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The ever-shrinking SIM card
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Editorial, Features,
What you see in the image above is the evolution of mobile phone SIM card design over the past four years. The largest in the image, known as the mini-SIM, was used for quite a while as the standard in GSM cell phones. However, as smartphones began to rise in popularity, drop is cost, and brought increased functionality, it was determined that the mini-SIM just wasn't mini enough. It took up too much of the precious real estate that mobile phone manufacturers needed for other things. Thing like a GPS radio, Wi-Fi, larger batteries, dock connectors, graphics chips, and more. And so began the start of the shrinking SIM card.
Click to continue reading The ever-shrinking SIM card
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Samsung announces Galaxy S III mini with 4-inch Super AMOLED display
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds,
We knew that the Samsung Galaxy S III mini was coming, and now it's official. The 4-inch smartphone was announced earlier today in Frankfurt, Germany, sporting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 1GB RAM, and a 1GHz dual-core processor. Other specs include the ability to choose between an 8GB and 16GB model (both are expandable with an extra 32Gb microSD card,) 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 5-magapixel rear camera, VGA front camera, and a bunch of wireless support (802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and NFC. Aside from pricing and availability, which is nowhere to be found just yet, we're wondering--when did 4-inch smartphones became referred to as "mini"?
Samsung Galaxy S III mini: Jelly Bean goodness for the budget minded
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors,
The Samsung Galaxy S III is a fantastic device (seriously, check our Galaxy S III review,) but if you're like us, you wish it were just a tad smaller. Well, Samsung has heard your cries, as the company is reportedly set to unveil a new Galaxy S III "mini" smartphone. The smaller handset will feature a 4-inch display, and should be announced in Germany on October 11. Word comes directly from Samsung's Head of Mobile Communications, JK Shin. Don't expect it to match all the high-end specs of its bigger brother, though. For example, expect a 5.0-megapixel camera an 800x480 Super AMOLED PenTile display, and a dual-core (instead of quad-core) processor, three notable differences. Still, those more budget-minded consumers who want in on some Samsung goodness can rest easy knowing that the Jelly Bean-powered mid-range handset will arrive soon.
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AppleCare+ not active for many iPhone 5 pre-order purchasers
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds,
It appears that something slipped under the cracks in the hoopla of the iPhone 5 release (see our iPhone 5 review.) As many people do when buying oftentimes unpredictable electronics, I bought additional warranty coverage: Apple's AppleCare+. In my case, it turned out to be AppleCare-, as I realized after purchase that my iPhone 5 didn't have the warranty attached to it, despite my bank account being charged.
A quick search on my support profile page indicated no AppleCare+ coverage, which prompted me to call Apple's 1-800-MY-APPLE for support. At first, an Apple rep informed me that no AppleCare+ was associated with my device. It was only after providing my order number that they acknowledged the situation. They then stated that they were swamped with pre-orders, and the warranty had not kicked in yet and was instructed to give it 3-5 business days.
Click to continue reading AppleCare+ not active for many iPhone 5 pre-order purchasers
Was your iPhone 5 damaged out of the box?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, Handhelds,
When we picked up our pair of iPhone 5 units on launch day, one black iPhone 5 and one white iPhone 5, the black unit was damaged right out of the box. It was subtle enough that I didn't notice it at first, and I definitely didn't make mention of it during our iPhone 5 unboxing episode. Luckily, Taylor caught it, showed it to Apple Store staff, and they replaced it with a new model immediately. Later that day, we got reports from other buyers who had a similar experience. So, our question today goes out to those who didn't purchase on launch day. Are people out there still getting black iPhone 5 models that have chipped or faded anodized aluminum?
Be sure to check out our iPhone 5 review!
Nokia Lumia 810 a T-Mobile exclusive in the US
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft,
T-Mobile has announced that it will be the exclusive United States carrier of the Nokia Lumia 810 smartphone. The Lumia 810 runs Windows Phone 8 and sports a 4.3-inch OLED WVGA Clear Black screen, 8 megapixel Carl Zeiss rear camera and 1.2 megapixel front camera (Skype HD-certified!) It sounds awfully close to the Lumia 820, although from the image we were given, doesn't look anywhere near as slick. As lame as it sounds, T-Mobile has not announced pricing or availability, other than to say that the Lumia 810 will be available "in the coming weeks."
Nokia Lumia 920 coming exclusively to AT&T
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds, Microsoft,
Oh man--looks like the Nokia Lumia 920 is set to drop in November, and it's going to be an AT&T exclusive. That's unfortunate, since it's the new hotness from Nokia that Microsoft may just be hanging it's hat on as it pertains to Windows Phone 8, so it's a little odd that the 4G LTE smartphone won't be available on Verizon, the company that has the largest LTE network by far. The Lumia 820 should launch alongside the 920, but that is more of a mid-range phone rather than a top-of-the-line model, and that one should make an appearance on multiple carriers. That said, if you're interested in one of the colorful (yellow, black, cyan, red, white) 920 models, you're gonna have to go with AT&T come this November. No word yet on pricing.
Be sure to check out the top 5 features of Lumia 920.
Starbucks iOS app updated with Passbook support
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Food & Drink, Passbook, Free Apps,
Last week we mentioned that Starbucks was looking to add Passbook support to its iOS app by the end of September. Well, they missed the target by a few days, but this evening Starbucks released an update to its iPhone app that includes, among other things, the long-awaited Passbook support. Here's the full changelog:
- Passbook support
- iOS6 support
- Now easier to sign up and start earning Rewards with our new account creation flow
- Accessibility, data optimization, and performance improvements
- Multiple bug fixes
When setting up Passbook for Starbucks, you can select different Starbucks locations that you want to set as your favorites. This will allow Passbook to pull up your Starbucks card upon arrival, without you having to go looking for it.
Microsoft is working on a first-party Windows Phone device
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Rumors,
Last week we received a tip from a fairly close source that Microsoft would likely be introducing its own first-party Windows Phone device. We decided not to report on this one, because it seemed to make no sense. Why would Microsoft release a first-party phone that will be in direct competition with the Windows Phone 8 devices that its partners will be selling later this month?
Click to continue reading Microsoft is working on a first-party Windows Phone device
How to unlock your iPhone 5 right now
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Software,
It's been widely reported that the Verizon iPhone 5 ships with an unlocked SIM slot, which means you can insert any 3G nano SIM into its tray and you can use it with any carrier. The AT&T model isn't as forgiving, as all AT&T iPhone 5 (see out iPhone 5 review) models ship locked to that specific carrier. However, there are a few ways of unlocking the AT&T model for use with other carriers, like T-Mobile.
Click to continue reading How to unlock your iPhone 5 right now
