Monday, November 28, 2011

Get extreme....with your text messaging!

Take texting to a new level with Extreme Text Messaging - exclusively from Rogers as a standard part of Rogers Wireless Service.

But what does Extreme Text Messaging do for you?

  • Auto-Reply - Send an auto-reply to those who text you
  • Forward - Just like call forwarding, except for text messaging
  • Blocker - Block incoming texts from unwanted sources
  • Distribution Lists - Send the same text to a group of contacts
  • Copy - Copy incoming texts to another number or email
  • Personal Signature - Sign outgoing texts with your name, title or a favourite quote
Already a Rogers customer? Use the FREE My Account app on your wireless device to manage your Extreme Text Messaging features.

For more information, visit www.rogers.com/extremetext, or visit your BC and Ontario Cellworks locations to speak with a store representative today.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wi-Fi Calling For Business

With smartphones becoming the primary communications tool for vast numbers of mobile workers, no matter where they are - including the workplace, in fact, as communications converge around the smartphone, many small businesses are actually disconnecting their land-line voice service. Even businesses that wouldn't consider doing away with their land-lines are recognizing that their employees will use either company or personal smartphones at work. It's a reality of doing business today.

As a small business owner, or someone responsible for telecommunications services within a business, you're aware that this new reality has associated costs. If you and your employees are spending more time on mobile devices, you need that time to be as cost-effective as possible. At the same time, you need to make sure that your wireless communications are reliable, so that you don't let your customers or suppliers down with dropped calls or other interruptions.

A recent innovation that can help to delivery cost-effective and reliable connectivity involves carrying voice calls over Wi-Fi networks.


What is Wi-Fi calling and how does it work?
Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) is a technology that enables you to make voice calls on a smartphone over a Wi-Fi network. Known more commonly as Wi-Fi calling, this technology can provide enhanced voice coverage in your workplace, especially if you have a weak wireless signal. With Wi-Fi calling, you can use your smartphone instead of an office land-line, so that you can be reached at one number regardless of whether you're in the office or on the move. With the right Wi-Fi calling plan, you can also lower your wireless costs.



The key requirements for Wi-Fi Calling are:
  • UMA-enabled dual mode handsets
  • A broadband Wi-Fi access point or network capable of handling voice service
  • A Wi-Fi calling plan

To understand the technology behind Wi-Fi calling, think of it as creating an IP extension of your wireless service provider's network - the Internet becomes a transport medium for voice calls.


What are the business benefits?

  • Cost predictability - if you subscribe to a Wi-Fi calling plan that provides unlimited local or national calling, the calls you make on Wi-Fi don't count towards your total monthly minutes. Using fewer minutes can mean fewer overage fees
  • Enhanced coverage - if the wireless signal at your workplace is weak or inconsistent, Wi-Fi calling can reduce dropped calls and keep you connected to your customers and the other people who matter to your business
  • Seamless connectivity - Wi-Fi calling keeps you connected as you go about your business. Use your smartphone as your office phone, and you won't have to worry about using multiple phones, forwarding your calls or providing your customers with multiple numbers
  • Ease of use and deployment - if your business has a Wi-Fi network and UMA-enabled smartphones, deploying Wi-Fi calling can be fast and easy for many handsets (most devices now come enabled). Beyond the initial set up, Wi-Fi calling requires minimal learning and little to no changes in behaviour for an employee already using a smartphone.
To learn more about Wi-Fi calling and the plans that Rogers has to offer, you can visit www.rogers.com/wifibusiness at any time. 

Happy calling!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Smartphones....in 3D?

Aside from all the new phones out there these days, there are new technologies showcasing all the time, and 3D technology is one of them. There are currently two devices available in the Rogers line up that feature this technology - the HTC Evo 3D and the LG Optimus 3D. The best part about it? You don't have to wear those goofy glasses to enjoy amazing 3D pictures and video!


But just how does the technology work? We all remember the 3D pictures we had as kids that were red and green fuzzy images until we put on the included cardboard specs, so how come we don't have to wear them now?


For all those tech enthusiasts out there, here is your answer. There are two technologies used to enable a glasses-free 3D experience - lenticular display and parallax barrier. Lenticular works best at distance and on larger displays (this was used on those old rules and stickers that, when tilted and moved, displayed motion). Conversely, parallax barrier is ideal up close, on smaller screens such as smartphones. Both technologies display different areas of an image to your left and your right eye. Your brain fills in the blanks and effectively tricks you into seeing three dimensions.


Another cool thing about these phones? Whether you take a picture or video in 3D or not, it never compromises the quality of the image when you send it to another user. If they have a 3D device, they will see it as you see it; if they have a regular smartphone, it will simply show as a high-quality image. This means that you aren't limited to enjoying the multi-media options if your friends and family don't have a device from the same family.


LG Optimus 3D
HTC Evo 3D














Why Choose a 3D Smartphone?


The HTC Evo and the LG Optimus feature the latest in Android platforms - Gingerbread 2.3 - which means that you can capture your best pictures and video, while surfing the net, and downloading the latest editing application. All at the same time.


You have the choice of switching between the 2D and 3D camera to suit your shooting needs, and you can also customize the interface with multiple 3D applications now available. This is all powered by a dual core processor, making sure you don't miss a moment of your 3D movies and games.


You also have "mixed mode" which allows you to complete standard tasks, such as emailing, browsing and calling, in 2D; and you can enjoy videos, games and pics in the 3D mode app.


Final moment of awesome-ness - if you own one of the new 3D TV's, you can connect via an HDMI cable and have your 3D images come jumping out of the big screen.


Both of these devices create a niche market - they not only address the needs of those customers who want the latest device with the smartest technology, but they provide an element that makes the phone entirely unique. A great excuse to get your phone out, play around with the 3D camera and show of your skills to your friends and family.


So if you are looking for the perfect gift this coming season, be sure to check out these two Android devices. We think you'll enjoy them!



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What's new for Q4?

It's that time of year again where the race is on to get the hottest devices into the hands of our valued customers, and with the recent launch of the LTE network for Rogers, there is a whole host of great new phones for you to choose from.


All of these smartphone devices are the latest in Android technology and software, all featuring the 2.3 Gingerbread operating system (the Jetstream has Android 3.1 for tablets loaded), a dual core processor for lightning-speed browsing and applications, 8MP cameras with 1080p video capture, and access to Android Market for apps and HD movie rentals.


HTC Raider $149.99*
HTC Raider

Target Market
Tech enthusiasts who want the latest in smartphone technology and features

Features & Benefits4.5" qHD touchscreen
HTC Sense user interface for almost limitless customization
DLNA compatible so you can wirelessly stream your photos, videos and music from your smartphone to a compatible HDTV





Samsung Galaxy SII $199.99*

Samsung Galaxy SII

Target Market
Tech enthusiasts looking for the latest in smartphone technology and features; Samsung Galaxy Captivate customers looking to update their device to the latest model

Features & Benefits
4.5" Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen with 50% more subpixels than the original technology
DLNA compatible so you can wirelessly stream your photos, videos and music from your smartphone to a compatible HDTV
Up to 21Mbps 4G HSPA+ downloads



Motorola RAZR $149.99*
Motorola RAZR

Target Market
Media Moguls who need a powerful smartphone to do everything mobile and are motivated by smartphone design

Features & Benefits
Remotely access the pictures, music, videos, and documents on your PC and instantly stream them to your RAZR while on the go with MotoCast
4.3" Super AMOLED Advanced screen for hyper vibrant colours and incredibly vivid images
Up to 14.4Mbps 4G HSPA+ download speeds
Webtop App to view your phone's content on the big screen
Surf the internet with a full-featured Firefox browser, and multitask like a champ with multiple windows, all while your phone charges


HTC Jetstream $499.99*
HTC Jetstream

Target Market
Tech and creative enthusiasts seeking a premium Android tablet offering the fastest connectivity, top hardware specs, and support for innovative, intuitive digital pen technology

Features & Benefits
Download speeds up to 100Mbps; upload speeds up to 50Mbps
Up to 32GB of expandable micro-SD memory
Rich web browsing with Flash on a vivid 10" touchscreen

*Pricing based on a three year contract (minimum $45 monthly service fee for smartphones and minimum $30 monthly service fee for tablet). Pricing subject to change.