Samsung's new flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, will make its debut in the US next week.

Pricing and availability vary a bit carrier to carrier, but here's what we know so far:

• T-mobile will begin selling the Galaxy S4 on April 24. It'll cost $149.99 up front, plus $20 per month for 24 months.
• AT&T is now accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy S4, starting at $199.99 with a two-year contract. We're still waiting for a launch date.
• Sprint will sell the Galaxy S4 on April 27 for $249.99 with a two-year contract. New customers switching from another carrier can get the phone for $149.99.
• Verison has not announced pricing or availability for the Galaxy S4, but has confirmed it will sell the device.
• U.S. Cellular has not announced pricing or availability for the Galaxy S4, but has confirmed it will sell the device.

32GB HTC One Coming to AT&T and Sprint on April 19

AT&T and Sprint recently announced, albeit separately, plans to begin selling 32GB HTC One smartphones starting April 19 for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. In addition to that, AT&T said that it will be the only carrier in the United States to launch a 64GB version of the HTC One. That version of the smartphone will sell for $299.99 with a new two-year contract.

T-Mobile also announced that it will begin selling the HTC One "sometime in the spring", and said that it will charge $99 down with 24 equal payments of $20 in a low-subsidy, no contract plan. Online reservations for AT&T's HTC One began Thursday, April 4. Sprint began reservations on Friday, April 5.

AT&T will also be offering a free HTC Media Link HD wireless HDMI adapter with the device for a limited time. The device will allow you to connect your HTC One to an HDTV. However, you will also have to sign a separate two-year agreement for the adapter as well. AT&T and Sprint also confirmed that the HTC One will be available in both black and silver.

The HTC One comes with a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, an aluminum case and has a 4.7" full HD screen. It comes equipped with Android 4.1 for its operating system as well as a new HTC Sense interface that is comparable to the tiles used in the Windows Phone 8. The device will also run on AT&T and Sprint's LTE wireless networks and comes with a 2300 mAh battery.

The only carrier to not announce availability for the HTC One was Verizon, who declined to comment on plans for the smartphone. It seems unlikely that the carrier will have the device, especially considering the fact that HTC doesn't list Verizon as a carrier on its website.

When the device was announced back in February, one of the biggest innovations that HTC was highlighting was the Ultrapixel camera. This camera has been designed to take better photos in low light than traditional cameras and is rated at 4 megapixels. However, HTC argues that it is capable of capturing more light and uses fewer, though larger, pixels for better pictures.

Like I said earlier, reservations for the HTC One are available on AT&T and Sprint, so if you've been waiting for the opportunity to get yours, then don't wait any longer! Head on over to AT&T or Sprint's website and reserve yours before they all run out!

Source: Computer World - HTC One with 32 GB available from AT&T, Sprint on April 19 for $200 and two-year contract

AT&T to Sell BlackBerry Z10 Starting March 22

If you have always wanted a BlackBerry device but just couldn't stomach giving up your AT&T contract to sign one with a carrier that carries BlackBerry devices then you will be pleased to know that AT&T is finally getting its very own BlackBerry device with the launch of the BlackBerry Z10 on March 22, 2013.

AT&T just announced that the touch-screen device will be available for pre-order starting March 12 and will officially go on sale in AT&T stores and online beginning on March 22. The smartphone will cost $199.99 with a new two-year contract with AT&T.

The BlackBerry Z10 is the very first smartphone to launch with the all new BlackBerry 10 software and is also the first BlackBerry product to operate on AT&T's 4G LTE network. The phone, which is a touch-screen, comes with a 4.2" high-resolution display and an 8MP camera that records 1080p HD video.

The launch of this device is actually a pretty big deal considering the fact that there is so much riding on its success. BlackBerry, which had previously dominated smartphone sales in the United States, has fallen significantly in favor in the U.S. over the last couple of years, due in no small part to the huge success of the iPhone and Android devices.

RIM has been working on the new BlackBerry 10 software in an effort to take on competitors, like Apple and Samsung, though the company has been hit hard by a long series of delays. However, RIM was finally able to debut the BlackBerry Z10 and the BlackBerry Q10 at an event in January. The BlackBerry Q10 comes with a physical keyboard whereas the Z10 does not.

The success of the Z10 in the U.S. market will give RIM a strong indication of the company's prospects. However, the Z10 does have some strong competition coming at it in the next couple of months, like the HTC One and the upcoming Galaxy S4 from Samsung.

In addition to AT&T, the BlackBerry Z10 will also be available on Verizon and T-Mobile. Sprint is not expected to be selling the smartphone and is instead expected to be offering the BlackBerry Q10, which comes with RIM's iconic QWERTY keyboard. The Q10 is expected to launch about a month after the Z10.

Source: CNET - BlackBerry Z10 goes on sale March 22 at AT&T

Share files on Gmail up to 10GB with Google Drive

Have you ever tried to send an attachment through Gmail and the file was too big? I’m sure many of you have, as their attachment size limit used to be only 25MB. After Microsoft introduced 10GB attachments in Hotmail, Google was behind the curve.

Now Google has integrated its cloud-based service: Google Drive into Gmail, allowing users to transfer files up to 10GB in size.

Google Drive was introduced by Google in April, allowing users to store up to 5GB for free; each additional 25GB costs only $2.49.

After users opt-in for the new “Compose” feature for Gmail, you can select (or even drag and drop) files from your computer up to 10GB in size. Not to mention with the new feature users can navigate throughout Gmail more quickly and easily all while composing a message, with the new compose pop-up window (much like chats only bigger).

Also with the new compose feature, users will now see a contact picture from Google+ of the recipient entered in the “To, Cc, or Bcc” line.

Additionally, your recipient will always have access to the most up-to-date version of your file stored on Google Drive; you or your recipient can now make changes back and forth to the shared document and all of the message recipients will see the changes to the file next time they access the document online.

Much like DropBox or SkyDrive, with Google Drive you can now access all of your stored files anywhere, anytime. But look out DropBox and SkyDrive, Google specializes in integrating all of its services, and with the new Gmail integration, Google Drive should gain further popularity.

Sources: Gmail Blog- Introducing the new compose in Gmail, Gmail and Drive – a new way to send files

The Galaxy Note II, a better "Phablet"?

It's a phone, it's a tablet...it's a "Phablet". The Samsung Galaxy Note II, the newest "hybrid" smartphone released by Samsung, combines many of the key features of a smartphone and a tablet to create a new and revolutionary product, the phablet.

The Galaxy Note II is the successor to the popular Galaxy Note, a 5.3 in. smartphone that was big success. The new and improved Note contains many upgrades from the original Galaxy Note, including a larger display. At 5.5 inches, the Galaxy Note II has a larger screen than most smartphones on the market and is considered by some to be a "mini tablet". The Galaxy Note II also has 4G LTE (on select networks), an 8 Megapixel camera, a quad-core processor, expandable memory using a micro-SD card, good battery life, and runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean).

Another feature that gives the Galaxy Note II that tablet "feel" is the inclusion of a stylus with the smartphone. Samsung has done a lot of work to improve the interaction and usability of the stylus and has done a good job. The stylus is a key feature of the Galaxy Note II that allows users to take handwritten notes, write papers, draw, and various other productive tasks that are much harder to accomplish with a human finger. This phone also comes with software exclusive to the Galaxy Note line such as S Note and S Planner. These two applications take advantage of both the large display and the included stylus. They focus on productivity and are great for anyone working on the go.

The Galaxy Note II is an interesting device since it is in that "middle ground" between a smartphone and a tablet. The only true thing that really keeps this device from being classified as a small tablet is the ability to make voice calls over a cellular provider. Having such a large display truly puts this phone into a different category than many other popular smartphones such as the iPhone 5, the HTC One X, and even Samsung's own Galaxy S III. While these phones all have a screen of at least 4 inches, the 5.5 inch screen of the Note truly dwarfs the rest.

While the large display is certainly the selling point and the biggest benefit of the Galaxy Note II, it is also its greatest weakness. Such a large display affects the way that one interacts with the phone. This smartphone is one that cannot be used with one hand, it is simply too big. No matter what you want to do on the device, whether browsing the web or sending a text message, two hands are required. While there are many people who like the immense size of the screen, I for one think it is too big. While I certainly understand the purpose of the screen size, I feel it is too much. Having a phone that cannot be used in one hand and bulges out of any pocket it is put into is something that I feel would be quite annoying.

That being said, I feel that the Galaxy Note II is a great smartphone, especially for anyone that will use it for productivity tasks or work. The included stylus, the great battery life, and the fast processor all come together to form a great phone. While it may not be for everyone, it will be a great phone for many.

Nexus 4 Release, and The State of Android

With the announcement of the Nexus 4 from Google on Monday, the new flagship Nexus smartphone, Google is seeking to expand their dominance into the mobile world. A recently released report now shows that in the third quarter of 2012 Android had 75% of the global smartphone market share. Because of the increase in popularity, Google is increasing their efforts to maintain the customer base they enjoy, along with attracting new customers during the upcoming holiday season.

The new flagship Nexus device has many improvements over the Galaxy Nexus, the previous Nexus smartphone. Some of the new features include an upgraded 8 Megapixel Camera, a 4.7 in. display with 320 ppi, wireless charging capabilities, and Android 4.2, the newest Android OS. The device is expected to be available on November 13 on the Google Play online store. The unlocked version of the phone will be available in both 8 GB and 16 GB storage options starting at $299 for the 8 GB version. There is also an alternative purchasing option available as T-Mobile will offer the 16 GB version for $199, with a two-year contract, starting November 14.

While the features of this phone certainly are great, there is one feature lacking that is a big question mark for many potential buyers, no LTE support. With most of the new "high end" smartphones having LTE, such as the Galaxy S III from Samsung and the iPhone 5 from Apple, it is curious why Google decided to shy away from this new data standard. One reason that Google is giving for this omission is that the goal for the Nexus 4 is to be a "world phone" and one that anyone can use. LTE is not yet available in many parts of the country, and really only available on the three networks of Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. LTE is also not available in many parts of the world, and therefore is not a feature that many people can access. Google also wants to keep their "flagship" smartphone separate from carrier involvement and wants to have the "pure Google experience" no matter what carrier. While the HSPA+ network that Google plans to use works well and is available in most of the country, it is no match for the data speeds that LTE offers.

The interesting thing to watch going forward will be whether or not Google's flagship device will suffer because of a lack of LTE. The Nexus is sure to be an attractive offer based on the "bargain" price for the high end specs, along with the unlocked option to use on any carrier. The ability to be used on any carrier will be a benefit to many businesses as they will have the flexibility to use the carrier of their preference. Also, people who enjoy an unlimited data plan on networks such as T-Mobile or Cricket will be able to use this "high-end" device without fear of data limits that plague Verizon and AT&T customers.

With Android's dominance in the smartphone market expanding, Google's attempt to bring people into the Nexus family is a move that, if successful, can greatly help Google. While the partnership Google has established with their various hardware manufacturers is good, Google places extra emphasis on their Nexus line. If the Nexus 4 is attractive enough to many consumers to sway them away from the iPhone 5, a task that quite honestly will be difficult, then Google will not only have themselves a popular "flagship" device, but will also deal a little blow to their archrival as well.


Source: The Verge - Nexus 4 Review

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Innovative Power Supplies For Mobile Workers

Innovative Power Supplies For Mobile Workers
by Laura Chapman

Technology finally appears to be catching up with the mobile worker, allowing for more and more professionals to operate effectively outside of the office. There are two major obstacles the world has worked to overcome in recent years, internet access and power.

Through 3G networks, internet access is improving for out-of-office workers, providing a wealth of benefits. Interactive maps allow individuals to easily find specific locations, while cloud computing means travelling workers can access company files from beyond the physical confines of the workplace.

Power supplies in laptops and phones differ greatly from brand to brand, and again depending upon an individual’s personal usage. Typically, a business person working away from the office will require more than the average amount of power during the day. If you run out of battery it can cause many difficulties.  In the event of a business emergency, where can an out-of-office worker locate a power supply?

Mobile power sources

Rail travel

Some trains now offer both Wi-Fi and power points for mobile phones and laptops to make life easier for mobile workers. This can be extremely beneficial to businesses as it means travel time can be utilized more effectively – preparation which may once have been limited to office hours can be done on the way to a client visit. If you require Wi-Fi and power for your electronic devices, check with the rail company before you book your seat.

Travelling by road

Sometimes rail travel simply isn’t the best option – for example when the train station is 20 miles from your final destination. If you are travelling by car, there are many in-car chargers available to help you keep your batteries topped up. The PC247 60W Universal Power Car Adapter/ Charger has a choice of eight adapters  and plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter for laptop-charging on the go. There are many similar devices that cater for mobile phones, too.

Travelling by foot

The most innovative device for charging up your mobile technology comes in the form of a back pack. The Voltaic OffGrid Solar Backpack charges mobile phones, tablets and notebooks using the power of the sun, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling on foot, on a train with no chargers or even planning on working al fresco.

The travel gadget features a removable solar pocket which captures and stores the sun’s energy to be transferred to your mobile devices – and also boasts 1,500 cubic inches of space in which to store everything you need for the ultimate mobile office. If that’s not enough space or you simply don’t like the style of the carrier, you can attach the solar panel to other bags to provide a stylish power solution wherever you are. They can be attached to basically anything which will be in the sun, such as bike racks or even your suit.

The backpack’s solar panels are lightweight, waterproof and relatively robust so you don’t have to worry about stepping out in the rain or being jostled about on public transport. As you travel in the daylight the panels will charge up on the go – but you can also charge up the universal USB battery before your trip by using a USB from a laptop or by using a DC or an AC cable. The battery will charge using a power source in 5.5 hours, or by using the sun in 7 hours of direct sunlight. The battery offers up to 19 hours of talk time for mobile phones – and for just one hour charging in the sun you will benefit from three hours talk time.

When using the sunlight to charge the backpack you are utilizing sustainable resources to power your equipment. On top of that, the backpack is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles (PET), assuaging even the greenest conscience.

In terms of what you can carry, the bag has been designed with business users in mind, offering a padded laptop pocket and mobile phone pouch on the shoulder strap of the pack. Plus, it boasts internal wire channels which allow you to charge up your devices while you’re on the move.

Mobile technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years making working out of the office more of a realistic possibility than it has ever been before.