12 Days of TFX-Mas: Jesse Mendoza

 

(Editors note: This ongoing series highlights our writers picks for their favorite gadgets and apps of 2012 leading up to the final 12 days until Christmas. Some of them make great gifts too!)

This past year was one of my favorites as far as tech goes. After spending most of my mobile life on Palm and webOS devices, I paid an Early Termination Fee on Verizon to put my Pre 2 to rest and picked up my first non-webOS device: An HTC Radar with Windows Phone 7 on T-Mobile. I followed that with an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store and never went back.

I currently own a Nexus 4 and can't imagine owning anything else. Other gadgets that entered my life in 2012 were a Nexus 7 table and an iPad mini - two of my favorites. I'm hoping 2013 is just as exciting.

Below are a few of my choices for the top 5 gadgets and accessories I owned this year.

• LG Nexus 4

I haven't owned many phones being a die-hard webOS user since the early days of Palm. If anyone was to ask me what my ultimate mobile phone would be it would be the Nexus 4. Gorgeous, fast, sleek, light, Android Jelly Bean... what more is there to say? It is one of my favorite purchases this year. Yes, I had one heck of a hard time getting one in the first round like everyone else, but it was well worth the wait. The price tag just cannot be beat for a phone I can use on a carrier of my choosing: $349.00. You won't have much luck getting one in time for the holidays since shipping is still 6 to 7 weeks out, but grabbing one is a no brainer if you're on a carrier that supports moving to unlocked phones.

• iPad mini with Verizon LTE

I've always been a big fan of 7" tablets for their portability since owning an original 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab. Since then, I've moved on to larger tablets like the HP TouchPad and iPad. I really enjoyed iOS for its apps when I had the larger iPad, but I found the size to be unwieldy. The iPad mini fits nicely in between the 7" and 10" form factor and I find myself carrying it everywhere. The addition of LTE makes it all that much more useful when I'm out and about. It makes a great companion for my laptop.

• Invellop black leatherette case for iPad mini

I must have tried a dozen cases and covers for my iPad mini before settling on this thin profile leather hard shell case by Invellop. The mini securely snaps into the back cover protecting the back side. The front cover is similar to the Smart Cover made by Apple in that it shuts the mini off when closed and wakes it when opened using the embedded magnets. The front cover protects the screen with a micro-fiber interior and then folds over to provide a stand in portrait made. Folding the cover all the way around the back while open provides a better grip when holding the mini. It's a good quality design and I'd recommend it for the ever-so-slippery iPad mini.

Deal: Save 70% on a black leatherette case via Invellop's store on Amazon.com

• Sky Gamblers Storm Raiders for iOS

If there's one thing the mini excels at is gaming. Sure, it doesn't have the Retina display that its larger brethren have, but the size makes it one heck of a gaming machine, and the games themselves don't look half bad either. I'm a big fan of dog-fighting flying games, and Storm Raiders doesn't disappoint. As a pilot for a WWII-era fighter plane you are tasked with several challenges that involve shooting down your enemy from the skies. Besides a single player feature, you can also play with other players online. The controls are highly customizable  and can either be manual, or handled by the tablets on-board gyro system. The graphics are top-notch and the action is fast and fun. Storm Raiders is currently $4.99 in the iOS App Store.

• Spotify (iOS, Android)

Spotify made its debut in the U.S. in 2011, but I didn't pick up on it until earlier this year. I was a long time Pandora user but found the music selection to be slim and very repetitive. I also enjoyed Slacker Radio but I was unable to download any of the music to my phones so that I can listen to it offline- enter Spotify. Spotify has the "Radio" feature that I enjoyed with Pandora and Slacker, but with the ability to download songs for offline listening using the Premium service. I can also search for complete albums to download and share what I'm listening to others and vice versa. It also works on both my iPad mini and Nexus 4 devices without skipping a beat. It was one of my favorite discoveries of 2012.

Deal: Send a Spotify gift subscription to friends and family if you're a subscriber. Denominations include $9.99 for 1 month, or go for 3, 6, or 12 month plans. You pay for it ahead of time and the receiver gets to enjoy the service for whatever time you've given.

Other articles in the 12 Days of TFX-Mas Series:

TechFan Roundup Presents: 12 Days of TFX-Mas

 

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TechFan Roundup Presents: 12 Days of TFX-Mas

It's that time of year again! The holiday's are upon us and it's time for us to get our holiday gift lists together. This is also a good time for us to look back at all of the great hardware, software, and services that we were introduced to in 2012. It was an incredible year in tech and many of us here at TFX got our hands on some really cool stuff. We're more than excited to tell you about it!

Beginning this Thursday, 12/13/12, and over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas, our writers will put together their Top 5 lists of 2012. The selections could be hardware that they owned this past year, or apps and services that made their lives just that much better in 2012. As a bonus, you may find links to special deals to shop for that last minute gift.

So, keep a pen and paper handy and stay tuned to TechFanatix over the next 12 days as we run through our favorites in 2012!

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AT&T launches Alerts for merchant discounts

On Wednesday, AT&T announced a new opt-in, geo-location based text messaging service that alerts customers to special discounts, promotions, and rewards when they are near participating retailers. The free program is being launched nation-wide and doesn't require the user to download an app to their mobile phones.

Participating retailers include the Gap, Staples, Zales, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Duracell, Motorola, and Discover.

Customers who sign up for AT&T Alerts will receive $5 off with a $10 minimum purchase online at ATT.com. Currently, AT&T Alerts will work on all AT&T phones except for the iPhone 5. Plans to implement the feature on the iPhone 5 will be announced in the near future.

You can check out a demo video of how it works here.

Full Press Release follows:

Free Opt-in, Location-based Offers Service Puts Savings in the Pockets of AT&T Customers

 

Dallas, Dec 5, 2012 — Tired of sifting through coupons, surfing the web for discount codes, and getting bogged down by daily deal emails? AT&T Alerts, an innovative new service from AT&T*, can proactively deliver offers straight to AT&T wireless customers’ phones--when and where they need them most.

 

Today, AT&T announced the launch of AT&T Alerts, a free opt-in, location-based text messaging alerts service that allows AT&T wireless customers nationwide to save money with relevant offers from nearby retailers on their mobile phones. AT&T Alerts uses geo-location technology and consumer preferences to deliver offers and rewards, without having to download an application.

 

How It Works

 

AT&T wireless customers text “JOIN” to ATTAlerts (288253787) to opt-in to the service and begin receiving discounts, rewards and offers via text message when they are near participating retailers and brands such as Gap, Staples, Zales, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Duracell, Motorola, Discover, and many more. Customers can customize offer preferences and settings to receive offers most relevant to them by visiting http://alerts.att.com/join. Text messages to and from AT&T Alerts are free. As an added bonus, customers who sign-up for AT&T Alerts will receive $5 off with a $10 minimum purchase at ATT.com**.

 

AT&T wireless customers can visit http://alerts.att.com/join to sign-up and learn more, or text “JOIN” to ATTAlerts (288253787) from their AT&T wireless phones.***

 

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

 

** $5 off certain accessories at ATT.com, $10 minimum purchase, see alerts.att.com/join for details

 

*** AT&T Alerts is not currently available for iPhone 5

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Nexus 4 available at 12 p.m. PST today

Alright folks, get those clickers ready. Google has sent out an announcement that the Nexus 4, Google's latest flagship handset, will be available in the Google Play store (U.S. only) today (Tuesday) beginning at 12 p.m. PST.

The Nexus 4 made its brief debut in the Google Play store back on November 13 and quickly sold out in less than 30 minutes here in the U.S. and Europe. Many who were lucky enough to snatch one or two (including this guy) were later greeted by an email from Google indicating there would be a three week delay in shipping. That email was followed up by another sent just yesterday that we should be expecting those initial orders to ship this week.

It's been quite the adventure, to say the least, considering the source!

Do you plan on grabbing one? Let us know in the comments!

Developing...

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TechFan Roundup: Does our staff prefer to go naked or well dressed?

You didn't think it was THAT kind of a blog, did you?



We're talking cases, of course! This past summer, I broke my first ever screen on a smartphone after removing its gel case before going out only because I needed to put the phone in my pocket. My Galaxy Nexus accidentally fell off of a table during lunch and cracked. I cried just a little, but it reminded me how important it is for my beloved devices to be protected at all times.

For some of us on staff, they can also be a fashion statement, as a way to keep them scratch and dent free for resale, or as in Kayla's case- she puts on a case to make her phones feel naked. Huh? Read on....

The market for cases is huge- just look around your favorite electronics store- and the choices are many. For me, it all depends on how I'll be using my device, whether in a bag or out and about. I'm REALLY picky on what cases go on each of my devices, so shopping for one can be a grueling experience. I would prefer to go fully naked with them, but if I do put a case on, it has to be as low profile as it can get without compromising safety!

Shanice Richardson: I usually use my cases as more of a fashion statement and was a necessity with my iPhone due to it being completely glass. I do enjoy the feel of my devices naked (except for my iPad, yuck) but I’m entirely too clumsy to leave the house with them this way.

Jeffrey Shafran: I like my device naked! If I choose to use a case I put a TPU Gel case on my Samsung Galaxy Nexus just to keep a low profile and be protected at the same time.

Andrew Allen: I want to feel the form factor as intended for the most part. I am pulled to a device, especially a phone, by the way it looks and feels. I'm weird when it comes to my phones. I use a holster, but I clip it on the inside of my pocket. I put a case on a tablet depending on the usage, but mainly I like them in the nude.

Tony Robinson: I cover up my stuff! I probably lost $50.00 or so from the sale of my iPhone 4S due to having dropped it on cobblestone. Consider my lesson learned. I actually prefer how the iPhone 5 feels in my Belkin Max case as I believe the device is too light for me without a case.

Patrick Campanale: I like naked devices too, but sometimes a device needs a little more meat on the bones, like the GS III, so I choose cases for skinny phones like that. My Photon Q on the other hand, I would never put a case on! I love the way it feels without a case! It all really depends on my mood/device really.

Chris Spells: On my devices, I prefer naked... but due to the thinness of my two phones (Galaxy Nexus & Galaxy S III), they wouldn't last a week with me without a slip and crash to the ground. So, during the day I use the most minimal TPU cases on them. However...  At night... I let them live it up and go naked. I have carpet at home, so it's all good.

Kayla Ward: Bigger gadgets, I prefer cases on, for I have a habit of scratching and dropping them. As for phones, I use cases because I love them when they are naked. Let me explain: First off, when I do use a case, it must be silicone... no exceptions.  Second, I love using cases so that when it's gone through the ringer and needs to be washed, I can pull it off and my naked phone feels so teeny tiny in my hands. I first started doing this with my Palm Centro. I guess I use cases because I love to trick my brain.

How important are cases to you? Let us know in the comments!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Staff holiday gift lists

Sounding off on the new iPad Mini

How important is GPS navigation to you? Our staff chimes in

Camping out for that must have gadget. Would you?

Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

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TechFan Roundup: Staff Holiday Gift Lists

With all of the recent news of so many devices released in the past few weeks, some of us ultra geeks are struggling with what gadget to buy next. The rest of us can only wish of owning something we just can't squeeze out the extra cash for.

We can dream, can’t we?

For those of us who celebrate the holidays, we can remember the joy of anticipation as we waited to open our presents to see what was inside. These days, instead of Lego’s and GI Joe’s, we wish for the shiny stuff with buttons, flat screens, and power plugs.

For this Roundup, we ask our staff what gadgety gift they’d like to receive during the holiday gift giving time; something they probably couldn't afford themselves, or something they can't bring themselves to pull the trigger on just yet.

For me, it would be the latest Galaxy Note 2. It’s something I've always wanted as a phone and tablet all rolled into one. I haven’t gotten up the nerve to get one myself, only because I'm not sure the size is something that would suit me well considering I've always toted around a full size iPad and a 7" Nexus 7. The Note has always intrigued me, and would love to own one if I didn't always have the other tablets around.

Shanice Richardson: I'd have to say the Windows 8X by HTC. I've never been a fan of windows phones but after playing with Windows 8 a little bit, I'd love to share that experience on my mobile phone, but only as a gift so if I hate it I didn't waste my money.

Andrew Allen: I would love to see some variation of the Nokia Lumia 920 on Verizon, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. So, I guess it will be the next best thing of the HTC 8X. Just really anxious (if you guys can't tell) to get back on Windows Phone.

Patrick Campanale: If I could receive any tech gift this Christmas, it would be an iPhone 5.

Jason Moser: I'd say the iPad. I can't convince myself to spend that much on myself for a tablet.

Hayden Bridges: I guess I would want a Macbook Pro. Something light enough to carry around and powerful enough to game.

Chris Spells: I'd wish for a Nexus 4 on Verizon...but I guess that's a little unrealistic nowadays eh? I would probably want a RAZR MAXX HD dev edition. Price is too high for me to actually purchase, but I would love one from my man Santa!

Marc Zeffren: I would go for a RAZR MAXX HD Developer Edition, but they don't make a dev edition of the MAXX so I will have to go with the standard one.

Andrew Clausen: I'd love to have someone throw me a Nexus 4. However, they'd also have to throw me a get-out-of-jail-free card for the Verizon ETF I'd have to pay. However I'm pretty content with my Galaxy Nexus (4.2 inbound) so my second option would be the new Boxee TV set that was just released for $99. It seems perfect for my needs.

TeckieGirl: I would LOVE either a Nokia 920 or any Surface tablet with keyboard. I love all pf the colors it comes in and Nokia's glove technology.  I have been a really good girl!

What gadget would you love to see under the Christmas tree this year? Put your lists in our comments!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Sounding off on the new iPad Mini

How important is GPS navigation to you? Our staff chimes in

Camping out for that must have gadget. Would you?

Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

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TechFan Roundup: Sounding off on the new iPad Mini

It's here, whether we like it or not.

The iPad Mini went up for pre-order on 10/26/12 and quickly sells out of the white version in no time flat. These guys can pretty much sell a toaster in that much time and everyone will fall in love with it. It's a strange little contraption, stuck in there between the Nexus 7 in form factor and its larger iPad brethren (let's not forget the iPod Touch). We've yet to see if this thing will bowl over the 7 inch tablet market currently dominated by the Kindle line and Nexus 7, but early indications are it's going to be hot... really hot... especially come Christmas time.

At the moment, I'm a bit torn as to whether or not to bring one of these into my life. I've always been a huge fan of the 7 inch tablet form factor due to its portability. I sold my iPad 2 over the summer and replaced it with a Nexus 7, but lately I've been yearning for that larger screen size again. The iOS apps I've come to know and love just aren't the same on Android and the Nexus 7. The iPad Mini seems the perfect sweet spot for me as far as size is concerned, but I fear I'll be wishing I spent the cash on a full size iPad instead considering the $329 price point. I'm going to have to see one up close to make up my mind.

So what does the rest of our staff think of this little guy? Read on to find out...

Marc Zeffren: I would love to grab one, but I think I will pass. I have a Nexus 7 and an LTE iPad. I would sell my iPad but I love the screen size. I will have to play with one to see if I would be able to replace my iPad with its mini self. We shall see...

Tony Robinson: I'm definitely passing on the iPad Mini.  It's a little "dumbed down" for my taste, especially since I own a 3rd Gen iPad.  I'm either waiting for the 5th Gen iPad or a possible iPad Mini Part Deux with retina on-board.  Patience is a virtue.  Remember that.

Adam Kockars: Being an "Apple fan boy", this should be a no brainer, but I can't justify bringing another tablet into my life. If I'm not using a full blown Macbook Pro and an iPhone just won't do it, and the iPad is too big, then I really need to rethink my life.

The Gadget Mom: I'm always a fan of the 7 in. tablet form factor. It's perfect for carrying in a purse and assures I use the tablet on the run while my full sized iPad sits at home. Of course, the iPad Mini IS NOT a 7 in. tablet, it's a 7.9 in. tablet, which makes all the difference in the world. That said, I can't help but feel like Apple waited too long, then priced the tablet too high for it to make any logical sense. It doesn't compete with Android tablets priced at $199, it only competes with the iPad 2, iPad 3, and the iPod Touch. All priced within ~$100 of the Mini. Of course, logical sense never seems to matter where Apple products are concerned. The device is selling out already. It will be interesting to see how the numbers fluctuate though - will stellar sales of the Mini be offset by declines in the sales of other similarly priced Apple products? I tend to think so.

Patrick Campanale: I was never a big fan of the form factor of a 7" tablet, until I used a friends Nexus 7. Still, that didn't win me over. I always wanted something a little bigger, and that's what the iPad Mini is bringing. I don't think I'm willing to drop the almost $400 on it, when I can get an iPad 2 for about the same price, not until I get to use one myself first. I am anxiously waiting for them to come in stock at an Apple store so I can try one out myself, and possibly pick one up soon!

Andrew Clausen: I think the iPad Mini was strategically a smart call on Apple's part. They are starting to close the gap in size between their tablets and phones and that's a good thing. Offering more options to the consumer will boost sales and give them a better spread because they reach different people's needs. Like I said earlier, Apple could sell out Pop-Tarts. It's no surprise they sold out within thirty-seconds with this one.

TeckieGirl: Well it's cute enough, but low on specs and high on price. Would love one... Just too pricey.

Kayla Ward: With the early suspicion, leaks, and constant reference to the Mini, I am already bored of the device. The only announcement that surprised me was the price point. While I understand it was gauged against other iPads and that Apple can get away with it, I still cannot believe they are pricing a 7 in. competitor at something over $300. Just, wow.

Andrew Allen: I think they will sell a ton of these, but I won't be getting one. The form factor is a nice size, and they will be able to dominate the market. Amazon is the only ones really there to compete with Apple. The Mini will be priced close enough that most people will go with the more recognizable and trusted brand of the iPad.

Hayden Bridges: Being a student, I don't place much practical value in tablets and the same goes for the iPad Mini. If I had a couple of paychecks to spare, I would probably go with the Nexus 7. As TheGadgetMom said in a recent article, Apple makes pretty devices but has been falling and slacking in innovation.

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

How important is GPS navigation to you? Our staff chimes in

Camping out for that must have gadget. Would you?

Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

Read More

TechFan Roundup: How important is GPS navigation to you? Our staff chimes in.

When we think of mapping software on mobile devices, Google Maps is the first to come to mind. It has been a staple in many a mobile phone since as far back as I can remember- ever since they were able to cram a GPS antenna into something as small as a candy bar. Google during all of this time has made Maps the wonder it is today- chock full of useful data to get you where you want to go- from Street View, to turn-by-turn navigation, venue searches, My Maps, offline maps, transit... Gone are the days of good 'ol paper maps. Just fling the address into your phone and away you go.

So, it's no wonder eyebrows were raised when we heard Apple was ditching Google Maps for its own solution. The beautiful demos we saw during the iPhone 5 announcement showed off features we've all been patiently waiting for in iOS, like turn-by-turn navigation. Fly Over was pretty neat too. But what people found as they got their shiny new iOS 6 devices in hand was that getting around was not as easy as it once was. Missing map data, lack for Street View, and missing GMaps features such as Transit were the general complaints. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook himself admitted the blunder.

I've come to depend on Google Maps on everything from Transit directions, Street View, contacts integration, and in-car Navigation with turn-by-turn using my Galaxy Nexus. Since I've been heading into Chicago on several occasions, I've come to depend on Street View and Transit quite a bit when I'm in unfamiliar areas or using public transportation. This is one of the reasons that would keep me from using iOS 6 as my daily driver.

What does the rest of our staff think?

How important is having GPS Navigation and mapping on your mobile device to you?

Jeffrey Shafran: I am using a Samsung Galaxy Nexus modded BAMF style!! I rely on Google Maps for everything. I have not owned a GPS device ever since I got an Android device. Navigation within Google Maps is top notch for getting me around travel wise into unfamiliar territories. I am currently a Lieutenant at our Volunteer Fire Department and I use an application called ECM2 which will alert us of calls we get paged out to. ECM2 has a call mapping feature that uses Gmaps for turn by turn navigation. This has always came in handy when we are assisting other companies outside of our area! It gets us there without any hassles. Navigation is very important to me as a fireman!

Marc Zeffren: To me, it's very important. I use my maps applications every day. On Android, Google Maps was amazing, but not so much on iOS. So I was happy when Apple added navigation when making its own maps app. I am not one of the ones who has been distraught over the app; it has worked great. It still doesn't have the best traffic info, and that is what I really need, so I use Waze. Even when Apple fixes the app, I'll still use Waze.

Tony Robinson: I bought the iPhone 5 on Verizon on launch day. However, I haven't used the Maps app one bit. Just a case of being busy and having no real need for it at this time.

Tom Fleming: It is quite important to me. I use Google Maps on my phone rather frequently. The fact that I know I can trust it to have complete accurate directions and, the vast majority of the time, accurate traffic information is a huge deal to me. As I travel frequently for work and am in the car in areas I do not know this is extremely important.

Andrew Clausen: Depends on your perspective. Maps control so much in the Android OS especially with Google Now. But as for turn by turn directions, I have Garmin so not very much.

Andrew Allen: I don't use it daily, or really that often, but I believe having a good, reliable maps/navigation feature should be a standard on any smartphone at this point. I do use mine when travelling quite a bit and it's a life saver to not have to accommodate for a dedicated GPS unit. I do feel Apple made a strategic mistake by using development cycles for a non-essential function like the fly over view. They should have focused on the map data itself for the first release and not making it "cool".

Kayla Ward: Maps are invaluable to me! At 22, I have somehow managed to go without getting my license. Therefore, my knowledge of how to get places is very limited. I come with a sticker on my forehead, stating, "Requires public transit and biking maps to operate." I currently use a Lumia 800, and the Nokia Maps does me good with its public transit mode. However, because South Bay runs short on bike lanes, I resort to Google Maps on my laptop or GMaps app on my phone. In short, I am oh so happy I don't have iOS 6!

How important is having GPS nav on your phone to you? Chime in in our comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Camping out for that must have gadget. Would you?

Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

Read More

AT&T adds 4G LTE Galaxy Express, Rugby Pro, Galaxy Note II, and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to lineup

Nowadays, we can pretty much count on AT&T to be the first out of the gate with announcing new products to its expansive smartphone and tablet lineup. The same can almost be said for Samsung, who today have announced the newest additions to AT&T's 4G LTE offerings.

The Samsung Galaxy Express sports a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen with Ice Cream Sandwich and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor on board. The Galaxy Rugby Pro is touted as being built to "military specifications" and is waterproof, dust proof, and shock resistant. The Galaxy Note II smartphone/tablet comes in with improved battery life, a  narrower design, and Jelly Bean out of the box. AT&T completes the lineup with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 sporting a 10.1-inch display and a 7000 mAh battery.

The devices are scheduled for release "in the coming months". Pricing is not yet available.

The complete Press Release is below:

AT&T Continues To Build 4G LTE Android Portfolio With The Addition Of Three Smartphones And One Tablet From Samsung

DALLAS, Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile)1 announced three new 4G LTE Android™ smartphones– Galaxy Express™, Galaxy Rugby Pro™ and the Galaxy Note® II – and one new 4G LTE Android tablet, Galaxy Tab® 2 (10.1), available in the coming months.

Samsung Galaxy Express
First-time smartphone users will find their perfect match with the Samsung Galaxy Express, a 4G LTE smartphone that combines high performance features at a great price. Galaxy Express runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and sports a clear and bright 4.5-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus screen. The 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 2000 mAh battery helps users stay productive throughout the day; while the 5-megapixel rear facing camera lets you capture and share images easily through text messages, email and social networks.

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro (pictured above... Ed.)
An ideal mix of brains and brawn, the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro gives customers with active lifestyles access to a 4G LTE smartphone that can handle whatever life throws at it. The Rugby Pro is built to military specifications (810g specifications) and is waterproof**, shock resistant and dust proof. It features a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display and a 5-megapixel rear facing camera that lets you record HD video in 720p. Business customers can rest assured that in addition to being protected from every day wear and tear, Rugby Pro also comes with full device encryption and EAS corporate email support. The device will have access to Enhanced Push-to-Talk functionality upon launch of the service.

Samsung Galaxy Note II
Announced earlier this month, Samsung Galaxy Note II continues to expand the popular category created by the Galaxy Note with improved battery life, a thinner and narrower design and enhancements to the S Pen™. Arriving later this year running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), Galaxy Note II with 4G LTE combines the productivity of a tablet with the convenience of a smartphone and the S Pen features you need to unleash your creativity in a single device. With a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED™ display and 1.6 GHz quad-core Exynos™ processor with integrated graphics processing unit (GPU), the Galaxy Note II provides PC-like processing power and advanced features like Popup Video, new Gallery views and great gaming performance in a truly pocketable device.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1"
This 4G LTE Android 4.0 tablet delivers entertainment and productivity to fit your whole life. Galaxy Tab 2 10.1" offers a 10.1-inch display and premium entertainment options including Media Hub, Smart Remote and AllShare® Play. Features like on-device encryption and VPN access ensure your tablet is secure for business use. The 7000 mAh battery allows you to stay connected throughout the day.

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network***, covering 275 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you may be on a much slower 3G network.

All of these devices will be available from AT&T in the coming months.

Samsung, Express, Note, Rugby Pro, Super AMOLED, Exynos, S Pen, and AllShare are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

1 Samsung Mobile is the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics, North America Handset Vendor Marketshare, Q2 2012. Samsung Electronics Company is the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics Global Smartphone Vendor Market Share by Region: Q2 2012.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Waterproof against incidental exposure to water when all ports (incl. USB and earphone ports) are tightly closed. NOT designed or intended for in water use. Submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Waterproof based on IP57 rating.

***4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.

 Source: AT&T

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Apple CEO Tim Cook Apologizes for iOS 6 Maps

Apple has taken a tremendous amount of heat over the new maps application in iOS 6. After dumping Google Maps for their own solution, users of the new maps application in iOS 6 have complained about incomplete map data, missing or misplaced landmarks, and lack of transit information to name a few.  Google Maps have spent years building up the vast amounts of data we see today, and for Apple to take mobile mapping back down a few notches in iOS 6 has users asking, why?

Today, Apple CEO Tim Cook has published an open letter in which he admits Apple "fell short" on delivering the "best experience possible" to their customers, and is "extremely sorry". He goes on to recommend other 3rd party alternatives that customers can download while Apple works to improve their own solution including Bing, Mapquest, and Waze among others.

The complete statement by Tim Cook is below:

To our customers,

At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.

We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.

There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day. In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations. The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you.

While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.

Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard.

Tim Cook
Apple’s CEO

Source: Business Insider, Apple

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TechFan Roundup: Camping out for that must have gadget. Would you?

Waiting in line for the Sprint Palm Pre 6/6/09

The phenomenon of waiting in line for a hot gadget has always been a point of amazement for me. The throngs of people starting to get in line for the iPhone 5 nearly a full week in advance of its release has always been healthy fodder for news cameras. Some of us will cringe at the sight and wonder why people do it at all, and the rest of us hang our head in shame knowing we'll be late to the party.

Then again, this is Apple we're talking about- they can pretty much get away with causing the same stir selling Pop-Tarts. The first adopters in us know what it's all about: being the first to own something great, no matter the consequences . Sure, we could be doing something more productive like seeing an old friend, catching up on bills, or having lunch with the family. But why? Why miss out on this one opportunity that comes along Once. Every. Year.

I've done it myself once and it was for the release of the original Palm Pre on Sprint! I got up super early on launch day and decided to go to the Sprint store at my local mall after seeing the line already forming at the standalone Sprint store nearby. I stood in line with about 15 other people waiting for Palm's very first webOS device to go on sale. Looking back at in now, it was quite the adventure (And did that really happen?). Nowadays, I prefer to pre-order my stuff online, and as a self-admitted early adopter, I'm not ashamed to say I enjoy being one of the first to order if it's something I really look forward to owning.

So, what does the rest of our staff have to say?

Have you ever camped out in a line to get your beloved gadget? Would you?

Sharon Copeland: Same with Jesse. The first phone I ever camped out for was the first Palm Pre... I still own it. It was revolutionary and so cute. I love the mirror. It never got the respect it deserved. I still love it. I live for webOS through my TouchPad and CM9. If it comes back and comes back strong I will get it. But for now, I have my Lumia 800 and (Galaxy) Note to keep me busy until Nokia releases its 920. I might camp out for that.

Marc Zeffren: I have never camped out, but I waited in line for 4 hours for the first iPhone. It was an experience, but thanks to preorders, I will never do that again.

Andrew Clausen: I haven't and I probably never will. I am really lazy so if I can preorder it I will and that'll be it. The closest I have come to camping out was for the PlayStation 3 back in 2006. I woke up at 6 a.m. and went all around the city trying to find one. I ended up at a GameStop and I saw some in the window, but it wasn't open yet. I waited at the door for maybe an hour in the rain to get it and it was the last one.

Andrew Allen: I can't say I have. I've always been hesitant to grab a device first thing. I always like to see how real world use pans out before committing a nice chunk of change. I would hate to get stuck with an extremely buggy gadget. However, I did pre-order my Nexus 7 at 4 a.m. the morning they went up for sale.

Tony Robinson: I just did so this morning for the iPhone 5 at my local Verizon Wireless corporate store. Great camaraderie amongst fellow techies and a great means of spreading the word about Tech FanatiX. The experience is so worth it. I arrived at the store at 5 a.m. and was 4th in line. Secured a 32gb, black iPhone 5 and I'm very happy with it.

Kayla Ward: Unfortunately, I have not. Perhaps I would in the future! PS4? Pre 4?! It would definitely have to be for something that just blows my shoes, socks, and toe ring off. But I haven't even BlackFriday shopped or been to the midnight opening of a movie, let alone camped out for them! The only camping out I have done is while I was camping.

Have you ever stood in line for your favorite gadget? Did you do so for the iPhone 5? Sound off in our comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

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Samsung Galaxy Note II Carriers Made Official

I've always been intrigued by the Galaxy Note- too big to be a phone, too small to be a tablet. After seeing it up close and personal at CES 2012 back in January, I got a bit attached to it because I could see myself carrying it around with me everywhere to replace my current cell phone and tablet at the time. My only issue back then was that it was exclusively on AT&T, which I simply won't do for reason's I'll save for another post. Today, it was a treat to finally get confirmation of the Note's release on all five major carriers in the U.S. come November.

The specs are right up there with the best of them:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


• 1.6 quad-core Exynos CPU


• 2GB of RAM


• 16GB Storage


• microSD card slot


• 5.5 in. HD Super AMOLED touchscreen


• 3100mAh battery

The Note II will be available in Marble White or Titanium Grey, and can be protected by flip covers that come in Marble White, Titanium Gray, Pink, Blue, Mint, Lime Green, and Orange.

Now that the Note II will be available on a carrier of my choice, there's a pretty good chance I may finally be able to drop both my 7in. tablet and phone and replace it with this all-in-one device. Since I rarely, if at all, make phone calls on my existing phone, carrying around something of this size won't be a bother. If I need to take a call, I just put it on speaker, or take the call on my bluetooth headset.

Official Press Release follows:

Samsung Mobile Introducing Galaxy Note® II in Time for the Holidays with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular

Redesigned S Pen and apps, sharing capabilities and quad-core Exynos™ processor enhances productivity, creativity and performance

DALLAS — September 19, 2012 — Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) – the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States – will launch the Galaxy Note® II in the U.S. with five major carriers by mid-November. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the carriers.

Optimized for the fastest 4G LTE* and HSPA+ 42 networks, the Galaxy Note II combines some of the best capabilities of the Galaxy S® III with an enhanced S Pen and new S Pen apps, the processing power to multitask like a PC, with a larger screen yet in a thinner, lighter form factor. The Galaxy Note II enables consumers that want a larger format device to create, collaborate and now share original content faster and easier than before.

“The original Galaxy Note® created a new category of smartphones by combining the best of a smartphone with the best of a tablet. In less than a year, Samsung sold more than 10 million globally demonstrating the category is taking hold,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The new Galaxy Note II is a significant leap forward for the category.”

Power & Performance

Galaxy Note II marks the U.S. debut of Samsung’s Exynos™ 1.6 GHz quad-core processor optimized for LTE networks. It has 2GB of internal RAM; and comes with 16 GB of onboard file storage and supports up to 64GB of additional memory with a microSD® card. Collectively, these deliver easy multitasking, lightning fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance and minimal app load time.

The Galaxy Note II is the first Samsung smartphone to launch with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brings stunning graphical capabilities and an upgraded Google Now service, including new features such as contextual search. It is also a SAFE-designated device, which means it has additional security features to safe-guard sensitive data and communications.

The Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touchscreen with 16:9 aspect ratio, the standard for true HD video viewing, and comes with a 3,100 mAh battery, which is 24 percent larger than the original Galaxy Note.

Despite the much larger battery, the device weighs slightly less than the original Galaxy Note. As a result of a narrower bezel on all four sides of the screen, the screen is larger but the overall device is narrower. The Galaxy Note II is available in Marble White and Titanium Gray color options.

Create & Collaborate

At the heart of the Galaxy Note II and the ability to create and collaborate is the S Pen™, which has been ergonomically redesigned to provide a more precise and natural writing and drawing experience. The new S Pen can sense 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, four times more than the original S Pen.

When the new S Pen is removed from the Galaxy Note II, it automatically launches the S Pen menu, which opens a new home screen that allows one-touch access to most used S-Pen applications. Keeping track of the S Pen is simple now too because a visual and audible alarm appears if the user forgets to put the S Pen back inside the device.

The S Pen’s advanced features provide the ability to capture ideas, inspiration and information instantly, and to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen, such as adding new calendar appointments by writing the event details directly on the day of the week, signing or adding handwritten notes to an email.

Selecting and cropping text, images or other content on the Galaxy Note II with the S Pen is very similar to a traditional “click-mouse” experience. When the S Pen’s side button is pressed down, the S Pen recognizes that users want to clip or edit the selected content on the screen. Users can draw precise lines around the content to be cropped out, highlighted or copied into another application.

Key applications of the S Pen include:

• Easy Clip feature allows users to instantly outline and crop any content on the screen in any shape to save, share or paste. Once done cropping the image, users can freely edit the cropped content through coloring, shading, or their own personal handwriting.


• Air View allows users to hover with the S Pen over an email, calendar entry, image gallery or video to preview the content without having to open it or wait for screen transitions. This feature also enables users to preview Web site content without opening the full site. Air View provides a title description for unrecognizable icons in various applications.


• Quick Command uses the S Pen to quickly activate applications and services people use most often. The command pad appears with one upward swipe on the screen with the S Pen button pressed down. Users can send an email, make a call or search a location with pre-registered and customized S Pen stroke marks made on the command pad.


• Idea Sketch allows users to easily add illustrations by handwriting keywords on the S Note. It provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords. It’s a fancy illustration match function that will allow users to express, organize and visualize ideas in a more innovative and creative way. Users can even customize and add in their own illustrations library.


• Photo Notes allows users to create handwritten notes on the back of digital photos.

Multitask & Share

The Galaxy Note II takes multitasking to the next level by enabling consumers to launch multiple windows on one screen, including high definition video. Multitasking features include:

• Popup Note lets users open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window to jot down a quick note during a phone call, checking email or watching a video.


• Popup Video extends the concept of ‘Popup Play.’ While watching a video, with the touch of a button, the video will become a floating window on the display. The video will continue to play and it can be re-sized or repositioned to any part of the GALAXY Note II’s screen. This versatility means that users are free to load other applications beneath it to browse online or work in other apps such as email, calendar or text messaging.


• Popup Browser launches a new browser window when a user clicks on a link embedded in an email.

The Galaxy Note II contains many of the popular, real-life content sharing features introduced in June on the Samsung Galaxy S™ III including:

• S Beam – Tap back of Galaxy Note II against another S-Beam-enabled device to share large video files, documents or S Notes in seconds without using data service.


• Share Shot - Seamlessly share pictures taken with Galaxy Note II’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones from up to 200 feet away.


• Burst Shot/Best Shot – Capture rapid-fire still pictures with zero shutter lag; choose picture with optimal colors, lighting and clarity from Best Shot image recommendations.


• AllShare Cast™ and GroupCast™ have been expanded on the Galaxy Note II. Share premium video content, mobile games and movies and TV shows from Samsung Media Hub wirelessly with Samsung Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and other consumer electronics.

Customize & Accessorize

Protective Flip Cover – Samsung’s unique flip cover enhances the look of the Galaxy Note II with a premium leather front and glossy backing, while providing privacy and protection. The Protective Flip Cover comes in seven vibrant colors to customize the Galaxy Note II, including Titanium Gray, Marble White, Blue, Pink, Mint, Lime Green, and Orange.
S Pen with Eraser – This ergonomic, full-featured S Pen features a button for gestures and an eraser tip for easy corrections. This updated version of Samsung’s original S Pen truly mimics the feel of a pen or pencil.

For more information: Visit us at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

 Source: Android Central, Samsung Mobile

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TechFan Roundup: Was Apple's Event Another Game Changer? Our Staff Sounds Off

Take what you will out of Apple's announcement this past week- the iPhone is still king and people will scratch at the bit to get a hold of it. As of this morning, there are reports of pre-orders selling out in less than 60 minutes. But is it a game changer for the industry? Our staff seems to not think so, and there seems to be a consensus that the iPhone 5 is finally catching up to its competition.

Here's what our staff has to say....

Do you think Apple's announcement this week was another game changer for the industry? Will you be ordering the new stuff?

Jesse Mendoza: I don't consider the iPhone 5 a game changer, since it seemed all Apple was doing is catching up the iPhone to pretty much everything that's out there: Larger screen, "faster/thinner", LTE... gorgeous hardware as always, but nothing really blew me out of the water. Actually, I was more impressed with the changes done to the iPod Touch- better camera (now matching the iPhone's), larger screen, colors(!!), and the ability to add a lanyard to it is one of those "aha" moments. I could see myself using this as my primary point and shoot.

Andrew Allen: I don't consider the iPhone 5 a game changer nor will I be ordering one, but Apple continues to make a solid smartphone with great industrial design. I get the feeling they weren't going for game changer, but model refresh. They know the iPhone is their flagship device and only want to improve it not transform it.

Tony Robinson: There is no device on Verizon Wireless right now that would pull me away from the iPhone 5. 3G to LTE, A5 processor to the A6 processor, thinner, 4" screen and it's just a device that you can rely on. I enjoy using all devices but I'll be at Verizon Wireless bright and early on 9/21 to pick up a 32gb, black iPhone 5. Best thing? I do have 2 lines.

Sharon Copeland: No I don't I think it was... It was a way to give their loyal fans applications and upgrades that were lacking in the OS and on the phone. Most of the things were not that exciting and they were leaked before hand. They always seem a step behind to me.

Marc Zeffren: While I do not necessarily see it as a game changer, it is still a huge improvement over the 4S. It is thinner and lighter, yet it packs a bigger punch. No, they didn't redesign the phone, but do they need to? No, they didn't redesign the home screen, but I like the simplicity and fluidity of it. Yes, it may seem boring, and no it is not a game changer, but it is still one of the best, if not the best phone on the market.

Andrew Clausen: Game changer? No. They released another device that steadily gets "better". Nothing groundbreaking. We've had fast, four inch phones for awhile so this is nothing new. But I think it will sell and will become the new standard as they always do. Also, they're gonna get sued so that'll be fun!

Tom Fleming: Yes, I do consider it a game changer, but not in the manner that most are going to think or say. Nothing in the hardware or software was game changing or original, in fact, it was all blatant theft from other company's. That being said, I do think that the iPhone 5 is going to change the mobile world as a result of the lawsuits that are going to be filed due to patent infringement. Apple opened this Pandora's box by insisting on suing others, now they are going to have to deal with the fall out. In the end, as I have suggested before, the consumers will suffer.

What do you think? Did you pre-order the iPhone 5? Will you be in line on Sept. 21 for the goodies? Sound off in our comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

Read More

TechFan Roundup: New Tech Staff Picks of the Week

What an insane week in tech news! It seems everyone and they brother announced some sort of device the past few days, and we're not done yet. With the Apple announcement coming next week, we'll have even more tech news to sink our hungry, little teeth into.

If we all had a million dollars to spend, I'm sure each one of us would have picked one of each that was announced this week (except for Tom!). Still, it doesn't hurt to dream a little. Some of us are set in what we'd like to own now, while others are going to wait it out to see what Apple brings to the table next week.

This week we ask:

With all that was announced by Nokia, Motorola, and Amazon this week, and Apple next week, what one device would you like to own if you had the means?

Jesse Mendoza: I'm intrigued by the 8.9" Amazon Kindle Fire HD and is the one device I would own. I've been looking for an alternative to an iPad, and Amazon's ecosystem is one of the best out there. My only hesitation is that I've pretty much sold my soul to Google services, so my Nexus 7 would need to remain in my bag no matter what. If the Fire HD can offer the same experience in a light, easy to carry package that's enough to replace my Nexus 7, I'm all there.

Sharon Copeland: If I had the means, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD LTE as a tablet... I would like the Nokia 920 as a phone. I'd dump my Galaxy Note in a heartbeat.

Andrew Allen: Some variation of the Nokia Lumia 820 intrigues me the most. With wireless charging and the ability to customize it with several different colored back plates, I think this device is very appealing. I know the 920 is getting all the press, but I prefer the smaller of the two. Nokia also seems to have a planned roadmap as far as NFC and wireless accessories that makes me want this phone right now. Make it happen Verizon!

Tom Fleming: None. I wrote a story about this in a previous article. I don't feel that any of the devices that have been announced, or are about to be announced are unique or compelling when compared to what I already own or what is already on the market. The Amazon ecosystem blocks you out of anything not provided by Amazon, which to me is shortsighted and will be their eventual downfall. The only drastic improvements and changes made by Motorola were to battery life, which while extremely important, are not enough to have me buy a new phone. Nokia has hitched their ride to the number three OS in a two OS game. Based upon the hype and leaks about the Apple announcement all of their changes are going to be reactionary to what is being seen as successful by other companies... larger phones, smaller tablets, 4G capability... nothing unique or revolutionary.

Tony Robinson: I'm looking forward to the next iPhone on Verizon Wireless. 4" screen (or larger), LTE, centered FaceTime cam, 3.5mm headset port on the bottom, etc. I'm not an Apple fanboy but I know what works best for me. I still enjoy all other platforms like the Droid RAZR line-up and the WP8 devices coming to Verizon. Both are very exciting and intriguing.

Andrew Clausen: I'm a big fan of Amazon, so if I had the means, I would get the new Kindle Fire HD. I love that Amazon is not only beating eReaders at their own game, but general tablet manufacturers as well. The first Fire was nice and fluid, especially with their OS. Now, with the additions of new hardware and new software, the Fire HD looks like it could really be a huge seller.

Jeffrey Shafran: Of all things announced this week I want the Motorola Razr M phone. It has a little 4.3" display along with a 2000 mAh battery, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB ram. This little device is a compact smartphone that would suite my needs well and not take alot of space up in my pocket. I am personally tired of the big screens and rather large size of current Android phones.

Marc Zeffren: I will definitely be getting the iPhone 5. I haven't seen anything I like besides the new Windows Phones, but who knows when Verizon will actually release them. And with Nokia faking those videos... I'm just going to be very cautious with them for the time being.

Did anything announced over the past few day catch your eye? Sound off in our comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Staff App Picks of the Week

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

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Google Play Gift Cards Spotted

Just yesterday, the folks at Android Police uncovered evidence in the most recent Google Play Store APK (application file) that had references to code associated with redeeming gift card codes, along with redesigned pages that will hold the links to be used. And now, Android Central has images of the actual Google Play gift card themselves, all nicely packaged and ready to be put on store shelves in $10 and $25 denominations.

This leaves no doubt that Google is making inroads to having the Google Play store up front and center for shoppers to see right along with iTunes and various other gift card vendors. The bigger question is, will shoppers buy in? It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

Source: Android Police, Android Central 

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TechFan Roundup: Staff App Picks of the Week

Apps, apps, and more apps. We love them, and we're sure you do to. How would you spend your day otherwise!

Here are a few of the staff's favorites this week:

Tony Robinson: Tweet Lanes (Android, free) - This is an up and coming Android Twitter app that I'm really starting to enjoy. The dev behind Tweet Lanes is very quick on the updates and listens to users attentively. Notifications are coming very soon and it's nice to see Nexus 7 support. You can grab it at the Google Play Store at this link.

Jesse Mendoza: NBC Olympics Live Extra (Android, Free) - I've been all about the Olympics this week, and the Live Extra app on my Nexus 7 has been a treat to use when I need to catch up on all of the action I've missed. I can set alerts to all of my favorite sports and get a notification when the action starts. As long as I'm on a decent WiFi connection, the streaming does a nice job. The occasional barrage of ads can get annoying at times, but the portability of the Nexus 7 means I can take the Olympics with me wherever I go.

Marc Zeffren: Dead Trigger (Android, iOS, Free) - If you like killing zombies (dont we all?) this is a great game. It is free and has tons of weapons and levels to unlock. Just a great game overall.

Paul Canty: Adaway (Android - free) - A must have app for me; Titanium Backup (Android - free version); Plume Twitter app (Android $2.99); FoxFi tethering app( Android - free); Pandora radio (Android - free). Those are just a few of my most used apps.

Kayla Ward: Local FM Radio (WP7, free) - I cannot! I repeat, CANNOT go over my 2g data limit. This makes it difficult to stream Pandora or, my favorite, last.fm. Into my hands, falls Local FM Radio. This past weekend I attended a convention and used this app to hear the broadcast better. After about 5 hours of near constant play, I had only used 17 mb! As for actual functions, it allows favorite-ing (remember when those were called presets?), seeking, and manually entering channels. This app also makes use of WP7's built in music interface, so can play, pause, and skip stations all from your home and lock screens. So bust out your headphones (they act as your antenna) and listen to some REAL radio stations in your area.

Andrew Clausen: Plume (Android, free) - My favorite free app has got to be Plume for Android. I am on the beta channel so I get to see it grow and I like that. My favorite pay app is actually HaxSync which syncs Facebook pictures and posts to contacts. It has a good team behind it and I don't mind paying $0.99 for it.

Any favorite apps of your own? Sound off in our Comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

Read More

TechFan Roundup: Out with the old, In with the new... Or not?

If you're a tech aficionado like the rest of us here at TechFanatix, then you probably own one of these:

A gadget drawer.

You know, the place where all of your old and worn down gadgets go to rest, only to be replaced by the latest and greatest? Some of us keep them for sentimental reasons, others just don't want to populate landfills with that kind of stuff.

Then we have those that sell, sell, sell to gather a little cash to grab the Next Big Thing. Someone out there must need what you have, right? Whether it's shiny and new, or old and tattered someone somewhere wants your gadget. If eBay or Craigslist listings are any indication, it's a big market these days and people are buying.

This week we ask our staff:

Do you hang on to your old gadgets when you replace them, or do you sell them to get a little cash for more?

Jesse Mendoza: I've recently started to sell off a few of my older devices simply because my gadget drawers are over flowing and I'm running out of room to keep them all! I am, however, holding on to my collection of Palm and webOS devices simply for sentimental value. My very first "smart device" was a Palm Pilot, and my last was an HP Pre 3. It's all I've ever known. All of them still work to this day and I find it too hard to let any of them go.

Andrew Allen: For me it depends on the device, but I have also started selling some of mine. I like having rarities. I have a Verizon Pre 3 and a Nokia N9 that I may keep. The older I get the less sentimental I've become. However, I may always own at least one webOS device just to fire up and shed a tear over now and then. (awww me too! -Ed.)

The Gadget Mom: I have a zero sum gadget budget, so in order to get a new gadget, one, or several must be sold. Craigslist is my friend. The only gadget I wish I had hung on to is my original Pre Plus from Verizon. Otherwise, out with the old, in with the new.

Marc Zeffren: I used to be a keeper of my old devices. I thought it would be cool to have a timeline of my devices. But as devices started to come out more and more often, I decided to start selling my phones so I could subsidize my purchases if I didn't have an upgrade to use.

Kayla Ward: Currently, I have a tote of gadgets, many of which are wrapped in paper for preservation. Why sell them when I can horde them?! I doubt I could get much for them anyhow, considering they are usually outdated when I'm using them... plus I use them "well." They have been cried on, hit on, beat up, listened to my problems, and kept me up with theirs. My phones are like my always-there, inanimate friends-- wow, I probably need to reevaluate my friend standards. There's something oddly feel-good about pulling out my i736 and hearing it say, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" or my Tungsten E to get frustrated with Graffiti. I may not use them often, but it's nice to know I can.

Tony Robinson: I did keep devices until recently when it became apparent that cost reduction meant selling devices. This definitely holds true when purchasing devices sans contract.

Andrew Clausen: I'm usually a pack rat so I keep most of my tech gadgets. I still have my two BlackBerry 8330s and 9650. A lot of times, though, I will give them to friends or family. I gave my sister my HTC Thunderbolt and took her upgrade to get the Galaxy Nexus.

Paul Canty: I used to be a "pack rat" back when I owned every iDevice out there, but then I realized I owned too many and really only used the newest one. The older iDevices were basically only used for the testing I did for a few jb tools, tweaks and themes etc... Once I made the switch to Android, I found myself selling older phones soon as I got new one's. I didn't see any point in keeping them and I used the money to buy the newest and best phones out.

How about you? What's the oldest toy in your gadget drawer these days? Sound off in our comments!

Don’t forget to catch TechFanatix on Facebook and Google Plus!

See more TechFan Roundup goodness:

Early adopter or sit and wait? Which one are you?

Would you buy an Amazon or Facebook branded phone?

Our favorite ways to unplug

Google I/O Staff Favorites

Staff Picks of the Week

Read More

Gmail for Android updated, gets full Nexus 7 support

Google has pushed out an update to the official Gmail app for Android that includes full support for the Nexus 7 running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It’s available to download now on the Google Play store.

Although the Gmail app was customized for the Nexus 7 out of the box, this update improves support for the 7 inch form factor. There doesn’t seem to be any major changes to the UI that we can see, except the Reply, Reply All, and Forward options are no longer hidden in a drop down menu, and instead have been brought out as icons next to the top bar that shows the sender address. There still isn’t a way to zoom in and out of messages, which seems to be the most requested feature from users.

For now, this update seems to be all about improvements and bug fixes, but the improved support for 7-inch tablets is a welcome update nonetheless.

Have you seen anything different after the update? Let us know in the comments!

Source: MobileSyrup, Google Play Store

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TechFan Roundup: Early Adopter or Sit and Wait? Which one are you?

Shiny tech is our passion. When something new comes around that really gets our gadgety juices flowing, it's really hard to resist clicking the Buy Now button in hopes of being one of the first to own the Next Big Thing in tech. Some of us are better at holding back than others, while the REST of us get finger cramp every time the Track Now button lights up with the location of our package.

You know who you are.

Our entire day is spent following that lovely brown box every step of the way until it reaches our doorstep. And once it arrives, we can't resist telling the world via social media that it's in our hot little hands. I'm quite comfortable calling it a sickness, but I'm a gadget geek at heart anyway.

And so we ask our staff this question:

When shiny, new gadgets are announced that really catch your eye, what determines whether or not you'll be the first in line to buy it on day one?

Hiemanshu Sharma: I am never really going to get something first day, I always wait for a week before I get a review. I usually do a quick lookup for reviews, the hackability and such before getting one. But if I really had to make a choice, I'd go with specs, make of the gadget, and the cost, of course. Something like a Nexus 7 is a no-brainer for the price it offers, but I'd think twice before paying for an International version HTC One X or SGS3.

Jesse Mendoza: Money, of course! But seriously, for me being the ultra gadget geek that I am, I'm not shy to admit I'm one of those first adopters. That doesn't mean I don't think through things before making my purchase, however. My most recent purchase was the Nexus 7 tablet. I'm a big fan of the 7 inch form factor in tablets because of their portability. I sold my iPad 2 earlier this year and haven't missed it since owning the Nexus 7. The fact that it was a Nexus device with Jelly Bean on board was also appealing since my daily driver is a Galaxy Nexus phone- the two work great together and I have been happy with my purchase ever since! Not to mention the $199 price point was hard to beat. And yes, I pre-ordered it on day one.

Tom Fleming: What makes it the shiny new device is what I am looking for. My most recent purchase was the Nexus 7. I already had a tablet, the Transformer Prime, but I loved the idea of the smaller 7 inch form, and wanted Jelly Bean. That being said, I've come to the realization that I like my devices to be stock Android, and am not going to jump at something that has Blur or TouchWiz layered over it. I know I don't like those devices, so I wouldn't jump for one with them.

Andrew Allen: I would have to say the usability for me as the end-user is high on the list for me. Money is always an issue as well, but if the platform doesn't fit with the rest of my home environment, usually, I'm not interested, except just playing with it in Best Buy. I will most likely never adopt a full time Apple product due to their closed ecosystem and not playing nice with Linux, etc. I also enjoy having the newest and greatest. It's nice to be pushing the technology envelope.

Patrick Campanale: I can't say the last time I actually bought an electronic device. My last one was the HP Touchpad, and that was because I'm a huge webOS fan. But if I had to pick what it would be for me to get something new, it would have to be specs and price. As a high schooler, price is everything. The Nexus 7 looks to be the perfect tablet, and I hope to pick one up soon!

Marc Zeffren: I'm an early adopter, an impulse buyer. But eventually I do come to my senses. If not for the return policy, I'd be in big trouble. I like to try new things all the time, but only if it's truly different. I am not going to buy a new HTC device just because it came out, only if it clearly stands out from the device I have now. So when the SGS3 came out, I got it. But I did come to my senses and returned it after a week, after realizing that I would rather have a Galaxy Nexus with Jellybean over a bloated touchwood device. So yes, if something really catches my eye, I will probably get it, but will I keep it? Only if it is truly great.

Tony Robinson: Pricing and personal financial stability is a concern. I NEVER live beyond my means. Also, the ability of said device to fit into my daily life is vital. I purchased the 32G TouchPad for $149, but quickly realized it didn't fit into my lifestyle which is primarily iOS and Android. I was pulling for webOS for sure. The iPad Mini (if this happens) is quite tempting. I may either sell my current new iPad if I end up preferring the 7-7.85" form factor. I was tempted to purchase a BlackBerry Playbook when it first launched, but knew it wouldn't fit anywhere into my daily lifestyle. I am, however, intrigued by BlackBerry 10 and upcoming devices. Let's hope this is sooner than later.

Kayla Ward: I am never a day one person, mainly because of money. I don't see spending my rent money on something I already see flaws in... like (sorry for the bluntness) if it runs Android. I am very fortunate in that I receive many devices as loaners before I would consider buying them. At that point, my biggest concerns include OS, whether it fits a particular need or want in my daily life (note taking, etc), uniqueness, and flawless industrial design. Specs have never been a big concern of mine, nor the ecosystem, nor apps.

Andrew Clausen: Depends on how expensive it is and the specs on it. Like with my new MacBook Pro, for example. When they were announced I looked at how expensive it was and what specs it had compared to last year's models. Also, I read many reviews on how they performed too, because if there's one thing I've learned, it is that great looking specs don't always perform up to snuff because of cheap parts (i.e. hardware, software, etc.)

What about you? Do you consider yourself and early adopter? Or would you prefer to sit it out to see what comes next? Sound off in our comments!

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See the rest of our TechFan Roundup articles here.

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