Features:

• 4 inch screen with accelerometer and proximity sensor
• Multi-touch capability
• 8 GB or 16GB storage with micro SD card slot
• HSDPA and HSUPA data speed
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth and USB
• 5MP primary camera and second camera for video calling
• The latest Android 2.1 operating system
• 1GHz processor
• Built in GPS with support
• All the Google Android applications
• TV out
• Document editors
• Flash support

In short this is a power-packed little device!

Samsung also announced their imminent Galaxy tablet that aims to take the iPad on head-for-head!  I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!!

In March Dell announced their android operated mobile phone, the “Aero”, but it was only this week that the phone was launched to the US market through AT&T.

It will be very interesting to see what HP does in response since they now have the popular Palm operating system, Palm Web OS.  Not only is this a really stable OS for phones but has been touted as a viable option for tablet devices that may even give the Apple iPad a run for its money.

Here’s the gen on the Aero:

The good:

This little phone has a sleek design and is ultra-thin.  It has wi-fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

The not-so- good:

The touch screen offers nHD (nearly High Definition) resolution.  In today’s market where the iPhone 4 offers retina display which is really High Def and even entry-level smart phones are competing for market share, this is an unpopular choice.

Another stupid decision (IMHO) was that they launched with an early version of Android 1.5 that probably won’t even be upgradeable to the latest releases.   It has been reported that some rudimentary android programs (like Google maps) don’t function correctly on this early version and require a minimum of 1.6.

Would I buy one? No way Jose! At $300 cost (approx R 2500.00) Even an entry-level HTC Android or BlackBerry will give me a better value deal!

The pretty design and small form factor is great but feature wise, they could have given us a more power packed phone.

BlackBerry Torch 9800

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m an avid BB fan and last week after meeting with a RIM representative, I was really excited to find out what they had up their sleeve.  But unfortunately this little Torch just doesn’t light my fire.

Features:

• Full QWERTY keyboard is slide out – which saves space.
• Touch screen
• Optical touch pad and proximity detection
• 4GB storage with SD slot for up to 32GB extra (kewl!)
• GPRS, EDGE and 3G
• 5MP camera (bit disappointing since I’ve seen devices with 10Mp).
• NO front camera, which means no video calling
• GPS with support
• All the other BlackBerry applications such as document editors, FANTASTIC email client, etc.

As devices go it is pretty much a mid-level smart phone (in my humble opinion).  I don’t feel particularly eager to retire my 8900 Curve in exchange for this phone.  I’d rather try the BlackBerry Storm 2 or wait for iPhone 4.

Free software for safer surfing

Unlike other banking security solutions, which only offer protection on the banking site, Prevx Safe Online offers real time information relating to the security level of all web sites you visit.

While you go about your regular Internet surfing, Prevx Safe Online constantly monitors the sites you visit to make sure that no nasty viruses or spyware are creeping in to your computer.

It adds an additional level of confidence by placing either a blue or green icon above the address  bar of your internet browser.  The blue shows that the site has no encryption security and green shows that the information on the site is secure. (Similar to what an EV SSL Certificate shows).

The software is offered for free but if you’d like to upgrade to the paid version and use it as your primary anti-virus and protection service, you will be charged just under $30.

Other great FREE anti-virus software:

1. Microsoft Security Essentials – offers excellent software for licensed Microsoft users.

Free security from Microsoft

2. Avira

Free online security

In today’s world where hackers and identity thieves lurk in cyberspace, you HAVE to make sure that your data is protected.

What is a QR code?

A QR code works similar to a bar code but offers more information (up to 4296 characters!).  It is a 2-dimensional image that is printed on most commercially available products and has been used on billboard and brochure advertisements.  The code is read by a “reader” that you install on your phone.  Cell C has developed their own reader and are making it available to all networks in SA.

Here is the description from their web site:

With a little imagination the potential uses of PhotoCodes are endless. Picture these scenarios: 1. You notice an ad for an upcoming gig by a local music star and the PhotoCode printed alongside it allows you to download one of their tracks as a ringtone. 2. You are attending an exclusive new event and a PhotoCode gives you the password to the VIP area, or 3. You are in the Cell C store and by snapping a picture of a PhotoCode you can find out all there is to know about any product on the shelves. These are the kinds of unique experiences Cell C’s PhotoCodes can unlock for you, and already more applications are being devised.

All you have to do is download the PhotoCode reader, and then see it, snap and get more.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1
Get the Cell C PhotoCode reader:

Step 2
Keep a look out for a Cell C PhotoCode in print and participating media

Step 3
When you’ve spotted one, snap a pic of it using your PhotoCode reader

Step 4
Experience the world the Cell C way.

Terms and Conditions

• PhotoCode available to all networks
• Application requires a WAP-enabled phone with a camera
• Sms’s to download application free to Cell C customer. R1 charge to MTN and Vodacom customers
• Data charges apply when using PhotoCodes
• Errors will be billed

Apple does it again with the iPhone 4

What’s new in iPhone 4?

• The screen is unbelievable! Apple used what they call a “retina display” which means that this screen has the best resolution on any phone in the world.
• 

  Crystal clarity

  The front facing camera allows for video calling.  Apple uses a service called “Face Time” which only enables video calling over wi-fi.  This is a bit of a downer because you’d think they would have enabled video calling over the mobile network.  For South Africa, this might not be such a big drawcard.  MTN and Vodacom both offer video calling (at the same price as a regular call) but both phones must be in a 3G area.  With iPhone, both phones would have to be connected to a wi-fi (wireless) network.

  

  Video calling

  One of my biggest irritations with the previous iPhones was that they could not multitask.  This means that I couldn’t have instant messaging running in the background while I was doing something else.  The previous iPhones only allowed for one application at a time.  With iPhone 4, multitasking is enabled!

• The primary camera at the back of the iPhone 4 has 5Meg, flash, touch focus and geo-tagging (this is where location information is added to digital media like photos).
• The video feature on the new iPhone allows for you to shoot video, edit video and share video – all in HIGH definition!
• Music lovers will be happy to know that the new iPhone allows you to use mp3 ringtones.
• The HSDPA data is super fast so internet browsing and email will be an absolute pleasure.
• Memory capacity is still limited to 16 or 32 Gigs

Vodafone 546

It looks very similar to the BlackBerry Curve, with an icon based  desktop and menu structure.

Here are some of its cool features:

• A full QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging.
• 2 MP camera with video.
• FM radio
• Micro SD slot for extra storage capacity
• Data connections: GPRS, EDGE and Bluetooth (does not have wi-fi)
• Can do SMS, MMS and Email
• Media playback of most common types (for example mp3)
• Flight mode
• Conference call facilities

At R400 this is a sure winner.  Vodacom intends to bring out another version with a touchscreen, which will retail for around R600- R800.  That too, is far lower than today’s entry level smartphones from R2500.00.

I think that devices like this, at these excellent price points, could really help to get more South Africans online and connected.