[News] Gmail phone calls to be free in 2013

Google has announced that the free domestic calling using their Gmail service will continue to be free throughout all of 2013.  A nice Christmas and New Year's gift for those who currently utilize this service.  I've used the video chat feature in Gmail a little bit, and while this tech (video calling in general) is still in its infancy, I believe its truly the way of future. And as more and more folks get mobile broadband services, this type of free service will impact a greater number of folks.  Good times!

*Source:  Droid-Life

[Rumor] Google and Motorola working on "X phone"

As noted in one of my fearless predictions for next year (see the whole list here) I theorized that the next Nexus phone would be produced by a joint Google and Motorola venture.  Since Google owns Moto, that's no small thing...but since Samsung, HTC, and now LG have all had their shot - I'm thinking it just makes sense if Motorola gets a shot at it.  And it looks like we might be well on our way to that future - if reports from the Wall Street Journal are true.  The rumored device, the so-called "X Phone" would be made by a super secret division within Motorola, and sanctioned by Google, to produce the next generation smartphone so that it can be released in 2013.

I for one am hoping for the unlocked, quad core, 3500mAh, LTE toting beast all Android smartphone lovers have been waiting for since LTE was introduced, but hey - this is just a rumor and could be darn near anything at this point.  Even something crappy.  So we'll all just have to wait and see.

*Source:  Droid-Life

[Rumor] Next "superphone" from HTC to come in Feb?

HTC's One X/One X+

Its not even the end of the year, and already juicy rumors are flying around that interweb about how HTC is trying to up their game after the Droid DNA's launch.  The newest rumors have HTC looking to launch a new superphone (codename M7) sometime in the first quarter of 2013, and man are the rumored specs on this guy crazy.  Can you imagine the One X's successor with: 1.7GHz quad core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, either a 4.7 inch or 5.0 inch 1080p display using their new SoLux technology, a 13MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, and a 2300mAh battery powering it all.

HTC's really slick unibody construction would give it the look and feel of the already beautiful One X series, but with much beefier internals.  If this bad boy comes to Verizon (no carriers rumored as of yet) I'm going to give it a strong look as my next phone.  Alas, we are still in just the rumor stage as of yet, but February is the early target date of release so far.  You know we will keep our ears to the grindstone for any more details.  Stay tuned.

*Source:  Geek.com

[Rumor] Next Galaxy Note to have even bigger display?

Could this be the Galaxy Note 3?

File this under the "it's just a crazy rumor right now but hey...maybe?" department, but Samsung is reportedly considering going even larger with their Galaxy Note device in the next generation, by throwing a whopping 6.3 inch display in the 3rd version of the Note series.

I can't imagine why anyone would consider such a large screen or form factor in their phone, but since that's pretty close to the size of my Nexus 7 - let's just call it like we see it and say any phone that size is really just a 3G/4G enabled tablet, shall we?  We'll just have to wait and see I guess.


*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] New BB10 device shown and "reviewed"

As we approach the end of the year, we are also approaching the beginning of 2013.  Duh.  But what this means for fans of Research in Motion (RIM) is that the next generation of Blackberry devices are actually coming soon.  The all touch screen device (with the code name of London) is set to debut in January 2013.   An Asian group has managed to lay hands on the device and offer up a walk through of the phone itself, as well as some of the new Blackberry 10 operating systems features.  Sadly, I don't speak Vietnamese, so most of the info is lost on me...but its worth a watch nonetheless.  Check out the video below if you are interested in seeing what RIM has up its sleeve with its newest Blackberry smartphone.

*Source:  BGR

[News] Verizon Galaxy Note 2's bootloader unlocked

Now this news will probably not mean much to a lot of folks, but for those precious few Android enthusiasts who enjoy "modding" their phones...this is a great day.  The good folks over at XDA Developers have found an exploit that allows the bootloader of the Verizon Galaxy Note 2 to be unlocked.  This allows for a variety of custom options to be flashed onto the device, including a custom recovery, kernels, and ROMs.  If you're like me and have a desire to always tinker with your device, the Galaxy Note 2 (already a great smartphone) just got a little better.

This link to the chaps over at Droid-Life includes some more info, along with the video on how its done.  You might want to make a "Note" of it if you are thinking about picking up this phone and messing around with it.

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] Fortune interview with Google's Larry Page

Fortune sat down recently to talk with Google's somewhat reclusive CEO, Larry Page.  As Mr. Page is not often in the spotlight, it seems like this interview would be of significant interest to Google or Android enthusiasts.  A excerpt of the interview with a focus on Android is below:

There are some great products out of Motorola, but none of them are your signature Nexus line. Will you partner with Motorola for these sort of signature devices? How will you decide when to partner with them? And despite all your assurances to the other [Android] partners that you're going to be neutral, aren't they going to freak out [when you build a Motorola Nexus]?

First of all, I don't think there's any physical way we could have released a Nexus Motorola device in that sense. I mean, we haven't owned the company long enough.

How will you decide when to do a Motorola Nexus device, and what do you tell Samsung and LG? 

I think there's a lot of complexity in that question. Maybe I'll talk more generally about that area.
The right way to think about it is how do we get amazing products into users' hands in the most cost-effective, highest quality way possible and to the most people. That's what we do as a business, and that's what we've done with Android.  Part of the reason why we've done Nexus devices in the past is that we want to build an amazing device that kind of showcases what's possible on Android, gives a way for the programmers to get early builds, does a whole bunch of things that are important. Exactly what we do, which devices we do, what the timing is, how we release the software with them, all those things have been changing.

So...as you've probably read in our article on Fearless Predictions for next year, a proposed Motorola Nexus device would be of extreme interest to yours truly.  So hopefully Mr. Page has enough sway to make it happen.  Because I'm sure he's focused solely on my personal happiness.  Or something.  But enough from me...check out the whole article from Fortune here.

*Source:  Fortune Magazine

[News] T-Mobile to carry iPhone in 2013

Last of all the major carriers, T-Mobile announced during their annual investor conference they will carry the iPhone in 2013.  This is surely good news for T-Mobile customers as well as T-Mobile themselves, since no doubt many folks interested in T-Mobile's low price point for voice and data plans will likely be attracted now that the iPhone can be had on their service.  Also announced at the conference was that T-Mobile plans to end carrier subsidies for their phones, likely meaning that new customers may have to pony up between $300-700 for a new phone (depending on device).

There is no firm date for when the iPhone will be offered, as well as how much it might cost on T-Mobile.  If it is released in the middle of next year, it might coincide with the release of the so-called iPhone 5S, if Apple does do a mid year refresh to its flagship device.  Without a carrier subsidy, the iPhone would probably run somewhere in the $399 range to start however.  Speaking of removing carrier subsidies, this represents another change in the way the mobile wireless industry does business, and is something that was first embodied by Google offering their Nexus 4 device unlocked for as little as $299.  This selling of devices direct to consumers (see our article here) is something new to the US shores, but is fairly common in Europe and the UK where carriers operate much differently.  If T-Mobile is looking to stand out from the crowd, this new business model might be a really good start.  It would likely take the American smartphone buyer a while to get used to, but the profits it brings to the carrier and the freedom it gives the buyer make this situation a true "win-win" scenario.

*Source:  Digital Trends

[News] Apple profits expected to fall for first time in 9 years

The last quarter of this year isn't expected to be kind to Apple.  According to a Forbes.com report, the company will likely post its first decline in profit since 2003.  This news comes as Apple stock continues to fall from record highs reached just before the release of the iPhone 5 earlier this year.  Now down over 21%, most analysts predict this tend to continue for the short term.

The fact that the world largest publicly traded company is experiencing a downturn in profits is also causing analysts to believe the entire tech sector's profits will shrink by 2.4% in the 4th quarter.  How this might impact other phone OEMs remissions to be seen, but this is surely a day that hasn't been on the mind of Apple in a long, long time.

*Source:  Forbes

[News] Samsung porting Galaxy Note features to S3

Based no doubt on the success of the Galaxy Note 2 and its many innovative (read: cool) features, Samsung has announced on their blog that some of these features will be coming to the Galaxy S3 phone as well.  These features will likely include Multi-Window and Page Buddy, two of the more useful of the Galaxy Note 2's software bundle.  Multi-Window is just that, allowing multiple windows open on the screen running different apps.  Page Buddy is more along the lines of "smart actions" by executing certain commands based on related actions (launching your music player if you were to plug in headphones for example).

The size of the Galaxy S3 makes this an almost no brainer, and makes a great phone even more versatile and functional.  Now...the bad news.  So its pretty much being released by Samsung as the "Premium Software Suite" and will be available in the international market first.  And then it would be up to the individual carriers at some point to make it available to those in the U.S. market.  Sounds like it won't be hitting anyone around here anytime soon.  But still...hope is a good thing.  And Samsung gets props from me for even offering this suite to begin with.  Good on you Sammy!

*Source: BGR

[Rumor]Samsung Galaxy S IV to be announced in April with "unbreakable" screen

It's the slow season for smartphone news, so that means the rumor mill is in full force.  The rumor of the day is that the Samsung Galaxy S IV will be announced in April and will feature an "unbreakable" screen.  Presumably this would be some version of the flexible display that Samsung showed off at CES back in 2011.

While it's possible the Galaxy S IV will have some version of a flexible display, I'm not holding my breath.  The same rumors surfaced right before the Galaxy Note II was announced with a conventional display earlier this year.

[News] Report indicates tablet demand greater than expected

Who knew?  Analysts with IDC are predicting that sales numbers for popular Android and Apple tablets will be greater than previously thought, with an estimated 122.3 million devices sold worldwide (up from the previously estimated 117.1 million).  These trends are expected to continue though the next few years, with forecast numbers published through 2016.  Market share is expected to be largely dominated by Apple products, with Android devices coming in 2nd place, and Windows devices a (very) distant 3rd.  A whopping 282.7 million devices will be in the hands of consumers by 2016 - a number that is mind boggling to me right now.  But if folks are getting as much enjoyment as I am out of my tablet, perhaps this isn't such a huge surprise after all.

Mobile computing and web content consumption is on the rise, especially in the global market, and tablets (as well as smartphones) are an alternative to get this content at a much more cost effective price point than a traditional home PC or laptop.  Google's $249 Chromebook notwithstanding, most people have to have a mobile phone for a host of other reasons, and when it comes to spending discretionary cash, a lot of folks are going to choose what they need first.  And that means that the mobile phone (or smartphone) comes before a laptop or PC.  And it looks like the tablet is quickly growing into the "need" category from the "want" category.

*Source:  BGR

[News]First pictures of the iPhone 5S case leak out

This morning purported images of the iPhone 5S case leaked out.  They look remarkably similar to the iPhone 5 except for some minor changes inside.

It's probably safe to say that the iPhone 5S will be virtually indistinguishable from the iPhone 5 from the outside.  That's not necessarily a bad thing though, as the iPhone 5 design is fantastic.  Quite frankly I'm much more interested in the Jony Ives iOS7 makeover than the new hardware. I'm expecting a pretty major refresh and think iOS fans are in for a treat.  We'll find out soon enough.

[Rumor] Samsung prepares new phones, tablet for 2013

Coming soon...?

So it would seem that having the Galaxy S3 be a huge hit wasn't enough to make Samsung sit back and rest on their laurels...some rumors coming out of Korea are hinting at the Galaxy S4 (possibly codenamed "Project J") as well as a successor to the Galaxy Note 2, and even (possibly) a giant 13.3 inch tablet (along with a keyboard dock) to compete in the new space that Microsoft is looking to dominate with their Surface line of devices.

After seeing the Galaxy Note 2, and the Galaxy S3 for that matter - I'm pretty excited for what Samsung has coming down the pipe.  Anyone else feel the way I do?

*Source:  Droid-Life

[Op-Ed]Why can't anyone but Motorola put a big battery in a smartphone?

With the recent release of both the LG Nexus 4 and the HTC Droid DNA, one thing jumped out at me right away with these devices:  whats the deal with the small batteries?  I think that most people would agree the #1 complaint about modern smartphones is the battery life, especially now that 4G LTE is on board most devices.  One company has managed to solve this problem quite well (and has begun to advertise as such on TV lately).  So why can't any of the other hardware manufacturers put some thought behind answering this consumer gripe as well?  Perhaps it's because it would make the phone too bulky or heavy to the point of being undesirable?  Perhaps it's simply not possible with current battery tech?  Maybe another reason entirely?  Let's take a closer look at the new phones and one of Motorola's flagship devices and see if we can find out what's really going on. 

[News] Verizon Galaxy Note 2 to go on sale tomorrow

The day many have longed for has come...the Galaxy Note 2 will be available for purchase through Verizon Wireless starting tomorrow, November 29th.  If you're jonesing for the largest, most powerful smartphone/tablet/phablet on the market with LTE on board, wait no more.

Pricing will likely depend on whether or not you on on or off contract, but with a new 2 year agreement you can pick this one up at Big Red's stores for $299.  As Mr. Plunkett has already made his purchase, expect an in-depth review of this magical device coming soon from the Two Tech Geeks!

*Source:  BGR

[Special Feature]Two Tech Geeks Best of Tech 2012

With the year coming to a close, and the looming Mayan Apocalypse, the Two Tech Geeks thought it would be a good idea to take a look back and highlight some of our favorite things from that wacky, wonderful year that was.  Without further ado, we bring you our Best of Tech 2012:

Best Small Tablet (8" screen or smaller):

Sean: Asus Nexus 7
The Nexus 7 has it all; a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, a 1280 x 800 IPS LCD display, 1GB of RAM and 16GB or 32GB of internal memory.  Better yet, the 16GB version will only set you back $199.99 while the 32GB version goes for $249.99.  Sure the iPad mini may be thinner and constructed of nicer materials, but it has an inferior screen and the 16GB iPad Mini costs 65% more than a 16GB Nexus 7.  In the smaller tablet market, the Nexus 7 reigns supreme.

Shawn: Asus Nexus 7

You'll get no argument from me here.  I recently purchased a Nexus 7, and can't actually use it because the wife likes it so much.  Great materials, great screen, small enough to be portable, but big enough to be useful for things your phone is too small for.  In short - its perfect.

[News] Nexus 4 to go back on sale today

After some "issues" on launch day with getting the Nexus 4 phone sold to as many people who wanted it, Google has indicated that the new Android flagship phone from Google and LG is now back stock and will go back on sale to the consumer at noon Pacific time.

If you are an AT&T or T-Mobile customer and are in the market for a new Android device, this might be right up your alley.  For detailed specs on pricing and the device, go here.  For a link to the Google Play to buy this unlocked bad boy, go here.

*Source: BGR

[News] Analyst predicts tablet sales to surpass notebooks in 2013

According to the good folks over at Digitimes, the face of mobile computing is going to undertake a radical shift in the next year, with tablet sales predicted to outpace notebook PC sales for the first time ever.  210 million units are estimated to be sold in 2013, which is surely a significant enough number for OEMs to sit up and take notice.  Predictably, Apple's iPad will be the forecast top hardware seller, with Google's Android OS to be the top operating system sold.

As a recent tablet owner, I can speak for its usefulness in certain settings, but can I see it replacing what a laptop can do for me?  No.  Having said that, I think that our lives have been forever changed by things like the iPad and to a lesser extent other tablets like the Nexus 7.  The way we act and behave on a daily basis is almost exclusively focused on mobile computing.  And those devices that aid us in our quest to always be connected.

Sound off in the comments if you have an opinion!

*Source:  BGR

[Op-Ed] The road to a proposed Google Wireless

When the rumors of Google potentially becoming a wireless carrier themselves broke everywhere on the internet yesterday, of course the world (including yours truly) began to rejoice.  But what would it take to make this beautiful dream a reality?  The short answer is: a lot.  But Michael H. over at Phone Arena has written a pretty good "plain language" opinion piece on this whole process, and some of the potential roadblocks to it actually coming to fruition.

See the article here to read up on what hopefully be in our very near future.

*Source:  Phone Arena

[News] Coming soon to a blog near you...

Well folks...its been a slow news week so far, and with the holidays coming up, it looks like it might stay that way for a while.  So in an effort to keep you (the informed tech enthusiast and consumer) update to date with what's going on out in the world, we've decided to have a few more opinion/editorial pieces coming out, as well as a cool Special Feature direct from the Tech Geeks!

All of this is just our way of saying that while the "news" portion of the site may dwindle a little bit, please keep checking back with us frequently for more new content!  Like the US Post Office, nothing can keep us from making our daily tech rounds of news and views!  Wishing everyone a safe holiday season!

-Sean and Shawn

[News] Nexus 7 sales "better than expected"

Published reports are indicating that Google was surprised (probably pleasantly so) over increased demand for the Nexus 7 tablet.  So much so, that they have ordered an additional 2.5 million devices from manufacturer Asus to keep up with sales before the end of 2012.  This comes on top of the estimated 2.5 million tablets already sold so far.  This comes as no surprise to me...I love everything about this tablet.  You can read my review of the Nexus 7 to see my thoughts on this device.

While these numbers don't compare to the number of iPads sold each day, week, or month, demand for the Nexus 7 is growing - indicating a definite need in the market for a 7 inch tablet.  Google and Asus have a home run on their hands with this one.

*Source:  Droid-Life

[Rumor] Google looking into becoming wireless carrier *Updated*

According to sources at the Wall Street Journal, Google may be looking to move beyond fiber optics and move directly into the mobile wireless space by becoming a competitor of Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.  The report indicates that talks of a partnership with Dish Network could result in Google offering wireless services to any and all.  The talks are rumored to be very early, and nothing is committed to for now, but if true, this could prove to be a game changer.

Google is well known for providing low cost, high quality solutions for free or next-to-free pricing, and as a wireless carrier, I can think of nothing but good things to come from the good folks in Mountain View, California.

*UPDATE*  Droid-Life is indicating that they have information from a 3rd party source that these talks are more than preliminary, and that Google is "deep into development" and might be targeting a mid-2013 launch for this service.  The who, what, where, and when of this new "Google Wireless" is still as yet unknown, but as I said before - this could be a game changer for the industry.  Would AT&T or Verizon Wireless see a defection of people leaving for a service that offers reasonably priced smartphones, with a potential for unlimited data/voice plans at below AT&T/Verizon prices?  I for one would leave Verizon in a heartbeat, if not sooner.  Stay tuned for more details as we come across them.

Wireless?

*Source:  BGR, Droid-Life

[News] Popular Science names Google Now "Innovation of the Year"

Google Now, the feature built into Android that works to predict and display info you might find useful, has been named by Popular Science as their "Innovation of the Year."  There are those who claim that Google Now's constant searching of your phones information is overly intrusive.  As an Android user myself, I can tell you there are loads of ways this feature has come in very handy in my personal life.  With the recent updates to the Google Search feature preparing for the release of Android 4.2, the cards Google Now provides are more timely and informative than ever.  You can also now use certain voice commands, although this I would label as still a "work in progress."

Any Android users out there love Google Now?  Hate it?  Think its just more ways for the government to get past our tin foil hats to steal our personal info?  Personally I don't think the government cares that much about me or my life, but hey - other folks may feel differently.  Sound off how you feel in the comments!

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] Apple's Tim Cook named most powerful figure in wireless

According to FierceWireless, Apple's CEO is the most powerful person in the wireless game today.  The website released their list of the Top 25 Most Powerful People in U.S. Wireless 2012, and Cook heads the list.  This probably won't come as a shock to many folks considering the success of products like the iPhone 5 and updated iPad.  Other folks on the list include Larry Page of Google, Lowell McAdam of Verizon Wireless, and Dan Hesse of Sprint.

For the entire list, which is an interesting read, go here.

*Source:  BGR

[Special Feature]Fearless Predictions for 2013

Shawn and I thought it would be fun to do a predictions piece for 2013 so we would be able to come back and laugh at ourselves when none of it comes true.  These opinions are solely ours, and have not been put forth with any insider information from any OEM.  Most of these actually have no basis in fact whatsoever.  But with that in mind, here are our fearless 2013 predictions:

Sean's Predictions:

1) Apple will release an iPhone 5S that looks virtually identical to the iPhone 5.  The internet will decry the  new phone and say Apple has lost its way.  Tech sites and blogs will write editorials expressing their disappointment.  Apple will sell as many as they can produce.

Shawn's Response:
I'm probably on board with this one, considering the years and years of history we have of Apple to fall back on.  I'm really not sure where Apple takes their iPhone from here though...even thinnerer and lighterer?

World Exclusive: the iPhone 5S will look exactly like this

[News] Verizon Galaxy Note 2 spotted at Best Buy

A very lucky Droid-Life reader happened to be cruising through his local Best Buy store, and ran across the Verizon branded version of the Galaxy Note 2, as of yet not available on Verizon's service.  The rumor is the launch will be on or around November 29th, but nothing official as of yet.  Unless you count photos of the device at a local retail store as being official of course.

I know Sean is very much looking forward to this device (except for the inexplicable VZW branding on the home button) but is anyone else out there considering this device?  Check out more details on the device here...but let us know if this is your next smartphone in the comments!

Photo Courtesy of Droid-Life

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] Analyst claims only 3-4 smartphone companies are generating profits

In what is surely seen as bad news for quite of few companies, an analyst from Asymco by the name of Horace Dediu tweeted this morning that he believes only 3 smartphone manufacturers are actually turning a profit:  Apple, HTC, and Samsung.  LG also is turning a teeny-tiny profit, if you can call  a 0.01% of the 3rd quarter profits "making money."  Apple and Samsung are the real players here, with HTC sneaking in with 1% of the reported profits, behind Apple's 60% share and Samsung's 39% share.  Plus or minus the usual margin of error, of course.  Monopolies in the tech market tend to reduce innovations, so here's to hoping that other companies like Nokia, RIM, and LG can turn things around with new offerings at the end of this year, or early in 2013.

*Source:  BGR 

[News] HTC Droid DNA launches on Verizon, pre-orders begin today

Well folks...its officially official.  The HTC Droid DNA will launch on Verizon on November 21, 2012, with pre-orders via the Verizon website beginning today.  The device will be a nifty $199 with a new 2 year agreement.  Cutting edge specs and a 1080p screen make this thing a beast...the only thing that remains to be seen is how well the 2020mAh battery holds up powering the quad core processor and the 5 inch screen.  HTC claims 10 hours of moderate use - I'm looking to see more info from folks who've had a chance to review the phone in depth.  If you are on Verizon, and looking for the best of the best in an Android device, check it out in your local Verizon store.  Or go to Verizon Wireless.com

[Special Feature] Hands on with the Nexus 4 & Nexus 10 **UPDATE**

The chaps over at Droid-Life managed to lay hands on both a Nexus 4 and a Nexus 10 and very generously did a walk through unboxing and hands on with these two devices ahead of launch day, which happens to be today.  If you are interested in picking up either of these devices, and were looking for some more info on them, check out the below video.  I will advise you up front - its a long video from a Google Hangout, so its not HD quality or anything...and some of the jokes are silly, nerdish, or just plain weird.  If you can get past that, there's some good info on both of the new Nexus devices being released by Google, LG, and Samsung today.  For those looking to buy right away, head to the Google Play store here.

UPDATED:  For those who were interested in buying the Nexus 4, it appears that all of the initial stock of both the 8GB and 16GB devices have sold out.  The device went on sale at 9:00am, and in less than a half hour, Google had updated the Play Store with the dreaded "Coming Soon" instead of the pricing and "Buy Now" button.  Sorry folks...we'll stay on top of this to see when they come back up.  In the meantime, you might be able to pick one up at your local T-Mobile store. 

[News]Verizon to officially announce HTC DROID DNA tomorrow, November 20th release date likely

Verizon will officially announce the HTC Droid DNA tomorrow at 11:00 EST in New York.

The technical specifications for the DNA are as follows:

HTC Droid DNA
Release Date: November 20th
Carrier(s): Verizon
Price: $199.99 on contract
CPU/GPU: Quad-Core Snapdragon S4 Pro/Adreno 320
Screen: 5" Super LCD-3 (RGB) 1920x1080p
Camera: 2.1MP(Fr)/8MP/1080p@30fps
Memory: 2GB
Storage: 16GB/32GB
SD Card Slot: No
Battery: Non-Removable/2500mah

The rumored November 20th date seems to be confirmed based on the post to the right from Verizon's official Google+ page.

Many potential buyers will be cross shopping the DNA with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  The DNA has a slightly better CPU and GPU, is made of more premium materials, and has a much higher resolution screen.  It also has a smaller non-removable battery though.

The Note 2 has a larger screen, a bigger/removable battery, an SD card slot, S-Pen and some cool proprietary features like multi-window.

If the battery holds up the DNA is a very compelling device, but I have my doubts and that's why I'm still leaning towards the Note 2.

What do you guys think, Note 2 or Droid DNA?

[News] Blackberry 10 debut officially scheduled

According to The Next Web's Daily Dose, RIM has officially announced a launch date for their Blackberry 10 operating system as associated devices:  January 10, 2013.  This falls in line with RIM's own admissions that the debut of their new OS and hardware would come in Q1 of 2013.  Most Blackberry enthusiasts were probably hoping for sooner rather than later, but hey its on the books at least.

Going into next year and missing the holiday rush is probably not going to do wonders for RIM's sales numbers.  However, doing anything to right the ship could help RIM's failing stock prices significantly.  I'm sure the whole world will be anxiously awaiting the end of January to see what Blackberry 10 has in store for us.

*Source:  TNW's Daily Dose

[Review] 32GB Nexus 7 tablet

The Nexus 7 isn't new to the market, nor is it the most technically advanced Android tablet out there...but what it is, is one fine device for the money.

Way back in September, I made a decision to purchase a tablet for my own use around the house.  I have a burning desire to surf the web, check my fantasy basketball team, post on the Facebook, and blog all from the comfort of my couch.  Sure I could do this on my netbook, and I bought it with that in mind, but the idea of using a tablet for these endeavors seems darn near perfect.

The 16GB version now costs a mere $199, the 32GB w/WiFi only is $249 (plus applicable tax) and on November 13th, 2012 the 32GB version with HSPA+ will launch for $299.  I decided to pull the trigger once the 32GB WiFi only version arrived in a local retail store.  Since I had a few gift cards laying about, I picked it up last Wednesday night for exactly $41.36...and even as a fan of Android, I can easily say I'm impressed with this device.

[News] Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available through AT&T

If you are an AT&T customer and have been waiting for a 5.5 inch phone+tablet to arrive, you need wait no longer.  As of today, the Galaxy Note 2 is now available for purchase through AT&T for $299 with a 2 year contract agreement.  As this phone boasts some of the best specs in the phone world right now (see the full review of this beast here) its worth a long look.  Now admittedly...if you've seen the Galaxy S3, this phablet is bigger (by almost a full inch) so make sure you test it in  before you buy.  But if the size doesn't bother you (as it surely doesn't bother my partner here on the site) this is a great phone.

If you've got spare cash and need a new phone (and are with those AT&T people) check it out.

*Source: Droid-Life

[News]Select T-Mobile Samsung Phones Free with rebate November 16th and 17th

T-Mobile is running a promotion November 16th and 17th where select Samsung smart phones are free with rebate on a two year "classic plan" contract.

It's unclear exactly what Samsung phones are eligible for the deal, but the Galaxy S III (GSIII) is featured twice on the flyer, so it would be a pretty dick move if it wasn't included.

It also appears the Galaxy S II (GSII) is part of the promotion, but if both phones are free why would anyone buy a GSII over a GSIII?

Despite these questions marks, if you're a T-Mobile customer or looking to become one, a free Galaxy S III is a nice incentive.

[News] Nexus 10 sighting in the wild ahead of launch day

While the official launch date of the new Nexus 10 tablet is November 13th, apparently a Walmart store didn't get the memo.  One loyal Droid-Life fan was roaming the tech aisles at this local Walmart and found a sticker advertising the Nexus 10 next to a box or boxes of the product.  If you're an Android enthusiast, this product will likely be on your radar already...a tablet from Google and partner Samsung designed to tackle the iPad head on.

Below is a quick photo of the tag; if you're in the market for one of these, it might be worth a trip to your local Walmart to see if one can be had ahead of the launch week rush.

Photo courtesy of Droid-Life

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] Galaxy S3 best selling smartphone in 3rd quarter

For the first time in a VERY long time, the iPhone isn't the best selling smartphone in a business quarter.  For the 3rd quarter of 2012, that honor belongs to the Samsung Galaxy S3.  I don't think I have to tell you how popular the GS3 is, especially if you've been reading this site for a while (which I know you have).  Selling 18 million units in Q3, the GS3 narrowly edged out the iPhone 4S, which sold 16.2 million units.  Of note...the iPhone 5 sold 6 million units in the quarter, so if you combined the line of Apple products, they were still #1 in sales - and the iPhone 5 wasn't available for sale the whole 3rd quarter, so its possible this stay at the top for Samsung is short lived.  Still, I'm sure Sammy will take whatever small victories they can get.  

Until then...all hail the new king of smartphones!

*Source:  Engadget

[News] Joint Verizon and HTC event announced for November 13th

New York city has been hard hit recently, but that apparently isn't going to stop Verizon and HTC from announcing a joint venture at 11:00am on November 13th (Tuesday, a week from today) there.  The best guess so far is the "official" outing of the HTC "DLX" which apparently will debut on Big Red as the HTC Droid DNA (perhaps the single most cheesy name for a mobile phone, ever).

What's not cheesy is the specs on this monster - not the least of which is that 5 inch 1080p resolution display.  For more details on the rumored HTC superphone that we loved calling the Deluxe, go here.

More pics below - but I guess we'll all be waiting for next Tuesday's official unveiling.