Springpad's Redesign: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Note-taking and web-clipping service Springpad got a major update this week, with a new look and more emphasis on social notebooks. Unfortunately, although the new UI is beautiful, the overhaul has alienated loyal Springpad users (including myself), who want to use the app as a productivity tool, not as a social bookmarking one.

Social/sharing was built into Springpad from the start, but it wasn't a spotlight feature like it is becoming now in version 3. You can see the influence of Pinterest, Facebook, and the like, in Springpad's latest iteration. At the notebook level you can now control sharing and privacy settings and ?follow friends' specific notebooks, much like you can follow Pinterest users' boards.

Public notebooks in Springpad--under the Explore tab--help you find inspiration for new notebooks or notes for your own notebooks. Much like, again, Pinterest.

Some might say Springpad is copying Pinterest, but Springpad has long had a beautiful grid interface, with notebooks laid out on a custom background (predating Wunderlist, Pinterest, and others, in fact). This latest redesign, if anything--while perhaps refreshing and sharp--is a step backwards--or perhaps many steps backwards.

Checking the Getsatisfaction page on the new Springpad version, you'll note more than a few issues have been cropping up, including lost notes, attachments, and links. It is a great sign, however, that team Springpad is responsive to users' feedback and concerns.

Complaints about the redesign include the notebook icons being too large and fonts too big on the mobile and even desktop displays. And I used to really, really dig Springpad most of all for its stunning cork-board interface that was truly unique and helpful for organizing all your notes and everything you want to remember. Now it seems the most unique part of Springpad has been buried and all of the notebooks and notes are more uniform in look.

With the latest update, Springpad also removed offline capabilities from the Springpad Chrome app (the Springpad blog post gives no reason why).

If you want a way to share your Springpad notebooks more easily with distant social followers, then this update may make you happy. Otherwise, like other Springpad users, you may be very disappointed, as there are really no productivity enhancements in this latest version and you might even find it less usable (I used to be able to open Springpad in a tab in Thunderbird, but can't do so any longer).

If you haven't used Springpad yet, you might find it an attractive alternative to Pinterest and Evernote, as it offers a bit of both . Perhaps that's what the team was going for with the latest update.

Do you use Springpad, and if so, what do you think of the redesign?

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How to Find Someone's Cell Number Using a Directory

Cell phones have become such an integral part of modern life that it's hard to imagine living without them. They connect us to the world in ways that we could only dream of a few short years ago. It seems there is almost nothing you can't do with one. Well almost, for all the power built into them there is one major drawback; how to find someone's cell number?

You would think with a cell phones ability to connect us to the digital world that finding someone's cell number would be easy. Surely there should be some sort of built in cellular directory? But there isn't. There isn't even a cellular version of the yellow pages so forget looking up a number that way. The reason it is hard to freely find cellular numbers has to do with federal privacy regulations that prevent this information being released to the general public.

So what can you do when all you know is a person's name and want to call them? How do you find their cell phone number?

The fastest and easiest way is to use a national cellular directory which is essentially a database of cell phone numbers accessed through the internet for a small fee. There are also several free directories that offer access to their database if you are willing to provide your own cell number and some other personal information. For more information about free cellular directories please click here.

The paid directories are able to work with not only the cell phone companies but also other agencies and third party companies to provide this information to the public through paid memberships. These databases are locked from general public view and are protected from data mining telemarketers and others.

These membership sites are not free but the membership fee is minimal, usually in $10 to $40 range depending on what type of membership and information you are looking for. The type of information you will get once inside a cell phone number directory includes the person's name, number, if their phone is still active, unlisted numbers, and in some cases other information such as their address. These directories are essentially online phone books that make finding someone's cell number very easy.

If you are thinking of spending your money on cellular phone directory there are two things you need to keep in mind:

1. Quality directories will offer a money back guarantee if you are unable to find the information you are looking for.

2. Quality directories will not have hidden fees or charges to gain additional access to information once you have joined their service. You should get unlimited searches for the life of your membership, whether it's one day, one month, or one year. Sites that should be avoided include those that charge you by the month or even worse charge you for each search.

If you are still wondering how to find someone's cell number then give a national cellular directory a shot. They are easy to join and within minutes you can a fully functioning cellular number phone book right on your phone or computer.

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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Adorn Your Pockets With Swarovski Platinum and Crystal Apple iPhone 4S

Apple, the name itself reflects luxury and uniqueness. The brand is known for its innovative and advanced iPhones. The company has also introduced several cell phone models that falls under the category of luxury cell phones due to use of several dazzling gems and precious stones. The latest addition to this series is the Platinum & Swarovski Apple iPhone 4S. This trendy handset features a classy look with numerous handpicked 100% genuine Swarovski crystal beautifully embedded in the handset. The beauty of this device is enhanced with the use of the platinum. This sleek and slim cell phone designed by Apple is catching the eyes of all trend setters and luxury lovers.

The Swarovski Platinum and Crystal Edition mobile phone is packed with amazing innovative applications and features. This stylish gadget is embroidered with finely cut and handpicked glittering Swarovski crystals that count more than 500 in number. The features of the gadget are same as that of other Apple iPhones but appreciating changes have been made to enhance its looks as well as its functionality.

The endless appeal and perfection in the crafting of this platinum edition mobile phone attracts numbers purchasers towards it. The body case of the gadget is dipped in platinum and it is finely polished to increase its shine. In addition to the glittering body, the finely cut Swarovski crystals that are engraved on it also enhance the dazzling beauty of the device. This designer cell phone is a masterpiece with utmost perfection. The mobile phone reflects a totally new look when you hold it in the natural light. The surrounding glows with the shine of the white gold and beautiful crystals. The material used in designing this cellular phone is certified for its quality.

Apart from the external beauty, this mobile phone also possesses loads of innovative features that are capable enough to keep you busy all day. Some of them include 3G, Wi-Fi connectivity, 8 Megapixels camera, HD video recording, multitasking, high quality retina display, in-built music player and ipod, video calling etc. This mobile phone is available in three models 16 GB, 32 GB and 34 GB.

You can get this outstanding cell phone in two colors, black and white. To attract the attention of all you must go for the black one, because when it's black polished body and the crystals glows in the light, its beauty is endless. So, enhance your style statement by owning a Swarovski & Crystal Apple iPhone 4S that is appreciated all over the world for its uniqueness.

Trend seekers are most welcome to explore the website of luxury cell phones. Here they will find expensive cell phones edition along with loads of other luxury cell phones.

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After Blackberry

"Hello, my name is Tom and I am a former Blackberry user."

"Hello, Tom, welcome to the meeting."

"I'd like to start off by saying I became addicted to Blackberrys early in my professional career... when email was all the rage and my full QWERTY keyboard was like my own little piano. I was Chopin and my audience was my customer base - who appreciated my quick email and text responses. Those were the days. Who needed anything else? I could make phone calls, text my friends, set appointments, add contacts and with the use of our company BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) we had an extra level of security that helped our IT staff sleep better at night (they were fully aware that some of our absent-minded employees were leaving devices in airports or dropping them in places meant for other things - problems easily resolved through the use of the BES and an attentive wireless account rep).

I started running into problems when some of my counterparts mocked me for carrying what they perceived to be an industrial-looking device. While they took delight in viewing full documents and web-pages on their new phones like the iPhone and anything Android, I struggled to view the screen on my Curve or Bold like I was 110 years old and lost my reading glasses. They downloaded new apps, while I played Brickbreaker. They watched YouTube, while I could view only a limited amount of a web page.

I persisted. I stuck by my Blackberry, like a good friend who had carried me through tough selling days and helped me to close deals. Besides, I hated touch screens for typing and loathed predictive text. No, I meant "business appointment", not "busy apples". I argued that I had moved away from using the device as a phone and primarily used it now for email and text - which the QWERTY keyboard made so easy to do.

Then the media began to echo the same sentiments that my friends and business clients had murmured - Blackberry was in trouble. It was losing market share for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the limited ability for app developers to work with their OS (Operating System). ABC News reported: "The Canadian firm posted a net loss of $US125 million for the fourth quarter to March 3, compared with a profit of $US418 million a year earlier." (March 30, 2012- "Blackberry Admits Defeat in the Consumer Market"). However, RIM's (Research in Motion) newly appointment President and Chief Executive, Thorsten Heins closed the article "I have confirmed that the company has substantial strengths that can be further leveraged to improve our financial performance, including RIM's global network infrastructure, a strong enterprise offering and a large and growing base of more than 77 million subscribers." Apparently, their intention is to shy away from the youth market and focus on their strength - the enterprise space.

While I understand RIM's stance, I'm not convinced it will sustain them over the long-haul. That youthful generation will soon become their future market and the reality is - consumers are looking for a single device that can meet their needs throughout their entire day, not just business hours. They want the ability to respond to text messages, to answer emails, set appointments, but after hours they'll play their music, download apps, look at pictures, watch videos and surf the web. In fact, faced with the prospect of carrying two devices (business phone and personal phone) consumers are opting to carry a single device and pay for their own services. According to Forester Research - 48% of employees pay for their own equipment and 40% pay for their own services. This shift away from the company assuming all costs is similar to years ago when employers were willing to pay for employees' internet services at home to help them be more productive while away from the office. Today, we pay our own way because we may use the internet as much for pleasure as we do business. Respective to wireless, the fact that an employee is willing to pay for their own services (minimum of $480 + annually) in exchange for use of their own device is testament to the infatuation/reliance consumers have to their personal phones.

From a security standpoint, I do wonder what the future will bring with operating systems that are more prone to attack than my Blackberry despite claims to the contrary. Whether it's through a downloaded app or visited website, companies need to be more proactive in their approach to protecting company data. My Blackberry in conjunction with the BES afforded a better level of encryption, but even that wasn't full-proof.

I said "wasn't" as I have since moved on to a Samsung Droid. I gave up my friend after eight years for the prospect of something sexier, more compelling. The screen is crisp and three times the size of my Bold screen, I can navigate through the device with ease, I can download far more apps (security anyone?) and admittedly I'm enjoying it. Although I have to say, I still struggle with the touch screen and predictive text. I just sent my wife a text telling her I would stop at the Supreme Matchmaker on my way home to pick up milk and bread. Hope she's still home when I get there".

Tom Huegel is a Senior Partner with the Wireless Business Group, LLC located in North Syracuse, New York. He can be reached at (315) 701-0855 or at t.huegel@wirelessbusinessgroup.com

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Comparing Business Cell Phone Plans

Mobile phones have become invaluable to society but they also bring complications in the form of a variety of cell phone plans. Businesses in particular have a multitude of options based on company type, size, and location. Failing to do some homework before selecting a phone plan may result in overspending. With so many companies being forced to tighten their belts, this excess expense is difficult to justify.

The Importance of the Right Cell Phone Plans

Communication is essential to effective business operations and everything from smart phones to blackberries have made it easier for workers to communicate with prospects, clients, and each other. Employees can check on customers while away from the office, hold telephone conferences while waiting for a business flight, and provide updates to workers in the office. A cell phone is now considered a necessary business tool and the cell phone plan is what makes this tool most effective.

Unfortunately, selecting the right phone plan has become a complex process because multiple providers are competing for corporate accounts. Unless a company representative takes time to explore each plan in depth, the chance of finding the best deal is very slim. Calling, messaging, and data needs determine which plan structure is best and the corporate budget dictates how much the company can afford to spend.

At the same time, just because a plan meets the needs of the business in terms of number of phones and calling, messaging, and data patterns does not mean it is the best choice. Cost is another important factor and if a lower price is available for the same service from another provider, there is no justification for selecting the higher priced plan. Why spend extra money when there is no need to do so?

Comparing Cell Phone Plans to Identify The Best One

A business cell phone plan comparison begins with a review of the most recent bills. An evaluation of calling, messaging, and data use will reveal patterns. If the company is consistently paying for overages or peak usage in these areas, the plan should be adjusted. Before shopping for a new plan, necessary changes to the existing plan should be identified. This prevents the company from ending up in the same situation with a new carrier. Considerations should include whether international calling should be included, if unlimited texting is justifiable in terms of expense, and how large the data plan should be.

Once the type and level of services have been determined, providers should be compared to see how much they charge for this plan. In some cases, it may be most cost-effective to use multiple providers, each of whom caters to a specific geographic area. In others, a single nationwide provider may be suitable.

Contract terms should also be reviewed and compared. Some providers require business customers to enter contracts for multi-year terms. A provider may also dictate how often phones may be upgraded and with technology changing rapidly, this can be a deciding factor. The plan should provide sufficient coverage and modern equipment to all employees requiring the service.

Gill-Technoligies.com is an experienced mobile management company offering specialized services for cell phone plans. Our team evaluates your company's needs based on usage and services and will recommend the best cell phone plans for your budget, staff, and needs. For more information, visit our website today!

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Taking Care Of Your Cell Phone

These days, the use of mobile phones is so common. It is hard to find someone who doesn't know how to use one. The use of these phones has increased over the years. Many of the third world countries have started appreciating the use of phones for communication. The phones have even become like small computers where people can now store information and even create files. It is almost becoming a necessity to own a cell phone at this day and age. With the advancements that are always taking place in technology, more and better mobile phones are being produced to provide a wide variety of functions.

However, there are many people who misuse such phones. You will find quite a number of people investing their hard-earned money to buy a sleek-looking phone. It is only a few months down the line that they begin experiencing problems with the phone, especially with its battery life. You may find that the manual of the phone states that the battery life should be 2 days before recharging yet after using it for a few months, you have to charge it every night as you go to sleep. It is either you didn't read the instructions for charging or the phone is a counterfeit.

It is for this reason that when you buy a cell phone, take time to read the manual. There is a reason why the manufacture of the phone put the manual on top of the handset when you open the box containing the phone. The manual is usually strategically placed so that people can read it to know how to operate the mobile phone. However, as human beings, we get excited when we get a new phone and we want to start using it even before going through the manual. We also depend on what people have said about the phone and how it has worked for them. If you took time and read the manual, you would discover that your phone could do more things than you can imagine.

Thus, taking care of you phone requires you to read the manual. It is in the manual that you will find what you should do and what you shouldn't do when using the phone. The information provided there is to protect the user of the phone from injury and also to protect the phone from damage. Reading the manual of your mobile phone will help you take care of it.

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Five Reasons to Choose Two SIM Phones

More and more mobile phone companies today are venturing into the dual SIM phone bandwagon since thousands of people have seen the rationality behind this device. As for the people whose eyes still find the great reasons behind this technology vague, here are five reasons that might shed light on you and realize that dual SIM phones are not just practical, but it can also be the best device to save lots of money without losing touch with the people in your circle:

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? HOW ABOUT BOTH?

Some people want to separate the people they interact with at work and at home. There are professionals who simply want to leave work matters the moment they leave the office and step in their homes. With a dual SIM phone, you can give a different number to your clients, colleagues, subordinates, bosses and other business acquaintances and give a different one to your family and friends. That way, you can easily define the line in the sand if the message you have received is all about business matters or personal stuff.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Different networks offer varying plans and payment options. While network A will tell you that their international calls are cheaper, network B will surprise you with lower rates for their local calls and text messaging plans. To make sure that you are saving money on phone bills the best way there is, you can simply use both SIM cards from network A and network B to avail the cheaper offer in each of their plans. Dual SIM phones gives you better options and definitely the best of both worlds all in one device.

BETTER NETWORK COVERAGE

There are some countries where some networks have better satellite coverage in a particular area and vice versa. If you live in one of these countries, using a dual SIM phone guarantees that you have an available coverage anywhere you are.

SAVE ON ROAMING

This advantage can come handy to people who travel a lot. If you are a jetsetter, then you probably have your number applied to a roaming service. Using a dual SIM mobile phone, you can allot one SIM for your home country and assign the other one for roaming services. That way, you have the option of only using the SIM under the roaming service during the days of your travel and therefore save more on bills.

PHONE-SHARING

Many countries perceive cellular phones as a private property which must be kept to oneself. Nevertheless, there are others which have accustomed themselves that borrowing and lending mobile phones is not a big deal. If you are located in the latter, utilizing a dual SIM phone allows you to share the other SIM slot to a friend or a family friend without having to erase your messages and contact since most dual SIM phones have different storage for messages and contacts for both networks. One can even secure a network with a passcode.

Mobile-phones-china.com is a leading China Mobile Phones manufacturer in China.Specialize in all kinds of Android Mobile Phones. Everyone is welcome to retail and wholesale from us with the best price.

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The GSM Desktop Phone: A Desktop Phone With a SIM Card Instead of a Landline, Offering Many Benefits

Even though smart mobile phones have conquered the world and are in almost everybody's hands today while on the move, regular fixed phones strongly remain part of everybody's daily environment, at home, in the office, in hotels, in conference zones etc... The reason is simply the comfort these fixed devices provide: large LCD displays, quality speakers, possibility to connect a quality headset, large buttons, full "qwerty" keyboards and a bunch of office functionalities such as display of caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call transfer, conference calls, turning these communication devices into a Switchboard PBX Solution.

While the connectivity of many desktop phones is still provided by regular landlines, a new concept has emerged with the development of the GSM cell phone communication worldwide and has established itself as strong challenger: the GSM Desktop Phone, which is a desktop phone whose connectivity is provided through a SIM card (the card you get from your GSM mobile operator to insert in your GSM mobile phone) instead of a landline, offering many benefits for users:

Saving time, complexity and money on wired infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for locations without fixed access, such as temporary offices on construction sites, countryside houses, boats, etc...Saving landline costs, one single GSM provider for all your phones (fixed desktop and mobile), allowing attractive tariffsComfort of a desktop phoneSmart office with calls, texting and data - internet in oneOffice communication possible right from the start for sites under constructionMobile and always ready to use, just unpack it wherever you are

GSM Desktop Phones have increasingly become popular since many international mobile operators started to offer them as an alternative to regular mobile phones, especially to small and medium companies, for which it represents an ideal alternative to regular landline communication systems, offering fixed and mobile communication to all employees, under one single and attractive subscription contract.

A further brilliant application of GSM Desktop Phones has emerged in the security and remote control area, a radio module being inserted in the device and turning it into a GSM Alarm and Control System, able to connect wirelessly with a number of detectors and remote control devices inside a house or an office, and to send alarm messages to or receive orders from any GSM mobile phone.

In conclusion, the GSM Desktop Phone is a great alternative to regular landline desktop phones, offering a unique combination of the desktop phone's features such as LCD displays, quality speakers, large buttons, full keyboards etc... with the benefits provided by a mobile subscription, making it ideal for home & family, remote locations, boats, construction sites, small to medium companies etc...Furthermore, it provides a unique solution for the security and remote control of houses and offices.

Searching for a phone combining the advantages of regular Desktop Phones with the mobility provided by a mobile subscription, and that on top would allow you to secure and control your house or office from your GSM mobile phone? Visit GSM Alarm and Control Systems and access a unique selection of GSM based security and control solutions.

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Prepaid Mobile Broadband in Australia

I have been following the mobile broadband trends in Australia for many years now and mobile broadband continues to have the fastest growing number of connections.

Statistics

Mobile wireless internet connections grew by 14.7% since June 2011 and continue to be the most popular form of internet technology in Australia.

As at December 2011 (latest statistics published) Australia had over 5.4 million mobile wireless connections. DSL connections sat at 4.5 million connections.

Popularity

So why is mobile broadband so popular? There are several reasons. Firstly it is the preferred internet connection for anyone renting a home in Australia and this includes many students who are living away from home or require an internet connection when they are at school.

With the increasing growth of tablets like the iPad, more than 50% of these devices are 3G enabled which also require a wireless connection.

3G and 4G mobile broadband is also very popular in the workplace. If you are likely to be traveling or regularly use a laptop away from your desk, chances are that you also carry a USB modem with you.

Price

What has also made mobile broadband popular but also accessible is price. Long gone are the $250 USB modem prices, today you can pick up a USB modem from Telstra (regarded as the most expensive provider) for just $24.50. Prices of $19 with Vodafone are not uncommon either.

Added to this is the significant fall in data costs. Mobile broadband connections downloaded over 23,000 terabytes of data for the 6 months till December 2011 (growth of over 26%). 1GB of data today costs around $10. Four years ago it was ten times this amount. Furthermore, many prepaid mobile plans on offer have plans that offer 30GB of data. The fact that these types of plans even exist, show our appetite for mobile data.

Getting Started

The best place to begin when looking at you prepaid broadband options is coverage. If you live in the central business district plus a radius of 25KMs then all providers are fine. Venture out beyond this and your options are really Optus and Telstra. If you live in rural Australia, I would only go with Telstra.

All providers give you coverage maps via their website, however to test it yourself you can buy a $2 sim card and pop it into your phone. Then using the available credit test the internet on your phone. This will give you the best indication of speed.

Once you are satisfied, buy yourself a prepaid starter kit, with sim and data. You will need to install some software on your computer or laptop which is provided via the USB modem. The rest of the activation process is pretty straight forward.

My Name is Ranya Georgalas and I enjoy blogging about all sorts of topics. I work in Marketing, Social Media and Affiliate Marketing. I use Telstra Prepaid Mobile Broadband with my iPad.

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Why Are Smartphones Called "Smart"?

Smartphones are called smartphones for a very obvious reason. These mobile phones are notches higher when it comes to its advanced ability to compute as well as to communicate. The word "smart" is the perfect adjective to name this mobile phone invention since its platform is more high-tech and can definitely "outsmart" a regular feature phone in terms of speed, features, and connectivity. Smartphones are jam packed with functions that be used for both assistive and entertainment purposes.

One of the most popular integrations made to smartphones are the personal digital assistant. Shortly called as PDA or PA, it is an intelligent voice-enabled system that takes down tasks, schedule appointments and meetings and virtually anything that you need to do and reminds them one by one on a specified time.

Aside from the PDA, another great feature of the smartphone is its high-resolution camera. Before, people are simply content with having a VGA camera that can capture mediocre-quality images. These were acceptable during that time since people knew that mobile phones are simply for communicative purposes and a camera is simply a feature and nothing more. Now, people have become very demanding in terms of the quality of still and video camera. In fact, most smartphones now even have LED flash so that the camera can be used even during the night.

Another great feature of smartphones is fast internet connection. A smartphone without a fast web browsing ability is futile since it is pretty much the reason why developers have gone out of their way to improve the hardware and the software of smartphones. Smartphones can access data via high-speed WiFi connection or via 3G network where loading a page will take only a second. It also ran by an advanced operating system to make sure that it will be working just like a miniature personal computer. Also, it can be loaded with lots of applications and games depending on the smartphones' brand and software stack or operating system which is supported by a middleware and a store where all applications are accessed.

A smartphone is an amazing technological breakthrough which has created a craze these days to many people, professional or not. Sure, it is a bit pricey for some people, but can you just imagine the technology that is housed in each smartphone? The phone itself may cause a dime, but the comfort, functionality and convenience that it brings is simply priceless. It is basically not a simple feature phone anymore but a device that holds the power of a mobile phone, a personal computer, a gaming console, an automated scheduler, a virtual personal assistant, a high-resolution camera and a high-definition video camera all in one pocket-size device. If that isn't amazing then I don't know what is!

Mobile-phones-china.com is a leading China Mobile Phones manufacturer in China.Specialize in all kinds of Android Mobile Phones. Everyone is welcome to retail and wholesale from us with the best price.

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Consider This As You Shop For A Cheap Cell Phone Plan

When you start looking for the cheapest cell phone plans on the market, you may quickly find yourself confused and frustrated. The cheapest cell phone plans are not always obvious because every plan comes with some kind of catch. To find the best cell phone plan for you and your family, you need to weigh the pros and cons of different offerings against each other and decided what will work best for your particular needs.

Plenty Of Options

There is certainly no lack of choices. T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and others (like Boost or Cricket) are all vying for your business, and it seems like every month they are offering some kind of free this or unlimited that to get your business. The two key things you need to do to successfully to find and affordable cell phone plan that you will be happy with are the following.

What To Consider

First, make sure you define your needs separate from any mobile carrier's promotion. Don't go into this not sure what you will use or what you need and then let the promotional language tell you what you need or want. Be honest about your usage habits, define them clearly and then stick to the plans that give you what you need and not more. For example, if you don't text much, don't spend a fortune on texting quotas. But be careful if you do text or you text more than you realize. The overage fees will surprise you and they can add up quickly.

Second, always remember that there's a catch. If they give you free this or unlimited that, they will try to compensate for their own profit loss on those features by sneaking in an extra fee somewhere else. Always keep your eye out for what extra fees they use to compensate themselves for the headline promotion they offer you in their so-called good deals.

Family Options Are Often Cheaper

And last but certainly not least, consider looking at family plans if you are trying to save money on your cell phone bill, even if you don't have a family. To take advantage of these plans you will need to find friends or family willing to go in on a plan together, but by doing this you may be able to save money while maintaining a good plan. There are a lot of discounts available to groups, so for many people a family option will be the most affordable cell phone plan.

Keep in mind the people who go in on this will have to work together and share minutes. Make sure this doesn't add an extra layer of complexity or a frustration that makes the plan more trouble than it is worth. This can be a good option for couples or close adult family members who call each other often as they may be able to take advantage of free mobile to mobile calls.

Saving money on your cell phone plan is great, but not if you are unhappy with your service. Use Todd's online guide to compare plan details as well as the pros and cons of a variety of cell phone plans: http://cheapest-cellphone-plan.com/

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Mobile Tech Updates from Apple's WWDC Event - A Summary

Yesterday Apple unveiled a slew of updates and new features, including refreshed MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops, Mountain Lion (the next version of OS X), and iOS 6 (the next mobile OS release). That's a whole lot to take in, so here's a little summary, with a focus on what's most important for mobile users (Apple, after all, considers itself a mobile devices company).

New Laptops: The super-skinny MacBook Air has been updated with beefed up hardware, including the latest Ivy Bridge processors, faster USB 3.0 ports, and a faster solid state drive (SSD). Yes, it's all about speed now. The starting price is now $999 ($100 cheaper than before) and starting memory is 4GB.

Big brother MacBook Pro has also gotten a specs boost--and one new model, the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, even has stunning retina display with 2880 by 1800 pixels resolution. The top of the line MacBook Pro with Retina Display boasts impressive hardware in a thin (0.71 inches) and relatively light (4.5 pounds) frame: a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GT 650M video card, a Thunderbolt and two USB 3.0 ports, and 256GB flash storage. Too bad?the starting price of $2,199 puts this laptop out of most people's laptop budget.

The refreshed laptops are great news if you've been waiting to upgrade your Mac--or even if you were waiting to see what Apple would offer before deciding whether to buy a PC or Mac. A ton of new Windows-based?Ultrabooks and other laptops are headed our way this summer, so now (or soon) you can compare all the newest laptops on the block.

iOS 6: The newest OS for Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches has important updates for mobile users. The biggest of these is a completely new Maps app, now with turn-by-turn navigation that offers estimated travel time and updated routes.

The Siri voice assistant can now open other apps--which is a very useful timesaver when you have your hands full, such as when you're driving. Siri is smarter too, about researching things like sports, restaurant, and movie information.

In a meeting and can't answer a call? A new Do Not Disturb feature and lock screen feature can handle your calls for you. Do No Disturb silences all notifications and is customizable by time and contacts, while the lock screen features let you reply to calls with message templates or set a reminder for you to call back.

Passbook is a really cool new mobile wallet app from Apple that saves your airline tickets, receipts, gift cards, and more.

There are about 200 or so new features in iOS 6, which will be available in the fall (just in time for a new iPhone to appear).

Mountain Lion: Finally, the next Mac OS will offer 1,700 new features when it's released next month at a more affordable upgrade price of $19, which will cover all Macs. You'll be able to use iMessage through iCloud, dictate straight to Microsoft Word docs, send files while using Screen Sharing, and keep your Mac up to date (downloading emails and social streams, for example) while it's asleep with Power Nap technology. Power Mac will be available for the new refreshed Macs only, however.

All in all, some nice new features, especially for iOS 6 and, if you have money to burn, the MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

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In With the New: The iPhone 4S-5 Transition, Rumors, and What We Can Know About It

If you have kept your ear to the ground over the last six months, you will know that there is much "buzz" about what will be Apple's sixth-generation iPhone. For the longest time, the iPhone 5 release date was projected for this summer, perhaps in June. Bloggers deduced June as the release date from former actions of the Apple Company. The iPhone 4S was released in June after the Worldwide Development Conference (WWDC), so why not the iPhone 5? Testimony from a Foxconn employee (who explicitly stated June as the date) had many bloggers going crazy about June as the release date of the iPhone 5.

Even after Foxconn employed 18,000 workers for its iPhone 5 production, logic dictated that the iPhone had to be released a few months later to allow for its assemblage; this meant that the date had to be moved back to later this year. Over the last several weeks, October has been projected as the new release date, since this would be the one-year anniversary of Steve Jobs' death. iPhone bloggers even projected that the new iPhone would be called "the iPhone S.J.", named after Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs. It would not be a bad idea at all to name the new iPhone after him.

Now, many have moved the iPhone 5 release date up to September, though some still hold out for October. The source of the September release date cannot be found, though its source could be the great anticipation of iPhone lovers and technogeeks everywhere.

The release date is only one of numerous Apple iPhone 5 rumors out and about in the blogosphere. iPhone rumors abound about the new device. One such rumor concerns the screen size. The current iPhone 4S screen measures 3.5 inches, which puts it at a disadvantage when compared to other smartphones. Apple competitors have turned the tide in manufacturing screens for their smartphone customers that are 4.0 inches and above. Samsung, for example, produced its Galaxy S II phone with a 4.55-inch screen. The newest Samsung phone, the Aviator, has a 4.32-inch screen, a reduction from the S II display screen to make room for the Aviator's 4G LTE (long term evolution) wireless capability. There have been rumors that the new iPhone will have a screen size of 4.6 inches, but this cannot be the case if Apple intends to have the device include the new 4G technology (following the example of Samsung).

Another reason why Apple cannot create a 4.6-inch screen pertains to the emergence of the mini iPad this October. Sources say the small iPad will have a screen size of 7 inches, a move to rival the splash hit of Amazon's Kindle Fire. The need to maintain a market for the small iPad will prevent Apple from growing its iPhone screen size too wide. Though many say the new iPhone will have a 16:9 display ratio (versus the current 3:2 display ratio for the iPhone 4s), the excessively tall 16:9 display ratio would improve high-definition movie viewing but do away with the consumer-friendliness that the 3:2 iPhone 5 ratio (and the current 4:3 display ratio for the new iPad) provide.

Not only does the new iPhone 5 look to have a larger screen size, it will also be the thinnest smartphone on the market. The capacitive touch sensors and the liquid crystal display (or LCD) are two separate components in the current 4s model. The iPhone 5 will mesh both components into one, eliminating an estimated 0.44mm off of the new iPhone size. Other rumored reductions in the iPhone size would speed up production on the new device-which could place the new arrival in a possible September date.

With the screen and display taken care of, tech expert thoughts turned to the back of the iPhone. The current 4s model has a Gorilla Glass backing, and Gorilla Glass is considered to be the strongest glass type in the world. Demonstration tests show that Gorilla Glass (however durable) can still scratch and break; thus, a stronger Gorilla Glass is needed. Several weeks ago, a rumor about a "Gorilla Glass 2" surfaced, stating that the Gorilla Glass backing would need to be more durable and stronger than the current backing. However, Apple surprised everyone when reports surfaced stating that the company had paid LiquidMetal Technologies half of an agreed-upon price for use of its liquid metal production for the iPhone 5. Although some bloggers claim that liquid metal use will take some time to manufacture (and have returned to the Gorilla Glass 2 rumor), Apple's payout of billions to the Liquid Metal producer eliminates this idea.

There are other rumors about new iPhone features such as the use of 3D eye tracking, a self-destructive Siri (an improvement from the current "Sirius" technology of the iPhone 4S), holographic display for movies and television, an A6 processor chip (which would be an improvement from the current iPhone 4S A5 processor chip), and Liquipel waterproof coating. HZO's water block technology was rumored earlier this spring (as YouTube videos will show), but the waterproof coating idea has floated into the background within the last month or two.

In the end, all we can know about the iPhone 5 is that it will come in the fall, have a larger screen size and thinner body, will contain "Siri" technology as does the iPhone 4S, and have 4G LTE (an update to the current 4S). As for the rest, time will tell.

To learn more about the iPhone visit http://www.accessorygenie.com/

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Flagship Smartphones Head to Head: iPhone 4s and HTC One X

With the numerous technological advancements made in the mobile phone manufacturing industry, cells phone are no longer just devices that help people to communicate via the transmission of audio waves but gadget that helps us keep in touch with loved ones through text messaging, email, and social networking sites. These markedly crucial devices not only provide their users with connectivity and networking services but also a multitude of other features that help us with our day to day life. Nowadays people relay on their cell phones to plan events, listen to music watch movies and so much more. The advent of the smartphone has brought with it a new convenient time efficient manner of accomplishing tasks for people in all walks of life.

Because cell phones play such a big role in our lives today most people typically take their time to read through cell phone reviews and product description before making a choice to opt for a particular model. A coveted mobile phone choice among many cell phone users today is the popular smartphone option that comes in a number of models from different manufacturers. HTC and Apple are the two largest industry players in the smartphone market. This article focuses on providing the differences between the latest smartphones models from each of the mentioned manufactures to help new phone shoppers determine which option best suites their needs.

Apple iPhone 4S

The iPhone 4S is one of Apples most successful mobile phone models to date. This product features the same design as its predecessor - the iPhone 4 but offers its users a number of ground-breaking new features such as a cutting edge new 8 mega pixel camera, wireless file streaming between all your Apple devices through the use of iCloud and a voice activated PA (personal assistant) named Siri. This smartphone runs on the latest operating system i.e. the iOS version 5 was is an Apple optimized platform that is preferred by most users due to it access to numerous apps via AppStore an ease of use. Most smartphone shoppers prefer to purchase this product online due to great online store discounts and deals that come with free iPhone 4s shipping.

HTC One X

HTC recently launched its new One X smartphone range at the mobile technology trade show in Barcelona. The new HTC One X is the flagship of the brand and company's best Android phone yet. Its top features include the latest Android ice cream sandwich software, a quad core processor with a massive 1.5 GHZ clock speed and HTC's most remarkable touch screen to date. This smartphone option offers its users the very latest and utmost in smartphone technology that is rivaled by very few other device manufactures. Mobile phone shoppers interested in this option can get great deals including free HTC One X shipping.

The author is an avid smart phone user that tips or suggestions on how to get free iPhone 4s shipping and free HTC One X product deals.

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Pocketable Battery Chargers from Mophie

A portable battery charger may be the difference between meeting a critical deadline or that all-too-common scenario--your phone dying on you at the last minute. Mophie has two new universal battery chargers for your consideration: one is slim enough to fit in your pocket and the other can charge two devices at one time.

The Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Mini has a thin, low profile, yet can still provide more than twice the battery life of your smartphone. It's shorter than the iPhone, actually, and nearly as thin. The mini is listed at $59.95.

Meanwhile, the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo is a 6000 mAh battery with dual charging ports. Because it can charge up to 2.1 amps, the Duo can even charge both a smartphone and a tablet. It retails for $99.95.

These look like great additions to the Juice Pack Powerstation line or external batteries, which made my list of Top iPhone and iPad Accessories.

Do you use a portable battery charger? If so, which one?

[via Gotta Be Mobile]

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iPhone Battery Cases - Ultimate Protection With An Added Battery Life

iPhone is considered as a revolution in the field of mobile technology and communication. This Apple's brainchild is fully equipped with all that a person is looking for in a smartphone. In addition to some impeccable features and applications, Apple has packed their masterpiece with a powerful battery life. As per the officials, the iPhone battery can last for about 7 continuous hours after being fully charged. Keeping in mind the benefits that people derive from iPhone other than just making calls, the battery life isn't enough to keep the users busy through the day. In such a situation, iPhone battery covers play a very crucial role.

iPhone Battery Case - An Explanation
iPhone cases are not only designed to protect the phone from any kind of physical damage, but also boost up the battery life of your smart gadget. These cases have batteries fixed inside, which help in doubling the talk time of your phone. The batteries are connected inside the case and easily fit outside your smartphone, just like any other normal iPhone cover case. A good number of iPhone users have agreed to the fact that these covers are the best medium for protecting the phone and increasing the battery life simultaneously.

Selecting The Best One
With the day by day increasing popularity of iPhone's in the market, a large number of companies are jumping in to produce these battery cases. As a result, people are left with a great number of confusing options to select from. However, as per the user ratings, there are two most popular manufacturers of iPhone battery covers namely, ExoGear and Boost Cases. These two manufacturers make the best performing cases in the entire market.

All the versions made available by these companies in the market come equipped with various features and are divided in various price categories. You can choose a suitable battery case as per your needs, requirements and needed features. You can also base your selection process on performance, brand, color, shade, thickness and other factors. You need to make a thorough research before you actually purchase an iPhone battery case. These can be quite expensive accessories for your handset and thus, should be purchased after taking a number of things into account. You need not make a hasty decision and invest your money in a low performance accessory for your smart phone.

So, this was all you need to know about iPhone battery cases available in the market.

Eager to learn more about phone batteries? If yes, then visiting mobile phone batteries is a perfect option for you. In addition to various types of batteries, you can also learn some effective iphone batteries saving tips.

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Dissecting Android Phones

There is indeed no doubt that Android is one of the biggest names under smartphones technology as of this writing. Top mobile phone brands make use of the Android hardware, software and applications to operate through its product because of its continuous evolution in the market as a leading platform. Android is a software stack that was designed and developed by programmers who wanted to picture out a better way to access applications with a reliable operating system and middleware.

In order to get to know the Android platform better, here is the part-by-part analysis for Android and how it works to make daily living easier and faster through connectivity and entertainment:

HARDWARE

The hardware among many Android phones has very flexible parts. For one, it has removable parts such as a battery which can be replaced easily when the old one do not perform as expected any longer. Also, all Android phones accept SD cards. With that, when the phone's internal memory is not enough to suffice the load of files that you want to input into the phone, inserting an SD card will immediately expand the memory capacity of the device. Furthermore, Android phones come in variety and not all of them are touch screen phones. Therefore, if a user wants to purchase an Android phone but is not a big fan of touch screen mobile phones, he or she can freely choose among other models which have a physical keyboard in it.

SOFTWARE

Software-wise, Android phones are quite competitive. Its software can run multiple applications at the same time without lagging. With this feature, multi-tasking can be easily performed. Another plus factor is that it integrates and works well with many Google Apps.

APPLICATION

No question that Android offers more niche apps. Meaning to say, downloading is so easy that a user does not need to go through dragging and obscure approval process just to download a single free application. The Android application store is a friendly-user cache of applications that getting them is as easy as clicking on the ones that you want to download.

INTERFACE

The interface of Android is even much better as it can carry up to seven home screens instead of other carriers that can only afford one to three. Also, the language and spell checker of the Android phone is so superb that it can provide not just one, but multiple word-completion suggestions.

Android software stack has definitely soared to greater heights with their easy-to-download applications, flexible hardware-built and software that lets you do things you needed to do in time. Why share apps limited only with users of the same brand as yours when you can reach the whole world through your fingertips with the stronger, broader and more vivid scope of Android phones?

Mobile-phones-china.com is a leading China Mobile Phones manufacturer in China.Specialize in all kinds of Android Mobile Phones. Everyone is welcome to retail and wholesale from us with the best price.

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Integrating Mobile Management As Part of Business Disaster Recovery

A disaster recovery plan is an important component of a business operations manual and many companies are adding a new chapter regarding mobile management. No one hopes for a disaster, but the situation can be difficult to prevent. With hurricane season here, businesses are scrambling to update their disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Is including a mobile management program within these plans a smart move or should a separate solution be used to address each issue?

AT&T Study Reveals Importance of Mobile Management

AT&T recently conducted its annual business continuity survey, polling 504 IT executives throughout the country. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents indicated the inclusion of wireless network capabilities in business continuity plans. Thirty-eight percent are investing in cloud computing for various reasons including cost savings, performance, and security. Six out of every ten respondents are making a mobile security service investment, most listing a potential security breach as a pressing concern.

The increased use of mobile devices and their potential threats concerns 87 percent of respondents. Social networking is an even stronger concern than security-based threats. Clients are looking for mobile security solutions that can be controlled from one platform. They are also taking a proactive approach, with two-thirds taking measures during government alerts or testing their plans within the past year to ensure smooth operation in the event of a disaster.

In addition to securing mobile devices, IT executives are faced with managing these. This task can be difficult enough to do on a daily basis and nearly impossible after disaster strikes. Using a cloud-based service allows them to continue monitoring device use remotely if the office is affected by a disaster. Nearly half of them are using cloud-based disaster recovery services and many are now looking to the cloud for ongoing device management.

Mobile Management Complicated by All-Encompassing Solutions

Making this approach more complicated is the fact that many solutions providers attempt to be all things to all business clients. Broad programs covering cloud security, disaster recovery, business continuity, and even management of mobile devices. This results in a solution that may be enough to comply with relevant regulations but is lacking in terms of effective management of mobile devices and even worse off when it comes to preventing a basic security attack.

With natural and man-made threats facing them on a daily basis, IT managers need to take a different approach. They should look for separate solutions that feature comprehensive metrics and are customized for each desired purpose. For example, a separate solution for management of mobile devices and disaster recovery is recommended. Each should feature a program designed to measure its effectiveness. For example, device management programs should include cost savings analysis reports.

Organizations must determine which threats they are most vulnerable to, be these financial or security-related. By selecting a customized solution for each issue, they break a complex environment down into manageable components. If they regularly measure the effectiveness of the programs, they will always know how well they are addressing their exposures.

Gill-Technoligies.com is an industry leader in mobile management solutions. Our mobile management experts can help you develop a plan for your business that will protect your network in even the most dire of situations. For more information, visit our website today!

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Nokia 8800 Royal Edition - A Unique Fusion Of Platinum and Diamonds

Nokia is one of the most reliable and reputed names in the mobile communication industry. In terms of annual worldwide mobile sales, Nokia has always been an unbeaten ruler. This cell phone manufacturer not only creates cost effective gadgets, but also caters to the needs of elite class people by producing high end mobile devices. Now to rule the market of luxury cell phones, Nokia has decided to work with the collaboration of some world renowned designers. Recently, they have joined hands with Stuart Hughes of Gold Striker, a popular designer of UK, to introduce some wonderful collection of luxury handset in the market. Nokia and Stuart Hughes have decided to adorn some Nokia models with pristine stones and luxurious metals.

You might have heard about Nokia Carbon Arte, which is one of the stunning handsets manufactured by Nokia. It is beautifully crafted by the Nokia designer. But, Stuart Hughes has decided to adorn this handset with pristine stones and metals and change its name to Nokia 8800 Royal Edition. This luxury masterpiece is hand crafted at the head quarter of Gold Striker under the command of Stuart Hughes. The casing of this gadget is made out of pure platinum and the casing is assembled with hand by using platinum screws. The carbon fiber used in original Arte is vigilantly replaced with a complete platinum cover. Nokia 8800 Royal Edition is beautifully designed by using 1160 world class F color diamonds. The diamonds used in this handset are of 8.2 carats.

Nokia 8800 Royal Edition is the ultimate combination of precious metals, diamonds and platinum. The exquisite efforts involved in beautifying this gadget with diamonds and platinum are quite visible. The box containing this masterpiece is designed by using world class leather and granite that elevates the luxury and beauty of the cell phone significantly. Elite class people searching for luxury phones for their loved ones may consider purchasing Nokia 8800 Royal Edition.

The total weight of Nokia 8800 Royal Edition is only 65 grams and the solid platinum integrated in this phone makes it look more elegant and stylish. The platinum used in the device offers a glossy look to the cell phone. This beautiful fusion of diamonds and platinum can be a great gift on your next anniversary. So, if you are searching for a great gift for your loved ones, then no other gift can be as wonderful as Nokia 8800 Royal Edition which is beautifully adorned with platinum and diamonds.

Trend seekers are most welcome to explore the website of luxury cell phones. Here they will find expensive cell phones edition along with loads of other luxury cell phones.

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Safety Measures That Can Be Used On Your Mobile Phone

The mobile phone is a wonderful gadget that is in use all over the world. This way of communication has totally revolutionized communication in countries and even in the whole world. Some of the phones that are being made today incorporate some applications that run on computers. Thus, you can find a phone which is more or less a mini-computer. These phones have various functionalities and they enable people to do a variety of tasks. It is almost becoming a necessity to own this gadget as it enhances and makes communication easier.

Just as it is with many other gadgets, there are some things that need to be considered in order to make the mobile phone operate longer. Below are some tips that can help with safety and protection of your phone:

Charging of the phone - How you charge your phone matters a lot. Not many people are aware of this. They believe that the more they charge their phones, the better the phone will operate. This is a wrong notion and a big lie. In fact, charging your cell phone too often will make the battery to die faster. Batteries have a lifespan and there is a way they should be charged. It is also advisable to charge your phone when it is off. It is safer this way. Also, avoid charging your phone for very long hours like when you go to sleep. This will make the battery die faster. You should read the manual of your phone to find out how long the battery should be charged when it is dying. You should also find out at what point you should charge. For example, you should charge your phone when there are 2 battery-bars showing on the screen of the phone. This varies from one phone to another.

Battery change - Since all batteries have a lifespan, when it dies, you should look for a similar one to replace it. Changing the battery with a different one will spoil your phone.

Clean your phone - This may sound awkward but cleaning your phone and making sure it has that shiny look won't hurt. In any case, the phone is yours. You can get a cover for it. Phones can easily fall and break into pieces. Having a cover for it will reduce the impact and the phone may not break into pieces.

The tips provided above are useful for you as you take care of your cell phone.

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Cell Phone Batteries - What You Never Knew

In this day and age, mobile phones have become part and parcel of our lives. There are even some people who can't leave the house without these gadgets. This is because their businesses and lives depend on the gadgets. This shows you the importance of cell phones. One feature of these gadgets that must be there for it to work is the battery. Many people usually concentrate on the phone but pay little or no attention to the battery. It is when the battery stands misbehaving and discharging often that they start complaining how bad the phone is. The real problem is that they did not take safety precautions to protect the battery from discharging often.

One thing people must know about phones is that if it has many applications, the battery will be discharging quite often. Thus, to ensure the battery lasts longer, once you finish using an application, ensure you close it. For example, if you are using the Bluetooth service of your phone, once you are through with it, ensure you disable it. This way, the battery will last longer.

Let us look at the generation of cell phone batteries.

The first type of battery that was used on a mobile phone was the Nickel Cadmium battery, also known as the NiCad battery. Buying such batteries was not a problem. However, the main disadvantage of this battery is that it had to be removed from the gadget when it was supposed to be charged. One had to fully discharge then recharge it. This was cumbersome. Unplugging the battery also caused an effect on the memory of the phone.

The NiCad battery was followed by Nickel Hydride battery. This one was much better and did not have any effect on the memory of the phone.

The battery that followed is what most mobile phones have now: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery. These batteries are much better than the ones stated earlier but more costly. The benefits that come with it cannot be compared to the cost. These batteries have no effect on the memory of the phone. There is also no need for totally discharging then recharging it.

A more advanced battery known as the Lithium polymer is starting to get popular in the market. Not much can be said about this battery but it seems to be promising.

All in all, it is important to know how the battery of your phone operates so that it may last longer. Read as much as you can about cell phone batteries before purchasing one.

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Verizon's Faster FiOS Web Speeds, Shared Wireless Plans

Verizon has made a lot of changes to its wireless and home data plans lately. This week the company unveiled pricing for its new super high speed data tiers: 150 Mbps for $100 per month or the "Quantum" 300 Mbps tier for $210 per month with a two-year contract. According to a Verizon spokesperson, this is "the most significant mass scale, consumer broadband speed enhancement in the nation in the nation in the past decade." Unfortunately, FiOS customers will have to pay about $10 to $15 more a month to get these and other new Internet service offerings from Verizon, according to Reuters. If your work depends 0n the fastest and most reliable Internet access at home, however, FiOS is where it's at.

This news comes amidst other pricing changes from Verizon Wireless. Verizon unveiled new "Share Everything" plans that combine data access for multiple devices and include unlimited voice and texting. This could save you money if you are a heavy data user or own many devices, but could cost you if you don't. It's a bit confusing, so take a look at Verizon's Share Everything calculator, my?comparison of family cell phone plans, and comparison of individual cell phone plans to find the best plan for you.

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Emerging Mobile Technologies

Mobile devices of today are much different from the ones used two decades ago. The requirements of individuals back then were much lesser than the individuals of this century. Today, is the era of electronic devices which operate by making use of codes, micro-chips etc. They present a creative aspect, induced through device communication, data management etc.

Mobile technology is improving exponentially because of the basic premise that mobile phones are the only devices we feel comfortable in carrying anywhere we go being communicated with one another all the time.

Some emerging mobile technologies are:
Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity, which has been around in mobile device for a few years now, is one of the most in-demand technologies in smart-phones. Initially, the operator carriers were the only option to access web from mobile devices. This was both slow and costly for the user. After the introduction of Wi-Fi in mobile devices, users could easily connect to home or office networks and access fast, uninterrupted internet. It virtually wipes out the cost to access the network and is much faster then using operator's carrier signals.
NFC: Near Field Communication Technology, allows similar devices to communicate if they are in each other's vicinity. This technology allows faster data transfer between these devices. It is used in commerce services like Google Wallet which is used for online transactions. It can be supposed as a supplement in mobile payments.
QR codes: Quick response codes are two-dimensional matrices of pattern which resemble a crossword puzzle. These patterns have information embedded in them that can be decoded using a QR Decoder which is present in mostly all Smart-phones available in the market. All the information simply floats on the browser screen of the device just by scanning the code.
Bluetooth 3.0: This technology is introduced to increase the data transfer speed between mobile devices or any other device having Bluetooth facility. Over conventional v2.0, which sends data up to the speed of 3 Mbps, Bluetooth 3.0 is able to transfer data up to 480 Mbps in close proximity and at 100 Mbps within the range of 8-10 meters. As it is backward compatible, so the devices with lower version of Bluetooth will be able to communicate with the devices with updated version i.e. 3.0.
Haptic technology: It gives a sense of actual touch to users using touch screen devices by either vibrations or motions in the device. People seem to have a perception of better typing capability using the actual buttons. So to provide the sense of buttons on a touch sensitive device gives user the natural feel of typing virtually. iOS applications and devices are a great example of the same.
Location identification: New devices introduced in market include a GPS, which enables them to locate the device and allows the user to find the directions, other locations, distance etc using various applications.

Data management through mobile has been introduced by various brands like Apple, Windows, and Google with their remote data management services or cloud based services. Mobile broadband has granted the users with blazing flash speed for data transfer using internet. 3.5G and 4G/LTE has been recently introduced in the queue of such technology allowing the user to access the web, stream videos, etc. using their mobile device.

Author's bio:
David Frankk is the author of this article. He is passionate about writing articles for iPhone app development companies like Q3 Technologies. Moreover, he has been providing useful content writing material related to blackberry enterprise applications.

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Android Apps for Mobile Devices

Android as an operating system for mobile devices was introduced in late 2008 and soon after its introduction, it gained widespread acceptance in the tech and developers community.

The process of development of Android apps started accelerating at an impressive pace due to its open source nature since this opened doors for the third-party freelance developers.

Eventually, Android has become the most popular operating system for the mobile devices and at present and its market share is second only after iOS.

At present, there are more than 500,000 apps in the Android market and new applications are being developed at an impressive rate. Although Android still has a long way to go before it catches up with Apple app store, still the rate of application development in Android has surpassed that of app development in iOS.

Other than Google's own developers, Android apps are also being developed by third-party developers since Android is an open source operating system and this gives it a clear edge over iOS.

Android market is stocked with applications covering all fields of life from education and science apps to medical and traveling apps. Some of the most important educational applications in Android market include NASA app, U.S Presidents, Kids Numbers and Math Lite, Kid TV, Kids Shape Puzzle etc.

These applications focus on providing education to kids through fun and friendly channels. In the category of Business & finance, we have such helpful apps as Business Travel, Card Scanner, Commercial Real Estate, Expenses, Inventory and Payment Processing.

These applications are perfect companions during business meetings and trips and help to manage the payments and transactions efficiently.

For music lovers, Android market once again offers a variety of apps to take care of their music taste. Pandora Internet Radio is a very famous app which is also present in Apple app store. This app was developed by third-party developers and provides you an easy access to a variety of online music channels.

Other than that, we have several other music apps such as Audiogalaxy Music, Amazon MP3, Winamp, PowerAMP Music Player, Slacker Radio and several others. Any app store is incomplete without scores of exciting and thrilling games and on this front once again, Android has a lot to offer to its users.

The games developed for Android have increased to an impressive number in a very limited time due to the interest of third-party developers. Some of the most popular games that have been developed for Android so far include Robo Defense, Live Holdem Poker Pro, Fruit Ninja, Doodle Jump, Sudoku Free, iRunner, Angry Birds, Abduction! 2, Star Legends and many more. These games are categorized under the appropriate categories so that users are able to choose them according to their taste.

The demand of Android based phones in the market is constantly increasing and with this increasing demand, need to develop more Android apps is also increasing. Android is attracting the attention of young developers through out the world because of its being open source. This popularity is constantly increasing at the moment and it is expected that within a few years, Android would take the position of iOS as the most widely used OS for mobile devices.

Normally I love to write about party games, but as I also own a smartphone, I can give you sound advice from plenty of personal experience, especially with Google Android.

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Dual Core Power and Android 4 on the HTC One S

Dual core power and Android 4 on the HTC One S ensure that everything you want to do on your smartphone works seamlessly as well as you having an immersive experience though the HTC Sense 4 interface also offered. The handset also includes great connectivity such as the popular DLNA technology.

While many may opt for HTC One X contracts when out upgrading their handsets, it is likely they will also be intrigued by this phone also. It has a smaller display at 4.3 inches (to 4.7 inches respectively) however still provides many of the same key hardware features as well as the same Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and HTC user interface and experience. Email, messing and more can be easily and quickly achieved using this device as it presents everything that you use most first, followed by other items. You can also set up the Lockscreen function to allow you to select and use a variety of your applications or widgets without having to fully unlock the display or handset. Both handsets are also identical for offering an 8 megapixel powerful camera for photos and full High Definition video recording, along with intelligent BSI sensor and LED flash to provide the perfect amount of light enhancement when it is needed. Meanwhile, this phone las has an accompanying front VGA camera for video calls which can be made through a preloaded application.

A 1.5 gigahertz dual core processor is at the heart of the One S ensuring that everything runs fast including browsing the Web, creating emails, gaming and all the rest. You can download new games, music, full movies as well as applications and widgets for your enjoyment or necessity ensuring that this device is the only one you need carry around with you. Additionally, where many handsets may fall short of impressive sound quality, this one has advanced audio enhancement technology on board which provides excellent listening for your music and soundtracks to the latest films or your own video clips. It all comes from the internal phone speakers, the 3.5mm audio jack connection or wireless Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities. Other connectivity for all your media includes the increasingly used DLNA media streaming feature, this allows you to seamlessly connect your handset to a compatible device and watch your multimedia on it.

It has so many impressive features and software which runs like clockwork to ensure that everything you do functions quickly and effectively. Taking the HTC One S wherever you go means that you will always have the technology on hand you need.

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Windows Phone Operating System

Windows Phone is the newest operating system on the market. Windows Phone has proven that specs do not matter if the operating system is perfected for the hardware requirements. This has even eluded iPhone which sees dramatic increases in system performance with better hardware. With Windows Phone the operation is always fast fluid and smooth regardless of which hardware requirement you are using.

To clarify that statement Windows Phone was released with requirements of 1 gigahertz processor, 5 megapixel camera, 256 system RAM, DirectX9 rendering, FM radio tuner, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, assisted GPS, capacitive 4 point multi-touch screen, 800 X 480 screen resolution, and six dedicated hardware buttons consisting of back, search, start, 2 stage camera, power/sleep and volume. The built in RAM and non removable SD cards are tested to meet operational requirements. A Windows Phone is required to turn on and be fully operational within 30 seconds from the time you press the power button. My 1st generation Dell Venue Pro is up and running in 21 seconds. The 2nd generation Nokia Lumia 710 in my house is up and running in 16 seconds.

All 1st and 2nd gen Windows Phones have 1-1.4 gigahertz processors and 512 of RAM. The third generation that is starting to come out will have 256 RAM and smaller processors to accommodate the lower end cell phone market dominated by Android. The smaller RAM and processor lowers the cost of a phone but some apps will not work at this time with the lower RAM and processor hence a lower end phone VS. a higher end phone with more RAM. Now I mention 3rd generation as accommodating the lower end however Microsoft is giving some sneak peak information on June 20th, 2012 and has already shown off the new SmartGlass feature that will be incorporated into the entire Microsoft product line.

Windows Phone was the beginning of total incorporation of all your cell, computer, and gaming systems. This started with the introduction of the Windows Phone operating system and its Metro interface replacing the icon driven screens of the past. This was followed up with the last Xbox 360 update which turned the Xbox 360 into a Metro interface. This included the release of the Windows Phone Xbox Companion app that allows a user to use their Windows Phone as a remote control for their Xbox 360. This also brought the release of the Halo Waypoint app that allows your Windows Phone to track your game information and maps in real time while you play the game on your Xbox 360. Now Microsoft has announced and shown the Xbox Companion app is turning into SmartGlass. SmartGlass will incorporate your PC, Laptop, tablet, Xbox 360, and you're Windows Phone into one smooth operating system. Watching a movie on your Xbox 360, it will pick it up where you left off on your tablet. Surfing the web on your PC, it will pick up where you left on your laptop. Playing an Xbox 360 Live game, it will pick it up where you left on your Windows Phone. This is the idea. Implementation is supposed to occur around October 2012.

Current software requirements are full Microsoft Office Suite with Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Office 365, and SharePoint. Facebook integration without requiring a separate app though one is available and I do find it useful if not necessary. Xbox Live which allows you access to your game stats and Avatar as well as Xbox Live friends connection and messaging. This includes access to Xbox Live spotlight videos. The user may set up a single inbox to receive all email in one place though it may be separated by folders so it's not all mashed together. The ME tile allows you to set your personal info and profile and allows quick access to Facebook post a message, check in, set chat status, notifications, and what's new. Under the People tile you may of course access your contacts information. Contacts may be accessed by scrolling, using the search button, or touching a letter that represents the first letter on the name you want to find. Example, you want to call John click J and you go right to the beginning of the J names. These factors also work for app search. No more lost apps. I was looking for HoloPhone 3D in my apps list but couldn't remember the name of the app. I hit search and typed the number 3., HoloPhone 3D came right up.

Full Bing search integration which includes local search, as well as Bing Maps integration. A small but fun feature, pictures put in favorites give a nice picture show on the picture tile on your home screen. The live tile integration allows your home screen tiles to update to show new information as it occurs for tiles you have pinned. Examples include weather updates every 30 minutes and push email notifications. Internet Explorer 9 mobile version with HTML5 is fully integrated.
The Windows Phone Marketplace has just passed the 100,000 mark and attained this faster than iTunes or Google Play. Ben the PC Guy from Microsoft has toured the world challenging all phones to compete against Windows Phone in everyday tasks with Windows in the Smoked by Windows Phone challenge. For more info on the challenge follow this link. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/cmpn/smoked-by-windows-phone.aspx

Their have been 10 upgrades to the platform mostly identified by numerical code. The named versions of the Windows Phone operating system have been called, NoDo which was a minor update fixing some bug issues. Mango which has been the major update to the platform adding 500 features and Apollo which will be a major refresh to the platform. You will also hear mention of Tango which actually refers to the lower end specification cell phones described above. For an excellent comparison between current Mango specs and lower end Tango spec in real world use here is a comparison video by Pocketnow that shows it's possible to have lower specs and still maintain performance.

http://pocketnow.com/2012/06/07/windows-phone-mango-vs-windows-phone-tango-video/

That's all I have at this time but I hope it's been an informative read.

Hello, I'm the owner and operator of http://www.cellularelite.com/. I'm interested in getting information out so customers can make an informed decision and not just blindly buy cell phones based on a clerks biased opinion or sales contest. I'm a Windows Phone guy but have recommended Androids and iPhones-(That I do not sell.) based on the needs of those who contact me. Please check out my site and my FAQ. Thank you and I appreciate you making my knowledge relevant.

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Mobile Communications Services Have Changed Our Lives

These days, staying mobile is a very good idea and it is definitely easier to enjoy life when you can get out and do more because staying in touch with home, work and friends is a lot easier to do. Today's mobile communications make it easier for parents to stay in touch with their kids, for instance, because you can now call them from wherever you are to get their status and find out if they are okay. This is certainly a good idea and is a nice level of safety that can help parents worry a little bit less.

The same is true for work because mobile communications mean it is a lot easier for employers and their workers to keep in contact, plus it makes it easier to keep in touch with customers since you can contact them while in the field. All of these things make our lives a lot easier and that is certainly something that is a smart idea. People can get out and do more which is so important now that we are living in an era when physical activity is definitely a lot more important for us. There are so many things that this mobile age has brought which are certainly very good.

For those of us that are looking to find the right kind of solutions for marketing, we should keep in mind that more consumers than ever are doing things with their smart phones and other mobile devices. Catering to the crowd using mobile communications makes good sense of any business. Also, a lot of companies are finding that once they start to offer wireless services they have customers who come more often and stay a little longer because the feature is such a convenience.

It is definitely worth thinking over because it is a time saver and is simply one more aspect of our world's infrastructure that is going to become increasingly more wide spread as time goes on. Eventually, some people believe that even energy itself will send in a mobile way and that is certainly going to change the world in some very big ways.

There are many reasons for the changes that mobile devices have brought to our lives that we can give thanks for. But the truth is that we have only scratched the surface. In the future, mobile communications will be only a small segment of what we can do while on the go as the web becomes an ever more important part of our lives. This is definitely something that is going to create a lot of waves as it happens, but it will do much good, too.

Globecomm is a telecommunications company specializing in wireless, media, government, and mobile communications worldwide. Contact Globecomm for all of your network consulting services, system design and wireless communication systems needs.

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Cheap Mobile Phone Insurance Cover

Have you taken the time to insure your cell phone? You have come to rely on your smart phone for a seemingly infinite number of functions, and it would be expensive to replace--perhaps prohibitively so. Take a moment to realize how difficult your life would be if you were suddenly deprived of your mobile, and you may quickly recognize how worthwhile an investment in mobile phone insurance would be for assuring your peace of mind.

Perhaps you have put off the buy of mobile phone insurance because you find yourself daunted by the idea of shopping around to find the most cost-effective cover and the best provider. You need not wait any longer however, since you can skip the compilation of comparative prices and go straight to an already-created list of prices and providers. A comparison service does precisely this for you--and at no cost to you. (The service earns a referral fee when their recommendations lead consumers to purchase cover, so the cost is incurred at the provider's end and not yours.) Meanwhile, you can make free use of the simple offering of a comprehensive list of available mobile phone insurance plans and their prices from each provider.

All you need to collect your quotes will be a few simple pieces of information. You need to know the make and model of your cell phone, and its IMEI number, which you can find by typing the symbols *#06# (a star followed by a hash, a zero, a six, and another hash), after which the IMEI digits will display on your cell phone's screen. Go to the website of a mobile phone insurance comparison service (which you can do even from the phone itself), select your particular phone from the available models, select the replacement value of your phone (provided as a drop down menu of price ranges), and click the red "Get a Quote" button.

Most of the available mobile phone insurance plans cost only a few Pounds per month, and in many cases you can add extra mobile phone--or even your laptop, tablet, or other mobile device--for as low as one Pound apiece. You should consider a plan with standard cover of loss, theft, and accidental damage of both your phone and its handset. Some plans will add cover for other items, such as unauthorized calls made by another party on your phone. If the provided quotes don't cover the other devices for which you need cover, look for links at the bottom of the website page of the quote service. You should find options to search for quotes for iPad insurance, iPhone insurance, iPod insurance, laptop insurance--in short, all the gadgets which you rely on for your business and personal functions. A few Pounds a month is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing that your mobile phone insurance will protect from the loss or theft or destruction of your mobile phone.

A comparison service can provide quotes for mobile phone iPhone insurance, as well as optional cover for laptops, tablets, and other gadgets.

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Precautions To Be Taken When Using Cell Phones

One invention that has spread all over the world, apart from the internet, is the mobile phone. This invention is great and powerful. We can try to understand what a mobile phone is defining each word. Being mobile has to do with movement or changing locations. A phone is a gadget that enables communication. Thus, a mobile phone is a gadget that enables communication by allowing the person to move with the gadget from one location to the other. As long as there is a network connection, communication can take place. Mobile phones are also known as cell phones.

When people buy these gadgets, you can be able to observe the excitement that they have. However, many times, this excitement is short-lived.

Why?

This is because of misuse of the cell phone or purchasing a fake gadget. Many times, it is the misuse of cell phones that leads to frustrations that people usually have. Below are some precautions that have been outlined to help mobile phone users to maintain their phones so that they last longer:

- Reading the manual - This is something very few people do. This not only happens with phones but with many electronic gadgets. People usually want to use their prior knowledge or the knowledge they got from someone to operate a certain gadget. It is best if you take time to go through the manual. It is by reading the manual that you will know what to do and what not to do.

- Mobile Phone Charging - You will find that quite a number of new phones will require you to charge the phone as soon as you have purchased it for at least 2 hours while it is off. This information is usually written in the manual, which is not read by many people. The probable reason why your battery could be dying quickly is that you did not charge it as soon as you purchased it.

- Protection - There are some phones that allow the users to lock the keypad or even to lock the phone so that no one else uses it. This can be in form of passwords and SIM locks. You can protect your phone by enabling these features. If you don't know how to enable these features, you can check the manual of the phone on how to enable them.

The above are some useful tips that can be used to ensure that your cell phone lasts longer.

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Top 5 Android Apps of All-Time

Everyone knows that the Android Market is full of useful (and useless) apps. But sometimes the wide-range and seemingly endless list of apps can leave most wondering which ones are worth downloading. Well, there are experts here to tell you which apps you simply cannot live without. From apps to help you translate a word, to telling your friends what you're watching. Android has a boatload of great applications that will make that smartphone purchase gratifying every time you pull the phone of your pocket. These are not in any particular order because they are diverse and all quite great. Also, Facebook, Twitter, and most of Google's apps have been left out because we all know they are great

GetGlue- This is a social app that allows you to check-in to whatever media you are currently consuming. You can share whether you are listening to music, watching TV or a movie, playing video games, or anything else. The cool thing about GetGlue is that instead of earning useless badges and such like a lot of other apps, you earn stickers. GetGlue will actually send you these high quality stickers for free via USPS. GetGlue has made many deals with entertainment providers and quite a few shows and movies have weekly stickers. GetGlue will even re-post your pictures of stuff covered in stickers to their Twitter and Facebook
Google Translate - Google makes great products, we all know that (look at the Android phone in your hand). So, their translation tool being wonderful is no surprise. Whether you are in a foreign country and need to ask how to bail your friend out of jail right away or you just want to impress your lady friend at a French restaurant, this app is really great. The interface is easy to use and understand, while working extremely quickly. This app can be super handy and even fun, if you just want to put random words in to find out how they are spoken in other languages.
Titanium Backup - For many Android users who may be rooted or need to transfer their information a lot, this app is indispensable. Titanium allows you to save not only the apps that you have downloaded, but also their background data. What this means is you will never lose all your levels on Angry Birds again, when transferring your device or flashing a new ROM.
Foursquare - This app has recently seen a redesign that changes the entire dynamic of how this location-based social network operates. The new form of the app allows the company to collect and leverage their data more efficiently. What this means for the end user is better recommendation and social interaction between you and your other friends who use the app. The revamped app allows for tips left by other users to be displayed more prominently and there are more relevant suggestions for similar establishments.
Instagram - The photo sharing giant that was purchased by Facebook is not new to many people. But, Instagram is relatively new to Android. Originally, this app was only made for iOS and it took a long time to make its way over to the little green robot. If you enjoy taking pictures on your phone and showing friends what you are eating, the beer you're drinking, or the random thing you saw on your way home, then this app is a must have. While the same filters tend to get old after a while, Facebook seems to be in development to continue making the app more robust.

There are thousands of apps that are wonderful and deserve mention but these are the ones that no one should be missing on their Android device. Go search around the Android Market and try to find your own list of apps that no one should live without.

Visit this site for more on Android Reviews and more tablet and electronics comparisons can also be found here.

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Getting to Know Android Phones

Android is the name used to address a stack of software which is composed of an operating system, a middleware, and key applications. The development of Android applications used on phones that operated through the Android software stack platform makes use of the Java programming language.

Many smartphone manufacturers nowadays operate through Android. Smartphones are technically mobile phones that have faster and more enhanced computing abilities including Internet connectivity and the ability to house applications and games depending on its storage capacity compared to a simple feature phone.

Today, Android phones are everywhere and Android seems to be one of the biggest software stack used by every tech giant except those companies which has created and configured their own operating system, middleware and application bank or cache.

Since many manufacturers make use of this operating system, it has grown very popular especially within the last two years. Not only do smartphones make use of this technology but even tablet PCs and phones which are so popular these days. Now, even if you prefer a smartphone with a big screen for connectivity and browsing reasons or if you would rather use a tablet PC for a wider view for gaming purposes, Android has got the coolest, advanced, entertaining, educational and functional applications that are free most of the time. Although they do have some paid apps out in the market, there are still a lot of options to choose from among the applications that can be downloaded for free.

PROS:

There are various platforms nowadays, but the reason why it is one of the most popular is because many mobile phones brand subscribe to using it. It is a very practical move since they do not have to create their own platforms. Also, Android phone users are presented with more flexibility since there a re a lot of phones to choose from. It can vary from brand to brand, model to model, and feature to feature. Also, since Android phones have run on shared applications, phones that are not under the same brand or manufacturer can still share information with each other so long as they are both using smartphones that operates on Android operating system.

CONS:

According to tech experts, compared to other smartphones, Android phones tend to have smaller screens than its competitors and some models do not have a physical keyboard which makes typing a tad too difficult especially to users with bigger fingertips. Software-wise, the Android software does not have an automatic sync to a personal computer which will require a user to make use of a third-party syncing application if he or she wants to sync files from his or her Android phone to his computer and vice versa.

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