PhoneTalk

The latest phone to work with Sprint’s Direct Connect service is the Kyocera DuraMax. This flip-phone was built to meet the Military Standard 810G, which can handle dust, extreme temperatures, low pressure, humidity, and even solar radiation. Rounding out the phone’s ruggedness is the non-slip Dura-Grip casing and a built-in flashlight. Additionally, the phone sports a 3.2-megapixel camera and video recorder, 3.5mm headset jack, and will come with a 1GB microSD card. It will work with Sprint’s Direct Connect service and the company’s EV-DO network. The Kyocera DuraMax should be available the first half of this year.

According to the result of a recent survey from The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, cell phones are taking on a larger roll when it comes to shopping. Over half (52%) of consumers surveyed are using their cell phones to help with making purchasing decisions, by making a call to get advice from a friend while in a store, using the phone’s mobile Internet app to check out reviews online, or doing a price comparison. Another interesting data point from the survey results is cell phone users who used the phone to lookup a price of a product online, 19% ended up purchasing the product online.

How about you? Has your cell phone become an essential shopping tool? Let us know how your phone helps you score great deals by leaving a comment below.

Tomorrow, at 2:00 PM PST, I'll be hosting a chat on LetsTalk's Facebook page. I’ll be taking questions about phones, plans, apps, CES, and can even help Facebook fans pick the best phone for them. If there's something you want to know about mobile, but didn't know who to ask stop by and ask me on Facebook at 2:00 PM PST this Friday.

Ever wish the music on your cell phone could be a bit louder without needing to attach it to a Bluetooth speaker? Check out Boost from iFrogz. The idea is simple: launch the music app on a smartphone, press play, and then place the phone on the Boost device and suddenly the music playing on the phone is a lot louder. Boost uses Near Field Audio technology to amplify the sound coming from the phone. Music actually sounds better since you don’t need to increase the volume, which can distort the audio quality, to make it louder. Boost will be available this spring for $39.99.

At CES, Verizon announced a few additions to its DROID family of smartphones. Among them was the DROID RAZR™ MAXX™ by Motorola, a relatively thin (8.9mm) DROID with long battery life (so it should easily last a full day before needing a charge). There’s also Smart Actions that can be turned on and created to optimize battery life even longer. The Android 2.3.5 (it will be upgraded to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphone sports a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a rear-facing 8–megapixel camera with flash, front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera that can record 720p HD video, and a micro-HDMI port so video captured on the phone can be easily viewed on an HDTV. The DROID MAXX by Motorola will be available with Verizon service this week.

Whenever I go to tradeshows, such as CES and CTIA, I like to put different technology to the test. This year I brought the MotoACTV with me. I had a couple of reasons for choosing this device. First, we are seeing more fitness-centric tech hitting the market from watch-like devices to smartphone apps such as Endomondo. Second, I wanted a device that worked with a cell phone. At shows, I typically have four active cell phones with me and there’s little time available for digging through a bag to find the one receiving a text message. Finally, I really wanted to know just how far I walk during an average day at a tradeshow in Las Vegas. The MOTOACTV did all of this and more.

Since I was taking the MOTOACTV with me this year, I had to become familiar with the device before I left, which meant calibrating it on a treadmill/stationary bike and doing some light workouts. It’s actually quite easy to setup, just attach the MOTOACTV to a computer via the included microUSB-to-USB cable, install the MotoCast desktop software, and sync. You’ll also be prompted to enter information such as height, weight, and age. The benefit of the MotoCast software is that it also works with Motorola Android phones and essentially lets you sync music, photos, and other information from your computer with the phone. If you don’t want to sync music, there are some workout-centric songs preloaded on the device. Once it’s all setup it’s worthwhile to head over to the MOTOACTV website where you can set fitness goals, schedule workouts, and even get a training program if your planning on doing something like running a 5K. Too bad there’s no training plan for attending CES.

The fitness features are great, but the intriguing feature for me is the cell phone tie-in. In addition to a few other active Android phones, I took along a DROID RAZR to the show and synced it with the MOTOACTV via Bluetooth. To be clear, the device will sync with other Android handsets, however, it does a bit more when it syncs with a smartphone that supports the MOTOACTV app. Once synced, I was able to get alerts from my phone on the MOTOACTV. Plus, if I had a Bluetooth headset connected I could have taken calls, as well. (Read more)

Last week at CES, among the devices that Verizon Wireless announced were the LG Spectrum and the BlackBerry Curve 9370. This week, the two models are available for purchase.

First up, we got a chance to checkout the Spectrum at CES. That phone is fast thanks to the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity. The data connection can be shared with up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature. It also has a vibrant and bright display, which will come in handy when using the included SmartMovie HD app for creating and editing videos on the phone. The cell phone is currently running the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but will be upgradeable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone also sports a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. Overall, the LG Spectrum is a high-end Android smartphone that’s loaded with entertainment-centric features.

The BlackBerry Curve isn’t a 4G LTE phone, but it can be use around the globe. It’s also running the latest BlackBerry 7 OS, sports a 5-megapixel camera with a flash, and the company’s trademark tactile QWERTY keyboard making it an ideal business companion.

For many who purchase a tablet – especially a model with at least a 10-inch screen – the idea of using it to view videos is especially appealing. The trick is finding the right case or accessory to make that an easy experience. The ArtStation Pro iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tablet docks might be just the solution. The tablet clicks into place and the tablet can be rotated for viewing in horizontal or vertical mode. Once attached, the included remote control can be used to manage things like Power, Volume, Play, Next, and Previous. For those who use the tablet for some work or to check e-mail it will also work with a paired Bluetooth keyboard. Prices for the stand start at about $150.

Like the idea for a stand, but don’t have a tablet? There’s also a similar option that’s a bit more compact and works with a smartphone or even a Kindle. The MobiAir is a speaker that can be connected via Bluetooth or via the 3.5mm headset jack that can also be used to charge the device. Prices start at about $70.

With cell phones performing more tasks, more and more people are finding that they need a permanent spot for them in the car – especially in light of all the laws banning use of a cell phone while driving. Griffin showed off a product that could do the trick, the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree. Once the product is mounted to a windshield or dashboard, users can securely place their smartphone in the 3-point mounting bracket and then adjust it in place so that it can be seen at the right angle (think: turning it into a better position to see driving directions from a map on the phone.) The accessory works with a plethora of smartphones since it is so adjustable, though you likely will not be moving the WindowSeat 3 Handsfree accessory between multiple cars. It also comes with an auxillary audio cable so you can connect the phone to the car stereo’s Aux-in jack and use the built-in microphone for handsfree calling.

One of the trends in the mobile space at this year’s CES was a move towards more affordable smartphones. Case in point is the Pantech Burst that will be available in either ruby red or titanium with AT&T service for under $50 with a new two-year contract on January 22nd. The Android smartphone features a 1.2GHz processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen, rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera, and will work on AT&T’s 4G LTE data network. The cell phone also has a friendly user interface and shortcuts to access popular features from the lock screen.

During CES, MetroPCS announced it would be adding the 4G LTE compatible Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G and the LG Connect 4G to its line-up. The Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G will run the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, sport a 1GHz processor, a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 3.5-inch display. Users will be able to use Google Talk to make video calls. While the LG Connect 4G is a bit more high-end featuring a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4-inch touchscreen display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Screen Protector making it durable. It will also run Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but the phone’s 5-megapixel camera will be able to record 720pHD video. Music lovers will appreciate that the LG Connect 4G will also come pre-loaded with Rhapsody Unlimited Music service. Both phones will require one of the company’s smartphone plans.

At CES this week AT&T unveiled a slue of 4G LTE products that would be available this year. One of them is the affordable (priced at $299) and durable Pantech Element. The tablet will run the Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS at launch and sport an 8-inch display. What makes this tablet a bit different than others out there is that it’s waterproof, so go ahead and spill a drink on this tablet. The Element can take it. The tablet will be available later this month.

In addition to the tons of products announced at CES, also on display are new technologies in the work. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a proliferation of devices such as PowerMat that let users place a phone on a surface and get a “wireless charge.” Those products typically need another part to get the charge, such as a special battery pack or cable connection. At the show we saw something a bit more advanced from eCoupled. It uses the same idea of having a special surface for charging, however the phone or battery-operated device doesn’t need an attachment as shown below in the see through purse. When the purse with the cell phone in it is placed on the charging surface it locates the cell phone and starts charging the battery. No additional parts needed on the phone.

At a press conference at CES, Nokia unveiled the Nokia Lumia 900, which will work with AT&T’s 4G LTE network. As is the case with the previous Lumia models, the 900 has the unibody build so there’s no visible seems on the phones adding up to a sleek design. The smartphone also features an 8-megapixel camera featuring Carl Zeiss optics and a front-facing 1-megapixel camera. The Lumia 900 is running the latest version of Windows Phone 7 (Mango) OS and has a host of Nokia apps included on the phone. Get a closer look at the Lumia 900 in the video below.

Building on the thin design of the DROID RAZR, Motorola and Verizon announced the DROID RAZR MAXX. It’s thin like its predecessor and also has an integrated battery (so it’s not removable). The smartphone will run Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS when it becomes available in the coming weeks, but will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Get a closer look at the RAZR MAXX in the video below.

In other RAZR related news, Motorola showed off the DROID RAZR in a new color: purple. That version will be available with Verizon service. Additionally, the DROID RAZR will be receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS.

For YouTube

At CES, Sony showed off the newest member of its tablet family, the Tablet P. The “P” stands for Portable since this tablet will close up and fit right inside a jacket pocket. The design features two screens connected by a hinge. The screens can be used together as one large screen or separately. For example, when typing a document the top screen could be the blank page and the bottom would be a QWERTY keyboard. The tablet runs the Android Gingerbread OS and will be available later this year. Watch the video below to see the tablet in action.

As Sprint begins to expand to the 4G LTE network, the company announced the first three products that it would be offering with 4G LTE compatibility. First up, a mobile HotSpot device from Sierra Wireless called the Tri-Network HotSpot that will work on 3G, 4G and 4G LTE data networks. The HotSpot can be used with up to eight WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously and it evens features a microSD slot that can be used for network storage. The first areas to get Sprint 4G LTE service will be Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

The first two 4G LTE phones with Sprint service will be the popular Samsung Galaxy Nexus that runs the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. Unlike the Verizon version of the phone, Sprint’s model will support Google Wallet. The other 4G LTE phone will be the eco-friendly LG Viper with a casing made of 35 percent recycled plastics. Feature-wise, the LG Viper 4G LTE will sport a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front facing VGA camera, a 4-inch touchscreen display, and will run the Android 2.3 OS.

In other Sprint news, the company showed off the Samsung Epic 4G Touch in white (pictured below) and announced that the HTC View tablet would be receiving the Android Honeycomb OS.

At a press conference at CES, Sony unveiled the Xperia Ion, the first 4G LTE phone from the company. The smartphone sports a Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine (so it’s got a beautiful touchscreen), 12-megapixel camera with a fast shutter, and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. Although the phone will be running Android Gingerbread OS at launch, it will be upgradeable to the Ice Cream Sandwich OS. The phone will be available later this year with AT&T service. Get a sneak peek at the phone in the video below.

The company also unveiled the Xperia S, which has similar specs. The big difference is that is has a slightly smaller screen size measuring 4.3-inches and sports a removable battery. This model will be available around the globe – so it’s also a world phone. It will be Sony PlayStation certified, so it should deliver a solid gaming experience.

Note: “FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR RE-SALE. USE OF “SONY” BRAND SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL”.

This week during CES in Las Vegas, I’m wearing the MotoACTV to track how far I walk during the show and using it with the DROID RAZR by Motorola to keep updated on texts and calendar appointments.. This device does more than that. It can tell you how many calories you burn, track runs, bike rides, workouts on elliptical machines, and more. It’s also an MP3 player with the ability to store podcasts and access FM radio.

Sounds interesting? Well, you can win one by visiting LetsTalk’s Facebook page, and filling out a brief form for a chance to win one of two MotoACTV’s that we’ll be giving away. The giveaway ends on Monday, January 23, 2012.

We got a look at the HTC Titan II at CES. This Windows Phone, running the Mango 7.5 OS, was announced at the show. The cell phone will be coming to AT&T and will work on the company’s 4G LTE network. In addition to the 4G LTE connectivity, the HTC Titan II will sport a 16-megapixel camera with a pretty fast shutter. The phone should be available this Spring.

In this edition, we talk about the upcoming CES show scheduled to be held in Las Vegas next week and focus on the Motorola MotoACTV, which is more than just a way to track fitness goals in this week's test drive.

In this installment of Questions and Answers, we'll tell you how to remove numbers from the reject list on a Samsung Rugby and Verizon phones that don’t require a data plan. Got a question you want answered? Submit your question here. You can also ask me on Twitter. Got something to add to the answers below? Leave a comment.

How to take a number off the reject list Samsung Rugby? – lw

To remove a phone number from the reject list follow these steps:

1. Select Adress Book from the Menu

2. Choose Reject List option and use the navigation keys to highlight the desired entry.

3. Once highlighted, select Options and then Delete and choose Selected.

4. Confirm that you want the number removed from the Reject List by selecting yes.

I am looking for a basic Verizon messaging phone that doesn’t require a data plan. What are my options? – RB

There are quite a few options that don’t require a data plan, however, these four phones have a slide-out tactile QWERTY keyboard making them ideal for texting:

• LG Cosmos 2
• LG Octane
• Pantech Jest 2
• Samsung Intensity II

To find other Verizon cell phones that don’t require a data plan check out this blog post.

According to a post on HTC’s Facebook page owners of the WiFi HTC Flyer should begin receiving an an alert that an upgrade is available. The update includes an upgrade to Honeycomb (Android 3.2), enhanced Internet browsing, the latest version of HTC Sense for Tablets, and more. As always, we recommend having the tablet plugged-in while receiving the update.

Get more with LetsTalk’s New Refer-A-Friend program

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, January 03, 2012 (permalink)
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LetsTalk’s new “Refer-A-Friend” program offers customers a way to encourage friends to shop at LetsTalk. The idea behind the program is simple. Just sign up for the Refer-A-Friend program and then invite friends via Facebook, Twitter, or E-Mail to checkout LetsTalk by giving them a $25 credit toward a new phone with a two-year contract. If a friend makes that purchase within the year, then the host who sent the invite gets a $25 credit to spend on anything at LetsTalk.com. It’s easy to sign-up and since it’s the beginning of the year, why not get started now? Referred friends will have the whole year to use the $25 credit toward a new phone and service – just be sure they use the link provided in the shared offer.