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!

Last Symbian Standing - The Nokia X7

This past week I had the opportunity to test out the new Nokia X7 and I wanted to let our readers know what to expect with the device.


Design
The Nokia X7 has a very futuristic look to it, with its metal backing and angular design. The device features four grilled "speakers" on the front face, but only two are actually functional. However, this doesn't take away from the epic sound quality when playing movies or music from the phone and keeps the look symmetrical. In addition, the metal backing and seamless buttons across the outside of the phone contribute to a sleek look, as well as the almost-hidden SIM card tray. Although this feature keeps the phone looking smooth, I did have a little trouble working out how the tray ejects from the phone and actually getting it out of the phone. 


The phone takes a regular micro-USB charging cable, one of which is included in the box, and also comes with the most comfortable headphones. If you are one of those people that suffers from ear-ache after five minutes of using the traditional headsets that come with most phones, you are in for a surprise. These fit snugly in your ear and provide amazing stereo-quality sound.


User Interface
This is the last Symbian device to come from Nokia, and it seems that finally, the operating system is exceptionally user friendly. In the past, Symbian was known for its ability to allow the user to switch between a home and work profile, which ended up being more confusing than convenient. This time, Symbian Anna puts everything the user needs on one of three home screens:

• Icons are very easy to read and understand
• Rearranging screen set up is very simple by utilizing the now popular "press and hold" motion, the user can move icons to positions on the main screen that suit their usability best
• Quick links to social media feeds, calendar, applications, Youtube, messages etc, make it easy to find what you want, fast
• This is a full touch-screen device, and the auto-rotate function has no hesitation which allows the user to quickly obtain a wider, landscape keyboard for faster typing and better viewing
• The calendar function provides a great visual display from the third home screen, and allows the user to select and day and review appointments in an adjacent window

In fact, there have been many customers mistaken that this is an Android based operating system and device - definitely a familiar set up for many users.

Multi-media

Aside from the fact that the device comes pre-loaded with the Transformers 3 movie trailer, there are numerous other reasons to check out the multi-media on the Nokia X7. 

• The 8MP camera is amazing for taking high quality pictures - this one was taken in full daylight with barely any zoom required. The clarity is amazing!
• Shots can be captured with the smooth shutter button located on the back sloped side of the device, as well as on the screen itself. The shutter button can sometimes be hard to reach so the on-screen option is great
• The video is 720p quality and captures all elements on film, reducing movement blur and ensuring the highest quality video (although I didn't get a chance to video anything over the long weekend, take a look at this sample video from Youtube featuring the X7's 720p camera)

The only bad thing about the cameras on this device is the fact that there is no front-facing camera, so no opportunity to use the full services for applications such as Qik or Skype. 


The four-inch Super AMOLED screen, first debuted on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy, makes every picture, wallpaper, video and main screen look crystal clear. 


Overall Thoughts
A great device all around. It was easy to use, easy to find most things, and I was blown away by the camera quality (better than my own digital camera). The device was pre-loaded with a bunch of fun apps, including Youtube and even National Geographic for some interesting reading opportunities. Social media feeds were easy to stay up to date with, and check on a regular basis. Email was also extremely easy to set up, if using Gmail or Hotmail (POP3 clients). I have to say, that I think I liked this most of all because it was so similar in looks to the Android platform.


The only (maybe) bad thing I have to say about this device, besides the fussy SIM card tray, was the fact that there aren't as many applications available to the Symbian system as there are for, say Apple or even BlackBerry. But, having said that, I don't use millions of applications anyways, so it's not really a selling point for me. The functionality of the device is what I look for most, and this device seemed to have it all. I was pleasantly surprised.


If you have had the chance to use the Nokia X7, or recently purchased one, we'd love to hear what you think. Feel free to leave your comments below.

Why a tablet?

Whether you are a business owner, or employee, staying connected and efficient are two of the most important things to you. 

Q2 has seen an influx of tablet devices designed to help with those two factors, yet many people wonder if a tablet is right for them. Here is some food for thought:

• Respond to emails, browse the Internet, and use your applications from a widescreen device that fits easily in a pocket or purse
• Conduct customer presentations using quality images on a high-definition screen; a lightweight alternative to laptops and projectors
• Provide one-on-one support to your sales teams with real time demonstrations and product information right from the device
• Replace paper products and be more environmentally friendly as a result, with a device that is both versatile and reusable
• Benefit from the same security you are used to with your SmartPhone, essentially creating an extension of the device you always carry with you
• And still have time to relax when you are away from the office by enjoying music, pictures and videos with the built-in media and storage

In addition to all the awesome qualities of a tablet device, you can easily add one to your existing account with a Data Share Plan starting at just $10 / device / month. No need to worry about data that you haven't used - your tablet can make full use of your existing data plan.

Mobile Applications Are for Small Businesses Too!

App stores look like the new business to be in! With the market growing at an increasingly fast pace, predictions for 2011 have revenue at $3.8billion and 2014 will see an enormous jump to $8.3 billion.

There is literally an application for anything, and most are available on all smartphone platforms, meaning that application providers can reach an enormous customer base.

However, that customer base doesn't just include the regular consumer any more. Small businesses are utilizing applications to streamline their businesses for better efficiency and effectiveness. Applications that help track employees and products, assist with travel plans and help with invoicing outside of the office, are all used increasingly by small and medium businesses.

This is a great money saver for those companies that don't have the funding to invest in large scale, company-wide services. Although the applications themselves are less likely to be free, they are a much lower cost in comparison. Which works well for the smaller guys, looking to better use their money and ensure that they remain competitive.

With thanks to iQmetrix for their original blog - take a look 

, and for more information on the newest version of PocketRQ (the mobile application for POS provider, RetailIQ and RQ4), check out this link

The Samsung Galaxy Captivate...in HD

Samsung Galaxy S Captivate

This past Christmas I was given the opportunity to try out a new device. Being a BlackBerry user for the past five or so years, I was hesitant to move away from the familiar. But I had to give this sought-after device a try and see what all the fuss was about. Here are my thoughts...






High Points:

• The Super AMOLED screen and 5MP camera make pictures and even the device's screens itself look crisp and clear. Taking some shots of the family Christmas tree put my own digital camera to shame!
• The still and video cameras each have multiple settings depending on what you are shooting - the last Canucks game I went to was a great chance to try this out. By selecting the "action shot" feature in the camera, it was as if all the players had posed for their pictures - no blurring from movement!
• There are literally thousands of applications for almost anything - and they can be accessed right from the device. The one thing that really got me, was the device's ability to download these apps in the background and simply notify me when they were done. There was no rebooting required!
• Due to access to all the applications, including those to customize the device with live wallpapers, my Captivate looks nothing like anyone else's. Of course the physical device is the same, but once you take a look through it, nothing else looks familiar.
• The touch screen capabilities are sensitive enough to recognize your touch when typing, but when on the phone, it automatically senses when it is close to my face, and ensures that I don't accidentally press something in the middle of a call. Great to avoid putting someone on hold with my face....
• It was so easy to add my emails to the phone once I was ready to use it. I have a corporate email that just required a few inputs to get everything active, including all my contacts, and Gmail was even easier, only requiring a few steps to load up. Both emails look just as they do at my desktop which means I can access my messages quickly when I need to - the Gmail account even shows the labels I have added in my online Inbox, and allows me to apply them to new messages right from the phone
• The device has such a massive on board memory (16GB to be precise) that I was able to load nearly 1000 songs without needing a memory card. And it didn't seem to phase the phone either - everything ran just as smoothly as normal. But even so, adding a memory card into the phone is equally smooth - no configuring required, and the phone will even do its own security scan of the files just to make sure everything is okay
• Text messaging brings on a whole new way to type - SWYPE technology allows you to slide your finger across the keyboard instead of tapping individual keys to spell a word. This might sound like a strange feature, but when using a touchscreen, you can type as fast as if you had buttons at your fingertips. This is definitely one more thing to get used to, but everyone I know who has tried it, has never gone back to the standard style
• For such a powerful device, it sure is slim and sleek. Far less bulky than many other Smartphones out there, it amazes me that this phone is capable of so much
• And on the note of sleek and slim, you might think that as a result, battery size and life is compromised. As with any Smartphone, data is constantly flowing back and forth which consumes battery, but in order to make up for this, the Galaxy Captivate has battery saving features that kick in once your battery starts to wane - features that you don't have to physically ensure are working. The phone just does it!

Downsides:

• It is a full touch screen device....and there are times when I just want to push a button - new users to the Captivate will need to give themselves at least a couple of weeks to get used to the phone (the same goes for the SWYPE technology - give yourself at least a few messages to become familiar with how it works)
• There is no flash on the camera - for a device with such a great screen and camera capability, it is a shame that taking pictures at night, or even in a poorly lit room, is pretty much a no-no. Perhaps future versions of the device will incorporate this feature - I hope so!
• I mentioned I have been a BlackBerry user for a number of years - I miss my BBM! There are many applications designed to go across various operating systems, such as Kick or WhatsApp, but nothing really compares to the first instant messenger that many of us know and love. In fact, if you are a BB user trying to chat with people through WhatsApp, the application just doesn't work as well as it does on the Android or iPhone operating systems
• Although setting up email was quick and easy, I would recommend not merging your email accounts. The device tends to find any and all email addresses and list them in the address book....rather frustrating when an email has only been used once. In addition, the device has some sort of ability to merge contacts together, which can result in duplicates - and for those that did duplicate, one would have a picture, the other wouldn't, or each would be entirely different! 

Overall, this device is definitely a lot of fun to play with. It is great as a functional, work-based device, but is also perfect for all the fun you want. There is pretty much an app for anything, you can truly make the phone yours, and with the new Android 2.2 software, battery life is far better than it used to be, and there are some small tweaks that just make the phone run a lot more efficiently.

I find that I learn something new everyday with this phone, so I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store!

The Newest Android From Sony Ericsson

Originally posted June 17, 2010
Key Features of the new Sony Xperia X10 - available now at Rogers:

• The Xperia X10 phone provides a rich navigation experience with an easy-to-use, smart and visual interface
• The Timescape and Mediascape applications let you view all your communication or media in one window
• Access Google services easily or enrich your phone with applications from Android Market
• The 4" responsive touch screen and ultra-fast processor also make navigating the phone a breeze and watching your favourite videos on it pure pleasure
• Take pictures with an 8.1MP camera with face recognition software
• Built in GPS provides location based services like Google Maps, to help you find your way to your destination. You can even add location information to your images with the geo-tagging function
• Turbo 3G gives you broadband-like speed in your phone. Download large files and attachments super fast, and browse websites and news feeds in seconds
• Fully synchronizes with your old phone, even if it isn't a Sony Ericsson. Transfer contacts, calendars, notes and bookmarks; and you can even manage up-to-date information in your mobile phone from the Internet
• Suits any style with colour availability in black or white

Get a full product simulation on the Sony Ericsson website

Wireless Device Software for BlackBerry Bold 9700

Originally posted April 15, 2010

BlackBerry ® BoldTM 9700 customers can now update their device's software over the air using the Rogers wireless network or through Wi-Fi.

To check if a BlackBerry Bold 9700 has the latest device software, customers will need to click on "Options" from their home screen, select "Advanced Options" and then "Wireless Update."

If an update is available they will be able to download and install it over the air with no charge for the data used during the update.

Eligibility & Restrictions:

Customers must have a BlackBerry data plan to perform updates over the air. Please note that Rogers Wireless customers with the $15 Personal Email plan are not eligible for wireless updates.

Customers will not be able to upgrade over the air while roaming but will be able to check for software update availability when they return to Canada.

Customers can use their device during the download process, but not during the installation process. They may pause or cancel the download process to make or receive calls, however, if the customer answers a call during the download process, the download process pauses automatically. The download process resumes once the call has ended.

Before performing a wireless software update, customers must make sure their device has the following:

• 64 MB of flash memory
• BlackBerry device software 5.0 or later
• Battery power level of at least 50%
• An available wireless network connection

Wireless Wallet?

Originally posted March 16, 2010
Could this be the future of our wireless services? The inclusion of a "pay pass" style item that simply attaches to the bottom of your iPhone or iPod could further consolidate the number of items that we carry with us as we go about our daily tasks.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a newly emerging technology that many organizations are taking on in an effort to streamline inventory processes, tracking, payment, and overall logistics. These small chips are inserted or attached to specific items within the product line and are scanned via handheld scanners (by employees) or large scale industrial scanners (for items fixed to a pallet for transportation).

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short range high frequency wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data between devices within a range of about 4 inches.

Combined, these elements will work together to turn your iPhone or iPod into a payment device, much like the recent introduction of the MasterCard "Pay Pass".

These items come in the form of a small attachment, the iCarte, which connects to the bottom of your device, and has an embedded smart chip that configures the device to act like a debit card, credit card, pre-paid card, or even a loyalty card.

The information is then transferred to the iPhone or iPod to allow the user to complete secure transactions, download electronic coupons, tickets or receipts, check balances or connect with other NFC devices. Business iPhone users can use the iCarte for commercial applications such as asset tracking, document tracking and security.

Available in white or black, the iCarte will coordinate with whichever colour device you have, and will only extend the length of the device by about 16.5mm.

Will this eliminate the need for carrying a wallet too? So far, the iPhone 3GS, for example, has combined a phone, email device, media device (video, music) into one unit - with the potential addition of a credit card reader this phone could definitely become a lifeline.

So far, no word on whether there are talks for a BlackBerry or other Smartphone version of the iCarte, but we'll keep looking!

Samsung Launches Its First Android Device for North America

Originally posted March 11, 2010
Android seems to be the talk of the town in recent days and weeks around the communications water cooler. The newest contender for the GSM market is the Samsung Galaxy Spica i5700 - although this is North America's first Samsung Android to come to market, it is the second seen in Europe and the fourth worldwide.

Features:

• Android 1.5 platform
• 800MHz processor
• Support for video files
• Pre-installed "switcher" applications
• Two colour variations - black/red and white/green
• 3.2 inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and supporting 16 million colours
• 3.2MP camera with video capability

User Feedback - Positive:

• Fashionable and sleek
• Slim and compact with minimal navigational buttons
• Applications load smoothly one at a time
• Platform is user friendly, especially for those who have previous experience with the Android OS
• Device can run continuously for two days on HSPA (3G) connectivity
• Moving through applications on the device is smooth and simple, with only a handful of front facing buttons to use

User Feedback - Not-So-Positive:

• Looks very similar to a previous model
• Surface is prone to fingerprints and scratches
• Only 200MB of internal storage
• No flash on the 3.2MP camera
• Having a hard time keeping up with the previous model in terms of speed, functionality, and in-built items, such as the camera and on-board storage
• Have to hold the unlock button down for a long period of time to get the handset going
• Device can become laggy when using multiple applications

Overall Thoughts:

An average device suitable for users that like some multi-media capabilities. If the user is not hard on the device, and wants something to keep them connected, then the Galaxy Spica is the Android device for them. However, for those power users who want something a little more impressive, critics are suggesting the "older brother" model, the i7500.