Wireless Authority

Top Ten Best Free Market Apps

admin — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Many people in the world today have discovered that having a smart phone can be very useful. You can pick from a bunch of different free apps in the market but there are ten that are the top ones yet.

The first one is the Facebook App, It is a great way to connect to your Facebook account through your phone.

Next is the You Tube App, You can watch videos on the go.

MySpace App is also good to keep in contact to your friends.

Task Killer is great for saving your battery.

The Twitter App lets you make tweets right off your phone.

Google Maps App is good for navigation straight from your phone.

Pandora is a wonderful music player that lets you listen to your favorite songs off your smart phone.

WomanLog App is great for females to predict their monthly gifts. It serves as a reminder for many.

Skype is also a good one so you can video chat with your friends or business contacts. Nothing is better than seeing each other face to face.

The Red Box App lets you check out what movies are available to rent at your nearest Red Box Location, and lets you make a reservation if you would like to do so.

The Next Generation of Smart Phones

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone now has the convenience of this generations smart phones. They are a reliable way to keep in touch on the go not just by phone but by the internet as well but many wonder what the new generation of smart phones is going to bring. Here are just a few things that we as smart phone users have to look forward to.

With an increase in hardware size in the next generation of smart phone it is known that there will be a expansion of virtual world interface apps. This new generation will not just allow you to search for items you picture online but will allow you to actually interact with them at a later date. This 3-D view of everything virtual will change the way we shop but how will it be approached.

Many of the next generations smart phones have announced product specs that feature 3-D displays. This means that you will be able to see all sides of a product when shopping on the web. These are just a few features that have been announced with many more to come. It is known though that what we will see will be the expansion of the future of communications.

A call to arms in the update debate

www.wirelessauthority.com — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In January 2011, two mobile bloggers on ZDNet tackled the question of whether the enthusiasm for new devices is necessary, or whether it’s a simple case of peer pressure. James Kendrick wrote the initial post in which he suggested that older devices still have value, while Matthew Miller responded with a defense of keeping up with updates.Kendrick’s reasoning stated that even when a gadgetsuch as a smartphoneis released with a new version, devices running older versions of the software should not be considered obsolete. In fact, he called his post “Smartphone Updates: Redefining Obsolete.” Even though the older software is no longer current, he says, it has not decreased in usability, and therefore the cost of buying a new device just to get that new version may not be to the customer’s advantage.Miller, on the other hand, wrote that “software updates ARE expected on today’s smartphone devices and they ARE obsolete if they don’t get some updates.” These updates add functionality that is expected with a purchase of the product. Devices without the latest updates may not be able to run current 3^rd party apps, which would indeed make them obsolete. He concludes by stating that updates are necessary ensuring a product stays current for the full two years of a traditional contract.What do you think? Do smartphones (and other products) require regular updates to stay current, or is it okay if a phone’s operating system remains the same for most of its life? You can weigh in on this discussion and others by visiting ZDNet and commenting on the articles, or by raising the subject at another online forum.

Give all year round with the Mobile Giving Foundation

www.wirelessauthority.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Modern smartphones have wireless internet service that makes it easy to get online anywhere. That can help save a lot of money when it comes to integrating your devices. If you’d like to donate some of those savings to the less fortunate, all it takes is a text message, thanks to the Mobile Giving Foundation. The non-profit MGF uses a small percentage of the donations to cover messaging costs and passes on the rest to the charity of your choice. Considering all the new features that mobile devices include, the option to donate to those less fortunate is one of the best.MGF supports a variety of charities, including the United Way, PBS, Keep a Child Alive, Amnesty International, and IFAW. You can find the keywords for all the charities the organization supports at its website. MGF was founded in 2007 by wireless industry veterans seeking to give Americans an easy channel to donate through. The Board of Directors includes Jim Manis (1024 Wireless Services), Louis Gump (CNN/Turner Broadcasting), Jeffrey Glass (Bain Capital Ventures), Mark McDowell (Acta Wireless), and Fabrice Sargent (Cellfish Media).For more information on the Foundation itself, or on how to donate, visit mobilegiving.org.

Top 5 Best Cell Phone Accessories

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:05:20 +0000

Our phones are with us wherever we go, and most people feel completely lost without them. The accessories that have been created to add to these devices have also become an integral part of this industry. Sure there are some that may offer a little convenience or enjoyment to your phone, but we’ve attempted to come up with the accessories that you just can’t live without. So here goes, our pick for the top five best cell phone accessories on the market.

Lithium ion Battery Charger: Nothing’s worse than being stuck somewhere with a dead cell phone battery. As inconvenient as this is, it actually can happen quite frequently. A Lithium battery charger gives you on the go battery backup, no outlet required. Whether you’re in the car, stuck at the airport, or just left your charger at a friend’s house, the lithium charger saves the day.
SkyMall iPhone case: The iPhone is one of the more expensive and arguably more fragile smart phones, therefore, a solid, protective case is a must-have. This particular one is not only light-weight, but made of polycarbonate and covered with rubber pads on the corners for ultimate protection.
Sticky Pad Dash Mount: This inexpensive pad from Handstands is the perfect way to hold your phone in the car. An adhesive-free, no-slip material lets you place this pad on your console or dash and then set your phone on top, where it won’t fall off. You can remove and reuse this product any time you want.
Signal Booster: One of the most frustrating aspects of using as cell phone is the potential for dropped calls and lost signals. This thin device can be placed in the battery compartment of a digital or analog phone and will enhance your signal, reducing your risk of losing that important call.
Stereo Headset Adaptor: With one of these cords, available for almost any phone, you can connect your cell phone to the stereo in your car and listen to any audio output from your phone through your stereo speakers.

Keep Two Hands on the Wheel with a Mobile Phone Headset

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:56:07 +0000

Many cities and states have begun passing legislation that prohibits talking on a hand-held phone while driving. Even if you live in a place where such a law has not yet been put into place, chances are it’s not far behind. If nothing else, we can all recognize the danger associated with holding a phone while you’re trying to drive a car. However, we also acknowledge that never making a call while in the car is not only inconvenient but may be unrealistic. Most states include provisions in these laws that permit talking on a cell phone while driving if you’re using a hands-free device. For the safety of you and the people around you, consider investing in one of these head set devices. Plus, you’ll look like a secret agent.For something discreet and affordable, the Planatronics MX200 Cellular Headset can be purchased for under 30 and has a discreet earpiece with an easy-to-use volume adjuster. WindSmart technology helps reduce the disruptive sounds caused by background wind. With only one earpiece you won’t be completely tuned out to everything around you.Though it comes at a much higher cost, the Jabra Stone is a sleek multi-functioning headset. Noise cancelling features eliminate background noise and guarantee your voice is heard clearly on the other end of the line. The rubber padding of this device adds comfort to every phone call and you can stream music from your phone into the headset as well.Even though there are many products that are compatible with all different types of phones, one of the best ways to guarantee quality sound and reception is by finding a headset designed for your specific phone model. Wireless Emporium is a great resource for matching up your cell phone with certain headsets.

Broadcasting Loud and Clear

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:48:28 +0000

When you’re driving around town there are plenty of factors that can negatively affect your phone call; the loud whirring of your air conditioning, those squeaky breaks you still haven’t had checked, or the teenager beside you blaring their radio at ear-splitting levels. Not to mention, holding your phone isn’t the safest of habits when you’re trying to maneuver a vehicle. Fortunately, many of today’s smart phones can be used with an FM transmitter that allows the audio output of your phone call to be played over your speaker system.For just under 40.00, accessory geeks offers a 3-in-1 iPhone car kit. This device provides a holding dock for your phone, has charging capabilities and acts as an FM transmitter. Play music or take calls, hands-free, with only the touch of a button.Available on Amazon, the Accessory Power GG-FLEX-BERRY provides the same features but for a Blackberry. This device plugs into your cigarette lighter and runs on your car’s battery, so you never have to worry about replacing the battery. The flexible mounting device allows you to easily move and reposition your phone for ease of use.Buy.com has a selection of FM transmitter/charger devices for the Motorola Droid. This device also has DC surge protection which acts to reduce the risk of damage to your smart phone.Even Sprint’s new 4G phone, the HTC EVO, is compatible with products of this type. Made by Gomadic Corp. and available on Amazon, this Fm transmitter/charging device also incorporates TipExchange Technology, which allows you to use this device with various different products by simply switching the tip, not buying an entirely new transmitter.

Break the Fall with an Anti-Scratch Cover

pmirek — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:38:34 +0000

The fact that our cell phones come with us wherever we go means that they’re all likely to take a tumble from time to time. Especially, with the rise of the smart phone, we use these mobile devices for everything, and a broken phone or cracked screen can really ruin your day. These trendy gadgets will set you back a pretty penny and no one wants to pay for a new one unnecessarily. No matter how careful you are with your precious iPhone or new Droid, accidents can happen. One of the best ways to keep your screen pristine is with an anti-scratch cover. These accessories are available with almost any phone that has a large screen.Known for its chic but sometimes fragile touchscreen, the iPhone definitely needs added protection. A screen protector film cover can be purchased on Amazon to fit this smart phone. These covers are supposed to protect against cracks and scratches but also have the benefit of reducing glare, and the reflective surface serves as a mirror when you’re not using the phone. Just make sure you order the right cover for your particular iPhone model.Most Blackberry owners have a case on their phone, which goes a long way towards protecting this device, but these usually don’t cover the actual screen, leaving it vulnerable to damage. BBerry offers a range of different products for use with a Blackberry phone, and their line of BodyGuardz Protective Skin covers create a durable screen. This transparent device doesn’t restrict your view of the screen and is much less bulky than a case.You can find the Motorola Droid A855 clear screen protector for under 10 on Overstock.com. The transparent, un-textured screen won’t change the display you see, while protecting your phone.

Accessories that Aren’t Worth Your Money

pmirek — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:33:22 +0000

Cell phone companies and electronic stores have come up with endless ways to improve the use of mobile phones. Everything from headsets to backup lithium batteries to screen protectors has helped to protect these devices and maximize their potential. However, these companies do recognize the gullibility of the public and from time to time will come out with a product that just isn’t worth your time. So before you go buying what sounds like a bizarre but fascinating accessory, consider if it’s really worth your while. To help with that, we’ve come up with a list of our picks for the top five most useless mobile phone accessories on the market.

The Beanbag Cellphone Chair: As much as you love your phone, it’s never going to love you back, even if you do buy it a 1990s style bean bag chair. This mini-chair doesn’t charge your phone, doesn’t clean the screen, it does nothing, other than give your phone a comfy place to sit.
Cell Phone Lingerie: Steve Jobs spent enough time making the cell phone a sexy device with the sleek design of the iPhone, you don’t need to doll it up. These clip-on accessories serve no purpose other than to make you look kind of creepy.
The Bluetooth Bracelet: We already laugh at the people who walk around with their Bluetooth earpiece in all day even when they’re not on calls. But this bracelet, which will vibrate when a call is coming in and displays the name or number on a screen is quite unnecessary. Unless you’re on a waiting list for a heart transplant, this seems a little excessive.
Portable Rotary Phone: This device will set you back almost 200 just for the feel of living in the old days. You simply insert your SIM card and you can even use the archaic rotary dial of this phone. Wasn’t the whole point of cell phones to improve telecommunications from what these devices once provided?
Seatbelt Flip Cell Phone Holder: We know you love your cell phone, but does it really need to be next to your heart at all times? This device attaches to your seat belt and allows you to place your phone inside a holder so you never have to reach for it, as if it is unbelievably difficult to grab it from your cup holder or lap.