PhoneTalk

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 coming to Verizon

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Friday, August 17, 2012 (permalink)
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Looking for a new Android tablet? Consider the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 that will work on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The tablet is running the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS with 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and is loaded with ways to watch videos on it including apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Samsung’s Media Hub. The tablet only has 8GB of memory on board -- not a lot if you want to save movies on it, but you can always add more storage space with an optional 64GB microSD card. In addition to working on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, it also has WiFi connectivity. For those who want to participate in video chats or take some pictures there’s a rear-facing 3.2-megapixel camera and front-facing VGA camera.

Verizon Motorola XOOM Tablets start to receive Android 4.0 update

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, June 05, 2012 (permalink)
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This week owners of the Motorola Xoom will start receiving the update to Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. The update will feature apps management, an improved photo editor, and speech-to-text technology.

Wondering when or if you’re Verizon Android device will be getting the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update? Check out Verizon’s list of products scheduled to get the upgrade.

T-Mobile unveils new 4G data plans – no contract required

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, May 17, 2012 (permalink)
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The latest 4G data plans from T-Mobile give users the opportunity to pick an option that fits their needs. The plans are can be purchased by the week or by data amount and none of them require a contract. Here’s an overview of the plans that will be available starting on May, 20th:

• 300MB 1-week pass for $15
• 1.5GB 1-month pass for $25
• 3.5GB 1-month pass for $35
• 5GB 1-month pass for $50

The plans are available for use with tablets, mobile hotspots, and laptop sticks from T-Mobile.

Google Voice integration comes to Android 4.0 devices

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Monday, March 26, 2012 (permalink)
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All those who use Google Voice and have an Android device (tablet or smartphone) running the Ice Cream Sandwich OS will be happy to learn that the mobile app has improved functionality. The Google Voice app is fully integrated with the Android 4.0 OS. This means you can view and listen to voicemails in the call log – no more checking an e-mail account to get a link to the audio version of the voicemail. In the new version, voicemail will appear in the phone’s call log and you can listen to it or read a text transcription of the message. The new version for Android Ice Cream Sandwich users is available in the Google Play market.

Verizon offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, March 01, 2012 (permalink)
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Looking for the latest Android tablet? Then check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 that is now available with Verizon service. We should mention users will also need to get a 4G LTE mobile broadband data package with a minimum of 2GB of data. Users can share the tablet’s 4G data connection with up to 10 other WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature. As the product name suggests, the tablet will sport a 7.7-inch Super AMOLED display so it should be visible in bright sunlight. It will also be running the Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS, sport a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, a rear-facing 3.2-megapixel camera that can record 720p HD video, and a front-facing 2-megapixel camera. The tablet comes with 16GB of on-board storage capacity, however, it can accept up to a 32GB microSD card – a definite plus. Finally, you can use the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 as remote control via the Smart Remote feature, similar to that found on the Galaxy Tab 7.0.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now available

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Tuesday, February 21, 2012 (permalink)
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The latest round of the BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 is loaded with new features and the company’s new BlackBerry Video Store, which had been announced in September 2011. Entertainment aside, there are plenty of other noteworthy features in the latest OS including integration with social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. Also included are improved BlackBerry device management and connectivity features such as BlackBerry Mobile Fusion and the BlackBerry Bridge App that uses Bluetooth to connect the tablet to BlackBerry smartphone apps. To get a better idea about the new OS features, check out this BlackBerry video below:

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update can be downloaded to PlayBook tablets today. Not sure how to get the update? Click this link for more details.

Sprint to offer 7-inch ZTE Optic tablet at an affordable price

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, February 02, 2012 (permalink)
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Starting on Sunday, Sprint will offer the ZTE Optic Android 3.2 tablet for $99 with a two-year service agreement. That’s one of the least expensive tablets we’ve seen to date. The ZTE Optic will work with Sprint’s 3G networks and have the ability to connect to a nearby WiFi network. The 7-inch tablet will have a WXGA 1280x900 display, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera, and come with 16GB of onboard memory that can be expanded via an additional microSD card.

iLuv’s ArtStation Pro at CES expands a tablet’s entertainment possibilities

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, January 19, 2012 (permalink)
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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.

Pantech Element at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Friday, January 13, 2012 (permalink)
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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.

Sony Tablet P at CES

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Thursday, January 12, 2012 (permalink)
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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.

HTC Flyer gets Honeycomb update

by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter    |    Wednesday, January 04, 2012 (permalink)
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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.