2012 Smartphone Of The Year

Best Smartphone Of The Year For 2012

There are many different phones that have been introduced this year but only one can be crowned the 2012 smartphone of the year here at Geno's Gadgets. We saw the first 4G iPhone this year the iPhone 5 with an upgrade version of iOS and a larger 4 inch Retina display. We were also introduced to a new breed of hybrid device half phone and half tablet referred to by many as the phablet. The Samsung Galaxy Note was the first to tackle this brave new type of super-sized smartphone. It was so successful that Samsung followed suite with the Galaxay Note II only 8 months later. HTC built a line of flagship type devices simply called the HTC One line featuring devices like the One X, One X+ on AT&T and the One S on T-Mobile. Motorola also revived their RAZR line with phones like the Droid RAZR and the battery life champ, the Droid RAZR Maxx wich bosts a 3300 mAH battery. All of these phones pushed the envelope past what many thought was possible in mobile technology but one smartphone introduced this year took it a step further.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is my pick for the best smartphone of 2012. When you interact with this device you really get the feel that Samsung got it right in terms of the balance of style, fluid functionality and ease of use that appeals to the mainstream. The first thing I notice about the Galaxy S3 is how beautiful the hardware is. The glossy finish and its river rock like rounded form makes the device feel great in the hand. The 8 MP camera takes great photos. The 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED screen is crisp and vibrant. It renders brightly colored pictures and text perfectly. The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean experience on the device is pleasant and coupled with Samsung's TouchWiz Nature UI makes the fluidity rivals even that of the iPhone. Clever additions like like S-Voice virtual assistant and the NFC based S-Beam feature that allows you to share photos, videos, music and more by simply tapping devices simply take this phone to the very top. This phone  is so good that its hard to imagine exactly how Samsung can one-up themselves with the next Galaxy phone, but after this kind of showing I'm eagerly waiting to see whats next. Do you have a Galaxy S3 or are you planning on getting one soon? Please post your thoughts in the comments below.


Via: Samsung

SPEED SPEED SPEED

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SPEED SPEED SPEED!


There is no doubt that the mobile technology industry is growing at break neck speed. First among the changes in mobile are the consumers growing desire for faster mobile data speed networks and the amazing variety of smartphones that operate on them. Most wireless customers theses days are making decisions on what carrier or device they want, based simply on how fast they are. All 4 major wireless US carriers have respective 4G networks that deliver internet speeds faster than most peoples Wi-Fi connection at their home or office.

The issue of deciding on a wireless carrier seems like an easy choice to make if you have seen Verizon's latest string of TV ads where they show graph charts that boast the fact that they have more LTE coverage than AT&T, T-Mobile and SPRINT combined. This is true, but many other factors including plan pricing, all around network performance, and device availability play key rolls in those decisions also. Sprint has an attractive unlimited data offering on their WiMAX and LTE devices and T-Mobile recently launched a nationwide truly unlimited plan on their speedy HSPA+ based 4G network. Still AT&T and Verizon have the largest coverage areas on their voice and 4G networks.

What is the most important thing to consumers when it comes to choosing a 4G wireless carrier? What means the most to a subscriber in day to day network usage and how fast is fast enough? Have you recently decided on or switched to a certain 4G wireless carrier? Share in the comments section below who you chose and why.

T-Mobile Going LTE In 2013

Today T-Mobile USA executives officially announced that Americas Largest 4G wireless carrier will be making the switch to LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology in 2013. T-Mobile CEO Phillip Humm and CTO Neville Ray outlined a strategy to cure subscriber churn and incorporate new wireless technology to turn the heat up on competitors Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. The news was a welcomed positive among less than stellar fourth quarter 2011 operating results. T-Mobile stated that it suffered the loss of around 802,000 contract customers in the final quarter of 2011 and gained nearly 220,000 prepaid customers. This loss was due mostly to uncertainty over the proposed AT&T merger and lack of an iPhone built for T-Mobile which all other major carriers currently have.

T-Mobile made it clear that they are here to stay and have a clear plan to turn things around quickly. The carrier seems poised for a strong future as they re-launch their brand and make network upgrades that will significantly enhance coverage and performance for their subscribers. This plan is outlined in the press statement in full detail below. What do you think about T-Mobile's game plan and move to LTE technology? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.



T-Mobile USA Announces Reinvigorated Challenger Strategy

Begins Major Network Transformation in 2012 with LTE Launch Planned for 2013

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Feb. 23, 2012 — Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. CEO and President Philipp Humm outlined the company’s reinvigorated challenger strategy focused on making amazing 4G services affordable. T-Mobile will invest in strategic initiatives to get the business back to growth. The most significant investment is a $4 billion network modernization and 4G evolution effort, which will improve existing voice and data coverage and pave the way for long term evolution (LTE) service in 2013.1

“We want to be known for delivering the best value in wireless because of the advanced technology we deliver at an affordable price,” said Philipp Humm CEO and President of T-Mobile USA. “Over the next two years, we’re prioritizing and investing in initiatives designed to get T-Mobile back to growth in the years ahead — beginning with the transformation of our network.”

Additional investment areas core to the company’s challenger strategy include aggressively pursuing the B2B segment, expanding the sales force by 1,000; ramping up advertising spending; and attracting new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) partners with an efficient platform for getting to market. T-Mobile will also continue to remodel its retail stores and expand distribution.

T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray detailed the company’s network strategy, which includes installing new equipment at 37,000 cell sites and refarming spectrum to launch LTE in 2013.1 The key catalyst of refarming is the additional spectrum T-Mobile will receive as a result of the termination of the AT&T transaction. Also, other enablers are faster adoption of 3G and 4G services and improved device performance.

T-Mobile will invest a total of $4 billion over time into network modernization and LTE deployment. Over the next two years, this represents approximately $1.4 billion in incremental network investment. T-Mobile expects to reach broad deployment of LTE, with service in the vast majority of the top 50 markets and 20 MHz service in 75 percent of the top 25 markets.

“Today, we operate America’s Largest 4G Network delivering a fast and reliable 4G data experience with HSPA+,” said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA. “Launching LTE next year lets us take advantage of technology infrastructure advancements and benefit from a more mature LTE device ecosystem while continuing to meet the growing demand for data with a powerful 4G experience.”

T-Mobile expects to be the first carrier in North America to modernize its 4G network infrastructure with new antenna integrated radios on many of its cell towers, which will deliver higher performance and strengthen coverage.

More than 90 percent of T-Mobile device sales in the fourth quarter were 3G and 4G smartphones. As data usage and smartphone adoption accelerate, fewer customers are utilizing 2G services. This enables T-Mobile to refarm existing spectrum holdings, reducing the amount of 1900 MHz PCS spectrum being used for GSM; to deploy HSPA+ 4G services in the PCS band; and to make room in the AWS band for LTE. In addition to creating capacity for LTE in AWS spectrum, deploying HSPA+ in the PCS band will harmonize T-Mobile’s spectrum bands with the US market and international carriers. As the company refarms spectrum, T-Mobile will continue to support its 2G customers.

T-Mobile’s 4G HSPA+ network, which currently covers well over 200 million people, will continue to deliver a competitive 4G experience. T-Mobile will continue to expand its HSPA+ 4G footprint and its innovative 4G product and service offerings. For example, the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S®Blaze™ 4G, launching in March, is the newest smartphone in T-Mobile’s portfolio to support the faster speeds offered by the HSPA+ 42 network.

It's Note Time: Samsung Galaxy Note

AT&T announced that the Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in the US for $300 on February 19 with pre-orders set to arrive on February 17. The Galaxy Note is perhaps the most talked about smartphone at CES this year. Samsung has blended the best qualities of a smartphone with the functionality and screen real estate of a tablet. Some are saying that it may usher in a new phone/tablet mobile device category simply called "phablet".

The Galaxy Note touts Android 2.3.6 with a dual core 1.5 Ghz processor, a stunning true HD 5.3 inch Super AMOLED screen (1280 x 800 resolution) and AT&T 4G LTE connectivity. It features a stylus like instrument that Samsung calls the S Pen that is designed to measure 256 levels of pressure sensitivity that delivers an experience differing from any other mobile device to date. Users will be able to write, sketch, scribble and jot notes down in free form handwriting throughout many different on-screen functions. Most impressive is the Galaxy Note has the ability to decipher handwriting and convert it to standard text. Oh, and did I mention that it also makes phone calls!

What do you think about the Galaxy Note? Is it a smaller sized tablet or a really big phone? The specs are undeniably impressive for a smartphone, but do you think that it merits creating another category of mobile technology? Please share you thoughts and comments below.



 

It's Cool To Be SQUARE!

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A lot of people have seen these little squares but many don't realize how powerful this little gadget really is. It's simply called the Square credit card system. The idea for the bite sized card reader was helmed by Jack Dorsey, one of the founders of Twitter and has drawn quite a buzz for its clever size and functionality. Square is a fast growing way for individuals and businesses to except all major credit cards in a quick, secure and very compact way. The Square application and card reader are free when you sign up for a new account and its compatible with iPhone, Android smartphones and iPad.

The terms of  the Square credit card system are quite simple. One flat charge of 2.75% per card swipe and 3.5% for card numbers entered manually. Square automatically deposits funds directly to your account the next day. Simply download the app, plug in the card reader and you are ready for business. The Square system is commitment free and it eliminates the complex monthly fees and hidden costs of many other credit card payment services. The Square app keeps a real-time log of all card payment history and allows you to send receipts instantly to your customers by e-mail or text.

Mobile credit card payment services are still a new concept today and many like Square have a challenging road towards profitability. The New York Times reported that the young company was thought to be valued around 1.6 billion in June of 2011. Square has also attracted heavy financial backing from the likes of Khosla Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Despite less than stellar financial projections so far, they are on track to reach profitability in 2012.

What do you think of the latest offerings in mobile payment services? Is this technology something that you currently employ or is it something that you might consider using in the future. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Please share weather or not you think this type of service will continue to grow or phase out.

Via: IB Times and New York Times

4G LTE LG Optimus 2x w/ Unlimited Talk Text & Web $45 per Month NO Contract?

Yes, your eyes are just fine. You are reading that correctly! It appears that Straight Talk Wireless (Walmart's exclusive offering by TracFone Wireless) is getting in on the 4G LTE game with a little help from an unnamed network provider to offer its customers an UNLIMITED talk, text and 4G LTE web plan. They are offering  this plan  for $45 per month, NO Contract on an LG Optimus 2x Android smartphone.

The Straight Talk website reserve.straighttalkandroid.com is live and is taking information for customers to reserve their device order or get notification as soon as it is available to buy online or in Walmart stores. The company has traditionally  offered low-end feature phones over the last two years with a $30 plan that includes 1000 talk minutes, 1000 text messages and 30 Mb of data or a $45 unlimited plan with unlimited talk, text and data. This is the first time that a pre-paid carrier has offered a 4G LTE phone and service.

What do you think about Straight Talk offering 4G LTE phones and service? Do you think that this will be a game changer or another failed attempt to appeal to and lure post paid contract customers to a smaller carrier offering? I guess we will have to wait and see how this all works out. Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Via: Straight Talk

ITC Says Motorola Does Not Violate Apple Patents

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In a preliminary ruling today by the U.S. ITC (International Trade Commission) has stated that Motorola does not violate Apple patents. Apple filed an ITC complaint in October of 2011, saying that Motorola's line of DROID phones and other Motorola smartphones violated several of Apples patent properties. Although this is a preliminary ruling that will have to approved by the full ITC commission, it definitely knocks the wind out of Apples legal offence against the entire Google Android ecosystem.

This is a case that falls in line with a recent spike in technology companies turning to the ITC to settle their legal disputes. An Apple win in this case could have a large affect on other Android manufacturers in ITC patent dispute cases. The outcome of this case would be felt mostly by companies like Samsung and HTC which are both currently involved in similar legal battles with the Cupertino tech giant.

This particular case has sent quite a buzz throughout the technology industry and a lot of eyes are intently following the outcome. What do you think about this case and the increased focus on intellectual properties legal disputes today. Does Apple really have a solid case in these disputes or are they simply bullying the competition? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. 
 

SAMSUNG Makes A Big Splash at CES 2012

As today kicks off the second official day of CES International. I want to highlight the big story of day one at CES. Thousands of technology manufacturers and vendors showed to kick off the massive trade show, but one in particular showed up with their game face on.

Samsung announced the big news of their commitment to push boundaries in HD and smart TVs on Monday. They followed that up with a jaw dropping CES showroom (practicly the size of a Best Buy store) filled with the latest gadgets from the technology giant. Samsung's showroom displayed the new Galaxy Note in all its 5.3 inch HD Super AMOLED display, 1.5 Ghz dual-core CPU, S pen stylus enhanced, 4G LTE goodness. Samsung also showed off the worlds thinnest notebook computer, their ultra-sleek Notebook Series 9. In case you are wondering, not everything was mobile or portable. Samsung dedicated a large amount of its display to in home entertainment and connected smart home technology. The Samsung ChromeBox Series 3 is Google Chrome powered desktop computer that boasts productive home computing in a compact design that is connectable to a traditional monitor. The home appliance section of the room showed people the benefits of having a Samsung washer and dryer system that you can control with your smartphone, tablet or computer even when you are away from home.

The Samsung 3D section was plentiful too! There were 3D TVs, desktop computers and notebook computers that can be enjoyed with and without 3D glasses. Just as I was about to head for the exit, I finally stumbled upon Samsung's OLED HD TV display. They were amazing in both color richness and picture clarity, but most impressive was how sleek and thin these sets are, not to mention that they can be controlled using only your voice.

There was so much to see and interact with in Samsung's showroom that I didn't make it to a few of the other manufacturer booths that I planed to visit on day one, but I don't regret it one bit. Samsung wowed everyone at CES and I'm glad that I was one of the lucky people here to see it first hand. Please share you thoughts and comments on what Samsung and others have showed at CES this year. What do you think we will see going forward? Post your take on CES 2012 in the comments below.

CES Buzz

We are 1 day away from the start of the largest consumer electronics event of the year, CES International in Vegas. Already there are a few gadgets and manufacturers that are creating quite a buzz even before the official start of the trade show. CES is the one time of year when everyone brings their best and this years trade show is sure to deliver some firsts.

Toshiba is showing off the worlds thinnest tablet dubbed as the REGZA and a groundbreaking glasses-free 3D Smart TV. The Toshiba REGZA is 7.7mm thin (substantialy thinner than the iPad 2) and sports a 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front facing camera, a Texas Instrument OMAP dual-core chip, impressive.

Lenovo is releasing a 55 inch LED TV powered by Android 4.0 ice Cream Sandwich. The set features perks like a dual-core processor, facial recognition security, voice commands and a 5megapixel webcam and 8 GB of storage. This Google TV will initially launch only be available in China with other contries to follow later in the year.

Verizon and OnStar are revealing a future ready, fully connected 4G LTE Chevy VOLT. The vehicle features multiple connections for gaming and media devices and OnStar RemoteLink mobile control through smartphones. This vehicle also sports home and smart grid connectivity, with the ability to manage home energy and real-time vehicle diagnostics.

This is only a small peek at what will be discovered over CES week which excites me even more about what the tech elite have in store. What are you looking forward to most about CES. Do you have a favorite gadget category of do you just like to take it all in? Please share in the comments below.

Via CES and CNET