Holiday Shopping Tips from BaldyPal

http://emergingtech.tbr.edu

You might be finding yourself doing some last minute Christmas shopping and don’t know exactly what to get that special someone in your family. If they happen to be someone you don’t mind spending some dough on, I’ve made a list of some “Shopping Tips” for phones and tablets. I personally don’t think a lot of people buy a new phone for people as a gift (unless it were a very close loved one, such as a spouse or child) but to buy a tablet for a loved one is much more likely. These tips are geared much closer to tablets than phones, but most of it is great advice for both.

The New Moto X from Motorola: Full Review

Last year, in 2013, Motorola attempted to break the mold by producing a smartphone that focused more on a better user experience and not as much on the top of the line hardware specification. It was then rated by many bloggers across the internet as the best smartphone of the year (then 2013). I personally, purchased that device to be my phone of choice. I have not looked back, not once. Even after reviewing many new devices this year. I went on to purchase the original Moto X for my wife, and I also persuaded my mom and cousin to purchase one as well. Everyone found it to be the "perfect" smartphone for their needs.

Now, in 2014, Motorola has set out to do it all over again. They learned from a few mistakes. They tweaked some hardware, and a lot of the software; all for the betterment of the New Moto X. It'll also be referred to as the Moto X 2nd Gen across the internet. They kept the infamous motomaker.com website and added more options to customize the phone. They made the phone a little wider and a little taller. But still managed to pack a larger screen in a footprint smaller than the competition. Thanks to my friend's at Verizon Wireless, after spending two weeks with Motorola's 2nd Gen Moto X, I bring to you my full review where I discuss hardware, software, purchase options and more, in hopes to give you all the ammunition you need to determine if this phone will be the right choice for you.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: The Unboxing

This year Samsung announced two new "phablet" products, the Note Edge and the Note 4. Today I get to unbox for you the latter of the two. Let's take a look at what Samsung has packed inside this cardboard and run down the spec list at the same time. It's sure to please with all the wonderful goodies. But I'll reserve those opinions for the full review in a few weeks from now.

Unboxing of the Google Nexus 6 by Motorola

Google started the Nexus line of devices in January 2010 with the announcement of the HTC Nexus One. These device were said to be pure Android devices that were meant to allow developers to get their hands on the cleanest versions of Android, first. It's continued through the years was the Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and now the Nexus 6. Each one getting a slightly larger display and better build quality. Today, my Nexus tooth is satisfied as I finally get my hands on the newest Nexus 6. The largest thus far in the family with a 5.96 inch screen (diagonal). Stay tuned past the break as I unbox this bad boy and show off everything it's made of.

The Unboxing of the Motorola Droid Turbo from Verizon

Each year, Verizon and Motorola get together and try to come up with a very action oriented, sound tough, long lasting phone and a borrowed "Droid" name to go with it. Usually they do pretty good: Droid Maxx, Droid X (and X2). Sometimes, not so good: Droid Incredible, Droid Bionic. This year they teamed up once again to deliver the Droid Turbo. Hyped to be the longest lasting phone with highest performance and clearest screen. I will most definitely put it through all the tests to see if it will live up to those expectations. But first, let's unbox the dadgum thing!

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha from AT&T (Review)

It feels like hardly ever does a month go by without another Samsung release of some kind. It could be a tablet, a smartwatch, or a smartphone, but Samsung continues to throw options out into the playing field that is the mobile tech world. And it's not without good reason to expect Samsung to try and hit every aspect of the market. There is the high end where their "Galaxy S" and "Galaxy Note" series fall, and then the low end where they have other "Galaxy" models that rarely tend to repeat themselves. This year, Samsung introduces a bit of a surprise with the introduction of the "Galaxy Alpha" line, not yet a series as it is the first of its kind, but cleverly named, I'm sure, as an alpha test of sorts into a mixed realm of low and high specifications in hopes to find a seat somewhere in the middle of it all. AT&T has generously provided me with a few weeks time with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha, and I bring to you all of the reaped benefits and some guilty frustrations of this metallic device.

The Moto 360: A Premium Smartwatch from Motorola (Review)

I recently learned that to some people watches and other time pieces, such as pocket watches, are a very enticing collector’s item. I knew that watches could be considered a valuable family heirloom,passing it down from generation to generation, but I never honestly realized that some would consider a watch to be as important, if not more than, the right tie to a suit or the right heels with the dress. But knowing all this now, helps me to understand the why and importance of Motorola breaking the mold with their most recent smartwatch.

The Motorola Moto 360 truly outshines its predecessors in looks alone. At first glance you will see a premium metal watch with a circular face and a leather or chain linked band. Before now, smartwatches have been easily identifiable by their bulky, squared off, rubber or plastic build. Not anymore. Smartwatches should soon become a new “must have” in the realm of smart technology.

In August of this year, Motorola introduced four new mobile devices to their lineup of smart technology; the New Moto X, the New Moto G, the Moto Hint, and the Moto 360. I’ve had the privilege of reviewing three of those new devices and today I’m bringing to you my review of the Motorola Moto 360, the smartwatch that comes full circle and brings premium looks in the form of modern accessories.

Moto Hint: A Tiny Bluetooth Experience (Review)

There are a lot of options out there for bluetooth headsets. I mean a lot of options. A quick search on Amazon and the results are in the hundreds of thousands. Narrow that down to just "Cell phone related accessories" and the results shrink, but just barely. So how do you make a final decision for such as device. My advice? Comfort, ease of use and clarity. I recently toyed with one that has all three of those.

The Motorola Moto Hint is probably the tiniest bluetooth headset I've personally ever touched, or ever seen for that matter. In fact, I'd call it more of an earpiece. It doesn't wrap around your head, or neck or even over your ear. It is small enough to fit right inside the deepest depression on the outside of your ear. 

The Power of NFC, in the Palm of Your Hand

allthingsd.com

Technology is a very fast paced world and it's pretty difficult to keep up if you miss a single beat. Also, technology is hard to accept sometimes. Both of these come into play when we talk about Near Field Communication (NFC) and how it can help us. NFC is used in many ways, and of course, all of them are meant to help you. However, one of those ways ask that you take a big bite of courage and be willing to accept the future. I know some of you are too hesitant to trust electronics with sensitive material such as credit or debit card information. I'd like to attempt to show you the ease and security behind NFC mobile payments in hopes to help you check out faster at the register and also help alleviate some of those worries that you may have towards the future of technology.

Both Google and Apple, the leading competitors and operating system manufacturers in the world, are leading the charge on NFC mobile payments. The idea is simple. Where you would typically swipe your debit or credit card at the register, instead you would tap the back of your phone to the tap and pay touch pad. The hard part is understanding the technical functionality behind the process. And that is where most of you probably clam up. I feel confident that showing you the process of setting up NFC mobile payments on your phone, walking you through how you would check out at the register, and then addressing a few security FAQs should do the trick.

Google and Android Continue to Grow and Grow and...

It's October! And while alot of the nation associates October with Fall or even Halloween, Android lovers also know it as "Nexus Month". Nexus is the name of the mobile line that is overseen by Google, but hardware built by other manufacturers that Google will partner with. In this year's case, they partnered with Motorola to make the Nexus 6 smartphone.

It's also the month of the announcement of the new version of Android operating system. This years iteration is version 5.0 and will be better known as Android Lollipop. Quick history, since Android version 1.5 Google has alphabetically nicknamed Android after sweet treats, starting with C for Cupcake. This first commercial phone released with Android OS was the HTC G1 on T-Mobile and it was running version 1.6 or Android Donut. Fast forward to 2014. Six years and nine iterations later, just last week, Google announced version 5.0 Lollipop.

The Unboxing of a Moto 360

Smartwatches!? One of the newest advancements in mobile technology. Join me today as I open the box to explore this great new world of freedom within communication. The adventure begins with the rising of the lid of a new device brought to us by Motorola of which they call the Moto 360.

A Special Look at the Moto 360

This is a special edition video to help introduce everyone to the value of a smartwatch in general. Some questions answered are specific to the Moto 360, but mostly just simple need to know information for anyone considering or at least curious. Like my 8 year old daughter, whom I brought in as a special guest in this video. When she saw this watch on my wrist that was "blank" she become very curious. Stick around and watch the video as I attempt to help you understand the value of a smartwatch.

Motorola's New Moto X: The Unboxing Ceremony

It took a little bit of patience, but once again, the Verizon team has come through for The Android Anthem. Today I have the follow up from last year's Motorola flagship, and this year it is humbly referred to as the New Moto X. I'm so glad they decided not to give it a messy marketing name such as the "Moto X+1" or something silly like that.

This is the follow up of the phone I personally chose to carry as my daily driver. I even bought last year's model for my wife, whom has never owned a smartphone, and she loves it. You can check out all the tricks of last year's original here. But that's not really why you dropped by today. So let's get to it. The unboxing ceremony of Motorola's New Moto X.

JBL Flip 2: A Little Bluetooth Speaker with a Mighty Punch!

A great way to enjoy the boom!

I thought it would be nice to do a little bit more than phone and tablet hardware for a change, I started asking my review partners for a few cool accessories. After all, there is a lot more to mobile technology and enjoyment than just the phone/tablet itself. Ok, there are smartwatches too, which I'm still trying very hard to get my hands on.

So here is a cool toy that everyone can appreciate, no matter which OS you prefer. While there are several bluetooth speakers out there to choose from, and I've played with a dozen or so, the JBL Flip 2 bluetooth speaker has a pound and a punch to dish out. Stick with me a little longer and let's walk through what the Flip 2 speaker has to offer, together.

The LG G3: In All It's Glory

It's times like these that remind me why I enjoy reviewing these devices so much. Some are good, some are bad, some are just so-so. But every now and again, I am honored by an opportunity with something that I consider to be a masterful work of craftsmanship. This is somewhat of a spoiler alert as to how this review will read, but I am always going to be completely honest with you. This phone came very, very, very close to replacing my own device. If I had the funds, it would become my own.

LG has come a long way over the years. I once owned a feature phone of theirs called the LG Voyager 2. It was a decent piece of hardware, for not being a full fledged smartphone. But it wasn't the top of its class by any means. Fast forward to 2013 and LG released the LG G2. A smartphone which had some true innovation and won awards such as smartphone of the year from Stuff Magazine or PC Advisor. They implemented rear mounted buttons for power and volume. Many hardware improvements for functionality and speed. A huge upgrade on camera from previous versions of LG phones. They really hit the mark with it. And now we have the LG G3, a top contender in the 2014 smartphone line up. Let me show you what LG has in store for you.

Huawei Ascend Mate2: A Full Review

There are some phones out there that you can't find by walking into your favorite carrier store. These phones are a great advantage to those of you who don't wish to dedicate 2 years at a time to a single cellular carrier, by signing a contract. Most of those type phones, however, are rather low end, or don't have the pep of a great top tier device from a manufacturer you recognize by name. But I want to help you understand that the game of contract free wireless is changing. Almost all mobile manufacturers are releasing budget friendly smartphones with mid to higher end specifications. Some of which could compete with those names you know by heart, even though they are built to do so.

One specific company that is trying their best to break into the West mobile market with low priced smartphones is doing so with one of the largest phones I've ever touched. I'm speaking of the Huawei Ascend Mate2. The company's name is pronounced "wah" (like the first syllable in 'water') and then "way", Wah-way. You've might have seen their logo on phones you would typically buy at a contract-free wireless store such as StraightTalk or Cricket Wireless. But because they are trying to make a bigger name for themselves they are now selling direct from their website with more competitive specifications. This is a mid-range phone with a large screen and a small price. If you like contract free and big devices, I think you should really pay attention. Let me tell you why.

A Review of the Elusive OnePlus One

I was able to do it! I was able to get my hands on one of the most elusive smartphones that exist today. It's a phone that is boasted to make you "Never Settle" for what a smartphone could be, or should be. It's a phone that has been popular amongst the Android tech fans for 3 months before it was even released, which was in May 2014. It's a phone that wants to raise the bar on smartphone expectations. This phone is by far, today, the highest spec'd mobile device for its price, which is half of that of the competition. Half way around the globe from China, from a brand new company who calls themselves OnePlus, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the OnePlus One.

I know, that was a big build up for such a simplistic (and repetitive) name. Unfortunately, that's pretty much how the experience with this company has gone, though. Before the release of their device they are talking about never settling, and this phone will break records. Then right before the release they state that due to manufacturing dilemmas and high demand, you can't buy this phone from them unless you're invited to do so. And then they start holding contests to give away a few thousand phones invitations at a time. In June, they held a contest called "The Storm of Invites". With over 500 thousand entries, they gave away 2,500 invitations. That right there should tell you how lucky I was to win one of those 2,500 invitations. And when I did, I only had 3 days to decide whether or not I would spend my money on this phone. When I started writing, I promised myself, and my wife, I wouldn't spend hundreds of dollars on devices. The price, however, is the only reason why I felt I could afford to do so. Despite its elusive presence, the choice of hardware, their choice of software, the build quality, and the price have made a perfect recipe for a brand new top of the line smartphone.

Verizon Ellipsis 7: Full Review

When I first caught wind of Verizon selling a self branded 7 inch tablet, admittedly, I was immediately skeptical and I started making judgements without even hearing the facts first. Why was I so skeptical? Because Verizon is not a hardware manufacture, they are a mobile wireless carrier, and they make their money from data usage, not by selling top of the line hardware. And since the actual hardware manufacture didn't put their name on the tablet, I could only assume that they weren't even impressed with it themselves.

Verizon is selling the Ellipsis 7 for $50 with a 2 year contract or $249 without the contract. $250 is a really good deal on a 7 or 8 inch tablet from top manufacturers such as LG or Asus and with top of the line specs. I'm about to let you know if the Ellipsis can hold it's own against these major competitors. 

OnePlus One Unboxing and Quick Hardware Tour

What do you get when you combine top of the line specs in a smartphone with a company willing to do anything to make a name for itself? The OnePlus One. OnePlus is a new kid in town in regards to smartphone manufacturing and it's trying very hard to make a name for itself by offering a top tier phone at a mid range, maybe even low range, price. I can't say it's building the best reputation for itself right out of the gate because right now the only way you can possibly get your hands on this phone is by invitation. That's right, you have to be invited to buy this phone. Many don't see the good in that, I'm one of them. About a month ago, OnePlus held a contest called "Storm of Invites" and I was lucky enough to win one of the 2,500 invitations they were giving away. Although I swore I'd never spend money to feed my Android habit, I couldn't help myself because its price didn't break the bank. I hope you enjoy my unboxing of the OnePlus One. A full review will be coming in a few weeks after I give it the good ole push and tug.

The Samsung Galaxy S5: A Full Review

Each year, year after year, Samsung is able to pump out millions upon millions of their S line smartphones. It would seem that they would have figured out the secret formula for making the perfect phone. After all, they have become the top selling industry leader of smartphones running the Android operating system. Obviously, huge emphasis on the "Android" part of that last statement. But what is it about the S line that makes people go crazy for Samsung? With this review of the Samsung Galaxy S5, I'm hoping I can figure it out.

The S5 definitely has it's perks. It has some firsts too. First Samsung smartphone to don a fingerprint scanner. First smartphone from any OEM to don a dedicated heart rate monitoring sensor. I can quickly see that Samsung isn't afraid to test the waters and continues to throw the proverbial noodle against the wall. Let's get started with the full review, and I'll show you the parts I think will stick.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Software Tour

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has some nice new software features that would make this phone a very tempting purchase. These include a fingerprint scanner and a heart rate monitor. One has been tried before, the other is a first from any manufacturer. Watch the video and find out which ones rate higher than the others.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Hardware Tour

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is this year's first flagship device from Samsung. They packed a lot into this new phone. And because of that, it grew in all directions a little bit. They added waterproof certification and a heart rate monitor. Changed a few buttons, increased display size, and got rid of the "fingerprint magnet" battery cover. Let's take a tour of the hardware overall of the new Samsung Galaxy S5. Please come back in a few days when the full review is available.

Are We Ready For This Type of Technology? A Review of the Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch

When was the last time you looked at the watch on our wrist and hoped to see more than the time or date? I can't imagine that in today's date and time, many people have such high expectations from their wardrobe accessories. Do you feel the need to talk to your watch instead of a telephone, or even capture a picture from your wrist? It all sounds like something out of a spy movie. Last year Samsung thought it was time for all of us to be able to do those things and move one step closer to 007 status.

In September 2013, Samsung introduced to us the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. It is a fancy accessory that comes in an array of colors and lets you interact with your phone while your phone itself remains in your, well, wherever it is you keep your phone.

The All New HTC One M8: Full Review

I’m going to cut straight to the chase, the (All New) HTC One M8 is a very nice piece of hardware. After last year’s One, yes they gave it the same name, HTC had already struck gold, so how were they going to better themselves. How could you take the phone that won the Global Mobile Award for Best Smartphone of the Year and then…make it better?

This year’s HTC One is suffixed with the codename M8 to help differentiate it from last year’s HTC One. This year, they had several changes because HTC listened to their consumers. They listened to the crowds that hadn't even bought their product yet. They listened to the tech geeks who knew that HTC was close, but not quite there yet. They listened to them all to bring us a beautiful experience with our phone.

This year HTC has introduced a phone that is built to last, software that is swift and fluid, and an experience that is intuitive.

Software Highlights of the New HTC One M8

HTC has done a pretty good job of making your user experience of the HTC One M8 fresh and new. Starting with the way you wake up the screen and stretching into the colors and fonts, you will be able to easily make the HTC One M8 your phone. There are so many options and ways to do so, I've picked out a few of the easier, and arguably more important, ones to highlight in this video.

The All New HTC One (M8): Unboxing

Ladies and gentlemen, thanks to my friends at Verizon I have the privilege of  introducing to you the All New HTC One also known as the HTC One M8 or even the 2014 HTC One. No matter what you call it, we've got to open the box eventually, right. So let's get to it. Here is my first unboxing video ever, along with my initial impressions of the M8 and it's hardware.

LG G Flex: To Curve or Not to Curve

In December 2013, LG released a new type of phone that was sure to turn heads and challenge the status quo. A phone that is not only radical and innovative, but is also large and curved. That’s right, LG introduced the LG G Flex smartphone which has a 6 inch concave curved display. Admittedly, when I first heard about this phone I thought two things: a 6 inch screen is too big, and curved is completely unnecessary.

Curved displays are sure to be ahead their time. No one is going to want one of those. Why would you need your phone to “flex”? I couldn't get over the idea. Not of just a phone so large, but also one that literally curved from head to toe. What is the practicality behind all this curvature thinking? 

I am so glad to say that I was sadly mistaken. All the misnomers in my head disappeared almost instantly when I held the G Flex in my hands. The hardware was quite beautiful, sleek, dare I say it, sexy! Stick around after the break to learn everything there is to know about the LG G Flex and what its curve has in store for you.

The HTC One: 1 Year Later

During the year 2012, mobile phone manufacturer HTC was going through some tough times. They had a few good smartphones released, but nothing overly impressive. They were attempting to release too many phones and they weren't focusing on just one solid device. The HTC One X was a nice phone but it didn't hit a home run. HTC Droid Incredible LTE was also nice, but again, not a home run. In order to end their streak of pop up fly balls, HTC needed to bring a different device to the plate. One that was solid. One that was sexy. One that just worked and one that was easy to use. What they hit us with was unexpected. In March 2013 they unleashed the HTC One.

That was one year ago this month. In this review, we are going to look back at the Verizon HTC One and decide if HTC brought a home run hitter to the plate like they needed to in order get back some much needed respect in the game.

LG G Pad 8.3: Review

LG is doing a pretty good job of coming up with new technology that will help make up for the rusty name they created for themselves just a few short years ago. Circa 2009 or 2010, LG smartphones were only considered low to mid-range devices. They were no comparison to Motorola, Samsung, or even Apple. But things are starting to change. In a few short weeks, I have had an opportunity to use one of their latest tablet products, The LG G Pad 8.3.

Granted, the name is a bit of a mouth full, but I don't think this tablet will leave you hungry for more. With a very fine build quality and some home grown LG "Q" app software, the G Pad 8.3 is a nice tablet. Not to mention, it is still pretty easy on the wallet.

Moto X - Was It Worth the Wait?

In 2011, Google made a move that no one expected, they bought their own OEM: Motorola Mobility. Now it took about a year for that purchase to become realized and official, but the geek world could hardly stand the wait to see what would come out of this newly united couple.

Jump forward to August 2013, just a hair over two years since that acquisition, Motorola takes the stage to announce the Motorola Moto X. There is back and forth controversy as to how much influence Google had on the development of this phone, both hardware and software. Motorola continues to point out that they run independently of Google, but truth be known, there is only a firewall that separate the two. They even shared a Google officer to be the new the CEO, Dennis Woodside.

I read all the rumors and leaked info on this phone for almost a year. The hype was building up for so long. I even debated on dropping my Verizon unlimited data plan to go to ATT (because they released the custom version first). The question is though, was the wait for the Moto X worth it? Hang around after the break, and I'll give you my answer to that question.

Google Glass Expo, Atlanta GA

One of the most intriguing things about technology is that it continuously evolves, and Google is one of those companies that has been very good about putting information right at our finger tips in an innovative way. In one of their latest innovations, they literally put the information right in front of our eyes. Google's newest technology is a wearable called Glass.

In the easiest explanation, Glass is basically a screen attached to a set of frames that you wear on your face like glasses. These screen is inside a small prism which rests just above the line of vision of the wearer's right eye. The explanation for the invention of Glass is to allow users to interact with both technology and people with their heads up, rather then looking down at their smartphones. On February 8 & 9, 2014 Google Traveled down south to Atlanta GA as part of their Google Glass On the Road Expo. Since I don't get to attend expensive conferences like CES or MWC, I jumped all over this opportunity when I learned there was no entrance fee. In fact, they allowed me to bring 1 guest, so I talked my wife into joining me. Hesitantly, she agreed. What can I say, she loves me. The conference was nicely planned. As you walk in the door you are greeted with your choice of hot chocolate or cappuccino. The crowd is not over whelming, but there are stations of lines you must stand in to wait your turn. The first line is your typical waiting line to get to the sign in

table which you do on a Google Chrome Pixel laptop. Then you are waved to a group huddle. In this huddle, there are ladies with Glass on and holding Nexus 10 tablets. With the view of her Glass connected to the tablet, we get to see what she is seeing in her eye. She talks through the basic concept of Glass (which is to be more socially available with your head up) and through some basics of how to use Glass.

Google Chromecast Review - 4 months later

In late July 2013, Google released a new piece of hardware called the Google Chromecast, or just Chromecast for short. The thought process behind this new piece of hardware is to allow users to push, or cast, media to their television from their computing hardware so that it can be enjoyed on a larger screen or to share it without passing around the tablet or huddling around the smartphone or laptop.

The Hardware

The Google Chromecast is a small dongle that plugs into an HDMI input port in your television. It is 72(L) x 35(W) x 12(H) mm and its shaped to look like a house or car key. It displays 1080P output. It only weighs 34 grams and it ships with 2 extra accessories in the box: a 4 inch extender that will allow it to fall flat against the back of the television set and not protrude out the 3 inches in length, and a USB plug. Yes, the Chromecast has to be plugged in for electricity. It’s not as annoying as it sounds but we’ll talk more on that later.

What Have I Been Doing?

As much as I love to talk about Android and Adobe Flash, and things of that sort, sometimes life still gets in the way. It just so unfortunate that I have neglected this journal. I'm sorry! I'll do better this time.

Let's start with where I've been. The last thing I wrote about personally was my review on my Motorola Xoom. WOW! It has been a long time. Since then I've owned 2 new tablets and a new phone. About to buy yet another phone in fact. But the important things to brag about was how lucky I have been during this time off.
Let's see, In May 2012 I was lucky enough to win a fantastic giveaway from Droid-Life. The package included: Asus Transformer Pad,a matching lapdock, Jambox Speaker, and Logitech game controller.

This is Why I Don't Need an SD Card (The SD Card Dilemma)

Let me just put it out there. The lack of SD cards in a smartphone is said to be one of the biggest deal breakers when choosing your next Android device. And I think that reason is one, big, fat cop out.

In October 2012, with the 4.2 release of Android, Google removed the native compatibility of SD cards. Why? According to Matias Duarte, “it’s just confusing for users”.