are not too tech savvy. I also enjoyed that the unifying receiver pairs with my mouse as well, saving me an extra USB port.

Although I did not have three months to test the claimed battery life, I think that decent lighting through the day will keep it charged indefinitely. It would be nice to see a USB port on a future model for wiring in to get a quick recharge when out of power and left without adequate light. The Logitech Solar Keyboard K750 sells for $79 which is a bit pricey, but it is available for as little as $55 if you shop around. This is definitely premium product and it is something that will not let you down.

Buy: $55 on Amazon after Rebate
Links: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

I have spent plenty of time with Android and iOS devices over the past few years, but I never had a chance to dig into the relatively new Windows Phone 7. Although I had tried Microsoft’s new OS more times than I can count, the experience was quite refreshing when I got my hands on the HTC Arrive about two weeks ago. While it might not have a 3D screen, dual-core processors, 4G connectivity, or any crazy cutting-edge technologies, this phone can still get you through the day just fine.

The HTC Arrive is also big news for Sprint customers since it is the carrier’s first Windows Phone 7 smart phone. It is also huge deal for Microsoft since their OS finally runs on a CDMA network.

Build Quality

If you are counting millimeters while deciding to purchase a new smart phone, the HTC Arrive is probably not for you. It is a thick phone, but not due to poor engineering. In fact, it has an excellent design. A bushed metal back side with rubberized plastic surroundings offer a good grip and a glossy chrome finished bezel surrounds the front scratch-resistant glass screen. Since you are probably wondering at this point, the bulk is entirely due to one feature: a slide-out physical keyboard.

While many phones have flimsy sliders, the HTC Arrive stands out from the rest. The spring-loaded mechanism snaps the phone into position quickly and it is quite easy to open with two hands. However I did noticed that the slider would occasionally get stuck half way if exerting too much pressure on one side over the other. It probably would take a lot of force to break, but I still wish it was as strong as the slider on the brand new Nokia E7. The HTC Arrive’s screen also awkwardly tilts a bit too far forward making typing difficult. While it is a perfect angle for enjoying a movie on a flat surface, I found myself leaning the phone downwards to type.

Getting back to the basics, the front side of the phone only has three capacitive touch keys: back button, the famous Windows Start button, and one for search. For those wondering, that layout is a Microsoft requirement for Windows Phone 7 devices. Proximity and ambient light sensors are subtly hidden under the glass face. A standard 3.5 mm headphone jack is on top and a pair of HTC branded headphones come with the device. The power button — also on top — is quite recessed and lacks a tactile click. I found myself looking towards the screen to check it turned off. The volume rocker is on the left side along with the micro USB port which doubles for charging and data transfers.

Keyboard

Having once been a physical keyboard fan starting with the ancient LG enV, I know a good keyboard when I see one. The HTC Arrive packs one of the best keyboards out there. Buttons are well spaced out and offer a tactile click with each press. There are five rows including ones for numbers at the top. LED indicators light up when the function or shift modifiers are in use. Rather than going with a grid layout, this keyboard has a traditional QWERTY arrangement. While it takes a few days to get accustomed to some keyboards, the smooth learning curve lets users dive right in without wasting any time.

While I am glad to see a great physical keyboard, I eventually realized that I spent most of my time typing on the virtual Windows Phone 7 keyboard. Microsoft probably has one of the most responsive and easy to use keyboard I have come across. With HTC hardware, typing on-screen is as fluid as possible. It was definitely better than the stock Android 2.2 (Froyo) keyboard. However that is not to say that heavy mobile typers will not fully appreciate the physical keyboard for lengthy emails.

Display

The HTC Arrive sports a 3.6 inch capacitive 800-by-480 pixel resolution WVGA screen. With a small screen and a large resolution, this smart phone actually ends up with a fairly high pixel density. I found that graphics, photos, and text look more detailed than other phones I have come across. It also feels as though the contents of the screen pop out at you rather than appearing recessed under the frame.

Outdoor viewing under direct sunlight is still difficult and buyers would appreciate a brighter Super AMOLED display. The ambient light sensor pumps up the brightness, which makes it somewhat visible at the least. The responsiveness is also unbelievable. The Windows Phone 7 OS glides like butter to the touch of a finger. The inertia powered scrolling is also smoother than both Android and iOS. There is absolutely no lag and it feels as though you are touching the interface directly.

Operating System

Qualcomm’s 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, found on many recent smart phones, complements the Windows Phone 7 OS perfectly. For those who have not used Microsoft’s new mobile OS, it is quite different from the traditional icon-based home screen interface found on Android and iOS devices. Users can add live tiles to their home screen for quick access to the information they value the most. These interactive tiles shuffle through photos, display upcoming appointments, missed calls, unread emails, and much more.

Swiping the main screen to the left reveals a full list of pre-installed and downloaded apps. While out of the box apps run quite fast, I have noticed that 3rd party apps often take a few seconds longer. Since Windows Phone 7 does not support background processes for 3rd party apps, users will have to wait until their phone fetches new data to use apps such as Facebook or Twitter.

The HTC Arrive ships with the latest version of Windows Phone 7 to date entitled “NoDo.” This includes the ability to pause and resume apps. Clicking on the Windows Start button while in an app takes you back to the main screen. You can launch another app if you wish to do so. Heading to main screen again with the same button and using the back key lets users cycle through paused applications. While having to remember the order of last used applications is a nuisance, the resume feature does speed up relaunching apps. The next major update will apparently bring an app switcher and I can only hope that it is more straight forward.

This smart phone also features copy and paste, which is something Windows Phone 7 did not offer until just a few weeks ago. Double tapping on a word brings up selectors to adjust the highlighted text. A copy icon appears overhead. It is a fairly decent implementation, but Android 2.3 and iOS 4.3 still handle it a lot better. I also found that some apps still do not support copying text.

In addition to the aforementioned fluidity and responsiveness, I should note that animations and transitions are smooth and instantaneous. Rather than normal fade or slide effects, Microsoft goes for a unique flow that deviates from the rest. The live tiles flip away when launching an app, text slides horizontally while swiping through an app, and the interface crunches if you reach the end of a list.

I found that Windows Phone 7 is very consistent and just about every last pixel of the interface is well polished. The minimalist look is not as colorful as other mobile operating systems, but it does offer a refreshing modern take on user experience. The two-tone colors are something that might be an acquired taste for some.

After setting up a Windows Live account, I also logged into Gmail. The phone instantly fetched my calendars, contacts, and emails. There is also support for Outlook, Yahoo, POP, and IMAP out of the box. The dedicated search key brings up the Bing app for searching the web, locals, or news. Holding down the Windows Start button launches voice commands. The Windows Phone Live website lets users track a lost device on a map, ring it when out of sign, lock the device leaving a note on the screen, or even remotely wipe all data.

The Apps

While Android and iOS have tabs within apps for viewing more information, Windows Phone 7 stacks pages side-by-side with a seamless flow. Users can swipe through each section and cycle back to the beginning too. Most quality apps stay in line with this unique layout. Grabbing new apps is also easy and the Marketplace prominently features hand-picked ones. There are sections for top paid and free apps for easy discovery. Users can quickly update all downloaded apps with just one click.

I found that the Marketplace still lacks apps for some popular services including YouTube. The official solution simply launches a web page and a HTC built one was not too great. However, other apps for established services were top-notch. Netflix is brilliant with neat interface for browsing through content and streaming video works quite well. The Shazam app is simple, getting right to the point. Amazon, Facebook, Flixter, IMDB, and Twitter stick to the metro style. A Sprint Zone app comes bundled with the phone, but it was easy to remove.

The Camera

The HTC Arrive sports a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash. There are on-screen controls for digital zoom. Switching over to video mode allows for 720p HD capture. While the picture quality nothing out of the ordinary or spectacular. Images look somewhat compressed with washed out colors. If lighting isn’t just perfect, images pick up a lot of noise quickly. Video quality is not much better, but the sensor allows real-time auto-focusing which is a great addition.

However, here is where things get better. This phone has a dedicated capture button, while devices such as the Apple iPhone and most Android smart phones lack. A quick second-long click launches the camera app despite what you are doing. You can bring up the viewfinder instantly even if the display is off. Pressing down half way focuses and a full press snaps an image.

Battery Life

The 1500 mAh battery takes this phone through at least a day and a half unlike other smart phones. The operating system is quite efficient and it runs longer on a single charge than the Android powered HTC Thunderbolt or HTC EVO. I could enjoy a half-hour long TV show on Netflix, spend some time browsing the web, make about an hour worth of calls, snap a few photos, install a few new applications, check in on Foursquare, and much more without too much concern for running out of juice. The advertised talk time is 6 hours and their claim was about right. Replenishing the battery is fairly easy since a micro USB cable comes in the box with a USB wall charger.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to pulling the trigger, there are some things you should consider. The selection of Windows Phone 7 apps are still minimal compared to the competition. When smart phones such as the Motorola Atrix 4G or HTC’s own EVO 3D sport dual core processors, the HTC Arrive seems quite behind the times. With that being said, I should note that this is probably one of the best Windows Phone 7 devices on the market, if not the best. The mix of Microsoft’s software and HTC’s hardware is a perfect match. The keyboard is also a great addition for heavy messaging fanatics.

The Windows Phone 7 operating system has a lot of potential is in a class of its own, but it is still truly a first-generation platform. Microsoft has a long way to go and I can only expect a better experience a few months or a year down the road. It is definitely a great device for early adopters, Windows fans, or those who just want something different. While it may not have extra perks such as a mobile hotspot or video chat capabilities, it has you covered when it comes to all the productivity basics. The HTC Arrive goes for $199 after agreeing to a new two-year contract through Sprint.

Buy: $49 on Amazon
Links: Sprint.com | HTC.com

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

Over the last year Android has seen some explosive growth with hundreds of new smart phones making their way to the market. However, we only get to see a unique device make its debut every once in a while. At CES 2011, Motorola announced the Atrix 4G which is the first smart phone to run on Nvidia’s Tegra 2 technology, the first to feature a laptop dock for desktop-like computing, and one of the first to run on AT&T’s new HSPA+ 4G network. After spending a few weeks with this device, I have had a fairly good experience aside from a few complaints.

Hardware

The Motorola Atrix packs a blazing fast 1 GHz dual-core Tegra 2 chip set, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage. There is also a microSD slot which allows for an additional 32 GB of storage expansion. This is all wrapped in a fairly small package, measuring just 2.5 inches wide, 4.63 inches long, and just 0.43 inches thick. The Atrix is not much larger than the iPhone 4, which is impressive considering the horsepower this device is packing. I also noticed that the phone becomes quite hot when performing processor-intensive tasks, a common problem with the latest smart phones which try to pack a lot in a small space.

Dual-core processors will become increasingly popular as more devices begin utilizing them. Having two cores does not mean twice the speed, but increased multitasking capabilities allowing users to perform tasks quicker. In addition, contrary to popular belief, having two processors is actually better on battery life. This is because it can scale to use a single core or both cores as necessary.

Aesthetics

Motorola devices are known for their robust build quality and the Atrix lives up to this reputation feeling almost as tough as the Droid X. Although the almost entirely plastic body is fairly strong, I would have preferred a more robust metal build such as the one on the Nokia E7. I found the device attracting many smudges after only a few days of use which is a bit disappointing for such a high-end device.

Like most Android phones, there are four touch sensitive buttons: menu, home, back and search. Surrounding the earpiece at the top are the front-facing camera as well as the light and proximity sensors. The back of the device features the speaker and a 5 megapixel camera sporting dual LED flash. The top only has the 3.5 mm headphone jack, while there is a volume rocker on the right side of the device and the left features ports for micro USB and HDMI. Removing the back plate requires some awkward finger placement and reveals an extremely high-capacity 1930 mAh battery, a microSD reader, and a SIM card slot.

The power button, which doubles as the fingerprint reader, is on the top of the phone and I took a few days to get used to the awkward placement. I had to grip the phone very tightly in fear that it would slip out of my hands when trying to press the button since it is slightly recessed into the back of the device. The fingerprint reader is a neat  concept, but it gets a bit frustrating to use since it occasionally fails to recognizing a fingerprint. As annoying as that can get, I still find it a useful tool for logging in without having to look at the phone.

Display

As a long-time Apple iPhone 3GS user, I was glad to switch over to the qHD resolution on the Motorola Atrix. The 4 inch screen sports a 960-by-540 pixel resolution, which brings it quite close to the 960-by-640 pixel resolution of the Apple iPhone 4. I noticed the ambient light sensor is a bit slower to respond to changes in light, but realized that this is actually a good thing. It ensures that the surrounding light levels are not fleeting, which helps conserve even more power.

The higher resolution of the qHD display makes everything on the phone look very sharp. This will likely be the next standard for Android smart phones which generally featured 800-by-480 pixel resolution displays last year. Recently, HTC announced that the EVO 3D will also be running a qHD display, improving the likely hood of the resolution becoming standard.

Software

The Motorola Atrix 4G comes with Android 2.2 (Froyo) preinstalled with an update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) coming soon. Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect of the device is that Motorola decided to bring back its custom interface: MotoBlur. The UI seems outdated compared to others such as HTC Sense and even has drawbacks from the stock OS.

I was also quite upset to find that AT&T and Motorola decided to include a lot of bloatware on the device which are fairly difficult to remove. To top it off, AT&T locked down the device, preventing users from installing apps from unknown sources and even blocking out many apps from even appearing in the Android Marketplace.

Users can easily circumvent all of AT&T’s restrictions by rooting the device. I should note that doing so could void your warranty, however, I believe that the benefits of rooting far outweigh the risks. I do not understand why AT&T felt it necessary to block installing applications from outside, let alone in the Market. So much for Android being open!

There were also a few odd issues where the WiFi interferes with the data connection, blocking internet connectivity altogether. This was most common after I would leave the Atrix on overnight only to be left without data access in the morning. This meant that emails, Twitter, Facebook, and even the browser would not work. After calling Motorola Customer Support, to see if it was an issue with my device, the representative stated that company is aware of the issues with a solution coming soon. In the meantime users can manually toggle the WiFi off and on to temporarily solve the issue.

Camera

The 5 megapixel camera on the back takes some fairly high quality pictures. Most smart phone cameras have problems with low light but the incredibly bright dual LED flash mitigates much of it. I did notice that there is some graininess in low light situations, but it is hard to tell without zooming in. The back camera also doubles as a 720p HD camcorder. The video has a slight blue-ish tint to it, which makes everything look a little “cooler” than it should. Hopefully a problem that can be fixed through a software update.

The front facing VGA camera is fairly mediocre, as one would expect. Since VGA is fairly outdated I would have liked to see a higher end 1.3 megapixel camera, similar to an iPhone 4 or EVO 4G. Regardless, the quality is decent and sufficient for quick video calls. While the Atrix still can not replace a standard point-and-shoot camera, it might for those who only take photos occasionally.

Battery

Battery life is extremely important, as recent smart phones can barely make it through a single work day. While some may expect horrendous results with the Atrix due to the dual-core processor, my experience was just the opposite. Since Motorola included a 1930 mAh battery in the device, the largest capacity battery I have seen in a smart phone, I have been able to squeeze out more than 24 hours of battery life even with some fairly heavy usage. This is almost unheard of for a smart phone, let alone one this powerful. It is likely due to the combination of the intelligent scaling of Tegra2 and the large battery.

Accessories

Motorola has introduced a few accessories to give the Atrix even more functionality. I should state that I have not spent any time using either the laptop or HDTV dock. Regardless, they are noteworthy features of the device.

The laptop dock is essentially just a screen, keyboard, trackpad, and battery. The brains of the device are all on the Atrix phone including the processor, RAM, storage, and network connectivity. The screen measures in at 11.5 inches and sports a 1366 x 768 resolution. The back of the dock also features two USB ports for data transfer. The dock has a black, brushed metal look and is slimmer than most other netbooks due to limited components on the inside. Without the phone docked in, the laptop accessory does nothing. However once connected, it offers access to a Webtop interface with a desktop interface featuring a full-fledged Firefox web browser. While paired together, the dock also powers the smart phone with a large battery pack for additional juice. In addition, users can access the phone’s storage through the web top interface. There is even a small virtual window to control and view the Android OS.

Connecting the Atrix to the HDTV dock brings up a media center interface on your television. The interface allows users to browse through music, videos and photos on the device. The dock also sports two USB ports allowing users to connect additional media. Users will also get a remote to control the media center interface too. The HDTV dock seems to be slightly less useful than the laptop dock. While it does transform the Atrix into a set-top box, I do not think that this is something users want to do just yet. It might be an easy way to quickly show pictures to friends and family on a big screen, but I feel there are probably better ways of doing so such as DLNA.

The laptop dock is quite pricey running users $500, while the HDTV dock costs $130. This is quite expensive, especially after spending $200 on the Atrix. The price reflects the fact that the docks are not yet a well-defined market and Motorola clearly does not want to loose a penny on the accessories. It would have been great to see a $200 laptop dock and a $50 HDTV dock, but I probably will not buy either at the current price.

Final Thoughts

The Motorola Atrix 4G is one of the fastest smart phones currently on the market. I feel that there are a few things that are holding the Atrix back from exploding in popularity. First, the fact that AT&T has locked down app installations forces users to root their device to gain access non-Market apps. It is quite unfortunate that AT&T is restricting usage in this way. Secondly, the MotoBlur user interface is pretty frustrating, I would rather prefer the native Android 2.3. Although the highlight of the phone are the accessories, the device can definitely stand on its own. I would definitely recommend the Motorola Atrix 4G for any AT&T customer looking for a top-notch Android smart phone, even if you do not plan on sparing extra cash for the accessories.

Buy: Atrix 4G for $175 on Amazon
Links: Motorola.com | AT&T.com

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

A little over a year ago, Skatter Tech boldly stated that the debut of the Motorola Droid was the start of an Android revolution which would eventually take over the leading Apple iPhone brand. Fast forward a little over a year and Google’s platform now has the largest smart phone market share.

This time around, it is all about tablets. Apple introduced the iPad last year running its popular smart phone OS, leaving competitors scrambling. Getting back into the game, Motorola Mobility announced the Xoom at CES 2011 – the very first Android 3.0 Honeycomb powered tablet.

While the Motorola Xoom will never come close to beating the Apple iPad 2 sales figures, it is once again the first stepping stone of something larger. I predict that Google’s new tablet-optimized Android platform will likely take first place with the largest market share in about a year.

For those not familiar with the Xoom, it offers many great features for a first-generation device. These include a HD display, a dual-core processor, a multi-tasking enabled operating system, access to thousands of apps, 4G connectivity (upgradable), a mobile hotspot, video chat, and much more.

Build Quality

Coming in at about 1.6 pounds, the Motorola Xoom is somewhat heavier than the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and even the brand new Apple iPad 2. The device features an all-black body with silver linings for the Motorola, Google, and Verizon Wireless branding. The slightly rubberized matte finish is smooth and comfortable to hold, but it easily attracts temporary stains from greasy hands.

The Xoom extends 9.8 inches long, stands 6.6 inches tall, and is a half-inch thick. The widescreen form factor might be somewhat unusual at first to iPad owners, but it is not an issue for first time tablet users. When it comes to build quality, the Xoom is by no means disappointing but it is not nearly as streamlined as the iPad 2. I would have preferred to see a uni-body design.

The Design

Staying in-line with Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb guidelines, Motorola went with a button free design. The traditional home, menu, back, and search keys are now part of the on-screen interface. However, the Xoom still has two physical buttons. A volume rocker is on the upper left side of the device while a power button is on the upper left portion of the back side. It may seem unconventional, but it falls perfectly in line with your fingers when holding the device in a landscape orientation.

There is a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack centered on the top of the tablet, while a micro HDMI port is on the bottom. Although the Xoom has a micro USB connector for syncing multimedia, recharging requires a proprietary cable which is rather frustrating. A front-facing 2 megapixel camera is right above the display and a 5 megapixel one resides beside the power button on the back.

In addition to 32 GB of internal storage, Motorola also includes a microSD card reader with support for up to another 32 GB of expansion. Unfortunately, it is useless until Google releases a software update for Android. While the latter is self-upgradeable, owners will have to ship their Xoom back to Motorola for re-outfitting with a 4G LTE module when the components become available. While it is not a problem for the WiFi-only model, it is a major drawback for Verizon Wireless customers.

Display

The 10.1 inch Xoom has a 1280-by-800 pixel resolution, which is greater than 1024-by-768 pixel resolution on the 9.7 inch the iPad 2. This also means that Motorola’s 150 ppi display has a larger pixel density making text crisper than the 132 ppi display on the iPad 2. When it comes to movies, the Motorola Xoom offers a nearly perfect fit with a 16:10 aspect ratio while the 4:3 aspect ratio on the iPad 2 leaves blank bars above and below.

Unfortunately, the screen also has some drawbacks. Motorola uses a standard TFT display which has slightly washed out colors. With that being said, most users will never notice unless they place it besides an iPad for comparison. The Xoom’s Viewing angles are good enough for use from any orientation, however it still does not look as good as the IPS displays in Apple’s tablets.

For those wondering, using the Xoom under direct sunlight is still a problem as it is with most gadgets. Devices such as the Amazon Kindle escape that fate with an e-ink display. At the least, the ambient light sensor does a decent job of keeping the device well-lit and conserving power when necessary. I was not too thrilled to find that the OS takes a second or two longer than it should when rotating the device. Even the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 was a split second faster.

Operating System

If you have used an Android smart phone, you really have not tried Android 3.0 Honeycomb yet. The new OS has been heavily revamped despite the fact that it runs on similar code, supports the same set of apps, and has many familiar UI elements. Google essentially reinvented its mobile OS to take advantage of a tablet form factor with a new look, easier navigation, better multitasking, improved organization, and subtle notifications. Reading about Android 3.0 is not really as effective as seeing it in action, so I recommend watching my walk-through video above.

If my demo was not clear enough, I can definitely say that everything from the home screen interface, multi-tasking, notifications, and pre-installed apps are well polished. The refreshing out-of-the-box Tron-inspired theme tops it all off setting it apart from other tablets. Even the native tabbed browser experience is a great blend between a touch screen interface and a desktop-like browser.

The Apps

Google’s largest hurdle is now apps. Although there are over 200,000 in the Android Marketplace, I only found about 50 tablet-optimized Honeycomb-specific apps. Apple has a major year-long head start with nearly 65,000 tablet-specific apps. With that being said, do not forget that the vast majority of the smart phone apps run on the Motorola Xoom without any issues. I easily got just about every one of the approximately 50 apps on my HTC EVO 4G running on the tablet.

While iOS zooms into iPhone apps on the iPad, Android 3.0 handles the situation differently. Older apps scale to fill the entire screen with a fluid width versus having to run in a small centered emulator-like window. I found that most apps remained crisp and did not have to suffer from blurriness. I should note that a few Android 2.x apps were buggy and that some even failed to run on Honeycomb.

I also felt that core pre-installed apps are a great example Android 3.0 Honeycomb’s capabilities and a sign of the things to come. Buyers will be glad to find that there is no pre-installed bloat-ware on the Xoom aside from one game. For instance, the Glaxy Tab 7 was filled to the neck with carrier-branded and 3rd party apps which users could not remove. Verizon Wireless does include a section in the official Android Marketplace to let users grab optional apps such as VCast.

Cameras and Video Chat

The Xoom truly packs a punch when it comes to photography. The 5 megapixel sensor on the back, paired with a dual LED flash, snaps some great pictures and can capture 720p video. The new camera settings interface offers access to most adjustments right from the viewfinder without forcing users to dig through menus. Like most smart phone cameras, the camera quickly begins to suffer in low-light situations. Fortunately, day time photography and well-lit areas are not an issue.

Although the rear camera is an appreciated addition, I can not imagine using it regularly. The large screen makes for an impressively large viewfinder, but the form factor is just too big. One the other hand, the front-facing 2 megapixel camera adds a lot more value. After a few Google Talk video calls, I was quite impressed. The video quality actually looked better than the standard integrated 1.3 megapixel cameras found on most laptops, but dark rooms once again diminish quality.

I found that audio and video occasionally get choppy while placing calls over Verizon Wireless 3G. While calls are not a problem over WiFi, I would still like to see some optimizations in a future update. Fortunately, it is a small price to pay when other tablets such as the iPad 2 still require a WiFi network for FaceTime calls. Keep in mind that the experience will likely be better over a 4G network.

I was also impressed to find that the Honeycomb OS even provides nifty image stabilization for steady video streams. It is even possible to switch over to the home screen or other applications when a call is in progress. Music playback automatically fades to a pause when answering a call. Incoming call notifications are also subtle with a non-intrusive alert. Third-party apps such as Tango make it possible to place calls to Android smartphones or iOS devices.

Network Speeds and Hotspot

Although our Motorola Xoom has Verizon Wireless mobile broadband access, a WiFi-only version is also available. Both support 802.11 b/g/n for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The 3G speeds are on par with what we expected. I was getting steady 1.5 Mbps downloads and about 1 Mbps for uploads. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to test 4G LTE speeds since the module is not yet available. I hope that it is on par with the impressive numbers I saw on the LG 4G LTE USB modem.

The mobile hotspot, which is a part of the Android 3.0 core, actually works quite well. Up to five devices can get online with your 3G connection over WiFi. The interface lets users customize the network name, pick a new pass-key, and even beef up security to WPA2. The large battery also lets it keep running for over 5 hours. This feature will probably become a lot more useful when Motorola begins offering upgrades for access to Verizon Wireless 4G LTE.

Battery Life

Android 3.0 Honeycomb runs quite efficiently on Motorola’s hardware and the Nvidia Tegra2 technology probably is a major factor. The Xoom’s 6500 mAh battery will easily last through at least 5 days of moderate use with 3G and WiFi enabled. For those wondering, my daily test routine included browsing the web, possibly playing a Flash video, checking emails, scheduling events on the calendar, enjoying some music, snapping a few photos, and even looking up directions. I even made a few quick video calls, played some games (Angry Birds), and watched a few downloaded podcasts.

Lasting through a work week is quite important and the Xoom definitely excels. However, I would not be surprised to see varying results once users get their unit outfitted with a 4G LTE module.

The Bottom Line

The Motorola Xoom is an impressive piece of hardware and the Android 3.0 OS is quite innovative. The entire package makes for a great tablet experience with many features which competition does not offer. When it comes down to pulling the trigger, there are a few things you need to consider. Apps for popular web services are still scarce for Honeycomb. With many Android 3.0 tablets heading to the market, I am confident that things will change, but early adopters will have to wait.

In addition, there are a few more temporary drawbacks. While Adobe addressed the issue of Flash support with a recent update, buyers will have to wait on Google for a patch for microSD support and Motorola for a module to enable access to Verizon Wireless 4G LTE. Customers will eventually have access to additional storage space and faster network speeds.

As for pricing, customers will have to shell out $600 and sign a two-year contract with Verizon Wireless, meaning having to pay a minimum of $20 each month for two years. That adds at least another $480 to the total cost of ownership. Verizon Wireless also makes an un-subsidized version available for $800, which offers the freedom to pay only for the months you wish to use mobile broadband. Both these models are too expensive in my opinion.

If you are considering a Xoom, I would suggest picking up Motorola’s WiFi-only model. While you will not have integrated internet access, you can easily get online using the mobile hotspot feature on your smart phone. It also lets you cut down on having to pay multiple bills, which is always a plus.

Buy: $800 on Amazon for 3G/4G | $589 on Amazon for WiFi-only
Links: VerizonWireless.com | Motorola.com

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.

If you still carry five-pound projectors to meetings and presentations, your prayers have been answered. With the latest generation of pico projectors, bulk is becoming a thing of the past.

We recently came across MicroVision’s SHOWWX+ at MacWorld 2011, which packs an impressive punch. Their laser projection technology, which does not require manual focusing, is brighter and smaller than anything I have seen. For those unfamiliar with pico projectors, these are essentially a compact handheld battery-powered gadget for getting presentations, product demos, or videos from your pocket to the big screen in a matter of seconds.

Getting Setup

After unpacking the device, I managed to get my computer screen projected onto an empty wall without any fuss. The projector uses a microUSB port for recharging, which makes it convenient to plug into a laptop when a power outlet is out of reach. An AC adapter also comes in the box with a set of common wall pins for multiple countries, which is great for travelers.

MicroVision includes adapters for composite input and an iPod dock connector in the packaging. I was also sent an optional VGA (RGB) dock accessory which made it possible get my Dell XPS Windows 7 laptop working with the SHOWWX+ projector. There is disappointingly no HDMI compatibility.

The iPod connector plugged straight into the iPad and videos appeared on-screen without any issues. The projector worked with the VGA output on my Chrome Notebook too. I even managed to plug the device into the back of a TiVo to check the composite output and it also worked like a charm.

The SHOWWX+ is roughly the size of a smart phone such as the HTC Thunderbolt. It weights a little over 4 ounces, extends 4.64 inches tall, 2.36 inches wide, and is just 0.55 inches thick. Since the glossy body is a fingerprint magnet, MicroVision includes microfiber sleeve for storage.

The Technology

Skatter Tech reviewed the 3M MPro120 pico projector last year and the differences are astounding. The SHOWWX+ has richer colors and a much brighter image. Having to manually focus an image is always a nuisance and I love that the MicroVision laser technology is in focus at all times. For those wondering about the magic going on inside, lasers beam light onto a tiny mirror which exits the unit without needing lenses. This ensures a pixel perfect image without having to deal with manual focusing.

The projected image is a WVGA 848-by-480 pixel resolution, which is still a bit underwhelming. Web sites including Skatter Tech unfortunately do not fit within the available space. Videos on the other hand scale to the lower resolution without any issues. Text appears very crisp making reading presentations easy. A grid-like layout is very visible, but it is not a problem if there is enough separation distance between the audience and the screen.

Viewing Conditions

I was glad to find that the VGA dock sports a standard tripod screw head making it easy to mount. The SHOWWX+ projects at a 45 degree angle, so placing it on a flat surface also works. The image is almost always curved despite adjustments. It is something you will probably have to accept.

I noticed that you can get the device as close as a foot away from a wall without loosing sharpness. MicroVision claims up to a 100 inch diagonal projection, however the image will be barely visible if you are not in a very dark room. Despite 15 lumens, brightness diminishes quickly the further away. I found that 50 inches was an optimal distance with a good balance between brightness and quality.

If you are looking dump a full-blown projector for one of these, you should probably know that the SHOWWX+ is still difficult to view under standard office lighting or even moderate sunlight. It works best in a dark room or with shades down. It is not nearly as bright as dedicated projector, but it is still an awesome alternative for those who do not want to carry around a large device.

Battery Life

MicroVision claims about two hours of battery life and my results came in just a few minutes shy. This makes it long enough for quick presentations or even most movies. I should note that it features a removable lithium-ion battery, which is a major plus for swapping on the go. I am sure that future iterations will last even longer, but I would not want to give up the slim streamlined design.

The Bottom Line

The MicroVision SHOWWX+ packs a unique laser technology that sets it apart from the standard DLP LCoS models. Pico projectors are getting better looking, brighter, lighter, slimmer, and run longer on batteries. Unfortunately, these still have a long way to go when it comes to replacing traditional projectors. The WVGA resolution is rather low and these are nearly impossible to use in a normally lit work meeting room. With that being said, the SHOWWX+ is probably one of the best ones I have seen, but it also comes with a cost. MicroVision states a $449 $399 MSRP, which is quite pricey. Fortunately, I have seen it for as low as $360 through retailers such as Amazon, which is a bit more reasonable.

For the most part, if you understand the limitations with the current state of pico projection technology, the SHOWWX+ will not disappoint. It makes an excellent addition to any briefcase and will definitely impress others. It is still a premium gadget and I would suggest holding off a bit longer if you are not in a rush for one. I am confident that next year’s models will be brighter and more affordable.

Buy: $360 on Amazon
Links: MicroVision SHOWWX+

Copyright © 2013 Skatter Tech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Privacy Policy.