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

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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

Read More

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!

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