5 Things to Consider When Buying a New iPhone

Many consumers swear by the handheld electronic device for web browsing, texting, phone calls, and numerous applications (Angry Birds, anyone?). If you're considering a purchase of the new iPhone, there are a number of factors to consider before investing in this popular technology.

#1: Your Carrier

Not all carriers support Apple's iPhone; in fact, only three major United States carriers can sell and support the smartphone, including Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. Although this may seem like a small number of choices, you should be aware that AT&T used to have a monopoly on the iPhone as the only carrier. If you have a different carrier currently, you should research each iPhone carrier's service bundles. Each company offers different incentives to lure customers in; you need to choose the best option for your personal tastes.

#2: Contracts

The iPhone is typically sold with a two year contract; agreeing to the contract allows you to purchase the phone at a substantially lower price, usually starting at $199.00. However, it is possible to buy an iPhone referred to as "unlocked" at a higher price to avoid the two year contract. How much is the unlocked phone? It is possible to start the purchase at $649.00. Ouch. Most consumers agree to the two year contract since they will need the carrier anyway to send and receive phone calls and data. Speaking of data....

#3: Service Bundles

Long gone are the days of a simple cell phone calling plan which would normally offer a set of minutes per month. Currently, iPhone owners need to purchase and maintain monthly service bundles. These will commonly include a set of monthly calling minutes, a text quantity, and data usage. In the early days of the iPhone, data usage, such as Internet browsing, was sold as an unlimited monthly charge. However, as more people jumped on the smartphone craze, cellular sites were being overloaded with data needs which caused slow downloads and dropped signals. Cell phone carriers changed their unlimited bundles to a variety of different data quantities, from servicing a rare user to a heavy download enthusiast. Naturally, the more data usage chosen will cost the consumer more on a monthly basis.

#4: Model Type

Many cell phone carriers offer a number of different iPhone models, such as 3GS, 4, and 4S. The older models tend to be much more inexpensive than the newly released versions; be aware that the older models may have software issues somewhere along the two year contract. If you cannot update your software on your older iPhone, many applications will not work. In the long run, it is a better decision to pay for the newer iPhone version to secure software support from Apple.

#5: Protection

The iPhone's brilliant touch screen will not look or function well if there is a large crack or shattering across the glass surface. Although the phone is sturdy, new owners should purchase a strong, protective cover or shell to house the device in case of an accidental drop. Over the course of two years, it is best to protect the investment as much as possible.

Peter is an expert phone user and helps people make phone choices at Wringr phones. He is a great fan of the iPhone 4

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Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II GSM Smartphone 16 GB 8 MP Camera Android WiFi GPS

The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II is an upgrade to Samsung's already popular Galaxy smartphone line. The main improvements are in the display and in the operating system software which has been optimized to maximize the use of each processor in the dual-core 1Ghz microprocessor that drives the Galaxy.

One key upgrade that Galaxy users will notice right away is the amount of built-in memory, where the former Galaxy came with 8 GB of built-in system memory that could be expanded to 32, the Galaxy S II is equipped with 16 GB from the outset. This means the Galaxy S II can handle more sophisticated applications right from the box. One can add 16 GB or memory on a superSD card for a total of 32 GB easily.

Another key feature is the size. The Galaxy S II is incredibly light, at 4.2 ounces. It is also thin at 0.3 inches and it is 2.6 inches deep. The screen is huge at 4.9 inches and the newly released superAMOLED Plus touchscreen display delivers a more brilliant range of colors than the superAMOLED display that was standard on the Galaxy. For example, greens, reds and blues are more brilliant while the hues for each of those main colors is also brighter. The SuperAMOLED Plus screen also delivers better contrast so that blacks are richer and whites are brighter. This, in turn, leads to text that is easier to read so that if you are using your Galaxy S II for work, you will find your memos are much more visible. Further, texts that you create, whether memos or quick messages, will be easier to read and create.

The superAMOLED Plus lens color palette also allows you to view streaming colors more vividly and, if you watch movies or play games on your Galaxy S II, you will find that the colors each mode is enhanced. The superAMOLED Plus screen operates at high-definition resolution of 800 by 400. It is also equipped with two cameras an 8 MP autofocus rear camera that delivers video at high-definition's native resolution 1080 p at 30 frames per second. It is also equipped with a front 2MP camera that allows enhanced videoconferencing or chatting. The Galaxy S II has 410 minutes of talk time or 610 hours of standby time.

Driven by the Android operating system, as was its predecessor, the Galaxy S II has access to more than 200,000 user-written applications that range from simple apps to complex editors and more. It is apparent from using the Galaxy S II that the base system software - the software that runs under the operating system and makes the Galaxy S II a phone and not just a collection of circuits - has been optimized to take advantage of the two CPUs available in the dual-core microprocessor. This means that you can multitask easily and that when both CPUs are dedicated to the same task, as in when you are gaming, for example, the Galaxy S II is speedier.

Part of that speed, though, comes from the fact that this network-centric device recognizes all of the major 802.11 WiFi standards a/b/g/n. When the Galaxy S II is operating on an HSPA + network, it runs at 21 Mbps, while HSUPA networks allow speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps. So, if each CPU stream is optimized for a specific recognized mode, and each processor is running at that speed, then your network speed will be far faster than you expect.

With a universe of nearly 200,000 apps available, one will find the Galaxy S II can be a useful business or gaming tool. One should find that it is an excellent upgrade that is lighter, quicker and capable.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS

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An Introduction To The Handy Pattern Lock App For The iPhone 4S

If you own an Android smartphone like the HTC Sensation, you will probably be familiar with the various methods it employs to keep unauthorised users out of the phone. Some of these methods are now available for Apple devices like the iPhone 4S thanks to an app called 'Pattern Lock For iPhone'.

In this article I will look at the features this app possesses and how to use it effectively.

Connect the Dots Security
This method is likely to be familiar if you have ever used an Android smartphone. On the lockscreen, you will be presented with 9 dots (3x3 formation). You simply run your finger across the screen to match the dots forming the correct pattern to unlock the phone. This is similar to the standard pass code entry on the iPhone 4S, however you do not remove your finger from the screen after entering each number.

Fingerprint Scanner
This method of unlocking the screen is not only very secure, but is also likely to impress your friends. It works by recognising your fingerprint, and as you are probably aware, this is unique to you so it is very difficult to bypass by an unauthorised person. When the screen is locked, there will be a square on the screen where you place your finger tip. The screen will recognise your fingerprint and unlock the phone, and of course if the fingerprint is not recognised, the screen will remain locked. This is similar to the biometric fingerprint scanner on the Motorola Atrix, however this is located on the back of the phone rather than on the screen.

Alpha-Numeric Entry
This is similar to the standard pass code feature which is already used by millions of iPhone users who choose to lock their phone when not in use. However, this has the addition of a QWERTY keyboard as well as numbers so you can enter a password with many more characters than a standard pass code. This makes it very unlikely for anyone to guess your password, so is ideal for those who have private or sensitive information stored on their iPhone 4S.

If you have sensitive information on your iPhone 4S, this is an essential app, and at just £0.69 is well worth the price for the peace of mind it can bring. The app can also be assigned to specific folders on your iPhone, so even when the screen is unlocked you can restrict access to specific folders which you can customise with the apps of your choice.

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Can The Nokia Lumia 800 Be As Popular As The N8?

The Symbian-powered Nokia N8 was, undoubtedly, one of Nokia's most popular handsets to date. However, it's unlikely that the phone will ever see a true successor, thanks to the Finns' switch to Windows Phone 7 as the main operating system for its high-end line-up. Can the new Nokia Lumia 800 handset ever be as popular as the Nokia N8?

The Nokia N8, for those who don't remember, was released to much fanfare back in October 2010. The phone arrived on shelves, albeit late, running the most-up-to-date version of the Finns' Symbian^3 software, which dressed its gorgeous 3.5-inch AMOLED display. However, it was that 12 megapixel camera that really wow-ed the UK public.

It's thanks to this 12 megapixel sensor, as well as its Carl Zeiss optics and Xenon flash, that the phone was crowned one of the best camera phones to date. One review, for example, wrote: "In short, the N8 has the best camera available on a smartphone today."

It wasn't just its excellent camera that won the Nokia N8 critical acclaim. Tech sites also said that although not perfect, the Espoo's new Symbian^3 operating system was finally catching up to iOS and Android. The phone's 1200mAh battery also equipped the phone with an impressive all day battery life.

Symbian may have just been catching up, but Nokia has decided to switch its main focus to Windows Phone 7, and has launched its debut high-end Mango smartphone: the Nokia Lumia 800.

Windows Phone, as has been well-publicised, is certainly not to everyone's taste. However, it's arguably much more intuitive than Nokia's ageing Symbian software, offering a vibrant Live Tile interface and deeper social networking integration. Of course, switching from Symbian to WP7 would be a difficult move for a Nokia fan, but we think they would soon be won over by the software's included Xbox Live gaming and Microsoft Office smartphone suite.

But what about that all important camera? The Nokia Lumia 800 sports an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera, complete with the same Carl Zeiss optics as the Nokia N8 and 720p HD video support. This, although not as hyped as that found on its Symbian sibling, has received some excellent reviews across the web. As has the handset's unique design, which has been touted as one of the most stunning and original on the smartphone market today.

Can the Nokia Lumia 800 ever be as popular as the Nokia N8? We certainly think it deserves to be.

Looking to upgrade to the Lumia 800. Why not recycle your Nokia N8

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Two Of The Best Free Applications Available For The BlackBerry Bold 9900

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is the premium model in the BlackBerry range of mobile devices. This superb handset offers a full Qwerty keypad together with a high quality capacitive touchscreen to give users superb image quality and excellent navigation. One area that is rapidly improving on BlackBerry devices is the excellent BlackBerry App World online store. This is where user can download a variety of applications for their device. Although this store does not offer the sheer number of applications that you will find on alternative platforms such as Android and iOS there are still over 60 thousand applications to choose from. We take a look at two of the best free downloads available for this model.

An essential download for owners of the BlackBerry Bold 9900 should be the superb BlackBerry Protect application. Modern phones can store a variety of personal data but this does mean that if you were to lose or misplace your precious handset your personal data is at risk. BlackBerry Protect helps you to locate your phone if it is lost or stolen. By logging into the application website the exact whereabouts of your phone can be displayed on a map. You can then try and recover the phone yourself or pass the information onto the police if you believe that it has been stolen. This excellent application is also superb for protecting your data. Contacts, messages and memos are all automatically backed up by the software so even if you do end up needing to replace your device your information can be easily transferred to your new handset. You can choose how regularly your data is backed up with choices ranging from daily to monthly.

TuneIn Radio is a superb application for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 that delivers thousands of internet radio stations directly to the handset. Over 50 thousand stations are available and users have the choice of searching by the genre of music that they want to listen to or by listening the stations alphabetically. There is also a search option available which is perfect if you know the name of the station that you want to listen to. The application enables users to store their favourite stations and location services on the 9900 are utilised so that the device can also find local stations that are available. If you have a WiFi connection available then it is advisable to use this for TuneIn Radio as using a 3G network can eat up around 100MB of data allowance in one hour.

There are thousands of great applications available for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the two we have looked at are among the very best that we have discovered. BlackBerry Protect should be regarded as an important piece of software for all users of this phone while TuneIn Radio delivers a great selection of music that caters for all tastes.

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All About Unlocking iPhones

Unlocking an iPhone is often interchanged with jailbreaking. But they're not exactly the same. Jailbreaking is a procedure that's done to let you use applications that aren't Apple-approved on your iPhone. However, before you can unlock your iPhone, you need to jailbreak it. Unlocking in this sense means breaking the lock on your SIM card and lets you use your iPhone with not just carriers that are approved by Apple, but with whichever network you prefer.

For example, Verizon and AT&T are the only networks with which you can use your iPhone. By unlocking your mobile, you can use other mobile communication networks in your local region or anywhere else in the world.

You have to be cautious, though, about this procedure, since it presents some risks. For one thing, there's a possibility that your phone can suffer damage while in the process of unlocking. Furthermore, you'll automatically void your phone warranty as soon as you have it unlocked. You can ask for technical support from Apple once you've done this.

Official upgrades for your iPhone won't be easy anymore to install once you have the device unlocked. For some cases, you might be able to install the upgrade, but running it on your phone will most probably become complicated and problematic.

However, your iPhone will still be functioning normally even if you've unlocked it. There isn't any other unfavorable effect in its standard operation after unlocking. Your phone will still have the same features and functions as it had before you had it modified.

This procedure is often advantageous to people who'd want to use an iPhone, but are already in a contract with a network that's not associated with the brand. These people, of course, wouldn't want to transfer to another carrier, since it would mean spending extra bucks for it. Sticking with their existing network contract would be more economical.

A frequent traveler usually would want to unlock his iPhone, too. They can use a local SIM card while they're in another country. With this, they only have to worry about local phone charges. It helps them dodge the steep international roaming fees when they need to call home to check in on their families or to clarify work-related issues in their offices.

If you're thinking of having your iPhone unlocked, make sure you read some more information about the whole procedure and its pros and cons. More importantly, be sure about the program or service that you'll use to accomplish this procedure.

Need to unlock iPhone? Check out iPhonelox.com to know more about their software that provides the most stable and reliable jailbreak and unlock solutions for your iPhone.

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Using Cellular Registries To Look Up Cell Phone Numbers

You would think that with all of today's technological advances that looking up cell phone numbers would be easier then it is. It seems that from time immemorial big old phone books have been left on front steps all across the country. It's almost a yearly tradition; "The new phone book is here" we're all used to saying as we hold up those heavy plastic bags they put them in.

But those big old phone books are useless when you go to look up someone's cell number. There are a few reasons that cellular providers don't freely release numbers to the general public but there are ways to find those unknown numbers; some a little easier then others.

One of the problems today is that many people no longer have landlines in their homes. They rely totally on their cell phones for any and all contact with the outside world. This means you can't even look them up in the old phone book. Now when you meet someone, either for purely personal reasons or business opportunities, there is a good chance you may not be able to look up their phone number in the phone book.

Fortunately the internet has provided a solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem. There are cell phone registry websites that have been created for this specific purpose. These websites are able to contract with cellular providers giving the general public access to large amounts of data that normally includes customer names, phone numbers, the status of the cell phone, fax numbers and even unlisted numbers. They are essentially a middle man that provides their members access to otherwise unobtainable data kept by the cell phone companies.

The only unfortunate part of this relationship between the registry sites and cellular companies is that it costs money to do this. Unlike those free phone books that show up at your front door there is a cost to accessing these websites that host cell phone numbers. The best sites charge a one time fee that can be anywhere from around $10 to $30 depending on what level of access you want. They will also offer a full money back guarantee if you don't find what you are looking for.

The best part of joining one of these registry sites is the almost instant access you are granted once your payment goes through. From the time you hit the submit payment button to finding that elusive cell phone can be as little as five minutes or less. Just enter the name of the person you are looking for and in several seconds your results will be displayed. There is the problem of multiple people with the same name but your search results will include a general location or address for each person that will help make identifying their cell number easier.

When it comes to looking up cell phone numbers it hard to beat a national cellular directory. For a small fee you can have instant access to almost every cell phone number in the providers' inventory.

If you need to quickly find someone's cell phone number
then you need access to a national registry of cellular numbers. To learn
more about how these directories work please click here.

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Design iPhone Apps By Borrowing Ideas

If you're trying to design iPhone apps in the hope of making it big in the App Store, it's vital that you examine the designs of some of the top iPhone apps out there. The truth is that there are many iPhone apps that barely get downloaded, and usually the ones that get many downloads are the ones with the simplest of designs. To get yourself on the right track, you may want to try emulating the design of the apps mentioned below:

Angry Birds

What's nice about About Angry birds is that it has a very basic idea and concept. It's a simple little game that has been downloaded thousands of times, and almost every person with an iPhone knows what this game is. It's nicely designed with a pretty interesting, yet basic setup that any child could follow along. It's simply a good app that's definitely worth downloading.

Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja is a game where pieces of fruit pop up onto the screen, and you basically cut them in half like a ninja. If you plan on creating a simple game for the app store, Fruit Ninja can give you a good amount of ideas. It's a pretty unique game, and basically, the overall design is great for those people who hate to read long pages of instructions.

Wikipedia App

The Wikipedia App is very useful because you can browse through their entire list of millions of articles, and there's no need to visit the site from Safari. It's pretty useful to use, and anybody who enjoys learning or needs to do some quick research on anything will find this app to be a great addition to their iPhone.

IMDb

Aside from the Wiki app, those who want to research some celebrities should use this app. Would you like to look for the resume of Raven Symone, or maybe the local guest star in a movie? You can do so by using this IMDb app.

Facebook

Facebook is a very popular website nowadays, and it's a social network that has over 500 million registered users. I highly suggest that you download the app for some instant access to your Facebook account and easily make status updates from any place. This is one iPhone app that anybody will enjoy downloading.

Basically, if you want to have some fun at making iPhone apps, trying going for the same design iPhone app as the ones above. You shouldn't copy them wholesale, but instead get ideas as to why many people enjoy those specific apps.

Is it because they're funny, or maybe because it's useful to have them? In order to succeed, you need to make sure that you're able to come up with a variety of ideas from other apps, and simply let your mind explore and think up different designs. In the end, you would have a wonderfully built app that has a great idea based on the already successful apps in the past.

If you want to discover the secrets of iPhone app development, visit the following site:

iPhone Dev Secrets

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The Samsung Galaxy Nexus Has Google Beam

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has Google Beam which allows you to instantly share websites, contacts, applications and more through the NFC connectivity. The handset also has an impressive curvy design and powerful hardware that enable it to offer fast and efficient functionality.

The handset is the first to run the new Android 4 operating system which introduces an entirely new user interface designed to make moving around it easier and faster. It replaces many icons with a more simplistic approach. It includes a new home screen and 360 degree action bar along with a visually pleasing holographic backdrop. The latest Android OS entitled Ice Cream Sandwich also includes many new preinstalled applications, and will allow you to download the first new applications for the OS when they become available. Among other new features are the Beam function which uses the handsets Near Field Communication technology along with Face Unlock. This simple feature allows you to simply show your face to the phone via its front camera and then unlocks it on recognition.

As well as the front camera for unlocking, video calling and self-portrait shots; the Galaxy Nexus offers an impressive 5 megapixel rear side camera which includes an LED flash and up to eight times digital zoom. Additionally, the camera has auto focus and a zero waiting time for the shutter which is automatically controlled, allowing you to instantly snap a shot or begin videoing in full High Definition once you shortcut to the camera itself. Once you have snapped shots or captured video you can also watch them back on the large 4.65 inch display with super AMOLED technology, which provides a stunningly vivid interface. Additionally, there is an internal user memory of 16 gigabytes along with a microSD card slot for up to 32 gigabytes at any time respectively.

The handset also offers a music player and good messaging along with Google Plus Messenger and Google Talk, which together help you to keep in contact with friends, as well as the integrated social networking features and applications such as Facebook and Twitter respectively. The phone also includes an entire range of Google services directly integrated including Gmail and music services, much like the Samsung Galaxy Note. Connectivity meanwhile, includes both USB and Bluetooth 3 with enhanced data rate.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a slim and elegant handset which provides fast access to your friends and the Web along with many other features through the powerful OS and 1.2 gigahertz processor. The phone brings everything to life through its impressive interface and High Definition capabilities.

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The Blackberry Bold 9790 - We Explore Some Of The Best Free Applications Available For This Device

Blackberry are expanding their range of mobile devices with the introduction of several new handsets including the excellent Blackberry Bold 9790. One of the attractions of this new model is the large number of applications that are currently available from the Blackberry App World. Previously we took a look at the best free applications for the Bold 9900 so now we explore some great options for the Bold 9790.

The modern mobile phone is the perfect tool for enjoying a range of multi media material and the new Blackberry Bold 9790 is no exception. One application that gives users some superb audio playback features is the excellent BBM Music. This free software allows users to download up to 50 tracks per month which can be added to playlists or enjoyed when the user is offline. The following month the user has the opportunity to swap up to 25 of these tracks for new material. This facility gives users the chance to discover new music by allowing them to constantly update their library. 50 songs may not sound like a huge number but if you have any friends using the service you gain access to their collection. A BBM Music user with 6 friends using the service can potentially enjoy a collection of 300 tracks.

If you prefer to use your handset for photography rather than music then the Photo Studio application allows the simple editing of photographs captured on the device. This software enables users to adjust areas such as brightness, hue and saturation on their snaps. A number of filters are also present to help give photographs a different look. An example of this is the Sepia setting which helps achieve a very vintage look. Once the appearance of the image has been altered users have the option of sharing their media directly with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Photo Studio really does enhance photographs and should prove a useful tool for anybody who likes to use their 9790 for photography purposes.

The Blackberry Bold 9790 includes the excellent Blackberry Messenger service which enables users to send messages to other Blackberry users for a minimal cost. If you are looking for a similar service to send messages to users on different platforms such as iOS and Android then Whatsapp is the application for you. When you use the software for the first time you simply enter your phone number and the application automatically searches your contacts list to finds other friends who are using this service. Whatsapp uses data rather than allocated text allowances so the service is incredibly cheap and if you are connected to a WiFi networks messages are free. It is not only text messages that can be sent and received with this software, users can attach photographs and video files to their messages.

The Blackberry Bold 9790 is a superb new device from RIM and a great selection of applications are available to help you make the very most of the handset. For people who like to make use of the phones multi media features then downloads such as BBM Music and Photo Studio are superb. If you like to keep in contact with family and friends by messaging the Whatsapp can really help you reduce the number of text messages you need as part of your monthly contract.

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The HTC Radar - The Beauty of Live Tiles

Currently, the most popular Windows Phone is the Nokia Lumia 800. Nokia has spent a lot on marketing and advertising on their new handset after all. However, unlike the entry-level handsets in Nokia's roster, the Lumia 800 still costs a lot of money. If you're looking to enjoy more from Live Tiles, there is an alternative that will not cost you an arm and a leg. This is the HTC Radar.

If you're not familiar with the Windows Phone platform and its Live Tiles, you must be wondering what the fuss is all about. With this unique interface, everything that matters is right in front of you once you boot up your phone. Let's take a closer look at what Windows' Live Tiles has to offer.

What can be seen on these tiles? Of course, one will show you missed calls or incoming calls. Unlike in other platforms, only a small icon on the top of the screen is shown whenever you miss or receive a call. Here, a tile shows whose calling or who you have to call back. There is also a tile specifically for text messages.

Modern smartphones allow users to check on their emails on the go. This is exactly what Windows Phone has to offer. Again, instead of a small icon found on the top of the display, a designated tile shows you all the information you need to see. On the HTC Radar, you will get see anything from personal to work emails wherever you may be.

With this smartphone, you will never have to look for a PC to check on social network updates. All you have to do is take a look at the home screen to see what you friends are up to. You never have to go anywhere else or launch a special app to check on social network updates.

Multi-media are now an essential part of smartphones. This is exactly what the HTC Radar has to offer. In one of the Live Tiles, you gain quick access to your photo album, videos, or even your music library.

If you're into gaming, there is one tile that you are definitely going to find interesting. This Live Tile on the HTC Radar will give you access to Xbox Live. Here, you can take advantage of all the latest game titles the offering is known for. You can even compare scores or achievements with friends.

Of course, these tiles are in no way fixed. You can customize what you wish to appear on every individual tile on the HTC Radar.

For the best deals on the HTC Radar and the Nokia Lumia 800, visit us at PhonesLimited.co.uk.

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A Look At Some Popular Samsung Galaxy S2 Tariffs

When choosing a new smartphone, the chances are you will take up a contract where you can get the handset for a heavily discounted price or even free, rather than paying the several hundred pounds that many new handsets command, and pay a monthly fee instead. In this article I will look at some of the tariffs available for UK consumers who want to get their hands on the Samsung Galaxy S2.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a very popular smartphone due to the features it offers. If you are in a position to purchase a SIM free handset, paying the full price of the handset (currently around £420) you are free to insert a SIM card with a pay as you go plan or the contract of your choice. However, this is a lot of money and most major UK networks are currently offering deals where you can get the phone itself for free and pay a monthly fee with varying packages of data, calls and text allowances.

If you send a lot of text messages, the O2 Bonus 200 Unlimited plan is a good choice. This provides a free Samsung Galaxy S2 along with unlimited text messages within the UK to any network. Included with this package is 200 minutes of calls to any UK mobile network and a 500 MB data allowance. The latter should prove more than ample for the average person's internet use, allowing enough data to browse various websites, check news headlines and carry out social networking activities on sites like Facebook or Twitter. To take advantage of the unlimited text messages that this service offers, you will sacrifice the free minutes of call time as 200 minutes is not a lot based on average mobile phone use. When you have used up the 200 minutes in a given month, standard call charges will then apply. There are other tariffs which offer more talk time and data allowance and this is reflected in the price. The O2 Bonus 200 plan is ideal for prolific text message use and costs £21.50 per month although the main bonus of this is the free Samsung Galaxy S2 handset.

A more comprehensive package is offered by popular UK network T-Mobile with their T-Mobile 2000 Unlimited package. Again, this includes a free Samsung Galaxy S2, but also includes the luxury of unlimited data, meaning you can use the internet on your phone to your heart's content, as well as enjoy 2000 minutes of free calls to UK networks and landlines and unlimited text messages. This package costs £36 per month, and like the aforementioned O2 tariff, lasts for 24 months. T-Mobile 2000 Unlimited offers a more comprehensive package of allowances, and based on average use should be adequate for most users.

There are hundreds of other tariffs available for the Samsung Galaxy S2 for UK customers across all major networks, and some of the premium packages even offer free gifts upon taking out the contract. These range from gift vouchers for popular UK shops, laptops, TVs and MP3 players. It pays to shop around when taking out a new mobile phone contract and at PhonesLimited.co.uk all available deals are compared daily to help you save money.

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A Closer Look At The Rdio Application For The HTC Sensation XL

The new HTC Sensation XL is a mobile device that boasts superior audio performance to many of its rivals thanks to the incorporation of Beats Audio technology. The handset really does excel when playing music files on the music player feature that is installed on the phone and a number of new applications that enable users to stream music to their device also benefit from this enhanced sound. We take a look at the revamped Rdio application that offers super features in this area.

Rdio has been available for several months now but many users found the interface more complicated than what was on offer with alternative applications. The developers took note of this and completely redesigned the app and the end result is very impressive. The main home page highlights tracks that are currently trending with other users and also a selection of new releases. This immediately gives users a chance to experience songs that they may not have ever heard before rather than opting to find artists and songs that they are familiar with. A number of social networking features have also been added which allow you to create your own profile and list your favourite tracks. You have the option to browse other users profiles and can even add them as a friend if they have similar musical tastes to you. This new version of the application also lets you control music playback directly from the lock screen on the Sensation XL which saves the user time and makes the whole user experience much easier.

The Rdio application for the HTC Sensation XL boasts a huge database of songs that cover all genres of music. Over 12 million individual tracks are available and users can choose whether to simply listen to their track of choice or compile a playlist that incorporates it. If you choose to make a playlist this is automatically available every time you log into the service. Rdio is a subscription based service but for a relatively small monthly outlay you have access to a massive selection of music. Once you have signed up you can even access the service from a PC or laptop so you can download music from the site and edit playlists that you have already created. If you find yourself hooked to the service there are even devices available that let you access the facilities on a television while linked to a home audio centre to give you the ultimate sound experience.

The new Rdio application offers some useful new features that make using the service a real pleasure. A massive selection of music is available and the new social features further enhance the appeal of the application. The HTC Sensation XL is the perfect mobile device to use with this service as the audio performance enables you to enjoy your music in the highest possible quality.

The HTC Sensation XL and the HTC Sensation XE are available now.

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An Overview Of New Products Due From Apple Including The iPhone 5

2012 is a potentially huge year for Apple with four exciting new products set to be rolled out over the coming months. Along with the iPad 3 and the eagerly anticipated iTV we are also likely to see the new iPhone 5 launched along with the new iOS5 operating system that all of these product will use. We have a brief look at what we can expect from these products when they are finally unveiled.

It looks likely that Apple will choose to launch the new iPad 3 before the new iPhone 5. This model is the successor to the popular iPad 2 tablet device and is set to incorporate some great new features. There are a huge range of tablets currently available however Apple are the market leaders in this area. The new device is set to incorporate a brand new screen which will double the resolution that was offered on the iPad 2. This 9.7 inch screen should be capable of displaying 2048 x 1536 pixels which means that the model will exceed what all other Tablet devices can offer for pixel density. It is also rumoured that this new device will sport the new A6 Chipset which will feature a quad core processor to ensure that operation speeds are lightning fast. Later in the year it is expected that we will see the first iTV system launched. Having established great success in the smartphone, tablet and computer markets Apple are turning the their attentions to launching their first television. The impressive Siri voice recognition software which was introduced on the iPhone 4S is likely to feature on the Television as is a touchscreen display which will allow users to navigate applications in a similar manner as they do on phones and tablets. Although screen size is not known yet reports suggest that the first iTV will feature a 42 inch display.

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited of Apples 2012 products is the iPhone 5. Just like the iPad 3 the phone is set to feature an improved screen with a higher resolution than what was offered on the iPhone 4S. Once again the new A6 chipset looks likely to be used which will make the phone one of the very first quad core devices. The phone will also be one of the first phones capable of connecting to the high speed 4G networks that will offer users the fastest mobile browsing experience. Apple are also set to launch version 5.0.1 of their iOS operating system which will be used by both the iPhone 5 and the iPad 3. Apple introduced some big changes when they released version 5.0 in September 2011 and it is likely that updates on this new platform are going to be more subtle. It is rumoured that the platform will be more energy efficient which means that both models will boast improved battery life. The Siri voice recognition software will also be updated to enable it to interact with the settings on the devices.

2012 is set to be yet another massive year for Apple. The iPhone 5 is the most anticipated product set to be launched but the iPad 3 and iTV are also set to attract lots of attention over the coming months.

The iPhone 5 is coming soon and the iPhone 4S is available now.

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Keep in Touch With the HTC Explorer Using the People Widget

Keep in touch with the HTC Explorer using the People widget that comes as part of the Sense user experience implemented through the power of the Android operating system respectively. The lightweight and compact handset which features a full touch display measuring 3.2 inches offers many features such as this widget for social networking and communicating with friends.

This is one of many widgets that can be downloaded from the Android Market and added to your handset. Widgets, are like mini applications, which can be placed on your home screen, any or all of the seven provided by this phone that is. Some widgets include messages, emails and the weather, while this widget lets you instantly communicate with contacts from a single tap of the touch display. This feature is also present on other handsets such as the HTC Rhyme.

Through this respective function on the Explorer, you can call, send a text message or email a favourite contact who appear automatically within the widget. If someone is not there, tap the plus sign onscreen to add a new contact to your favourites. Once you have set your favourite contact, you can finger tap their photo on the widget to set a default action. This is the action which will be performed when you select them using People. You can choose from viewing, calling any one of their numbers saved, sending a text message or emailing any of multiple email addresses input. Additionally, the feature offers a group icon which enables you to select multiple favourite contacts and message all of them, in just a few taps of your finger.

If you have a lot of favourites within the widget, you can drag it to the edit space which will allow you to rearrange which of your contacts appear first, so you can make sure the people you contact the most are always the fastest for you to get in touch with. As well as all of this, you can also add multiple copies of this feature, and set multiple groups on each of your home screens, maximising how you communicate.

With impressive features such as this along with the other social networking integration and functionality through its hardware such as the 3 megapixel main camera, the HTC Explorer is a great asset to carry around with you. Features such as this along with the many full applications enable you to do much more and faster from wherever you are.

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BlackBerry Theme Not Showing Up on BlackBerry

One of the most frustrating things that happen when downloading and installing a BlackBerry theme onto your BlackBerry is when it doesn't show up and you are unable to activate it and use what you have just purchased. There are a few reasons that this could happen and we will be discussing these as well as possible solutions.

Corrupt Download

At times you will download a theme file and during the download the file will be come corrupted and thus will give problems and could cause your theme not to show up on the BlackBerry. In order to resolve this you will have to uninstall pull the battery and when the BlackBerry comes back up re download and install the theme again.

Wrong Theme Package

This is probably one of the more common issues, and doesn't happen so much via App World but can still happen quite a bit with 3rd party websites. Sometimes this can happen if the wrong link is given to you or if you download a package that is meant for another version. To correct this you will have to contact the vendor and have them send you the correct theme package or the correct link to the theme package.

IT Policy

This is by far probably the biggest problem that most users will run into, especially if they get a refurbished or pre-owned device or if their BlackBerry is on an Enterprise server. IT policies are pushed to these BlackBerrys and many of them restrict the use of 3rd party software or themes. This of course will make it so that you can download the theme but will be unable to use it. To resolve this you will have to talk to the IT Admin in charge of the BES server at your workplace and you will have to ask them to unblock 3rd party applications.

BlackBerry Does Not Recognize Theme

Sometimes what will happen is that the BlackBerry will download the correct theme and the theme will be in perfect condition and still your BlackBerry won't see it or activate it, but it will show in the applications list. This can happen when there is a corruption or mismatch information on the BlackBerry itself. To resolve this issue you will have to pull the battery out of the BlackBerry for 30 seconds and then when back up see if the theme is recognized. If not then you will have to uninstall, again do a battery pull for 30 seconds and then try re-downloading and installing the Theme again.

These are the most common reason why your themes may not show up on your BlackBerry. If you have exhausted these possibilities you may need to update your BlackBerry device software or reload it in order to get rid of potential corruption on the BlackBerry OS itself.

If you would like a step by step tutorial on how to reload/update BlackBerry Software or if you want more tutorials visit BlackBerry Capital, a fast growing BlackBerry Blog with up to date news, theme,app and game reviews, articles tutorials and more.

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A Look At The Benefits Of The MixZing App On The HTC Desire S

In this article I will look at the MixZing app which is available for Android smartphones like the HTC Desire S via a free download in the Android Market. I will provide an overview of some of its key features and how it differs to other media players.

MixZing claims to be 'the most advanced media player around'. It is an interface through which you play music files on your Android smartphone but offers a number of features which most default media players do not. Among its main selling points are the ability to take any music files you may have that do not have any track information or album art, and it intelligently cleans up your library replacing any missing info or art. Another useful feature offered by the app is access to a database of song lyrics, which can toggle on or off and display lyrics as a song is playing.

The app uses the music files which are already stored in your HTC Desire S, and automatically integrates with them so there is no need to download any additional music files to your phone. The app has several other neat tricks up its sleeve. It has a homescreen widget which allows you to skip tracks and adjust the volume while displaying the album art for the track that is currently playing. This can even be controlled when the phone's screen is locked, which is very convenient.

Another impressive feature of this app is that it can create playlists with its Mood Player. Based on factors like genre and BPM, it matches similar tracks and creates a new playlist. You can of course also create your own playlists and these can even be restored after they have been deleted.

Aside from the features outlined above, the MixZing app has a very user-friendly interface. This makes it ideal for all types of user and sets it apart from some other media players. Given that this app is free to download, I suggest giving it a go if you are bored with the default media player on handsets like the HTC Desire S.

There is a paid version available (MixZing Upgrader) for £3.19 which offers all of the features outlined above but without the ads which you invariably get on free apps. The free version is ideal to get a feel of the app before you commit to the paid version.

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The Blackberry Curve 9360 Offers Near Field Communication

The Blackberry Curve 9360 offers Near Field Communication technology (NFC) which provides a faster and easier method of connecting your handset to another NFC enabled device, and enables you to wirelessly print documents to making purchases. The slim and lightweight handset also has a great range of features through its Blackberry 7 operating system.

The NFC technology is among the latest wireless technology which is similar in some ways to the Bluetooth connectivity, also offered by this handset. It allows you to use other devices over a wireless connection when within a close proximity (a few centimetres), or touching, and lets you share information such as photos, documents or more. This makes it perfect for social networking, which is fully integrated in this phone already. The low speed, close up technology can also be used for mobile payments. As well as this and Bluetooth, the handset also offers WiFi for a fast internet connection and to let you send and receive emails and browse the Web with smoother scrolling and a better display, through the device's touch screen.

The Curve 9360 has only 11 millimetres of width making it extremely slim and aiding the overall lightweight and compactness of the device. It offers both a touch display along with a full classic QWERTY keyboard for fast typing, allowing you to get things done faster. You can quickly compose new messages, while the voice command features of the new operating system also allow you to speak a message and send it. The handset also comes with the BBM messaging system which is secure, and allows you to freely message other Blackberry users with text, photos and more. You can quickly snap photos or capture video with the 5 megapixel camera, which includes a flash and supporting software features respectively.

The handset is particularly great for social networking with the integration of Facebook 2.0 including full implementation of its Events, which allows you to see what is going on and when, so you don't have to miss out on any party or gathering. You can also create a list of all your favourite feeds and social updates, including blogs and podcasts, and get realtime notifications. Additionally, the universal search tool, searches your feeds making it easy to find what you want.

The Blackberry Curve 9360 is a petite device which offers a great array of functionality especially when it comes to social networking. The NFC and other impressive connectivity also enhance its features and make it a small but powerful handset to own.

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A Look At The Aviary Photo Editing Application For The Motorola Razr

The new Motorola Razr smartphone is a device that boasts a number of super features but the photography facilities on this model have impressed us the most. The handset is capable of capturing high resolution 8 million pixel images that look superb. A new application is available for this model that allows you to further enhance the appearance of your photographs. Aviary is available from the Android Marketplace and offers a wealth of superb editing features, some of which we will take a look at here.

Despite offering a huge number of features that enable you to make both minor and major adjustments to your photographs it is rather surprising to see that the Aviary application is available free of charge. This comprehensive editing suite is a scaled down version of the popular desktop version. A simple interface makes editing your images a very simple task. Along the bottom of the Motorola Razr screen there is a scrolling toolbar that features several icons that each makes a different adjustment to your photo. All of the basic editing features that you would expect to find on such a piece of software are present. The crop facility is particularly useful as it enables you trim your image prior to uploading it to sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Contrast and brightness settings can be easily adjusted and the simple orientation tool lets you flip the image 90 degrees, perfect if you have taken the photo in portrait mode but want to view it in landscape mode on a PC monitor or widescreen television.

A number of picture effects can be added to your photographs taken on the Motorola Razr to make them look even more eye catching. These effects are basically a variety of filters that are applied to your shot to give them a very vintage or retro appearance. Several of these are available on the application but there are also some additional options available to purchase if you desire. The Aviary software will automatically send you to the Android marketplace should you want to add these additional filters to your collection. Aviary works with pinch to zoom gestures which enables you to get a really precise level of zoom magnification on all of your images. This is perfect if you want to use features that remove the red eye from your snaps or make a detailed adjustment to a specific area of the photograph. A number of paintbrush effects and stickers are also available if you want to have a bit of fun with your friends faces in an image. Add some head wear and glasses from the dozens of sticker options that are available or perhaps change their hair style with the paintbrush feature. Aviary really does offer a huge number of options from basic and useful adjustments to options that let you have a little fun with your photographs.

The 8 mega pixel camera on the Motorola Razr has always impressed us and using the feature with an application such as Aviary really does make the camera package on this model one of the very best currently available.

The Motorola Razr and the HTC Sensation XE are available now.

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Valentines Mobile Gift - Pink Samsung Galaxy S2 or Pink Nokia Lumia 800?

Valentines day is just around the corner and two mobile phone manufacturers have just launched two new pink smart phones just in time, Samsung have released their Galaxy S2 in pink whilst the pink Nokia Lumia 800 has also now hit the market.

So which of these new pink phones should you buy for your pink gadget loving girl?

Samsung Galaxy S2 Pink

The new pink edition Galaxy S2 offers exactly the same high-end features found in the first black version plus the recently released white Samsung Galaxy S2 model, this means a very fast 1.2GHz dual core processor, an 8 mega pixel camera with 1080p full HD video support, Android 2.3 operating system and an amazing Super AMOLED Plus touch screen measuring 4.3 inches.

Nokia Lumia 800 Pink

The latest pink colour scheme of the Lumia 800 also replicates the features from the phones in the rest of the Nokia Lumia 800 range, this includes a speedy 1.4GHz processor, an 8 mega pixel camera that can capture 720p HD video, the new Windows Phone 7.5 operating software and a 3.7 inch Super AMOLED curved touch screen display with ClearBlack technology.

If this was purely down to features then the pink Samsung Galaxy S2 would definitely win the day but we need to look at price, exact colour and operating systems before making the final decision, the pink Nokia Lumia 800 is cheaper with a pay monthly contract deal with offers for a free phone starting from just £18.50 per month.

Deals for a free Galaxy S2 in pink start from £21.50 per month which works out to an extra £72 over the minimum 24 month contract period.

When it comes to the actual colour of these two phones the Nokia wins out with a much nicer hue of pink, the Galaxy S2 is a deeper, duller colouring which may not appeal to as many female consumers, the design of the phones is also important and although the Samsung model is slimmer with a bigger screen and better technology the Nokia Lumia phone does look a little more stylish.

Now for the operating systems, the Android 2.3 of the Galaxy S2 uses an icon based platform which is now very well-known and also found on the iOS5 of the iPhone 4S, the new Lumia 800 running the Windows Phone 7.5 software looks and feels a lot more modern and uses 'tiles' throughout the menu system.

Although new to the market, the Windows Phone system does seem to almost interact with you as opposed to hiding things away for you to find, this said, the Samsung Galaxy S2 has been promised the update to the new Android 4.0 OS soon which is only currently available inside the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

So overall, if it's technology, speed and a larger screen that you are after then the extra price of the pink Galaxy S2 shouldn't put you off, however for those looking for something a little different which oozes style on a budget then the pink Nokia Lumia 800 ticks these boxes.

If you would like to see the latest Samsung Galaxy S2 Pink deals or take a look at the new Nokia Lumia 800 then please feel free to browse our website: Phones Limited.

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The Likely Features of the iPhone 5

The likely features of the iPhone 5 to be released in the summer of this year include a surprising change in some of the most renowned features and areas of design which the previous five models have offered. To always keep ahead of the competition, Apple is likely to provide a new handset with some design changes, a better processor and more advanced main camera.

The handset is likely to be released this summer and it is rumoured that it may offer a completely different approach for users when accessing their phone. The design up until now has only significantly changed once from the rounded shape of the 3GS to the more rectangular shaping of the handset body introduced with the iPhone 4 respectively. All designs have featured a home button on the front of the device, it is the single button to access the handset, and during use, returning at any time desired to Home where all your applications and folders are ready for you to use. As other handsets on the market have moved upward with their screen sizes, and the latest Samsung Galaxy Nexus has removed it's front control buttons altogether, it is possible that the iPhone 5 will have a larger display of at least 4 inches, and to provide space for this without enlarging the entire phone, the Home button will not be present. Instead, rumours suggest two "squeeze" buttons may appear on the side of the handset, and when pressed together will take you to Home. The reason for two and placing them on the side of the device, is that it could be significantly easier to access the Home this way, and with one hand especially when removing the handset from your pocket.

Among the other major changes likely are a more advanced camera. Again as other manufacturers have moved towards 12 plus megapixel main cameras, and over 1 megapixel high definition front cameras, it is likely such features will be present on this device. It is also possible that the handset A5 chip will be upgraded with more power to offer 1.5 gigahertz of speed. What is unlikely to change is the operating system, which will remain as iOS 5 and include all of its new features including support for the iCloud.

Whatever the features of the iPhone 5, it is certain to be yet another major release of new technology from Apple. Meanwhile, we must wait in anticipation to see if it does offer better cameras, a larger Retina display and a new approach to Home.

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How To Make Free Calls On Your Motorola RAZR Using The Viber App

If you are lucky enough to own the stylish new Motorola RAZR or a similar smartphone or tablet which runs the popular Android operating system, you can now enjoy free messages, calls and multimedia messages thanks to a new app called Viber.

What Is Viber?
Viber is an app which is currently in the list of top free apps in the Android market download charts, and provides an innovative means of communicating for free via various formats. At the time of writing, over 40 million Android smartphone users have downloaded Viber, making it one of the most popular communications apps yet.

How Does Viber Work?
Rather than using cellular data which is traditionally used as the medium through which calls and messages are sent, Viber calls upon a Wi-Fi or 3G connection and utilises this to send data, essentially eliminating the need to use cellular data provided by your phone network. Therefore you must make sure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or have a decent 3G connection, and it is also required that you have contacts who also have the app installed in order to communicate with them. Viber is available for Android and iOS, and given their combined market share, most of your contacts should be able to install the app on their handset. Viber will automatically sync with your existing contacts when installed so you will know instantly which of your friends already have Viber.

Who Is Viber For?
If you own an Android smartphone like the Motorola RAZR or an iOS operated handset like the Apple iPhone 4S, than Viber is likely to be an advantageous download for you. However, it is especially useful for those who have a limited number of minutes on their smartphone tariff, as you can bypass this using the 3G or Wi-Fi connections. Similarly, if you have a limit on your data allowance (most recent tariffs in the UK have a 500MB or 1GB data limit), then you can also use it over a Wi-Fi network to preserve your data allowance for more important tasks such as browsing the internet. Please note though, that if you are have exceeded your data limit for the month and use Viber, data charges may apply, although this can be resolved by using a Wi-Fi connection.

Given that the Viber app is free to download and use (it does not even have ads like many other free apps), it is certainly worth a download in my opinion. Even if you do not use it often it is a great idea to have it installed as a backup in case you exceed your data allowance.

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Exploring the Communication Features of the Sony Xperia S

Exploring the communication features of the Sony Xperia S provides an insight into how easily you can use this handset to contact friends and keep up with the latest on social networks. However, this is just one set of features among many offered by the phone.

The design is simple and there are both black and white to choose form for the extremely thin unibody with a large inset TFT display measuring an impressive 4.3 inches respectively. The handset offers 1 to 1.5 gigabytes of internal phone storage memory and a flash storage of 32 gigabytes on eMMC. It is capable of achieving many things at once including multitasking with more than one application running on its Android 2.3 operating system at any time. This is supported by the 1.5 gigahertz processor and 1 gigabyte of random access memory (RAM). The phone has a main 12.1 megapixel camera for photos and video recording to High Definition quality, along with many other features for each. It also has great music and entertainment features offering PlayStation console performance in your hands. There is plenty of connectivity allowing you to sync between computers and Google accounts, along with both wired and wireless file sharing over Bluetooth and WiFi.

As with other handsets, for example, the Sony Xperia Arc S which is very similar to this phone, the Xperia S offers some great communication tools. The Timescape integration with Twitter, the microblogging site, enables you to seamlessly tweet away from within the handsets own user interface. Additionally, you can use the built in Facebook application to access your respective account and keep in touch with friends. You can also see updates, statuses and share what you like through the Facebook inside Xperia which is also present. Timescape itself meanwhile simply puts all of this information into one place alongside your phone contacts, so you can see it all for each person onscreen. Other communication includes utilizing the phones front facing camera for video chat via Google Talk, and easy to use email, text and multimedia messaging. For easier phone conversation there is a noise shield to wipe out background noise, and a speakerphone to let your hear everything out loud.

Besides its many features offered, the Sony Xperia S allows you to easily and effectively communicate with friends and enjoy social networking such as Facebook, while also remaining great at the more simple task such as phone and video chat. Added with its gaming and entertainment, and also its sleek design it provides everything you could need.

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A Look At The Top Cell Phone Service Providers

Choosing a cell phone, smart phone or 4G tablet isn't as easy as just reading reviews of the hardware. Picking the right cell phone service provider is crucial. Each of the major carriers offering cell phone service in the U.S. has their own lineup of phones, plans and features to offer, so what's the best way to choose? This guide to the four major U.S. cell phone service companies outlines some pros, cons and valuable information about each carrier that will make the choice a little easier.

Verizon Wireless

With over 90 million customers in the U.S., Verizon is the country's largest carrier. This is with good reason, as their network coverage and reliability are the highest-ranked of the major cell phone service providers. Verizon's customer support has also garnered praise. The company has, however, attracted criticism for its early termination fees. While every carrier has these fees, Verizon charges much higher fines for canceling a contract on what they term "advanced devices." What this means to consumers is getting out of a contract for a smart phone, which just about everyone has today, costs $350. Still if you're dedicated to Verizon and planning on staying the length of the contract, their service is hard to beat.

AT&T

AT&T really rose to prominence among cell phone service providers with the 2007 debut of the iPhone. Their four-year exclusivity deal with Apple meant anyone who wanted the sought-after technical marvel needed to switch to AT&T. Now that the exclusivity has passed, some of AT&T's rough spots are showing and they are losing ground. The company is still a popular choice for its sheer number of devices offered, the best selection among all major carriers. The only knock on AT&T is that its service is known to be inconsistent regionally. If you are big on hardware selection and already know reception is good in your area, though, it's definitely a safe bet.

Sprint

Sprint is looking to gain ground and differentiate itself from the other cell phone service providers with its variety of flexible plans dedicated to data usage. With more cell phone users employing their phones for texting, browsing and email than they do to make phone calls, this looks like a very savvy strategy. Sprint is now the only provider that offers an unlimited data plan, a major benefit for professionals and others who rely heavily on web connectivity. The downsides to Sprint, as reported by customers, are that their customer service is sometimes lacking and that coverage might be occasionally spotty based on location.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is the newest challenger to the major cell phone service providers. The company works to differentiate by positioning itself as the most user-friendly of the major service providers. This approach is backed by excellent customer service and the widest variety of phone service options, geared toward allowing customers to pick exactly what services they need to build an affordable plan. The only downfall to T-Mobile is that their network is not up to par with the others in many areas, especially in 3G service. T-Mobile is an economical choice, though, so customers looking to save money may want to read local reviews to see if their nearby T-Mobile service would suit their needs.

To learn more about cell phone service, visit our website at MyReviewsNow.net.

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Keeping Yourself Busy No Matter Where You Are

What is better than being able to keep yourself entertained just about everywhere you go? Well, with the size of the electronic devices and considering how advanced they are, nobody should ever find themselves bored again. There are just too many options out there, from smart phones and tablets to portable gaming devices. Everything has gotten much smaller and much more advanced than they were just a couple of years ago.

Plus, almost all of them can be used on a wireless network or at least Wi-Fi for those not wanting to pay another subscription. You can download just about anything, from a song to a streaming movie, and with the new speeds, they are not taking forever any longer. The phones and tablets are like having little computers in the palm of your hand; in truth these tiny devices are much more powerful than even your home computer would have been just a few years ago.

And you can do much more on them because of the interface and ease of use. Plus just about everyone has become much more tech savvy over the past couple of years, you even see grandparents walking around with their iPhones. What is great about how small and portable these devices have gotten is that they allow you to do things that you would never have been able to do before. You can communicate and keep in touch with the world in a way that wasn't possible in the past.

You are going to never be bored again. But even with these advances and good things, there are a couple of negatives. Chief among them is the fact that these devices become too big of a part of people's lives. They become so addicting that individuals cannot stop using them at the dinner table or in the car or in the movie theater. Some users have even developed the attitude that they can do these things whenever they want, no matter how the social implications may perhaps be negative.

It has also drawn individuals out of the act of having real conversation, with complete sentences and complete thoughts, face to face. It might impede somebody's social skills if they already have a preference for non-social activities. But like everything else, if you can find a good middle ground, and use it in moderation, everything should be just fine. As long as you keep everything that is really important in the right perspective.

When you're searching for Cheap hdmi cables check out Selby acoustic at selbyacoustics.com.au.

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The Amazing And Social Minded Blackberry Curve 9360

With the current list of smartphones available to us today, it is not that hard to get all confused. Now, if you are someone who is all about socializing and staying connected with your family, friends, and colleagues then you can go with the social minded BlackBerry Curve 9360.

As you can see, this is one of the smartphones today that is capable of allowing you to stay in touch with your family and friends all the time. Even in the absence of a laptop or desktop, you can surf and browse the internet with this handset. You will experience non-stop communication with them even if you are out of the office or away from home.

The new BBM will allow you to never miss out on special events and on the fun again. With connected apps on the Curve 9360, you will be able to chat with them using the said app non-stop.

When it comes to other social apps in the likes of Twitter, FaceBook, and other known social feeds, you will be able to easily connect with all of your contacts right out of the box.

When it comes to IM and E-mail, you will never waste your precious time thinking about whether your recipient received your IM or E-mail. The handset will send and receive your important message instantly.

It doesn't matter what you are into, this is because this handset have everything that you will ever want and need to keep up. It comes with a super fast browser and a powerful processor. With this handset, you will get to enjoy a 5MP camera with flash. You can easily and instantly capture precious moments and share it with your family and friends.

With its BlackBerry 7 OS, you will be able to enjoy this easy-to-use OS. It will give you smoother and faster experience all the time. You can also choose to upgrade to the latest BlackBerry OS (BlackBerry 7.1) by simply visiting the BlackBerry App World.

With this handset you will be able to enjoy Near Field Communication or NFC. With this you can connect to almost anything (that is also NFC-enabled) with a single tap. You can easily share apps, photos, music files, videos, and everything under the sun using this amazing feature.

As you can see, these are just some of the things that the amazing and social minded BlackBerry Curve 9360 can give you.

For the best deals on the Blackberry Curve 9360 and Blackberry Bold 9900, visit us at Phoneslimited.co.uk.

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Ice Cream Sandwich On The Samsung Galaxy S2 - Features To Expect

Today's most famous handset, the Samsung Galaxy S2 received the latest version of the Android platform for mobile phones. This is the Android 4.0 also known as the Ice Cream Sandwich. You will enjoy your Galaxy S2 more with this latest Operating System from Android.

Let us now talk about the features that you can expect with the Ice Cream Sandwich. The following are features that will make you love your Galaxy S2 more:

Refined and Evolved User Interface - With this, you will experience the real power of Android. The Ice Cream Sandwich is designed to make your every common action more noticeable. It will also allow you to navigate your handset with intuitive yet simple gestures. You will experience refined animations and get instant feedback all through out its system. This will make your interactions more interesting and engaging at the same time. This is entirely a new typeface that is optimized for high-resolution screens. With the Galaxy S2's 4.3 inch SUPER AMOLED Plus display; you can't imagine what this platform is capable of doing and giving you. Everything is evolved and improved when it comes to readability. It is also capable of giving you a modern feel (and one that is polished) when it comes to this new UI.

Customizable and Resizable Widgets - With this latest Android Platform, you will experience customizable and content rich home screens. This leaves behind the old way of just adding shortcuts. You can actually embed any live application or content directly through your chosen widgets. Your widgets will allow you to check your e-mail, play your favorite music, flip through your calendar, check your social streams (feeds), and a whole lot more. This is without leaving your Galaxy S2's home screen and without launching any apps. You can resize your widgets to your heart's desire. You can shrink or expand them; it all depends on your preferences.

New and Powerful Voice Input - This latest platform will allow you to use voice input engine. This will give you continuous "open microphone" and streaming voice recognition. You can dictate whatever text you want and for as long as you want, by just using your preferred language. You can talk for as long as you like and even pause when you want and simply dictate needed punctuations to be able to make proper sentences. When the program enters your text, it will automatically underline dictation errors and shade it in gray. You can simply tap the errors and quickly replace them with the given list for instant correction.

These are just some of the amazing features that you can expect with the latest Android platform for your beloved Samsung Galaxy S2.

For the best deals on Samsung Galaxy S2 and Samsung Galaxy S2 White, visit us at Phoneslimited.co.uk.

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Make Calls Around the World

When you're out travelling the world, it's important to be able to connect to friends and family back home so you can share stories of your travels and learn about the things that have happened while you've been away. However, being half way across the world and using a traditional mobile phone package to call home can put a significant strain on your travel budget.

When you're travelling far from home, for long periods of time, it can be both comforting and reassuring to be able to hear the voice of a friend or family member on the other line. While staying in touch via email or through the use of various social media sites is a great method to help keep in touch, it just can't replace the feeling of talking to your loved ones on the phone.

To do so - and also to help save money and make calling easy - consider taking your mobile phone with you to stay in touch with your loved ones. Hotel and public phones can have expensive charges, and if you ever get carried away chatting to someone special back home, you might hang up to an expensive bill when the call is over. By bringing your mobile phone with you, you can avoid any hidden or unexpected charges.

However, instead of using the SIM card you use regularly, you might want to consider getting an international SIM card instead. This will help you make sure you can call home wherever you are and whenever you like, at a much lower price. The other advantage of getting an international SIM card is that often, SIM providers will be able to offer better deals than your home carrier, and often offer bonus credits when you recharge your SIM on the go. Definitely more cost efficient than calling home whilst using what might be considered a more "traditional" mobile phone package.

Keeping in touch with friends and family on your travels is easy when you take advantage of cut price phone calls to reach people from back home. An international sim card will help you phone home for less and hear all the exciting news while you're away, and after a chat back home you can get back to your adventure and enjoy all the sights and sounds on your travels without feeling like you're missing out on anything that's happening back where your heart is.

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BlackBerry Torch Accessories Complete Your Experience

People rush to their nearest BlackBerry store to get the latest smart phone in their lineup - the BlackBerry Torch 9800, more commonly known as the Torch. Phone enthusiasts looked forward to its release because of its feature-packed package. Now that it's in the market, you can get yours and maximize its features by getting different BlackBerry Torch accessories.

BlackBerry phones have evolved in recent times. They are now more than just business phones offering email push notifications and document creation capabilities. BlackBerry tries to keep up with other mobile phone manufacturers, turning their units into the ultimate gadget. They now offer many personal and business applications, on and offline games, multimedia features and social media access. There are many accessories that protect your device or make them look more personalized. The more valuable accessories, however, are those that act as your phone's extension. These will let you enjoy full functionality of your Torch.

The Torch package you bought from the BlackBerry store includes a few basic accessories. You get 4 gigabytes (GB) of onboard memory and an additional 4 GB microSD memory card, which adds up to 8 GB of initial memory. You can expand use up to a 32 GB microSD card if you need more space for your documents and multimedia files. Naturally, you get the battery and charger for your phone. The charger comes with adaptors for round and flat plugs. The package will also include a basic headset with two earphones and a microphone. You can use this for playing media, answering calls handsfree or for applications requiring a headset.

There are even more BlackBerry Torch accessories available as separate purchases. You can choose an authentic BlackBerry wireless headset in place of the standard headset or buy your own Bluetooth-powered unit. You can also get the matching holster which automatically detects your phone's settings. Meanwhile, channel your inner DJ by connecting your Torch to the BlackBerry Music Gateway via Bluetooth. This allows you to play music on your stereo directly from your phone.

Those who are already happy with their phone's features look for cases and protective coverings instead. There are a variety of protective casings in the market. You can choose a plastic, rubber, or gel case that covers the sides of your upper slide and the back cover of your phone. You can then buy protective screen covering to prevent scratches and dents. Others skip the cover and bedazzle their phones with rhinestones, creating their design of choice. This results in a more personalized look. Others prefer simple phone pockets and holsters that come with different designs and colors. Choose one that fits your personal style.

Finding BlackBerry Torch accessories is easy. You can go to your nearest BlackBerry provider and check out the accessories they have in store. Other mobile phone accessory stores will have a wider variety of items you might like. Finally, the internet offers many selections. There are plenty of online merchants selling accessories for better prices. You'll be able to personalize your phone and make the most out of its features with these accessories.

Alicia Owen often visits the online Blackberry store to check for new Blackberry Torch accessories.

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The Benefits of an Online Cell Phone Directory

When you need to find a telephone number for someone with a cell phone, it is somewhat different than seeking out someone that has a landline telephone. For a landline, you simply need to look inside the telephone book White Pages. Most individuals that have landline telephone numbers will have them listed in this way. This is not the case for those with wireless phone numbers. These kinds of phone numbers are not found in any telephone book; however, there are online directories. Most of these do require a fee. You can become included in an online Cell Phone Directory if you so desire.

These directories are normally free and you simply have to opt in to be included in the listings. Anyone that chooses to do so will have their number listed for free. You do not have to have your number listed in this directory to be afforded the luxury of utilizing the directory to find information.

Although there is information available, many people still do not know what a cell phone directory is. It is somewhat different than the average telephone book. The following are some of both the good and not so good points related to cell phone directories.

One of the best features of an online cell phone directory is the fact that many are free, unlike reverse mobile look-up directories that charge a fee for their information. For those seeking mobile numbers without having to pay fees, this is a great option.

Another great aspect of these free directories is the fact that they are quite simple to utilize. You simply enter the phone number and the directory will provide you the information about whom the number belongs to. To make your searches more fruitful, there are many ways you can seek the information you are looking for. You can search by the telephone number, the person's name, any affiliations, or simply the prefix and the area code. When inside the directory, you will also be given the option to add your own number to it so that anyone trying to find you can do so, as well.

One of the most major downsides to these types of directories is that they rely entirely on individuals inputting their own information in order to be included in the directory. So, unless the person that you are looking for has opted in to the specific directory you are searching, you will not find their phone number.

Also, many people have come to expect a certain level of privacy by owning a mobile phone instead of a landline, and by putting your name and number into one of these online directories gives up much of that expected privacy.

As more and more people switch to mobile phones over landlines, these directories will become more of the normal way of finding a telephone number. It is obvious that there is a need for this type of directory, and as more people switch to mobile phones this type of directory will become the norm.

Explore the benefits of a free online Cell Phone Directory.

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Should I Get a Smartphone or an iPad?

Asking whether you should get an iPad or a smartphone is a bit like comparing apples (no pun intended) and oranges. It really depends what you need and a lot may depend on how good your eyesight is!

If you can afford to get both you'll find yourself carrying your smartphone around all the time, they're great for finding out where the latest deals are and getting quick information and making phone calls of course.

If you're a content junkie and you like to read books online, watch videos and see pictures attached to certain websites then an iPad or tablet will be the better choice. You'll still have to carry a cell phone along of course, but if you make and receive infrequent calls you can actually convert your iPad or tablet into a phone by using a VoIP application. It's somewhat like Skype as it bypasses traditional phone lines by using the power of the internet.

Problem is you're going to look pretty silly with a giant iPad stuck to your ear - probably something you should do in a bathroom or in the privacy of your vehicle! Who hasn't got a cell phone they can use alongside an iPad anyway?

It's hard to believe that the iPad will only be two years old come April 2012, they have already been accepted as a far superior and much more portable replacement for the laptop for most people.

The biggest difference between a smartphone and an iPad is the size of the screen. Put a search into a smartphone and you get back a pretty uninteresting-looking list of things, with an iPad you get back what looks more like a computer screen with graphics etc., Download your choice of 1000s of different applications and you can have a tailor-made iPad that does exactly what you want it to do.

Of course there are apps for phones too - again it's all down to what you need. I just wonder if with the increased popularity of iPads and tablets men are going to start sporting European-style man purses to tote them!

If you do choose an iPad or tablet and you find yourself with a small heap of unwanted electronic gadgets- you know, your alarm clock, GPS, MP3 player, camera and dare I say Walkman and other old cell phones, please be sure to take them to an electronics store that offers free small gadget recycling.

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Keeping electronics cool: Findings on modified form of graphene could have impacts in managing heat dissipation

ScienceDaily (Jan. 9, 2012) — A University of California, Riverside engineering professor and a team of researchers have made a breakthrough discovery with graphene, a material that could play a major role in keeping laptops and other electronic devices from overheating.

Alexander Balandin, a professor of electrical engineering at the UC Riverside Bourns College of Engineering, and researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Dallas and Xiamen University in China, have shown that the thermal properties of isotopically engineered graphene are far superior to those of graphene in its natural state.

The research efforts were led by the Professor Rodney S. Ruoff of UT Austin and Balandin, a corresponding author for the paper, "Thermal conductivity of isotopically modified graphene." It was published online Jan. 8 by the journal Nature Materials and will later appear in the print publication.

The results bring graphene -- a single-atom thick carbon crystal with unique properties, including superior electrical and heat conductivity, mechanical strength and unique optical absorption -- one step closer to being used as a thermal conductor for managing heat dissipation in everything from electronics to photovoltaic solar cells to radars.

"The important finding is the possibility of a strong enhancement of thermal conduction properties of isotopically pure graphene without substantial alteration of electrical, optical and other physical properties," Balandin said. "Isotopically pure graphene can become an excellent choice for many practical applications provided that the cost of the material is kept under control."

He added: "The experimental data on heat conduction in isotopically engineered graphene is also crucially important for developing an accurate theory of thermal conductivity in graphene and other two-dimensional crystals."

The research used the optothermal Raman method, a thermal conductivity measuring technique developed by Balandin. In 2008, Balandin and his group members demonstrated experimentally that graphene is an excellent heat conductor. They also developed the first detailed theory of heat conduction in graphene and related two-dimensional crystals.

The work presented in the Nature Materials paper shows that the thermal conductivity of isotopically engineered graphene is strongly enhanced compared to graphene in its natural state.

Naturally occurring carbon materials, including graphene, are made up of two stable isotopes: about 99 percent of 12C (referred to as "carbon 12") and 1 percent of 13C (referred to as "carbon 13"). The difference between isotopes is in the atomic mass of the carbon atoms. The removal of just about 1 percent of carbon 13, also called isotopic purification, modifies the dynamic properties of crystal lattices and affects their thermal conductivity.

The importance of the present research is explained by practical needs for materials with high thermal conductivity. Heat removal has become a crucial issue for continuing progress in the electronics industry, owing to increased levels of dissipated power as the devices become smaller and smaller. The search for materials that conduct heat well has become essential for the design of the next generation of integrated circuits and three-dimensional electronics.

Balandin, who is also founding chair of the materials science and engineering (MS&E) program at UC Riverside, believes graphene will gradually be incorporated into different devices.

Initially, it will likely be used in some niche applications such as thermal interface materials for chip packaging or transparent electrodes in photovoltaic solar cells or flexible displays, he said.

In a few years, it could be used with silicon in computer chips, for example as interconnect wiring or heat spreaders. It also has the potential to benefit other electronic applications, including analog high-frequency transistors, which are used in wireless communications, radar, security systems and imaging.

Balandin and the following researchers contributed to the findings in the Nature Materials paper:

The team at UT Austin, which performed the isotopic purification of graphene, included Ruoff, Shanshan Chen, a post-doctoral fellow, Weiwei Cai a former post-doctoral researcher who is now a professor at the Xiamen University and Columbia Mishra, a graduate student.

The team at UT Dallas, who performed molecular dynamics simulations that compared well with the stronger thermal connectivity of the isotopically engineered graphene, included Kyeongjae Cho, a professor, and Hengji Zhang, graduate student.

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Tips on Mobile Phone Security

Ever since the first affordable mobile phone came out in the late 90s, it seems that every body has this nifty little gadget on their person wherever they go. The mobile phone has evolved from big clunky devices that showed pixelized images on a tiny screen. Nowadays, phones offer sharp and clear images and does more than just make and receive calls. It also does a number of things such as send and receive text messages, MMS, and email, allows the user to access the internet, offers short-range wireless communication, functions as a camera, portable music device, and gaming device as well. Mobile phones that have these features are also called smartphones. It is like having a tiny computer that can fit right in your pocket which you can bring wherever you want to go.

As mobile phones are turning into small computer-like devices, and becoming more and more sophisticated, it does not come as a surprise that the phone and the data inside the phone becomes more and more vulnerable as well. Not many people know this but mobile phones can be tracked and this is easily done. The location of the mobile phone is easy to determine through cell tower triangulation. And because the phone is almost always with the person, it is sometimes used to know where a person is also. The service provider of the mobile phone is also able to track the activities of the phone and law enforcement agencies can also perform surveillance using mobile phones.

Nowadays, most people use their phones beyond making calls and sending text messages. Most of the time, their mobile phones also contain personal and confidential information such as phone numbers, social security numbers, private text messages, and pictures. And because most phones also function as a GPS device or are GPS-enabled, it is becoming easier to track your phone from anywhere in the world. Because of this, it is important that you protect your phone and the data it contains. You can do this by buying a security software for your phone.

Aside from purchasing a security software for your phone, you can also set up a password for your device. This is the easiest thing you can do to protect it from unauthorized use. You can usually set up your password by accessing the security features of your phone or asking your service provider to help you with it. As much as possible, do not let other people use your phone or leave it unattended. Untrustworthy people can easily download a spyware on your phone within minutes and this spyware can access your phonebook, your text messages, and even allow other people to covertly listen to any conversations you might have when you use your phone. Last tip in securing your phone: when you get a notification that someone is attempting to connect with your phone, make sure that it is from a known and trusted device. Set up your device in such a way that it is not discoverable so that unknown devices cannot connect to your mobile phone immediately. Remember, it pays to be vigilant, whether it be protecting yourself, or protecting your mobile phone.

Mobile security is a big issue and is something you should take seriously. Take action now to protect yourself from attacks.

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Windows Phone - The Future of Phones

There are many people interested in smart phones who do not want to buy Apple iPhones, but up until now, there haven't been a whole lot of options that can compare. However, Microsoft seems poised to give the smart phone market their best shot. News has been brewing from a variety of sources about what is now being touted as the Mango (some called it Tango), as a major competitor to the high-end market. The mid-market price point is making a lot of people excited, because instead of going out the gate with a high-priced option, the company is going with a middle of the road price option that will directly compete with Droid and iPhone and knock them down a few pegs.

The stripped-down phone has been named Tango in recent posts, and most are enjoying the play on words that comes along with an operating system that will be native to the device, Mango. Tango Mango is something that Microsoft officials are keeping tight-lipped about.

What people are talking about most often is not so much the name, although there are plenty of pundits that enjoy making fun of the company's naming conventions. Technology buffs are looking at the recent release of the names of the manufacturers that are working closely with Microsoft. Nokia and Samsung are prepping to hose the phones and will hope to combine the software they are developing with a stripped-down phone version that will have plenty of features, including mobile computer networking, with a more intuitive design.

The learning curve that many people have to go through when it comes to getting into the smart phone world is vast, which is why Microsoft is choosing to go with a bit more simplistic approach. While most devices that are being pushed by large companies try to mimic the abilities of Apple, the Windows phone is not trying to be another carbon copy, they are truly trying to innovate. Innovations might seem few and far between with phone technology, especially since most people believe that there is nothing new under the sun in regards to the latest and greatest in communication devices. However, leave it to Bill Gates and company to try and shake things up with all new media implications.

In a recent showcase, the Windows and Nokia model "Apollo" was presented as a stand-alone option that will have voice to speech recognition, text to speech, and so much more. You'll see a fully integrated and intuitive design that is set to be released early 2012 at the very soonest, with many technology bloggers giving it a Mid-2012 time frame.

To clear up some confusion, the Windows Phones Mango, Tango 1, Tango 2, and Apollo are all being released sooner than later, and the phone's OS will be interesting to see. Some videos have leaked to showcase the interesting functionality of the phone, which very well maybe the one true iPhone killer that some fans of Microsoft have been waiting on for some time now. It will be interesting to see if that is in fact what will occur, even though it seems like a tall task.

Penny Lee specializes in providing reliable computer support California to businesses that want to improve productivity and profitability. With IT support in California and computer networking that better maps to your business, you'll never have to worry about technology again.

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