[Op-Ed] How wireless carriers are bringing about the "datapocolypse"

We, as smartphone fans and users, are moving into a very unique time in our history.  Mobile usage of smartphones (and other mobile devices like laptops and tablets) has increased the demand for mobile wireless broadband to astronomical levels.  Mobile carriers are providing this service to consumers, and are seeing profits skyrocket as users are removed from so-called unlimited plans onto more carrier friendly (and profitable) tiered data plans.  No longer do consumers need unlimited calling plans - they need bigger and bigger data packages.  This shift to mobile consumption of data by users on such a large scale and the incredible price gouging of consumers by voice and data providers is moving us towards a state of what I'd refer to as the "datapocolypse" -  where the demand for data is so great and the cost of getting it is so much that (as the saying goes) something's gotta give.

[News] Samsung debuts the Galaxy S4

Photo courtesy of Droid-Life

The waiting is over - Samsung's even on March 13th officially announced their newest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4.  While it isn't available on any carriers just yet, here are the official specs, direct from Sammy:

• Processor: 1.9GHz Quad-core processor or 1.6GHz Octa-core processor (depending on global region)
• Memory: 2GB of RAM and 16/ 32/ 64 GB User memory expandable through SDcard slot
• Display: 5″ full-HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, with 441 ppi
• Connections: Hexaband LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR controller
• Battery: 2,600mAh
• Ships with Android 4.2.2

The Galaxy S4 has a larger screen than its predecessor, while still managing to come in thinner and lighter.  From early reports, this true HD screen looks incredible with vivid rich colors and amazing sharpness and clarity.  This is sure to be a huge selling point with fans of Samsung.

[Op-Ed]It's the battery, stupid.

One of the motto's of Bill Clinton's successful Presidential campaign in 1992 was "it's the economy, stupid."  It was a reminder of what was really the most important issue to voters and what the election would ultimately hinge on.  In the fight for smartphone buyer's dollars, Android manufacturers(OEM's) need to learn "it's the battery, stupid."

Ask the average smartphone owner what the biggest complaint about their phone is, and you're going to hear "the battery life" at or near the top of the list.  For a long time poor battery life was a function of technological limitations.  But that's simply not the case anymore.  So why are OEM's still producing phones that can't easily make it through a full day?

[Rumor] Galaxy S4 to launch in black & white

Possilble Galaxy S4 render

The latest rumor as we approach the middle of the month and the launch date for the Galaxy S4 is that Samsung will be kicking off their new flagship with 2 colors - the staple white and black.  In addition, there should be 16GB/32GB/64GB variants, all available for purchase (at some point) - this is in addition to the expandable SD card slot already pretty much a done deal.  Will there be carrier exclusive colors?  Will we see Pebble Blue ever again?  Stay tuned for more details!

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News]Samsung set to announce the Galaxy S IV on March 14th, here's what to expect

On March 14th in New York City Samsung is announcing its new Galaxy S IV (GSIV) flagship smartphone.

Very little has been confirmed, so take this all with a grain of salt, but based on the latest leaks/rumors here's what to expect:

Samsung Galaxy S IV

Estimated Releaes Date: April 2013

Carrier(s): AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon

Price: $199.99 on contract

CPU/GPU: Quad-Core Snapdragon 600 @ 1.9ghz/Adreno 320

Screen: 4.99" SoLex LCD 1920 x 1080p

Camera: 2.1MP(Fr)/13MP(R)/1080p@60fps

Memory: 2GB RAM

Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
SD Card Slot: Yes
Battery: Removable/2600mah

[Rumor] Is this benchmark for the Verizon Galaxy S4?

A recent benchmark showed up for a smartphone with the device ID "SCH-I545" - this just may be the latest flagship from Samsung, the Galaxy S4.  The Galaxy S3 for Verizon bore a device ID of "SCH-I535" and several other Samsung smartphones have similar code names on Verizon as well.

As you can see from the bench mark, we'd expect this phone to sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a full 1080p display, and the Adreno 320 GPU.  The Samsung event is scheduled for 03/14/13, and no doubt it will be one of the most hyped events of the year for tech enthusiasts.

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News]Qualcomm RF360: The Holy Grail of LTE modems?

The Qualcomm RF360 is the modem we've been waiting for, the Holy Grail of LTE !  Why is that you might ask?  Because it's the first modem that covers all global LTE frequencies - 40 in all.

Why is that important to you?  The answer is that the RF360 would allow Google to make a subsidized Nexus, or Motorola X-phone that would work on any carrier's LTE network.  Google's goal of being able to free customers from expensive carrier contracts and offering cheap unsubsidized phones that work on any network may finally be a reality.



Google I/O starts on May 15th and the Motorola X-phone is expected to be announced.  Hopefully it will be the first global LTE smartphone.  Would it be too much to hope that Google sells it directly through the Play Store at the same price points as the Nexus 4?  Hey, we can dream, right?

EDIT: Apparently it won't be available in any products until the second half of the year, which may be too late for the X-Phone :(