Short video detailing the top features of the new Samsung Galaxy S4
Category Archives: Reviews
Latest handsets and devices reviewed by our tech experts
Coming Soon – Asus Padfone 2
With the convenience of a 4.7″ handset and the functionality of a 10.1″ tablet, the Asus Padfone 2 combines technology and practicality into one simple design
The Asus Padfone 2 removes the need to have two separate devices, integrating a high-end handset with a 10.1″ tablet using only one SIM card.
The handset itself features a Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz processor running Android Ice Cream Sandwich (upgradable to Jelly Bean), giving it more than enough power to give you masses of functionality when slotted into the back of the tablet device.
Battery
With a 2,140 mAh battery, the Asus Padfone 2 has 16 hours of 3G talk time, which is a very impressive battery life by itself, but when coupled with the tablet this is increased to an amazing 36 hours, meaning you can stay connected for longer.
Camera
It also features a powerful 13MP back camera which can take up to 100 photos at 6 fps, or let you record 720p HD quality videos at 60 fps, so you’ll always capture the moment perfectly.
Screen
The Padfone 2 itself has a 4.7″ HD scratch and fingerprint resistant touchscreen, with 1280 x 720 resolution, making your images look amazing. Super IPS+ technology will ensure the screen looks great whatever angle you view if from.
Storage
Say goodbye to syncing – the Padfone 2 slots into the back of the tablet dock, you’ll no longer have to share data between two devices; it’s right where you need it when you need it. Asus also provide you with 32GB web storage so that you can keep bigger files in the Cloud for when you need them, and then view them on either of the devices.
Sounds
SonicMaster technology brings amazing acoustics to the Padfone 2, meaning you can enjoy Technical Grammy Award winning sound and crystal clear clarity when using either the handset or tablet dock.
The Asus Padfone 2 is a real technological innovation, allowing you the flexibility of both a handset and a tablet without having to purchase and sync two separate devices. With top end specs and features, the Padfone 2 will keep up with you, no matter how your needs change.
For more information or to purchase the Asus Padfone 2, call us on 0800 049 6023
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HTC One – Specs Revealed
The countdown is over, and the new HTC One is revealed…
After much teasing, HTC have finally revealed their latest handset – the HTC One. The 4.7″ screen features Full HD 1080p and 468 PPI, although the handset itself is only 9.3mm thick.
The HTC One will have a full aluminium body, tapered toward the edges for a great in-hand feel and durability to cope with the stresses of everyday life.
HTC BlinkFeed
Customise your homescreen with all of your favourite content, streamed to your phone in real time, so you’ll never miss a thing. This gives the handset a sleek display while remaining user friendly.
HTC Zoe
HTC have been improving the cameras in their phones for a while now, but HTC Zoe takes it a step further. Taking up to 20 photos or a 3 second video when you press the camera shutter, you’ll never miss that precious moment and always get the perfect pic.
HTC BoomSound
Since teaming up with Beats, HTC have been pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the listening experience in a handset, and the HTC One has just taken that to a whole other level. Dual frontal stereo speakers powered by built-in amplifiers will give you an amazing sound straight from the phone without the need for additional speakers.
Details are still emerging about the HTC One, but our initial reaction is that this is a very sleek and interesting looking handset.
It will be available from Carphone Warehouse Business from launch.
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Coming Soon – Sony Xperia Z
It’s on its way – the smartphone built to take the strain of everyday life
When you buy a top of the range smartphone, you often have to accept that it will have certain limitations. Sure, the screen may be hi-def perfection and the processor faster than Sonic the Hedgehog after a Starbucks, but deep in your heart of hearts, you know that when you inevitably drop it down a flight of stairs or in the kitchen sink, its days will be numbered.
That doesn’t have to be the case.
Introducing the Sony Xperia Z
Sony have been experimenting with ‘ruggedising’ their handsets toward the lower end of the Xperia range with the Go, however the Xperia Z is a huge step forward. With a 5″ HD screen utilizing Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA engine, and a powerful 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, the Xperia Z packs a big punch, whilst boasting water resistance and a dust proof body that allows it to stand up to everyday stresses. Rated IP55 and IP57, this high end bit of kit won’t let you down when it matters.
Ultra Sharp and Ultra Fast
The latest handset to feature 4G technology, the Sony Xperia Z can take full advantage of the growing 4G network in the UK and all of the capabilities that allows, from super fast web browsing to multimedia streaming and gaming. The combination of the S4 processor and BRAVIA screen displays all of your content in crystal clear HD, and the excellent 13MP camera with HD video recording allows you to create your own.
Keeps Going As Long As You Do
Sony have made some clever tweaks to the Xperia Z’s battery; using the STAMINA mode, you can get up to four times as much standby time as usual, meaning it’s always ready for action. When the screen is off, the Xperia Z knows to close down any power sapping apps, restarting them as soon as you need them. You can customise exactly what you want the handset to focus on, defining apps you want to stay open, or whether you need to continuously be connected to Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to worry about missing anything while trying to conserve your battery life.
Android Power
The Sony Xperia Z sports the latest version of Android – Jelly Bean, giving you huge levels of customisation whilst also delivering a powerful user experience. With millions of apps available through the Google Play Store, you’ll always be able to find what you need to get a job done, or just unwind with some Angry Birds on the train.
Conclusion
A powerful and extremely durable handset, the Sony Xperia Z is impressive however you look at it. Sony have excelled in creating a handset that not only stands up to the inevitable mishaps a phone has to endure daily, but also packs a powerful punch and impresses as a smartphone in its own right. Sleek and elegant, the Xperia Z is a desirable prospect to even the most demanding smartphone user.
Available to pre-order from Carphone Warehouse Business
Black and White due 28th February 2013
Purple (exclusive to Carphone Warehouse and O2) available from 11th March 2013
Call us on 0800 049 6023
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The Great OS Battle Continues… But Who Will Win?
Apple and Google have dominated the smartphone market since it began, but with the recent launches of Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10, are there new challengers to the crown?
BlackBerry’s launch of their new BB10 platform is a significant step change for the Canadian company, completely redesigning their familiar OS to accommodate the loss of a physical keyboard to fully embrace the touch screen revolution. While BB10 has some pretty nifty features, such as BlackBerry Flow and Peek, the UI takes some getting used to, particularly to those already familiar with the simplicity and accessibility of iOS or Android.
Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8 is also battling valiantly in the arena with a look and feel vastly different to that of the competition, with it’s unique Live Tiles and easy customisation. The smooth integration with Windows 8 for PC is also a key selling point to those going between the two platforms regularly, but with mixed reviews about its ease of use, customers seem to be wary about taking it up.
The Consumer App-etite
Apps are also a bit of a stumbling block for BlackBerry and Microsoft; while they boasted thousands of apps from launch, these came nowhere near the millions available for Android and Apple users, and companies have been slow to develop official apps for the emerging and (as yet) unproven operating systems. App-hungry consumers can be turned off to trying something new when the current dirth creates a perception of loss of functionality.
OS Dominance
In all fairness though, the big two have had a lot longer to work on their app libraries and build their loyal customer bases, with iPhone having been part of the global vocabulary for nearly seven years with Android not far behind. Apple firmly established its following with its ecosystem of products seamlessly working together, whereas Google allowed its customers a vast choice of handsets at various price points which would work with each other regardless of brand. Microsoft and BlackBerry were slow to enter the game, and have paid the price.
The Victor?
Right now, the mobile landscape is rapidly changing. Consumers are becoming increasingly tech-savvy and demanding in what they require from their portable technology. With tablets rapidly gaining popularity, it is essential for any OS worth its salt to ensure a holistic user experience between its products or else risk being left at the side of the technology highway. No-one can deny Apple’s popularity, but with the less than inspiring launch of the iPhone 5 disillusioning some, and the hugely successful (and more innocative) Samsung Galaxy series taking the world by storm, it remains to be seen if there is space in the marketplace for the new contenders.
Conclusion
While each OS has its plus points, and will certainly appeal to some, breaking the hold Apple and Google have on the world’s smart phone community is a massive challenge. We’ve seen many giants of the tech world suffer huge blows in recent times as the pace increases and technology converges. The only way to keep up is to keep moving, and keep an eye out for anyone else slowing down. With amazing innovations appearing on almost a weekly basis, and creativity beyond which we’ve never before seen from the big four, we may yet be surprised by who the ultimate winner may be.
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