Another Apple Siri versus Android Speaktoit showdown, this time from the UK

Virtual Assistants are all the rage these days with all the media attention around Apple and Siri. I myself, was not as excited since I have been using Vlingo as a Virtual Assistant, but really do not use it much. Vlingo works fine, I guess I am not the type who like to speak out commands. But, than again I am a bit of an old bloke used to doing things the old way.

Vlingo was my choice because I find to be useful in the only place a use it, while driving in a car. This is because Vlingo has a completely hands free mode. Vlingo works,  but does not have much in terms of "personality." 

After watching the nice people over at HardwareZone in Singapore test Apple's Siri versus Android Speaktoit I gave the app a try. Speaktoit does have a personality. How much personality? My wife commented, "Oh no, geeks are trying to create their own robot girl friends."

Not having an iPhone 4S to compare to Speaktoit, here instead is a YouTube video from someone who does:

Actually, based on my own use, Speaktoit does much more than this short comparison shows, but it does serve the purpose of a head-to-head.

Again, Speaktoit does seem like the better of the two apps. For places and navigation, Siri is still pretty useless outside the USA.

Here is a link to Speaktoit on the Android Market.

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Smart Communications is now offering the Nokia N9 for pre-order

Smart Communications is now offering the Nokia N9 for pre-order. The Nokia N9 is a MeeGo powered smartphone with a 3.9-inch screen. Two versions are available. One with 16GB or internal storage and another with 64GB. Internal storage is not expandable via SD card.

Nokia N9 16GB - Free at Data Plan 2000

Nokia N9 64GB - Free at Data Plan 3000 or Php1,200 at All-in Plan 3500.

Bundled with the phone is a Nokia Wireless Music Receiver MD-310 which connects your phone to your stereo.

The pre-order period runs from November 4 to 21, 20011. Pick-up date is November 21, 2011.

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Apple Siri versus Android Speaktoit Assistant

HardwareZone tests Apple's iPhone 4 and its Siri Virtual Assistant versus a HTC Desire HD and Speaktoit Assistant. The results are kind of surprising.

From the tests, it looks like HTC Desire HD and Speaktoit Assistant was the clear winner, with Asian accents and places at least.

You can read their entire Apple iPhone 4S review at this link.

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Want to see how Windows Phone 7.5 works - Nokia shows you how interactively

Nokia has a though task on its hands. It migrates to a one year old operating system whose very existence is not known to many, and even those who have heard of it really do not know what it is like. So while showing off its latest Windows Phone 7.5 devices, Nokia is also promoting Windows Phone 7.5.

You can try out the interactive Nokia Lumia Demo at this link. You need a Facebook Account to use the demo. It will ask for access to your account details, but it will use them for the demo display only. I do not want to spoil anything. Just click grant, and your in for a threat.

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Apple iPhone 4S Philippine pricing

With Globe Telecom being the exclusive iPhone distributor in the Philippines, those wanting unlocked iPhone's have to turn to the grey market. Factory unlocked iPhone 4S phones are already available in the Philippines. You can find these sellers on TipidCP at this link. 

iPhone 4S 

• 16Gb - Php46,000  
• 32Gb - Php51,000  
• 64Gb - Php56,500  

iPhone 4

If you are looking for the older iPhone 4 is still now priced at Php29,000 for the 16GB model in black and Php29,500 for the same model in white. 

The iPhone 4 is also available from Globe Telecom, but a pre-paid unit will set you back Php37,499. Unlike in other countries, the iPhone 4's from Globe Telecom are not carrier subsidized and Globe actually makes a profit with each unit sold. Apple should really look into this, if they want to see their phones get into the hand of more Philippine users. Basically, compared to the US, Singapore and Hong Kong, getting an iPhone cost much more in the Philippines.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

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Battery-gate? Apple iPhone 4S / iOS5 battery drain issues

We first heard about battery life issues with the Apple iPhone 4S, and iOS5 upgraded iPhone 4's and 3GS's, from PhoneArena almost two weeks ago. Back than, I figured it was really just a result of iOS5 five being more Android like since it now sync's to the cloud, updates location data and has notifications. I figured people may also have just been using Siri too much. A week later Chris Breen of Macworld wrote about his efforts to diagnose the problem. 

But when we see things like The Inquirer writing that the Samsung Galaxy S II has longer batter life than the iPhone 4S, we really start to wonder. The Galaxy S II does after all have a much larger screen than the iPhone 4S and the biggest battery drain on an Android is the power consumed by the display.

Today, TechRadar reported that Apple is contacting iPhone 4S users about battery drain issues. I guess, this confirms that there is a problem with iOS5 or the battery in the iPhone 4S, which is not caused by excessive Siri use.

Having engineers look into it, rather than a quick public denial, only to back-track, later is a much better way for Apple to handle this kind of thing. So what while it does Appear that there is a problem with the iPhone 4S  battery or an issue with iOS5 which affects a fair number of users, I don't think we should label this one battery-gate. The denial factor is missing.

November 3, 2011 update. Laptop Magazine reports Apple has confirmed that a "small number" or users are experiencing battery life issues and will be issuing a fix in a few weeks. Laptop Magazine reminds readers that the dual core Apple iPhone 4S does consume more power than the older iPhone 4,

One area which may have caused confusion confusion was when Tim Cook announced during the iPhone 4S launch that the iPhone 4S had one hour more of 3G talk time without mentioning anything else on the battery life.

The new iPhone 4S, based on Apple's released specifications has 33% less standby time and one hour less web browsing time over WiFi. 

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Samsung overtakes Apple as the biggest smartphone seller in Q3 of 2011

The BBC citing data from Strategy Analytics reports that Samsung how now overtaken Apple as the biggest smartphone maker in the world. For the third quarter of 2011 Samsung accounted for 23.8% of of all smartphones shipped in the quarter. Apple came in second with 14.6% and Nokia came in third with 14.4%.

Market share Q3 2011

Samsung - 23.8%
Apple - 14.6%
Nokia - 14.4%

This time last year Nokia had a 26.5% share with Apple coming in with 14.1% and Samsung with 7.5%. 

Market share Q3 2010 

Nokia - 26.5%
Apple - 14.1%
Samsung - 7.5%

Source: CNET

One thing which should be noted is that Samsung and Nokia offer smartphones at all price points while Apple, and other top manufacturers like HTC and Motorola, only compete only up to the mid-level market.

Some things may change the equation in this quarter.

1. Apple has a lower cost offering. Traditionally Apple only kept two models in the market at one time. Now they will keep three models, which means they will be offering the iPhone 3GS which becomes the cheapest iPhone in history.

2. Nokia has launched their Windows Phone 7.5 device. A 14.4% market share shows that Nokia brand is still strong, and now its name, and Windows Phone 7.5, could help them regain market share. 

3. Android handsets are now getting cheaper than ever. Last year Symbian and Bada smartphones where cheaper than Android alternatives. Now Android smartphones can be found at prices matching even the cheapest smartphones. This would put more pressure on Nokia.

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LG Optimus Black @Php15,990

LG is offering its slim 4-inch Android phone, the LG Optimus Black, on a promotional price of Php15,990 which is a discount of Php2,000 from its current market price. The promotion runs until December 18, 2011.

The promo mechanics are a bit more complicated than I would have liked. To avail of the promotion you have to buy it online through LG's website and payment must be made through a credit card or paypal account. The phone will be delivered to your address. Would be better if they just offered the promotional price on over the counter sales. Anyway, you can get you the LG Optimus Black at the promotional price by following this link.   

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Windows Phone 7 arrives

Nokia has comes out with their first Windows Phone 7.5 handsets, the Lumia 800 and 710. From a hardware standpoint these devices are not revolutionary. The most significant thing these Nokia phones id that they will give the world a good look at Windows Phone 7.5. In a world obsessed by apps, Windows Phone 7 was largely ignored when it came out last year because it had a small app market compounded by the lack some key features. I also think one problem with Windows Phone 7 was it dared to do things in a different way.

Today mobile phone operating systems do look like they evolved from my first Windows based smartphone, which in turn was derived from the interface of a desktop computer. They are too app centric. Want to get something done, launch the appropriate app. 

Now at version 7.5, the missing features are present, the app market is 35,000 strong, and Nokia has committed to giving 25,000 Nokia Lumia 800 handsets to app developers to encourage app development. Windows Phone strength, its amazingly intuitive interface has been improved. Windows Phone does have apps, but its main focus is  integrating functions into hubs.

Hubs in Windows Phone 7.5 allow you to organize information in a single spot. Want to communicate with a friend, go to the People Hub  which allows you to connect contacts by making a phone call, sending a SMS or an instant message, posting on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Don't worry about what app you should use, just decide who you want to communicate with. Android moves in this direction with its latest Android 4.0.

If you decide to send a person a SMS, Windows Phone 7.5 will show you if the person you are about to SMS is online on Facebook or Windows messenger. You can seamlessly switch between texting, Windows Live Messenger or Facebook Chat from within a single message thread. Apple's iOS 5 messenger has similar functionality. 

Similar integration is done with other hubs, to cover work, play, pictures and music. Instead of hoping from app to app, just think about what you want to do, and you will find all relevant information and apps in one place.

With both Android and iOS adding features found in Windows Phone 7.5, it would seem that Android and iOS developers seem to think that integration is the path to take. And when it comes to integration Windows Phone 7.5 still leads the way.

The other notable thing about the Windows Phone is the Metro Interface. It was really designed with the small screen in mind. From the live tiles to the larger fonts, it is a lot easier to use on a small screen. Much less squinting.

With Nokia launching their own Windows Phone devices, the world will finally get a better look at Metro and Hubs, and I think they will like what they see. I think this places Nokia on the road to recovery, boosts the visibility of Windows Phone devices of other manufacturers, and puts Windows Phone back in the mobile OS map.  For the first time since its launch, I feel certain that Windows Phone 7.5 won't be going away.

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Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 710

Nokia launched two Windows power smartphones today, the Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 710.

The Nokia Lumia 800 takes its place as Nokia new flagship, with a curved 3.7-inch 480 x 800 resolution ClearBlack AMOLED LCD, encased in a stylish black, cyan or magenta case. Inside is a 1.4GHz processor, 512MB or RAM, 16GB of internal storage and maybe its best feature, a 8MP camera with f/2.2 Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with a dual led flash and a dedicated camera button. On paper at least, this should be better than the camera on the Apple iPhone 4S and on any Android phone.

A bit perplexing is the absence of a front camera. That is one feature that distinguishes a Windows Phone 7 device from a Windows Phone 7.5 device.

As with other Windows Phone 7.5 Mango devices, it comes with 25GB of free SkyDrive. Over and above this Nokia added Nokia Drive, a free turn-by-turn voice navigation program. This is the first Windows Phone to come with free turn-by-turn voice navigation. Nokia Drive voice navigation works in the Philippines. Google Maps navigation, found in the Android phones and the iPhone, works here to, but without turn-by-turn voice support.

In addition, Nokia added a new service called Nokia Music with Mix Radio and an ESPN Sports Hub. 

It seems a bit like deja vu, a potentially great camera, free turn-by-turn navigation, but this time instead of a Symbian packing N8, we have a Windows power Lumia 800. Retail price is US$585, which should put it at around Php26,000 to Php28,000 locally. A bit more expensive than we were expecting, but I think this will sell really well here. 

The other phone announced is the was the Nokia Lumia 710 which sports a 3.7-inch 480 x 800 resolution ClearBlack LCD,a 1.4GHz processor, 512MB or RAM, 8GB of internal storage and a 5MP camera. We expect this phone to retail locally at about Php16,000 to Php18,000. 

Well, that's all. Right now Nokia's Windows Phone 7 line-up looks a bit thin. 

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Microsoft Android license fees and Apple gestures

As a user of Windows Mobile as far back as 2003 I am not too surprised by the fact that the majority of Android smartphone makers are paying license fees to Microsoft. My first Smartphone had an informational homescreen, easy to identify icons, a file manager and other features I appreciated which became something I looked for in my later phones, whether a Windows, Symbian or Android device. I am not sure what the Microsoft-Android licensing agreements cover,  but I think a long look should be taken before branding it unfair. Microsoft does license. It does not block innovation.

While the Open Source community is all riled up about this, the question is why? Not everything has to be free. 

Apple on the other hand, likes to claim that it invented the innovations which led to todays smartphones. I will let you be the judge of that. Here is a Windows CE based touchscreen phone from 2005.

Here is a review of the Neonode N1m which uses Apple gestures two years before the Apple iPhone.

   

Apple does not license. It does not want to compete in the open market. It want's to keep prices of technology high.   

If Microsoft and HTC inked a deal, what is wrong with that? Apple, there is plenty of wrong with what they are doing. 

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Nokia Windows Phone 7 launch day and a look at this amazing, if somewhat disappointing, month

Today marks our fourth major phone launch this month. The Apple iPhone 4S launch was technologically a disappointment. Four months delayed Apple launched a phone with four month old technology, with performance clocked down 20% from previous product, the iPad 2 launched seven months earlier and and the remainder of technology being from 2010. Together with the iPhone 4S, was iOS5 which incorporated features already found in other operating systems. The phone killer feature, Siri had been largely ignored when it was offered for a variety of iOS devices for over two years, and only became the object of media and user attention now that it was pulled out from the Apple market and made an iPhone 4S exclusive. In other words, the iPhone 4S launch, might impress many, but not those in the know.

Next up was, Motorola who launched their RAZR. It was a less ambitious launch. But in the end, we were left with only one thought in mind. How they they make an LTE phone so thin. Motorola had really only one new thing to show, but 7.1mm thick was amazing enough to be one new thing. If Google had launched Ice Cream Sandwich on this device, it may have been more interesting than the Google-Samsung launch the next day.

In fairness the Google-Samsung Nexus phone launch would be impressive to many, the phone is definitely cutting edge. But to those who already saw the announcement LG Optimus LTE LU6200 of the Samsung Galaxy S II HD the previous month in Korea, the  Google Galaxy Nexus really did not bring anything all that new to the table. The Optimus LTE LU6200 and the Galaxy S II HD already having large 720p screens and 1.5GHz dual core processors. Actually, this phones have features that the Galaxy Nexus do not have like  a MicroSD card slow and USB-on-the-Go. 

As for Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. It really incorporates many features already available in other manufacturer customized ROMs and actually takes Android in the same direction as Windows Phone 7. To those in the know, well we have seen that before. 

Now it is time for Nokia. The operating system, Windows Phone 7.5 was already launched a month ago, so we are not expecting too many surprises in this department. Windows Phone 7.5 has strict design specifications and hardware support limitations so you know what you will be seeing will have the following:

• 480 x 800 screen resolution, which would limit the screen sizes to what is feasible under these resolutions 
• 800MHz to 1.5GHz processor
• 8GB of internal storage of higher
• 5MP or higher camera

Given it is a Nokia, we can expect the crisp and clear AMOLED or clear black displays, excellent OVI (now Nokia) Maps with its offline voice guided turn-by-turn navigation (which is voice guided in many more countries than Google Maps) and a bit of Carl-Zeiss magic in their camera. We would not even be surprised to see a QWERTY slider too. 

No, Nokia really cannot "WOW" us with the hardware or the software.

The software is the best mobile phone operating system in terms of interface. It really works on a small screen, and yes even 4.65-inches is a small screen. It is an integrated operating system, not one that basically makes you jump from app to app. Its lack of market share has been due to many factors, but not because the operating system is not up to snuff.

What Nokia needs to do is not really impress the public with anyone one product but launched a whole now line-up covering a wide cross section of the smartphone market and announce "Nokia is back" and Windows Phone 7 is here to stay. Than get the phones out in the market now, meaning by November, starting with Europe, China, India and South East Asia.

That is all Nokia really has to do. 

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Two new HTC phones in the Philippines

Two new HTC phones have hit the Philippine shores. The first is the Android powered HTC Sensation XE. The Sensation XE is nearly identical to the original Sensation. As near as we can tell the only differences are but for the Beats logo and red back lighting of the for hardware buttons. Yes, the Beat logo also does mean it is bundled with Beats earphones.  

The processor speed has been beefed up to from a dual core 1.2GHz processor to a dual core 1.5GHz unit. The battery has been beefed up to 1730mAh from 1530mAh. CMK Cellphones list the retail price at Php26,600. This is Php2,100 more than the original model. Beats audio, faster processor and a larger battery certainly make it worthwhile buying the Sensation XE instead.

The other phone released by HTC is their new entry level Windows Phone 7.5 "Mango" device. The radar. It looks like it is a replacement for their previous entry level phone, the HTC Thropy which has a improved 5MP camera and adds a front cam. The price is a very reasonable Php18,200 for what it offers, having a 480 x 800 resolution 3.8-inch screen, 1GHz processor and 8GB of internal storage. Windows Phone 7.5 can start to go mainstream with lower cost devices like this.  

I hope the HTC Titan finds its way to the Philippines.

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Groups: Managing the influx of social information intelligently

One strong feature of the HTC Sense UI found on its Android devices is it proprietary people app. To get it working the way it is meant to you link your contacts with their social network profiles. Basically, Grace Kelly in my Phone is the same person as Princess Grace on Facebook and is Gracelyn Kelly on LinkedIn and @Gracie in Twitter. HTC Sense will suggest to you relevant links, and when it does not find a connection, you can link the account manually.

Your contacts can also be segregated into groups. The end result is aggregating all of a persons calls, messages and social networking post in one place, and being able to segregate people into different groups and in this way better be able to filter through the growing amount of information getting thrown our way.

As great as this system is, well, HTC builds a UI over Android, and having it baked into the operating system takes the experience to a whole new level.

Windows Phone 7 built into its operating system a People Hub, which basically does what HTC People app does, and adds more functionality.  Rather than describe it, I suggest you watch these videos:

HTC's implementation is great at collecting and filtering information, but because of limitations to what a user interface could do, replying to post and messages still had to be done in separate apps. Windows Phone 7 implementation allows to pretty much do everything from the People Hub.

Android has gone the same direction with Ice Cream Sandwich, and Contacts has been replaced by People. Basically, it expands functionality of HTC's People app (or some might say copied Windows Phone 7 people Hub depending on ones point of view) to include the ability to share, retweet and reply without having to go into a separate app 

I want to get a first hand look before saying anything more. Notably though, if you are a Google+ user, neither HTC's People app or Windows Phone 7 people Hub integrate Google+ yet.

iOS 5 started heading in this same direction, with integration being limited to Twitter at this point. I suspect we will be seeing People go to iOS with iOS 6.

Well, they are not called smarthpones for nothing.

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Windows Phone 7 - The Nokia reboot coming soon

Apple's iOS 5 integrates features better Twitter integration. Android's Ice Cream Sandwich updates it's Contacts app to People. In reality, both operating systems are playing catch-up. Apple has a long way to go. Ice Cream Sandwich is knocking on Windows Phone 7 door.

Windows Phone 7 has always been activity-centered rather than app-centered. It created a concept of  hubs where you focus on an activity like "people" or "pictures" rather than what app would I need to post a message to Jane Doe on LinkIn or what app should I use to upload a picture to Facebook. In fairness, Android user interface like HTC Sense. 

HTC Sense integrated Twitter, Facebook, LinkIn, Flickr, Plurk and Twitter into your People and Friend Stream apps long before Windows Phone 7 came out. If you were wondering why so many people like HTC's Sense, well it is mainly the way it links you contacts across all the services you actually use to contact that person, and does everything under a common looking interface.  Still it is not as good as baking it into the OS. That is what Windows Phone 7 did. 

About eleven months ago, I saw my first Windows Phone 7 device, and I liked it a lot. Other then the People hub there are a lot of smart innovations on Windows Phone 7. iOS 5 requires you focus on 20 elements on screen at a given time without giving you any relevant information without having to open an app. In fairness iOS 5 has now added two non-customizable widgets and Android like notifications which greatly improves the operating system. 

Android has its informative widgets which can be pleasing to use in well integrated systems like HTC Sense, or can become like a cluttered desktop when you start using widgets from different apps which display things and operate in different ways.

Windows Phone 7 created a Live Tile system, where which basically limits you to having focus at between 4 to 8 elements at a time, and basically integrates the concept of an Icon and a Widget. Still a lot of work to be done, but it does strike a nice balance between simplicity and complexity. 

What Windows Phone 7 lacks is up to date hardware support. Like Apple's iPhone, you won't see any true 4G Windows phones this year. Windows Phone 7 also does not support screen resolutions higher than 480 x 800. Windows Phone 7 also does not support dual core processing, which means no 1080p  video recording and playback. There is nothing that can be done about that. 

In a few days time, we will see the Windows Phone 7 operating system gets it second public launch.  While Windows Phone 7 launched a year ago, many people do not even know it exists. The mistake Microsoft made last year was not getting phones into the hands of consumers.

When the first Windows Phone 7 device came out in the Philippines last year, the HTC 7 Mozart it was priced at the same level as Apple's iPhone. As you can expect, adopting was slow, almost to the point of non-existence. In eleven months I do now know anyone personally who own a Windows Phone 7 device. As against HTC's own Android offerings, it was priced at the same level as  the HTC Desire HD (at least locally) which has a larger screen, supported faster 3G connectivity and Angry Birds. I know it is a small thing, but did you really want to buy a phone in 2010 that could not run Angry Birds?

It is a year later. Nokia is set to launch its first Windows Phone 7 device, and really no one cares about the fact that it is a Microsoft Windows Phone 7 device. When Nokia launches it new phone people will be looking at the new Nokia phone. I have no doubt they will be amazed by the operating system. The hardware will be underwhelming mainly for lack of dual core and higher screen resolution support.

What will make or break this re-launch is price. If the Nokia 800's price bumps heads with the  iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S II, it will be a repeat of last year. No doubt, many will buy it simply because it is the best Nokia Phone in the market. 

But if Nokia, and Microsoft get together, and place it at price point where is challenges phones like the HTC Desire S, Apple iPhone 4 or LG Optimus Black, I think it will sell like hotcakes in Nokia's bailiwick markets.

Basically, Nokia, and Microsoft needs to get the prices of the phones right, even if they have to subsidize handset costs. Nokia and Microsoft needs to get Windows Phone 7 devices into actual peoples hands. It is only in this way that people will finally get to see what is probably the best mobile phone operating system in the world. It really could be their last chance. Google's Ice Cream Sandwich will be on phone in the market in a month and will be common place by the first quarter of next year. And, yes Android has pretty much caught up on Windows strengths, and has features that Windows Phone 7 still cannot touch.   

Well, just a few days to go to find out whether mobile will be a three horse race (yup am counting BlackBerry out) or whether it is time to write the epitaph for Windows Phone 7 and Nokia.

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Dual Sim Droid: Lenovo A60

There is a lot to like about the new Lenovo A60. The Lenovo A60 is a entry Android powered phone running. But is as good as a budget phone can get. First, A60 costs Php7,700. At that price you would not expect too much. But that is not the case with the A60. It could have been priced 50% more and it would still have been considered reasonably priced.

The A60 runs Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread making it a current phone and up to date phone. It is not a 2010 model or early 2011 being flogged on the Philippine market.  You wont be seeing newer Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phones for two or three months yet, and you wont be seeing them at the A60's price point for a very long time.

Second, the A60 has a 3.5-inch screen which is a pretty good size, being the same size as the screen even on the latest Apple iPhone 4S, and it has a decent 320 x 480 screen resolution which is the same as 3.5-inch screen phones more phone that cost twice as much  like the Apple iPhone 3GS or the Samsung Galaxy Ace. Yup, it is capacitative and supports multi-touch 

Third it is a dual SIM phone. Yup, it supports to SIM cards. It is the first phone from a "major" manufacturer that supports dual SIM cards. We have to qualify this with the fact that Lenvo is new in the mobile phone business, bit still it is unlikely they would intentionally allow their name to be placed on a poor quality product.  

The phone only comes with a 3.2MP primary camera and a VGA secondary camera, but at this price range you really do not expect anything better. On the processing side, it comes with a 650MHz MT6573 processor, 256MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM with a MicroSD card slow and a 2GB MicroSD card provided. Nothing great, but again on par with other phones in the price range, except for the amount of RAM. These days we would like to see  a bit more RAM.

Going past that it does have HSDPA connectivity, WiFi, GPS, a gravity sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor and FM radio. Inside is a big 1500 mAh battery. So, we are all waiting for the catch. Well, if anything it is that we have never used a phone with the MT6573 processor, but it does seem to be a current enough platform and it does have a graphics processing unit. The other drawback is Lenovo is new in mobile phones. Maybe there is no catch.

But look at is this way, at Php7,700 the phone matches the specifications of its competitors, and it is like Lenovo threw in the larger screen and dual SIM capability for free. So if we were going to take a chance on a unknown quantity, this would be a very good bet.

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Why the Apple iPhone 4S gives the Nokia Sun a chance

iPhone. A few weeks ago the iPhone 4S arrived, and there was general disappointment as it did not meet a lot of the expectations. Still it was a solid upgrade bringing a dual core 800MHz processor, more powerful graphics processing unit, and a much improved Sony built 8MP camera.  What seems to have caused the most excitement is SIRI, a virtual assistant software that allows you to manipulate your phone using your voice. I am not too sure I am too excited about this part.

One thing people were expecting was a newer sleeker case. In truth the iPhone did need some kind of upgrade to its case, even if they did not change the appearance. The iPhone 4 case was a bit on the fragile side, and the same is true for the nearly identical iPhone 4S case. How fragile, watch the video in this link.

iPhone 3GS owners waiting for whose two year contracts have ended will be satisfied enough upgrading to this unit, or even to an iPhone 4 which is really worlds away from the iPhone 3GS..

For iPhone 4 owners, well it is probably better to wait. There really are no worthwhile apps that wont run on the older iPhone 4, so while the iPhone 4S is faster, it really wont make much of a difference. For now, the only real major advantage of the dual core processor on the iPhone 4S is 1080p video recording.

The iPhone 4S features HSDPA 14.4 which is an outdated standard. This will not maximize either the HSDPA+ 21.1 mbps network Globe Telecom is rolling out or Smart Communications recently unveiled LTE network. Finally, by the time we see the iPhone 4S in the Philippines it will be December, and I do expect to see an iPhone 5 by June 2012. That will be a more substantial upgrade,

Nexus. Earlier this week, the Google Galaxy Nexus arrived, and this one met people expectations. Many were hoping for 300MHz more and 3 megapixels more on the camera, but really no software out today really needs anything even close to the power provided by its 1.2GHz dual core processor. The 5MP camera, is really up to par with most of the 8MP camera's you will find on other phones. It will come in both HSDPA+ 21.1 and LTE versions. And really, with the 4.65 inch 720p HD screen (720 x 1280) Super AMOLED screen, you could pretty much put anything under the hood and people probably would not have noticed. That is one amazing display. The new version of Android which this phone launched, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) also did not  disappoint.


Sun. In a weeks time, it is Nokia turn. Nokia flagship will be the Nokia 800, or the Nokia Sun. It will be built on the same case as the Nokia N9, which is a good thing because every review of it I have read has praised the case and build quality and it looks really nice.

Specifications wise, this phone wont be anywhere near Apple's iPhone 4S or Google Galaxy Nexus. Nokia's first Windows Phone, will run a single core processor clocked at 1.4GHz. Being single core it cannot do 1080p video recording and playback. Like the iPhone 4S there is no HSDPA+ 21,1 mbps or LTE option. The screen is a relatively small, by todays standards 3.7-inch screen, and the resolution is still limited to 480 x 800 in a world of HD, quarter HD and retina displays. It will be a AMOLED display though.

Nokia finally has some luck it seems. A Nokia 800 will appear Jurassic to a hardware junkie. Put it beside a six month old or Samsing Galaxy S II or and HTC Sensation and the N800 looks like it was obsolete even before release. Never mind comparing it to the latest Google Galaxy Nexus phone. Buyers who focus on hardware, and power users who like to customize and have more control over their software, will find much more to like in an Android phone.

Put beside the iPhone 4S or smaller Android, it actually looks pretty good. While the iPhone 4S has a 800MHz dual core processor, the faster 1.4GHz clock speed will convince many that the Nokia Sun is just as fast. The Nokia Sun's 480 x 800 screen resolution is lower than the 640 x 960 screen of the iPhone 4S. But the Nokia Sun does have a larger screen (just 0.2 inches) and it is an AMOLED display. People comparing the two side by side will probably find both to their liking, or find them two small in which case they will go to an Android.

Nokia is known for having excellent cameras on their phones. The Nokia Sun will have a 8MP like the iPhone 4S. But with with Carl Zeiss optics, a better f/2.2 lens aperture and a dual led flash it actually should have a better camera, at least on paper.

For the operating system, it comes with Windows Phone 7. This operating system has been written off by many who probably never really tried it. People will comes out to take a look at the new Nokia offering. They will finally get a real close look at Windows Phone 7, and there is a lot to like about Windows Phone 7.

So, Nokia has some luck. Those in the market for the monster Droid's are not like to get interested. Depending on pricing and carrier subsidies, the Nokia Sun might compete against mid-level Android like the HTC Desire S and LG Optimus Black. Against those phones, the Nokia Sun actually has more impressive specifications.

On the other hand, those contemplating something like an iPhone, would be given some reason for pause. A all new killer Apple iPhone 5 would have been a knockout blow for Nokia Sun and Windows Phone 7. With the less than stellar iPhone 4S, Nokia has a chance especially in the important markets of China and India. I do suspect the Nokia Sun will do very well in the Philippines. Apple SIRI is pretty much useless in those markets.

With live tiles, and a tightly integrated social networking I for one, certainly like it more than an iPhone. A large 4+ inch version of the Nokia Sun would probably convince me to put down my Android.

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Google Galaxy Nexus

Google Galaxy Nexus

Nexus phone. When you look at a Google Nexus phone release, you have to look at in two ways. As a phone in itself, but also as a reference design for thing to come. In January 2010, the Google Nexus One set the standard for Android what would be considered a high-end Android phone. In December 2010, the Google Nexus S became a reference design for a mid-level Android phone. 

Google Nexus One

To many, the Google Nexus S was a disappointing, but today, it seems is purpose is clear. The Google Nexus S serve as a baseline for what kind of phone could maximize Android 2.3, a.k.a Gingerbread's, capabilities, and now after almost a year, it serves as a baseline for what types of phones will can upgraded to Android 4.0. More on that in our Ice Cream Sandwich article. In the same way, the Google Nexus One, was upgraded to the software for the Google Nexus S.

Google Nexus S

In short, a Google Nexus design shows you what type of phone will be supported by the latest upgrade for at least 18 months, the period that Google is committing its designs the latest and the best. 

Google Galaxy Nexus. It does not seem that the keeping the phone specifications secret was all that important to Google. Even before the even started earlier today they handed out press kits with the following specifications listed:

• - HSPA+ or 4G LTE, depending on region
• - 1.2GHz dualcore processor
• - 4.65 inch 720p HD Super AMOLED display
• - Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• - 5mp autofocus camera with LED flash, autofocus, no shutter lag and fast shot2shot
• - 1080p HD playback and recording at 30 FPS
• - Bluetooth 3.0
• - USB 2.0
• - WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• - NFC chip
• - Accelerometer, compass, gyro, light and proximity sensors, barometer
• - 1GB of RAM
• - 16GB or 32GB internal storage
• - 135.5 x 67.94 x 8.94 mm, 135 grams
• - 1,750 mAh li-ion battery

We first saw this on Phandroid, half an our before the phone was officially announced. And, no these were not leaks.

The specifications were are expected except that we get a 1.2 GHz dual core processor instead of the 1.5 GHz processor mentioned in some "leaks". The camera is also a 5MP unit, instead of the rumored 8MP unit. The camera is probably the biggest disappointment. While higher megapixels do not guaranty better performance, from a marketing standpoint megapixels mean a lot. I would have crammed an 8MP camera there if I was in charge designing this unit. It is just easier to explain to consumers, that "more megapixels means better image quality".

Full screen 720p playback. No black line on the top and bottom for HD content.

LG and a Samsung phone announced for the  Korean in September 2011 new phones with 720p screens For the rest of the world, these 720p screens on a phone is new.  Every owner of a large Droid owner will probably envy the 4.65 inch 720 x 1280 Super AMOLED display, and suffer from Galaxy Nexus envy for awhile (when they finally buy their own 720p phone). Because of the display alone, this phone will not be a disappointment.

The Galaxy Nexus also has a barometer, although right now I do not know why. The star of the show really was not the Galaxy Nexus, but Android 4.0, a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich.

  

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Motorola Droid RAZR - The RAZR is back

Given Motorola's ill-fated re-entry in the Philippine in 2010, we do not expect to see the new Motorola Droid RAZR from an authorized distributor. But like the Defy, Atrix and Xoom we do expect to see some to land on the shelves of retail stores.

Why are we so interested in this phone. Mainly because Motorola has the audacity to launch their new device a day before the launch of the Google Nexus Prime. Sascha Segan of PC Magazine reports the Eric Schmidt of Google is at the event peaking our interest even more. 

And here it is...

As expected, more or less, the specifications are -

• Android Operating System
• 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD Gorilla Glass display 
• 1.2GHz dual-core processor, PowerVR SGX540GPU
• 1GB RAM
• 32GB storage: 16GB internal storage + MicroSD card slot with 16GB MicroSD card included
• 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video capture, 2MP front cam
• 4G LTE
• HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0
• 1800 mAh battery.
• Motorola Lapdock compatible
• Sync with the new MOTOACTV (A new Nano type wristwatch/media player/fitness device) 

Interestingly, Motorola made the phone water resistant. It also features a new service called MOTOCAST, which syncs the phone with the PC. Motorola calls it your personal cloud. 

Now here is the shocker... 7.1 mm thin and 120 grams. PC Magazine has an article how Motorola's engineers made the RAZR so thin.

This is the kind of phone we need on Smart Communications new 4G LTE network. THE RAZR IS BACK

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Around the web: Smartphone stuff

PCWorld has an in-dept look at the best camera's in today top of the line smartphones in its article entitled Smartphone Camera Battle: iPhone 4S vs. the Android Elite. A bit of a spoiler, the iPhone 4S camera is one solid update. Engagdet has another iPhone 4S camera test at this link. What we noticed more in the test was doing camera tasks, the iPhone 4S has less battery life than the older iPhone 4 and the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Yugatech writes that Siri, one of iPhone 4S new features has limited support in the Philippines. In fairness Apple said Siri is still in Beta, but its still an interesting read.

More interesting Yugatech reports, Lenovo has entered the smartphone arena with a Php7,990 Android phone. Nothing very impressive but at that price is has a decent 320 x 480 resolution 3.5-inch screen.

Phone Arena has a overview of Windows Phone 7.5 Mango. Might be the best mobile operating system for the typical user... problem is most people don't even know it exits.

Found a review of the HTC Titan on FoneHome. Objectively, I cannot say it is the best choice, but I want one. The coming Google Nexus Prime will have a 4.65-inch screen, with 0.15-0.25 inches being taken up by the "Honeycomb" buttons which will be located on the screen. The Titan has a 4.7-inch screen, with the capacitative buttons under the screen. If you like big screens, this is the biggest that does not look more like a mini-tablet. 

Google Translate for Android continues to develop its experimental feature that allows two people to converse in real-time, with both speaking in their native language. Conversation mode already supported English and Spanish, but this week gained a dozen new languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Russian and Turkish. A interesting video can be found in this link.

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