Palm Arena

Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint Galaxy S) Review

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:53:07 +0000

There is not doubt that Android is flexing it’s muscles this year. However you want to spin the numbers, Android is a force to be reckoned with. That said, Samsung is just another player in the field, however, the Galaxy S series of smartphones are not. With phones on T-Mobile and AT&T already, Sammy only has the Fascinate to add to Verizon before it can boast Android 2.1 devices on all of United States major carries.

But what sets the Epic 4G apart from its other Galaxy S siblings is the QWERTY keyboard and of course the 4G’s. So how does this phone stack up against the competition? Lets find out.

Hardware

For a device with the features that this phone packs, I have to say Samsung did a good job of fitting all of this into a form factor that is a tad bigger then the Epic 4G and iPhone 4. The device does not feel as solid as the former two devices however. Maybe its that I’m used to the HTC Touch Pro 2, but I found the device to be a bit too light. While we’re on the subject of feel, the keyboard, while roomy and spacous feels a bit lacking. The keys are not too stiff, but they don’t feel as refind as the keyboards on an HTC Touch Pro 2 or Blacberry Bold.

Screen

The bar was set just a bit higher when Apple released their IPS sporting iPhone 4. Their display dubbed the “Retina DIsplay” is truly amazing. So far, there was not a phone that could match the performance of said display until Galaxy S. While the pixel density might be just a tad bit under that of the IPS screen, colors appear brighter on the Epic 4G then the iPhone 4. Samsung claims that their Super AMOLED screen manages battery life better then Apple’s IPS screen. However it is not easy to confirm those claims as the design of the iPhone 4 has basically put the antenna outside of the phone while the Epic 4G has their antenna on the inside.

Software

We’re not going to delve very deep into Android 2.1, which is what is preloaded on the Epic 4G, although Froyo (2.2) will be available in the near future. What we’ll talk about are Sammy’s enhancements. Samsung has a custom UI over Android dubbed TouchWhiz which is currently in version 3.0. If you have read other reviews, a lot of them complained about the interface. To be honest, personally I think it’s OK. I’m not a big fan of it, but I believe it is better then the stock skin currently on Android. It does take a little getting used to since you do not scroll down through apps but across like that of the Apple iPhone. However, it’s something you will get used to very easily.

The UI is smooth and easy to navigate. We were surprised at the performance. The only major issue we had in terms of touch response was the touch sensitive keys underneath the screen which can require a firmer press then general, plus, unless you memorize the keys location, when the backlight goes off you might accidentally press the wrong one can carry you to the search or home screen. Thankfully, because of multitasking, you won’t lose your data in your app. But still, we would like a software fix to keep the backlight on once the device is in use.

Performance

Performance wise the phone is a beast. Call quality is exceptional and so is the speaker phone as well. I did have a bit of an issue when it came to the included earbuds. On a few occasions, those who I was talking to were not able to hear my clearly through the mic on the included earbuds and I had to hold the mic directly to my mouth. Other then that, call quality was stellar.

Battery life is acceptable. It’s not the best but with moderate use I can easily make it though an entire day without the need to grab a charger, and that is with WiFi and GPS on. The included utility that shows you what exactly on the phone is pulling the most juice from the battery is neat and surprisenly, it was almost always the screen that was pulling at least 80% of the juice.

Many other Galaxy S phones have been having GPS issues, however, Sprint and Samsung says those will not affect the Epic4G and so far we have confirmed those claims. Using the GPS, I have not had a single hitch except when in buildings when it takes a while to pick up a lock on my position. Other then that, GPS is great. And on a side note, although you get Sprint Navigation bundled with the phone, you’re gonna want to opt for Google Navigation as it totally trumps that of Sprint.

Wrap Up

What’s the verdict on the Samsung Epic 4G. If I had one word to describe it, I would agree with Samsung and say it’s Epic. Yes, there are a few minor issues we would smooth over such as the TouchWhiz UI, give it a little more weight and probably replace some of the plastic with carbon fiber or aluminum, and give it a more refined keyboard. But those are minor issues and do not necessarily affect performance. That said, giving this device a rating, I would give it a solid 9/10.

Can’t decide between this and an Evo, just consider the major differences, a keyboard and brighter camera. Your call, but personally I would go with the Epic 4G just because I haven’t been able to kick the keyboard habit yet.

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5 Best Android Phones [September 2010]

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:48:34 +0000

2010 is truly the year of Android. Not only has Google been able to steal the mobile scene in terms of some of the summers hottest cellphones, the Android has officially passed the iPhone in terms of sales. Not only that, but the Android Marketplace is boasting over 70,000 apps and is currently the fastest growing mobile application platform.

So if you have chosen your next phone to be an Android powered device, you’re making a good choice. But which is the best Android phone currently on the market? We’ve rounded up the top five and give you the pros and cons of each.

HTC Evo 4G (Sprint)

When it comes to phones, you can’t get much better then the HTC Evo 4G. This beast of a phone features a 4.3 inch AMOLED display as well as an 8 megapixel camera, HD video capture (at 720p) and not to mention a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor and as the name would suggest, a 4G wireless radio.

Having a brother who owns one, ithe only major faults I have with the device is the battery life which is a bit under average and a screen framerate of only 30fps. Other then that, it is a solid device.

Samsung Epic 4G Galaxy S (Sprint)

Launched yesterday, the Epic 4G from Samsung has really gotten a lot of attention. Not only is it the second ever 4G phone, it also sports a 4.0 inch Super AMOLED screen which is the only display on the market that is almost nearly as perfect as Apple’s iPhone. Being an Epic 4G owner as of yesterday I have to say that it is a great phone. The Hummingbird processor that sports 1Ghz is beautiful to say the least and media on the phone as well as the screens frame rate, totally trumps that of the Evo 4G. (Check out our Samsung Epic 4G review HERE!)

Only drawbacks I have to the device is the battery life, while better then the Evo is still not the best. The phone feels a bit light in the hand, not as a solid feel as say the iPhone, Palm Pre or Evo 4G, and Sammy could take a few cues from HTC and their beautiful keyboard on the Touch Pro 2. However, if you need an Evo with a keyboard, the Epic is the way to go.

Motorola Droid X (Verizon)

Think of the Droid X as Verizon’s version of the Evo, albeit, without the 4G’s and a better battery life. The Droid X has all the things that the you’d want from a Droid including a 4.3-inc, AMOLED screen, Android 2.1 and all the things that go along with it.

The not so good features is a UI from Motorola that needs work, camera app lags (unlike the camera which is stellar) and not as ergonomic to hold as the Evo 4G. Other then that, it’s a solid Android phone that many Verizon customers will definitely want.

Motorola Droid 2 (Verizon)

The original Droid was Verizon’s answer to the iPhone. It was well received and pacified the complaining of Verizon’s customers for some time. With the Droid 2, Verizon is well on track to increase its smartphone share dominance. While not as feature rich as the Droid X, The Droid 2 does bring some nice features and a few good upgrades. It now supports mobile hotspots, has an improved keyboard and an overall more handsome hardware design.

Only drawbacks is minor issues with signal strength, an unappealing UI skin and in a day and age where all the major phones are doing it, we gotta wonder why there is not a 720p video shooting on this thing. Other then that, solid piece of hardware.

HTC Droid Incredible (Verizon)

Before the Droid X, it was the Droid Incredible on Verizon. Even though it is a little old, the Droid Incredible is one of the best Android phones on the market. Sporting a slick UI, one that deserves major props, 1Ghz processor and blazing fast 3G speeds, it’s hard to deny that those not wanting something as big as an Evo or Droid X should not look farther then the Incredible.

Only major drawback is the media performance which is behind the competition. Other then that, solid device with great battery life and stellar performance.

Microsoft updates Xbox controller with improved D-pad, coming November 9 for $65

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:58:27 +0000

Even though Microsoft has beaten Sony in sales and revenue in the gaming department, one thing they haven’t beaten them at is the performance and durability of their systems. Thanks to the Xbox Slim, that is improving and now the Xbox wireless controllers have been given a redesign thanks to much complaining from the gaming community.

The new controllers have an improved D-Pad which Microsoft is eager to announced has been patented. The D-pad can now be rotated in order to raise or lower the cross so that it offers more usability.

We’d go into more explanations but we figure a video demonstration would be better. The controller is set to hit the states come November 9th (who said Xbox accessories were cheap). As for our European brothers, expect it to touch down in February of next year. Of course, you always have the option of the black market.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Palm announces limited release of webOS 2.0 SDK

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:35:33 +0000

After their acquisition by HP earlier this year, things were pretty quiet in Pre land except for the usual addition of apps to the App Catalog and the few security and bug fixes. However, things seem to have gone smoothly with the transition as Palm is announcing a major update to the webOS SDK. According to the big boys themselves, webOS SDK will be available to select developers today and some of the features being announced are pretty exciting.

Stacks – With every major smartphone sporting multitasking, Palm was one of the first to perfect the art. Come webOS 2.0, those features have been refined with Stacks which allows users to group card stacks thus reducing clutter among cards. Say for instant you were viewing an email and in that email was a weblink that was opened in the web browser, those apps would be grouped together and if you needed to text said contact, that would be grouped as well. This is done automatically or users and or developers can rearrange the card stacks.
Just Type – webOS “Universal Search” has been renamed “Just Type” and more importantly, allows developers to tap into the function via available API’s, thus allowing them to use custom search engines or search within apps as well. According to Palm: “start an email, create a message, update your status, search your favorite websites-all without having to launch an app.”
Exhibition – With the TouchStone having very few rivals, Palm is basically the king of the wireless charging arena when it comes to first party accessories. That said, with webOS 2.0 SDK, developers can code custom components into their apps. For instance, you could set the calander, clock or weather as well as a slideshow to automatically start when the phone is docked to the TouchStone charger.
Synergy – Thanks to the latest improvements, developers will be able to tap into Synergy and do things such as create custom address books, Im services and calander events as well as app shortcuts.
HTML5 – There are increased supports for HTML5 and Palm is basically smoothing over the performance of the next generation spec as of webOS 2.0. Such things as geolocation, local session web storage and application cache will be supported. This only makes sense seeing that webOS is an internet OS.
JavaScript – Thanks to the node.js runtime environment, developers will be able to leverage a growing database of standard API’s for low-level networking and binary data.
PDK plugins – The PDK will finally be out of beta come webOS 2.0 SDK. This will allow developers to port their app logic more easily from other platforms such as iOS and Android to Palm.

In case you haven’t noticed, many of these features sound like something that would fit perfectly into a tablet device, and our hunch is that “Stacks” will perform beautifully on the PalmPad when it is released next year.

VIA: Engadget

OFFICIAL: EOS 60D coming September with 18 megapixels and 1080p video

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:03:59 +0000

EOS 60D

We’ve been hearing rumors for some time now that Canon was about to release an update for their 50D and after much speculation and even some photos of the 60D in the wild, we finally have an official announcement from Canon about the forthcoming camera.

The 60D is indeed to the 50D and sports 18-megapixels as well as a single DIGIC 4 processor that supports 2080p H.264 video with in-camera movie editing feature, manual audio level controls and an articulating 3-inch LCD which will come in handy for video shooting.

The ISO range is 100-6400 and is said to be expandable to 12,800. Naturally there is support for RAW images, but you also get the processing of such images from within the camera.

You can expect this to hit local an online retailers by the end of September for $1,099 for body only or for an additional $300, you can get a bundled 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. Check out the pics below as well as the press release and a couple videos detailing the camera’s features.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[View with PicLens]

Canon’s New EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera Unleashes The Creative Potential Of Digital Photography And EOS Full HD Video With New In-Camera Imaging Features
New EOS 60D Offers a Vari-Angle LCD Screen, EOS Full HD Video Recording, In-Camera RAW Processing and Creative Filters and 18-Megapixel Resolution Among Class-Leading Specs

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2010 – High-quality digital capture and skillful post-processing go hand-in-hand for superior end results, and more control over in-camera image processing means less time editing and more time shooting. At the same time, the overwhelming popularity of Full HD video recording with other current EOS Digital SLRs has led to customer requests for more advanced features such as manual audio level control and flexible LCD screens. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, delivers all of these features and more with the new EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera. For the first time on an EOS camera, the EOS 60D DSLR boasts a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, EOS Full HD video recording with manual overrides including audio level control, and in-camera functionality for RAW image processing plus Creative Filters to manipulate images after taking them. Designed primarily for advanced amateurs, the EOS 60D replaces the EOS 50D and boasts a broad array of new features that make it easier for photographers to add personal creativity to their images. Whether it’s capturing an overhead shot on the Vari-Angle screen at a graduation ceremony, or converting a color image to black and white for a nostalgic look, Canon is delivering in-camera features and functions that empower advanced photographers to capture, display and print the images they want.

“The EOS 60D has been designed to offer the image-capture and the Full HD video features customers are looking for as they continue to expand their photographic skills. The exciting new features of the EOS 60D make using a DSLR camera more attractive and easier than ever before. We want everyone to experience the great image quality a Canon DSLR can offer with features and functions that they will appreciate and use,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Exciting EOS “Firsts”

For the first time in the history of the Canon EOS System, the new 60D camera features a large Vari-Angle 3-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle. The new LCD screen is ideal for composing low-angle or overhead shots whether capturing still images or Full HD video clips.

Another first for the EOS system is the EOS 60D camera’s new Multi-Control Dial, which places a Multi-Controller and Set button inside the Quick Control Dial. This new control layout streamlines camera navigation for vertical as well as horizontal shooting and enables a cleaner camera design. Responding to customer requests, the EOS 60D also features a locking mode dial, which makes camera operation more secure by preventing inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode.

While the photography mantra of “get it right in the camera” still stands true, Canon’s new EOS 60D gives advanced photographers an edge with new in-camera features that enable users to enhance their images without a computer even after they have been shot. For the first time ever in an EOS camera, the EOS 60D features in-camera processing of RAW image files, new reduced resolution image copies, and post-processing creative image filters for exceptional flexibility in digital image rendering.

* In-camera RAW image processing features include Picture Style, White Balance (WB), Color Space, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Peripheral Illumination Correction, linear distortion correction and chromatic aberration correction. These powerful in-camera editing tools will allow photographers in the field to produce optimized images on the spot and generate JPEG files at various resolution and compression settings for immediate sharing, without affecting the original RAW data.
* Another great new feature for photographers-on-the-go is Canon’s new image resizing function. After capturing full resolution or smaller JPEG images, the camera can generate lower-resolution copies using menu commands. New lower-resolution settings include 1920 x 1280 for optimal display on HD televisions, or 720 x 480, ideal for immediate uploading to social networking and other photo sharing web sites. The original high resolution files remain unaffected by the image resizing function.
* Available for the first time in an EOS camera are Canon’s new creative image filters. Familiar to Canon PowerShot users, these fun photo effects help make a great image more dynamic, even after it has been shot. Canon provides four artistic filters that allow photographers to capture an image and then create and manipulate a digital copy of it.
o The Soft Focus effect filter helps dramatize an image and smooth over shiny reflections.
o The Grainy Black and White filter can give a different nostalgic perspective to any shot.
o Canon’s “Toy Camera” filter deliberately adds vignetting and color shift for a creative option when shooting a colorful scene.
o Users can also make a scene appear like a small-scale model, simulating the look from a tilt-shift lens, with Canon’s Miniature Effect filter, great when shooting any scene from a high vantage point.

Each of these filters can be applied to a captured still image in-camera to create a second “filtered” JPEG version, leaving the original RAW or JPEG file unaffected.

Another addition to the camera’s Live View function is Canon’s new Aspect Ratio feature whereby the Live View screen can display cropping lines for 1:1, 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios in addition to the standard 3:2 ratio. These cropping lines make it easier to compose images in Live View, and they can help to expedite printing when using Canon’s supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Custom aspect ratios are also applied to JPEG images whether captured directly in-camera or created with the EOS 60D’s in-camera RAW image processing function.
EOS HD Video: Continuing the Video Paradigm Shift

In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 60D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing. The EOS 60D builds upon the great video capabilities Canon has introduced in recent DSLR cameras and packs them into a camera photo enthusiasts will love. Full HD video capture, along with selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards, will help the EOS 60D to be the camera of choice among film students and photography students alike.

The new EOS 60D camera’s movie mode also includes manual controls for exposure as well as manual audio levels in 64 steps, much like the latest firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II HD-SLR. Users can set audio levels on the rear menu screen before shooting begins; once recording is initialized, audio adjustments are not possible. In addition, Canon has added an electronic Wind Filter to the audio controls within the movie shooting menu.

Canon has also included an in-camera movie editing feature, allowing users to shorten a video file by clipping segments from the beginning or the end, removing unwanted portions without outside software. This feature can dramatically accelerate workflow by reducing the time needed to upload video clips to a computer for further editing and assembly. The EOS 60D also includes Canon’s Movie Crop mode, which allows users to achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s Movie Crop mode crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve image quality and still provide additional telephoto power.

Providing access to the right lens for any given shooting scenario, the EOS 60D DSLR camera is compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses. The EOS 60D DSLR’s video functions are supported by two key proprietary Canon technologies, a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and a large APS-C–sized CMOS sensor capturing fine detail and color with an amazing cinematic depth of field. The Canon EOS 60D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 60D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 60D features a dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording.
Valuable Additional Features

Along with the adjustable LCD screen, the new EOS 60D DSLR features a class-leading 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and Canon’s exclusive iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) giving it the power of a professional-level camera. Capable of capturing fast action, the 60D DSLR can shoot full resolution still images up to 5.3-frames per second (fps). The EOS 60D records its images and video clips to the photographer’s choice of SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards.

The 9-point AF system on the new EOS 60D features f/5.6-sensitive cross-type focusing on all nine focusing points. Like the EOS 7D, the center AF point is a hybrid of standard cross-type and special diagonally-shaped “X” cross, with high-precision sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. Complementing the AF system, Canon’s iFCL metering system, identical to that on the EOS 7D and Rebel T2i, takes color information into account and includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Photographers will enjoy shooting in low light thanks to the EOS 60D DSLR’s wide ISO range from 100-6400 (adjustable in 1/3-step increments from ISO 100-6400 and expandable to 12,800) allowing it to capture beautiful images without flash during family milestone events such as wedding ceremonies, while still being equipped with a built-in pop-up flash for shooting the cake cutting ceremony and reception. The EOS 60D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of up to two groups of off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter, providing an economical solution for multi-flash shoots.

Making accurate composition more convenient, the EOS 60D’s optical viewfinder provides 96 percent coverage along with Canon’s built-in single axis Electronic Level Display, which utilizes the exposure level scale below the picture area to let the photographer know when the camera is level. The Electronic Level Display is also visible on the camera’s LCD screen in both Live View and Movie modes. An artificial horizon display illustrates horizontal roll, allowing the photographer to know when the camera is in a fixed level position. The entire camera has been durability-tested to 100,000 exposures making the EOS 60D a reliable as well as a powerful imaging tool.
Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers toward the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,099.00i. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,399.00ii. The Canon BG-E9 battery grip is scheduled to be available toward the end of September and sell at an estimated retail price of $270.00iii.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

i Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

ii Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

iii Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

OFFICIAL: Motorola Droid 2 announced

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:04:08 +0000

It’s not like it’s been a secret that an update to Verizon’s flagship smartphone was in the works. However, the company along with Motorola decided to keep mull about the whole idea of an update to the Droid. That is until today when Verizon has made it official as to the specs, price and release date of the Droid 2.

Said device will be shipping with Android 2.2 (Froyo), mobile hotspot, though the latter will require a $20 monthly plan. Flash Player 10.1 anda n updated keyboard are included as well. One of the more awesome features is it ships with Swype pre-installed. Spec wise, we’re dealing with a 3.7-inch multitouch display along with a 5 megapixel camera on back, DLNA streaming, 16GB of total memory (8 internal and 8 on a microSD card).

As for price and release date, that is pegged at a cool $199.99 on a two-year contract and pre orders start today with in-store availability waiting for Thursday. In other news, the R2-D2 edition of the Droid 2 is legit and will be available with exclusive Star Wars content. In case you’re wondering, if your contract ends by December 21, 2010, you are allowed to upgrade now to the Droid 2 or any other smartphone without receiving that nasty penalty. So you know what to do.