LG Optimus LTE2 hands-on
LG Optimus LTE2 hands-on, ,
Cory Gunther
LG calmly waited for Samsung to announce their Galaxy S III, then on the same day announced their own powerhouse device in the new LG Optimus LTE2. This phone has all the top-tier specs you’ve come to expect, and a few you didn’t. Like 2GB of RAM and stock wireless charging. Currently an exclusive to Korea we were able to get some hands-on with LG’s new flagship smartphone so check it out.
LG’s new LTE2 is aiming directly for Samsung’s Galaxy S III. It features extremely impressive specs, a brilliant and beautiful display, and will be equipped with 4G LTE — something not all Galaxy S III’s can say. The screen is a tiny bit smaller than the Galaxy S III, coming in at 4.7-inches just like the HTC One X, but it’s a True HD IPS display that looks gorgeous and plenty more going for it. Check out the video then we’ll break down the specs:
One of the biggest points with the LTE2 is the fact they’ve managed to squeeze 2GB of RAM into this phone — talk about laptop type power. The full specs are a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 True HD IPS display, a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor with 4G LTE integration for Korea, that huge 2GB memory spec (but sadly phone uses almost 1GB on idle), 16GB internal storage, standard built-in wireless charging capabilities, an 8 megapixel camera with voice actions, and a huge 2,150 mAh battery for all day battery life.
As we mentioned above, the 8 megapixel camera takes full 1080p video but while in camera mode LG’s added simple voice commands. While on camera simply say “kimchi” (Korea) and the LTE2 will start capturing video, or snap a picture all hands free — it’s just that simple.
It also has Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC capability for Android 4.0 ICS Beam which also supports LG Tag+ we detailed here. The display is truly impressive and the build quality seems improved from recent LG devices. The back has a soft-touch texture that almost feels like a fabric and is extremely easy to hold, and again works with the wireless charging option as shown in the gallery below.
For now this powerhouse top-tier Android 4.0 ICS smartphone by LG is only hitting Korea, and will be available later this month. Enjoy the rest of the photos from the gallery below.
Hands-on with ZTE’s flagship Android 4.0 smartphones
Hands-on with ZTE’s flagship Android 4.0 smartphones, ,
Anndrew Vacca
Chinese manufacturer ZTE made a nice impression in New Orleans this year, bringing with them a host of high-end smartphones and tablets proving that they’re playing in the Android market for keeps. ZTE introduced these devices in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress, but this marks the first American appearances of its high-end PF112, seen above.
And high-end is an understatement indeed. The PF112 is packing a gorgeous 4.5-inch display with 1028 x 720 resolution that adds up to a vivid, colorful experience. We’ve got a nice 8MP camera around back, and HSPA+ radios under the hood. ZTE still won’t dish on what processor it’s using, but based on how fluid Ice Cream Sandwich looked on the device, and the specs of its lower-end Era, we’d be willing to bet it’s a quad-core model.
One step down from the PF112 is the Era, that is second-in-command in ZTE’s flagship line. It’s packing a quad-core AP30 in-house processor, as well as the same 8 MP camera and HSPA+ radios as its older sibling. Where ZTE skimped a bit here is the display: at 4.3-inches, the Era is packing qHD resolution with TFT technology. Like the PF112, the Era is running Ice Cream Sandwich with little if any customization from ZTE.
As you’ll see in the photos and videos after the break, ZTE definitely put some thought into its Android offferings. Spec-for-spec, the flagship devices match some of the best phones on the market today. We don’t know if that’s enough for ZTE to make a splash here in the United States, though, especially considering the lack of LTE on its flagship line. We’ll keep our eyes and ears peeled for a release date, and we’ll be sure to pass along the information as it comes in.
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Kyocera Rise and Hydro ICS smartphone hands-on
Kyocera Rise and Hydro ICS smartphone hands-on, ,
Cory Gunther
Earlier today Kyocera announced a few new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich budget smartphones called the Kyocera Rise and the Hydro. They aren’t your average household name but have been producing phone hardware for a long, long time. Here during CTIA 2012 we got some hands-on time with both of these new phones so check it out after the break.
Both of these smartphones have been designed specifically to be able to handle the rigorous activities of daily life, although the Hydro will be more up to the task with its water-resistant properties. The smartphones both will also be aimed for the budget smartphone buyer and will probably be available on regional carriers at some point, but no pricing or release dates have been released at this time.
The phones both come with a smaller 3.5-inch display running on a 320×480 resolution, so they aren’t the best looking displays, but then again they’ll be priced to sell too. Kyocera has equipped them both with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich but have opted for capacitive touch buttons instead of on-screen controls. They have stayed true to the ICS button layout and design, so that looks nice. Both phones come powered by 1.0 GHz single-core Qualcomm processors with 512MB of RAM, 2GB of internal storage, and decent 3.2 megapixel rear facing cameras capable of 720p video capture.
The Kyocera Rise features a slide-up design that reveals a 4-row QWERTY keyboard that was nicely spaced, had good feel and travel while typing, and will be a great companion for the heavy email, twitter, or texter. The device was thin considering the built-in keyboard and had a good overall feel in the hand with the aluminum accents. Kyocera’s Hydro on the other hand is fully water-resistant up to 30 minutes in 10 meters of water, and has the exact same specs other than no QWERTY keyboard and the battery cover is extremely rugged and durable.
Once Kyocera announces some pricing and carrier options we’ll be sure to update, in the meantime enjoy the hands-on pictures below. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Rise myself.
Samsung Galaxy S III Accessories Hands-on
Samsung Galaxy S III Accessories Hands-on, ,
Cory Gunther
One more Galaxy S III post today folks. It looks like we were able to snatch a few minutes with the official accessories from Samsung for the Galaxy S III superphone and figured you’d like to take a look. Along with all the accessories detailed earlier today we also have a short clip of the AllShare Cast feature after the break.
Earlier today we detailed all the new accessories as Samsung showed them live, and now we have some hands-on pictures. First is the Wireless Charging Kit that was rumored a while back. Obviously you’ll need the special battery door backplate and the dock to wirelessly charge the phone, but that will be a great option for those looking to cut down on cords. Original reports suggested this would be a standard feature on all SGSIII’s but according to Samsung will be optional and an extra purchase.
Then we have the less exciting flip cover case, and the stand up “vertical charging dock” where users can sit the phone upright for viewing or charging — and again — no wires here either. Then we have AllCast Share and the HDMI adapter. Samsung will provide an adapter that works via the microUSB MHL port for streaming media and sharing homescreens, pictures, and video all to the big screen.
Samsung also lightly detailed a new upcoming MP3 player to compete with the iPod Nano called the S Pebble that will be shaped like a small pebble, run Android, and play MP3′s and such in a small portable package but we’ll have to wait for more details on that front although we were able to snap a few photos. It looks like a pebble huh? Apparently you can upload music to it, and share them directly from the Galaxy S III too. Whether the Pebble will be a standalone device or need a phone companion remains to be seen.
Overall Samsung had a strong showing today, and their accessories look quite decent too. Hopefully they all make it to market because we’re still waiting for some of those neat Galaxy Nexus accessories to this day. If you missed anything you can get every bit of Samsung GSIII news and more from today at our official Galaxy S III Portal.
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- Device Name : Galaxy S III
- Manufactuer : Samsung
- Carrier : NA
- Announced Date : May 03, 2012
- Release Date : May 29, 2012
- Also Known As : The Next Galaxy, SGSIII
- Screen Size : 4.8 Inch
- Resolution : 720×1280
- Screen Type : Super AMOLED HD
- Height : 5.37 Inch
- Width : 2.77 Inch
- Depth : 0.33 Inch
- Weight : 133 Grams
- Battery Type:
- Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity : 2100 mAh
- Talk Time : NA
- Stand By Time : NA
- Android OS:
- 4.0.x
- Audio Playback:
- AAC
- AAC+
- AMR
- MID
- MP3
- WAV
- WMA
- Video Playback:
- h.263
- h.264 / AVC
- MPEG-4 (MP4)
- Messaging:
- SMS
- MMS
- CPU : Exynos 4 Quad
- CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
- Core : 4
- Ram : 1024 MB
- Internal Storage : 32 GB
- Front Facing Camera :
- Camera Resolution : 8 MP
- External Storage:
- MicroSD
- MicroSDHC
- Camera Features:
- Auto focus
- Flash
- 1080p Video Recording
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Proximity
- QWERTY :
- Network Technology:
- GSM
- GSM Band:
- 850
- 900
- 1800
- 1900
- Wi-Fi:
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Bluetooth:
- A2DP
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Location Features:
- Compass
- GPS
- Cellular location
- Wi-Fi location
- FM Radio :
- NFC :
Jawbone ERA: Hands-on review
When the Jawbone ERA arrived at my doorstep, it caught me completely off guard: I completely forgot it was heading my way for a review. But after spending some time with it, I can assure you, I will not forget the ERA anytime soon. I’ve never really saw myself as one to use a Bluetooth ear piece, because I was always under the impression that they were uncomfortable and clumsy. Is this the case with the Jawbone ERA?
Video
Specs
AUDIO
- NoiseAssassin® 3.0 with wind reduction
- 10mm wideband speaker (HD audio)
- Automatic volume control
- Voice announcements
TECHNOLOGY
- Built-in accelerometer (motion sensor)
- MotionX™ technology
- Dual micro-processors
- Serial flash
POWER AND BATTERY
- Up to 5.5 hours talk time
- Up to 10 days standby time
- Built-in rechargeable Li-ion polymer battery
- Jawbone battery meter automatically displays on smartphone
- On/Off Switch
- Micro USB connector interface (charging and MyTALK)
SIZE AND WEIGHT
- Length: 2.02 inches (51.3 mm)
- Width: 0.57 inches (14.5 mm)
- Height: 0.95 inches (24.1 mm)
- Weight: 10.2 grams
BLUETOOTH
- Bluetooth V2.1 compliant
- Range up to 33 ft (10 m)
- Support Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
- Profiles Supported: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) 1.2, Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.5, Headset Profile (HSP) 1.1
- Supports Simultaneous Multipoint (two live audio connections)
Setup and Software
The initial setup was quick and easy. I had the Bluetooth active and the ERA paired and connected within a couple of minutes. On the other hand, getting the MyTalk battery meter app up-and-running was a little more time consuming. At first, I expected to just install the app and be over with it. This was not the case, because I had to use a computer to get the whole system set up. It was not difficult, though, the only snag being the fact that it’s not compatible with Windows 8, so I had to switch over to my Windows 7 laptop to get it running. Otherwise the process was simple and painless, and well worth it. Once the setup is complete, you can tweak the device’s voice and settings to your liking.
Hardware and Battery
The Jawbone ERA is a sleek looking device. Its black rippled design looks like it hugs the side of the face, and this is what it does. It comes with eight different ear pieces to get the perfect fit with your device. Four of them work with an earloop, and four of them just fit snugly in your ear. The ERA is made of plastic, but the device has a solid feel to it. Some of the earbuds are pretty difficult to get on, but I didn’t feel like I was going to damage it at all. The ERA package also came with an USB/outlet charger and a fancy carrying case. It’s always nice to have the option to charge through a USB port, for the times you don’t have immediate access to a power outlet but you do have access to an USB port. The battery life on the device was great — it had no problems lasting the full five hours of talk time advertised.
Sound Quality
The most important part of any Bluetooth handsfree is the sound, and let me assure that the ERA’s sound quality is excellent. I tried out the headset in a few different scenarios, and the ERA’s sound quality is top-notch in almost all situations. During phone conversations, it actually sounded crisper and clearer than my Rezound’s ear piece, which came as a pleasant surprise. When I was playing games (action-heavy or simple puzzle games), it sounded great, as well. For music, on the other hand, the ERA was just good — I could hear the whole range of acoustics, but the bass just wasn’t there. While I would not replace my iBeats for listening to music in general, I would replace them with the ERA in the situations when discretion is called for when listening to music.
Verdict
In short, the Jawbone ERA surpassed all my expectations. The ERA’s robust hardware and software features were more then I ever expected from it. Although I would’ve liked a little more simplicity when pairing the app with the head piece, the extra steps were not difficult by any means. Overall, I really loved the ERA, and it gave me a whole new level of functionality when paired with my Rezound.
No related posts.
This article, Jawbone ERA: Hands-on review , was originally published at androidtime.com – Your Android News Source.
Sony Xperia S hands-on video and initial review
It's been just days since we wrapped up Mobile World Congress, but we're already seeing the first flagship phone launch of the year. The Sony Xperia S was released unexpectedly at the Sony Store in Barcelona last Sunday, and it'll go on sale across Europe over the next couple of weeks. For 2012, Sony — formerly Sony Ericsson — has made a clean break with the appearance of earlier models, adopting a new design language based around the trademark clear bar below the screen. Sony's also introduced some impressive new hardware in its latest high-end device, which includes the new 720p HD Reality Display and a 12-megapixel EXMOR R camera.
We'll have a full review written up in the next week or so, but in the meantime you can click past the break for our hands-on video, along with more photos and some first impressions.
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Hands-on with ZTE’s two Android 4.0 LTE phones – PF200 and N910
Prior to Mobile World Congress 2012, ZTE had announced two LTE phones running Ice Cream Sandwich, and we got a chance to play with at least one working unit in Barcelona. A rep at the ZTE booth told me that both of these phones are due to drop in North America, but considering the sizable language barrier, they may have been mistaken.
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T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G hands-on
It's been a long, long time since we've seen the words "Galaxy S" without a II folowed closely thereafter. But that's exactly what we have here in the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G. Don't let it fool you, though, it's got 2011's specs — better known as Galaxy II specs. And for what it lacks in hardware prowess, it makes up for in network speed, as it's able to lock onto TMo's 42Mbps network. Otherwise? It's fairly unimpressive but should serve as a capable beginner smartphone with a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display, dual-core Snapdragon processor at 1.5GHz, and a slew of preloaed apps.
Still no word on when it's coming, other than "later this year."
We've got hands-on video and pics after the break.
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Hands-on with the HTC Sensation
Alex takes a look at the new HTC Sensation — www.androidcentral.com
