Smartphones are use more for Wi-Fi hotspot connections as we want information from mobile devices on demand, but not by paying more for mobile broadband. Tablets are catching up to laptops in this regard too, making strong cases for hetnets, more hotspots and small cells. Read more »
Android’s fragmentation continues to recede with new data showing 28.5 percent of Google phones and tablets now running either Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean. The software’s pace of change has slowed and more devices are shipping with the newest software. Read more »
Windows Phone 8 sales begin in earnest this week at AT&T, which is offering the Lumia 920, Lumia 820 and HTC Windows Phone 8X. Prices range across the line-up, but the best deal appears to be the flagship 920 for $99 with contract. Read more »
With only a few days of iPad mini use, I know it’s the right iPad for me. Sure, it lacks a Retina display, but the screen has a higher pixel density than the first few iPads. After two years of pining, this was worth the wait. Read more »
What ties many design parts together into a highly desired, functional product? Connectedness, ranging from user interface, user experience, product functions and self-healing, says Yves Behar. Touch is a big factor and you might be surprised by which companies Behar says are doing it right. Read more »
As Windows computers morph into tablets, expect more such devices to be found in network operator stores. Case in point: AT&T will sell Samsung’s Smart PC with mobile broadband radio for $799 without contract. Is the price too high for what you’re getting? Read more »
Tablet sales are rising says IDC, as 27.7 million slates were sold in the last quarter. Apple still holds a majority market share as Samsung, Amazon and others are catching up to the iPad. But there’s a bigger story here when it comes to PCs. Read more »
On this week’s audio podcast, Kevin shares hands on impressions of the iPad mini: he likes it better than iPad 3. Meanwhile, Matt explains what Microsoft announced at the Windows 8 launch event and recaps his usage of Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet. Read more »
This week was huge for Android devices. The Nexus 7 gained a 3G model and more storage for less money. LG’s Nexus 4 launched with a low no-contract price of $299 while for $100 more you can get a Nexus 10 tablet with outstanding screen. Read more »
Apple’s iPad mini is here, but does it offer a big experience in a small package or is this just a useless device for many? I like the form factor and it turns out that the lower resolution display isn’t all that bad! Read more »
Although Hurricane Sandy put the kibosh on Google’s Android event this week, the company still introduced the Nexus 4 smartphone. My first impressions show some nice evolution from last year’s Galaxy Nexus, including more memory and a slimmer form-factor at the same price or lower. Read more »
Windows Phone 8 is here, billed as “a phone made for you.” I can see why, given the customization of information, but wasn’t that available in the prior version? There are a few new features, but maybe not enough to boost Windows Phone handset sales. Read more »
Google’s Android platform now comes in three sizes, available directly from the company’s store. The Nexus 4 smartphone, built by LG, is an unlocked GSM handset while the Nexus 7 gains storage and mobile broadband. And Google’s high-res Nexus 10 tablet launches for $399. Read more »
Verizon Wireless traditionally hasn’t been a huge Windows Phone supporter, but it has added a new exclusive Microsoft handset to its lineup on Monday. Nokia’s Lumia 822 with LTE support will sell for $99 with contract and is aimed at first time smartphone owners. Read more »
On this week’s audio podcast, we finally hear what Matt thinks of the Galaxy Note 2 that he’s been waiting for and how has. Both Kevin and Matt share impressions about Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet, which has the potential to help Windows Phone sales. Read more »
This week in Android seemed more a precursor to next week than anything else. This coming Monday’s Google event isn’t likely to hold many surprises as the result of various leaks such as the Nexus 10 tablet and more details of the Nexus 4 smartphone. Read more »
Google’s Android event next week may not hold many surprises. We’ve already heard about the Nexus 4 smartphone from LG coming and now there are reported images and specifications on Samsung-built Nexus 10 tablet: a super high-resolution 10-inch Nexus with Samsung’s fast new chip. Read more »
Samsung may have lost a patent dispute with Apple but it’s looking like a smart investment: The company kept its top-selling smartphone sales status and increased its lead over Apple. Meanwhile, Nokia fell out of the top 5 smartphone sellers for the first time ever. Read more »
Along with Windows 8, Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet is here. The slate uses chips that typically power smartphones but Windows runs quite well on it and the hardware is extremely well made and — dare I say it — sexy? See for yourself in this early look. Read more »
With a new operating system, Microsoft has a new story to tell about Windows 8. The “reimagined” interface made for touch and the diversity of hardware support, coupled with a strong ecosystem was the gist of the sale. Smartly, Microsoft didn’t compare itself to competitors directly. Read more »
Windows 8 is here and and Microsoft is holding a NYC event to tell its story. The new operating system provides support for older Windows apps, but also has the Windows RT offshoot for new, touch-friendly apps. Here’s our live blog of the event. Read more »
Following an investor call where it reported another loss on $8.7 billion in revenues, Sprint announced a special-offer on smaller tablet plans to help retain customers. New 100 MB and 1 GB tablet plan start next month for $10 and $15 respectively, with no activation fee. Read more »
Now that Apple has a new $329 iPad mini, more people can afford the iPad experience. But what if you already have an iPad? Would you consider a smaller, second one or might the new 7.9-inch iPad become your primary tablet? Let us know! Read more »
It’s finally here: Apple launched the iPad mini, a 7.9-inch tablet that runs all iPad apps on a 1024 x 768 display. The small slate is meant to be held in one hand and taken everywhere, which is likely where there’s an LTE option available. Read more »
Dell’s XPS 10 is the company’s tablet that runs Microsoft Windows RT and it starts at a reasonable $499. Add the useful keyboard dock though — which also includes additional ports and a second battery — and you’re looking at a base price of $679. Is that compelling? Read more »
AT&T’s version of the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2 arrives in stores on November 8 with pre-orders expected to begin this week. The phone will use Samsung’s 1.6 GHz quad-core chip, promising speedy performance on the device, supplemented with AT&T’s LTE network for fast mobile broadband. Read more »
Google surprised many last week by launching a new $249 Chromebook, which is $200 lower than the prior model. One part of the cost savings is replacing the Intel processor with a new Samsung chip designed for phones and tablets. So how’s the performance? Read more »
With a new Windows release, Microsoft is playing up to one it’s key advantages that’s easy to overlook: By licensing its software, buyers can personally choose from a variety of device sizes and form factors. But to play it safe, Surface RT is all Microsoft. Read more »
When Microsoft’s Windows 8 debuts later this week, one of the most popular voice and video calling apps will be available. That makes sense, as Microsoft bought Skype last year, but making even more sense is Skype integration with the Windows 8 / RT People hub. Read more »
On this week’s audio podcast Matt and Kevin discuss the new Google Chromebook and some special deals you can get that effectively pay for the device. Lumia sales are down; could Windows 8 and Surface RT help jumpstart sales? And why Xbox Music sounds good. Read more »
Even with new devices announced, the Galaxy Note 2 continues to impress. This week, I spent more time learning about the useful S-Pen. Meanwhile, Google’s mobile revenues are app; could content for the Nexus 7 be helping? Acer’s new small slate cuts a few corners. Read more »
If a web app works on Google’s old Chromebooks, it works on the new one just announced, right? Not exactly: Netflix doesn’t, nor does Bastion, a fun browser-based game. Native code in the browser may require web apps to be recompiled for the new chips. Read more »
Google’s new Chromebook debuted in a Wi-Fi only model, leaving many to wonder if there would eventually be a 3G model. Turns out, there already is. Verizon’s 3G network is supported on the $329.99 device and includes 100 MB of monthly data at no extra charge. Read more »
On this week’s show, we explain why cord cutters might be very interested in Boxee’s new product. Prior to next week’s Apple event we discuss the likely products. And which company has told a better story: Microsoft for Surface RT or Google for Chromebooks? Read more »
Google’s newest Chromebook, made by Samsung, only costs $249 and offers the same general performance of ChromeOS is a smaller, lighter package. How’d they do it? This model uses the same chip type that powers smartphones and tablets. Take a look at my hands-on thoughts. Read more »
Looking for a low-cost, small Android tablet? There are several choices and now there’s one more: Acer’s Iconia Tab A110 launches by month-end for $229.99. Before you get too excited, though, look at the display, which has a lower resolution screen than competing products. Read more »
Google sent out a cryptic invite to media and press on Wednesday, with a New York City event taking place on Oct. 29. The focus will definitely be on Android, but will it be new hardware — the next Nexus, perhaps — new software, or both? Read more »
Normally, my gadget addiction compels me to buy new devices as soon as they’re available. So why didn’t I pre-order Microsoft’s Surface with Windows RT tablet? One key reason is that Microsoft hasn’t explained why I should; essentially this is a brand new mobile platform. Read more »
It’s not often I buy a mobile gadget and get a bonus, but that’s how I feel about the S-Pen in Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2. I never thought I’d use the digital pen, but I’m finding more uses for it every day; here are a few. Read more »
Tired of synchronizing data, media and apps between a phone and a tablet? Asus is hoping so; the company introduced the PadFone 2, a powerful Google Android phone that docks into a thin 10.1-inch tablet shell and powers the slate for dozens of hours. Read more »
