HTC Announces the Ultra-Portable Re Camera

The smartphone market is becoming even more competitive, leading some phone manufacturers to develop alternatives such as wearables and standalone gadgets. HTC’s first major non-smartphone device is the Re Camera.

Samsung’s Gear S to Debut on AT&T This Fall

Samsung’s most recently launched smartwatch, the Gear S, will soon be available to AT&T customers. This third-generation Samsung smartwatch boasts innovative features such as a curved 2-inch screen, call and text capabilities and 3G connectivity.

iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus: Does Bigger Equal Better?

In the past few years smartphone manufacturers have been moving towards a design that incorporates bigger screens. But one major smartphone developer, Apple, had remained quite conservative when it comes to screen size – but that was until last month when the company released its biggest phones yet, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus which featured screens that measured 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches respectively.

Amazon Unveils Sub-$100 Kindle Fire HD Tablet

Let’s face it: Amazon has had an interesting year in terms of its most recently launched devices, particularly the Fire Phone which had lackluster sales after failing to win the hearts of consumers. But after that apparent failure, the company is charging ahead with an impressive line of new devices which include the best cheap Android tablet currently on the market, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD 6. This sub-$100 tablet along with its 7-inch counterpart – the Kindle Fire HD 7 – proves that cheap doesn’t need to be flimsy or inferior.

 

 

What to Love about the Fire HD 6

 

The Fire HD 6 is Amazon’s first 6-inch tablet and one of the smallest tablets you’ll be able to purchase on the market. The tablet is perfect for users seeking an ultra-portable device since it fits easily in one’s pocket. Best of all, it comes with many features that customers will love.

 

 

Affordable Price

 

When’s the last time you scurried through the mall or online looking for the perfect deal to match your very limited budget? If you’ve done that recently, you’ll be aware of the fact that cheap products, particularly electronics, usually come at a cost, offering poor performance and inadequate hardware for its budget-friendly price.

 

The latest Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablets offer a great price while outshining similarly priced tablets due to their solid specs. Both the Kindle Fire HD 6 and Kindle Fire HD 7 cost significantly less than Samsung’s cheapest tablets, the Galaxy Tab 4 and Tab 3 Lite, though both sets of devices come with similar specs.

 

 

HD Display

 

Like its Fire HD 7 relative, the all-new 6-inch Amazon tablet offers high definition viewing due to its 1280×800 resolution LCD screen. This translates into a burst of vivid colors and detailed images as viewers watch their favorite movies and TV shows, play games and perform other tasks.

 

The Kindle Fire HD 6 is also quite sharp due to the fact that it packs 252 pixels in each inch of the screen. The 7-inch Fire HD on the other hand offers only 216 ppi though it features an HD screen with 1280×800 resolution as well.

 

Both tablets provide a high-quality viewing experience due to anti-glare technology and IPS (in-plane switching – features which customers will find useful as they view content and gain all-angle clarity both indoors and outdoors.

 

 

High-Performance Hardware

 

Unlike other cheap tablets that offer mediocre specs, Amazon’s ultra-affordable 6-inch tablet features a relatively powerful processor equipped to handle most tasks. It runs a 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek processor which according the Amazon offers three times the performance of budget alternatives such as Samsung’s Tab 4 device.

 

Since the tablet comes equipped with a high-performance processor, users will be able to access apps, multitask and consume media without much lag. This type of performance is truly unique for a sub-$100 tablet.

 

 

Multicolored Durable Design

 

The Kindle Fire HD 6 also comes in several bold colors that consumers will appreciate. In addition to the standard black and white, the gadget also sport color options which include citron, magenta and cobalt.

 

 

 

But how durable is this cheap Android tablet? It may not be as durable as the Sony Xperia Z2 tablet, but I’m sure that users who purchase this sub-$100 tablet will be getting the most durable tablet in that price range.

 

Like the Kindle Fire HD 7 which fared well after a host of torture tests, the 6-inch Amazon tablet can withstand extreme pressure. This is due to the fact that the latest Kindle Fire HD tablets are built with Gorilla Glass displays and very durable plastic. According to Amazon, the Fire HD 6 is built to outlast premium devices like the iPad Mini.

 

 

Software (Fire OS 4)

 

The Kindle Fire HD 6 along the other recently released Fire HD tablets run Fire OS 4 (Sangria), Amazon’s most recent operating system. This OS runs on top of Android 4.4 KitKat but was designed by Amazon to focus on content consumption. It offers several exclusive features which include the following:

 

• Family Library

 

This feature provides a convenient solution to family members who want to share content without using the same device. Family Library allows up to two adults and four children to share content which includes apps, audiobooks, games, books as well as Amazon Instant Video.

 

• Profiles

 

The Fire OS 4 enables family members to more easily share a device since it allows users to create profiles with their own home screen, apps, social media accounts and so forth.  This results in an easy-to-access, personalized experience.

 

 

 

 

As well as offering access to popular Android apps,  Fire OS 4 also comes equipped with features such as Firefly, a visual scanner first introduced on the Fire Phone and ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction), a Fire TV feature that predicts the type of TV/ movie content that users like and prepares them automatically for playback.

 

Amazon proves it’s the king of budget-friendly devices by offering a new line of Kindle Fire HD tablets which include the sub-$100 Fire HD 6. This 6-inch device hits the sweet spot for customers looking for a cheap Android tablet that offers high-performance and durability.

 

 

 

 

Amazon Unveils Sub-$100 Kindle Fire HD Tablet

Samsung’s Thinnest Tablets Now Available in AT&T Stores

AT&T recently announced that Samsung’s thinnest tablets are now available for purchase. The devices, namely the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and Galaxy Tab S 8.4, come equipped with impressive hardware and software features, highlighting AT&T’s commitment to offer the latest and most innovative devices to its customers.  

 

 

Features of Samsung Galaxy Tab S (10.5 & 8.4)

 

Starting on September 26, both the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4 becomes available in AT&T retail stores. These tablets run Android 4.4 and boasts features which include the following:

 

 

Ultra-portable design

 

The ultra-thin Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4 were designed to accommodate users who want a portable gadget at hand. Both tablets are razor-thin and weigh approximately 1lb (Tab S 10.5) and 0.5lbs (Tab S 8.4) respectively.

 

 

 

Immersive Super AMOLED display

 

The Galaxy Tab S devices feature high-resolution Super AMOLED displays which offer the perfect solution to users who want entertainment at their fingertips. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S for instance sports a screen that offers 2,560x 1,600-pixel resolution. This type of display provides vivid details and crisp colors, resulting in a viewing experience that is both beautiful and rewarding.

 

 

Powerful Exynos 5 Octa-core processor

 

Under the hood of each tablet is a powerful Octa-core processor which results in a strong performance, whether users are playing games, streaming videos or surfing the Internet. The tablets also come equipped with 32GB of RAM and expandable memory up to 128GB due to a MicroSD card slot. This makes it possible for users to download their favorite apps and store important documents without worrying about compromising performance.

 

 

Ultra Power Saving Mode

 

When it comes to electronic devices, one of the major concerns for consumers relates to battery life. In the case of the Galaxy Tab S, customers can rest assured that they’ll be able to access days of productivity without lugging a charger around. This is due to high-performance batteries and an Ultra Power Saving Mode which enables users to conserve battery life by turning the screen into black and white and shutting off non-essential apps.

 

 

 

 

Fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device

 

AT&T customers will also be able to access secure tablets due to the fingerprint scanner feature found on both Tab S devices. This security feature enables consumers to protect files, pictures, and other important data with the swipe of a finger.

 

Customers who are looking for the latest tablets available on AT&T’s 4G LTE will now be able to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4. These Tab S devices boast impressive specs and are currently Samsung’s thinnest tablets. The tablets are available with or without an annual contract.

 

 

 

Samsung’s Thinnest Tablets Now Available in AT&T Stores

Motorola’s Moto 360: The Best Android Wear Device Yet?

This year has featured the emergence of smartwatches across various platforms including Google’s Android Wear, an operating especially designed for smartwatches. Motorola’s Moto 360, the first Android Wear watch to sport a round screen, is finally available after being announced a few months ago at the Google I/O developers’ conference. But what exactly does this new smartwatch have to offer consumers and how does it fare when compared to the competition?

 

 

The Design

 

When the announcement of the upcoming Moto 360 was made back in June, the response of the audience at the Google I/O event made it clear that consumers wanted the device to be ready for purchase as soon as possible. Motorola’s smartwatch seemed to eclipse competitors like the already launched LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live.

 

Smartwatch enthusiasts will no doubt be happy to hear that the device which became available in the US on September 5 is as beautiful as was suggested at the Google I/O.  The watch offers a sleek round design that looks far more like a watch and less like a toy. This smart-looking timepiece with its thin bezels measures 1.56 inches in diameter and features 320×290 resolution – that’s 205ppi to be exact.

 

 

The sharp screen also sports a larger surface area than its square-faced counterparts thanks to its round shape. This large screen results in notifications and alerts that wearers can easily read with a glance. Note, however, that the watch’s display is relatively big so consumers who aren’t accustomed to large screen timepieces may want to consider this factor before purchasing the device.

 

In terms of bands, the Moto 360 offers a range of options including silver, stone and black leather. The company also announced that stainless steel bands will be available later this year. Since the bands are detachable, watch enthusiasts who want a customizable timepiece will have the perfect fit with the Moto 360.

 

 

Software

 

Like the Android Wear watches before it, the Moto 360 watch is compatible with smartphones that run Android 4.3 and later versions. Motorola’s smartwatch also offers a similar experience to that of the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live due to the fact they all run the same operating system.

 

Users will notice that the device offers similar apps and features to its counterparts including Google Now and card-based swiping for quick access to notifications. But in no way will users forget that the Moto 360 is a device of its own due to its design and custom-built features.

 

For instance, users of the 360 will be able to access several custom designed watch faces which can be changed to match various moods and unique styles. These watch faces offer more sophisticated options than is available via smartwatches like the LG G Watch.

 

 

Moto 360 revamping power via charging dock. (forbes.com)

 

Beneath the watch face sits several key components which enable an overall strong performance. These components include a Texas Instruments OMAP 3 processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The watch’s 320mAh battery is said to last a day and can be charged wirelessly via a charging dock which comes with the wearable. These specs are in par with specs offered by other Android Wear watches, though the included charging dock is a unique addition.

 

Though it does not stand out from the crowd in terms of specs, the device also sports a pedometer and heart monitor, features which are lacking in watches like the LG G Watch. Motorola also created a unique heart monitor app which enables users to set weekly targets which are tracked based on the daily heart activity of user.

 

 

The Verdict

 

The Motorola Moto 360 is undoubtedly the sleekest Android Wear smartwatch on the market. The device uses its round face design to maximize its appeal due to sophisticated watch faces which take their inspiration from traditional timepiece designs. Though the Moto 360 does not stand out from the crowd in terms of specs, the device definitely looks far better than its counterparts and comes equipped with useful features such as a charging dock and build-in heart monitor.

 

But how long its reign will last is anyone’s guess.  Next-generation Android Wear devices like the LG G Watch R are already on the horizon offering sleek designs and upgraded specs.

 

 

Motorola’s Moto 360: The Best Android Wear Device Yet?

New Mobile Share Plan for Connected Audi Cars

Are you one of those car enthusiasts who has been desperate to get hands on a connected car? If that’s the case, your dreams may be closer in sight than you realized thanks to AT&T’s new Mobile Share plan for connected Audi cars.

The company will be affording consumers with the option of adding another connected car, the 2015 Audi Q3, to their bucket of data. Thus, they’ll be able to share data with their tablets, smartphones and cars, making 4G connectivity a much simpler feat both inside and outside the home.

 

 

More About the 2015 Audi Q3

 

The 2015 Audi Q3, the second Audi car to gain connectivity following the 2015 Audi A3, offers consumers a luxury in-vehicle experience due to its sleek design and connectivity capabilities. This compact SUV comes equipped with features including leather upholstery, Bluetooth, xenon headlights, self-heating front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

 

In addition, the vehicle features its own MMI Navigation Plus system which enables users to access infotainment via voice control. Since the Q3 features connectivity via AT&T, owners of the vehicle will also be able to gain access to social media notifications, apps and other features for non-stop entertainment.

 

 

 

 

AT&T’s has recently announced that car versions of apps such as Parker, iHeartRadio, AccuWeather, and Glympse are currently under development via an AT&T Drive Studio initiative. This will result in increased access to car apps in connected vehicles which include, but are not limited to Audi models.

 

 

How Much Will Connectivity on the Audi Cost?

 

Mobile Share plans enable users to access a specific amount of data which can then be shared among multiple connected devices for an affordable monthly fee. According to AT&T, adding the 2015 Audi Q3 to a Mobile Share plan will cost the same as adding a tablet.

 

Consumers can contact AT&T representatives for advice in order to choose a plan that best suits their connectivity needs. Once a plan is selected, customers can simply add their Audi and share the allotted data with tablets, smartphones, and other connected devices.

 

AT&T customers can now access connectivity in vehicles like the 2015 Audi Q3 which come equipped with infotainment features and a luxury design. By adding connected vehicles like the Q3 to their Mobile Share plans, customers will be able to access affordable connectivity each month.

 

 

 

New Mobile Share Plan for Connected Audi Cars