TechGuySmartBuy

Pick Up The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch For Sprint For Under $100

2012-01-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

Ah, the Samsung Galaxy S II. This is probably still one of the finest, high-end Android devices in our opinion. Sprint's long-winded moniker of it is now on sale at (where else?) Amazon. The Epic 4G Touch in the lovely White color is received a gracious price cut. You can order yours from Amazon for only $99.99 on contract for new customers and $149.99 for existing subscribers with an upgrade. If you not interested in that color, you can get the Black color for $79.99 on contract for newbies and $149.99 for those already on Sprint. FYI, Sprint is charging $199.99 for this one on contract.

Black, White via UnwiredView

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus For Verizon Is Now $99.99 At Amazon

2012-01-27T10:26:00.000-05:00

Amazon stays with great deals on devices for new carrier subscribers. Next on their list of discounted smartphones is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The newest Nexus is now available at Amazon for only $99.99 on contract for new Verizon customers. Current subscribers that are eligible for an upgrade save much as it is available for $259.99 on contract. Not much in your favor for you guys obviously. VZW is still selling the Nexus for $299.99 on a two-year contract so this quite the deal. You might want to take advantage of this quickly as this deal lasts as long as they are in stock.

Order Yours Here

Maxx is Back, The Droid Razr Maxx For Verizon Is Here

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Big Red released the all new Droid Razr Maxx. This is easily the longest lasting smartphone on the 4G LTE network, if it does truly give you the 21 hours of talk time on one charge. We all remember when the Droid Razr came to the party, but now big brother Droid Razr Maxx is here to take all the glam. If you were thinking about the thin Droid Razr it would be smart to buy the Droid Razr Maxx.

It is truly amazing how the out pour of comments in regards to the battery on the aforementioned device has definetly been heard. Motorola Mobility was listening on both fronts with color designs and the need for a longer battery. We, the people, were recently made aware of the 2 additional colors to the Droid Razr (white and purple) and now a longer battery life in the new Droid Razr Maxx. The Maxx will be available for an additional $100 on contract at $299.99 and $649.99 retail and currently only available in the 16 GB version. The original Droid Razr is $199.99 for the 16 GB version and $279.99 for the 32 GB on contract. Stop in to your neighborhood Verizon Store to see if you want to take your Droid Razr to the Maxx.

Netflix To No Longer Offer Add Video Game Rentals To Its Services

2012-01-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time when Netflix thought it would be a good idea to split their company and announced that they would soon offer video game rentals. The company's CEO informed investors that they are no longer going with that. I think it would have definitely worth the attempt to at least do a test run of the service since they had the great idea to launch Qwikster. Maybe they will come to their senses and try it again since they have kind of flip-flopped on several of their plans as of late.

Read via TheVerge

iPhone 5 Details With A Summer Release On The Horizon

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

The good folks at 9to5Mac were tipped off a reliable source about some details on the iPhone 5. The info comes straight from the the source, the Foxconn factory in China where the past iPhones were made. There are sample versions of the device already floating around that are all different in some way shape or form. The site also heard rumblings of Apple returning the iPhone launch back to the summer during WWDC, which the company strayed away from last year with the 4S. The tidbits of info on the i5 are:

4+ inch display (made by LG on at least one of them).
No teardrop-shaped devices, as rumored in the lead up to the iPhone 4S. Samples so far have been symmetrical in thickness (also longer/wider).
Neither of the sample devices have the iPhone 4/4S form factor.
Neither of the devices are the final versions.

Also of yet, there is no word in regards to the i5 being equipped with any LTE compatibility now that every carrier except for T-Mobile will have an LTE network by then. Hopefully we all don't get duped this year like we did last year.

via 9to5Mac

Review: The HTC EVO Design 4G For Sprint

2012-01-25T13:43:00.000-05:00

With the popular success with the EVO 4G and the EVO 3D, Sprint has built quite an Android brand with the series. The latest edition to the brand is the EVO Design 4G which combines features from the EVO 4G and 3G into one device. Some of you may think this was a pointless effort by HTC, as Sprint already has the original EVO 4G, the EVO Shift 4G, and the EVO 3D. We have recently got a hold of a review unit to put it through our standards. Read past the break to check out our analysis.

Appearance/Display

At first glance, the EVO Design made by HTC is reminiscent of the Droid Incredible 2 in appearance. The EVO Design is an extremely well-built Android device from a manufacturers standpoint. Using a combination of brushed aluminum & matte finish materials for a lightweight, solid device that will be the perfect size & weight for most consumers. Keeping up ahead of the curve, HTC offers a new way to access the battery by opening the bottom rear & sliding it out along with the microSD card as well. HTC keep innovating devices with little subtleties like that.

The 4inch qHD Super LCD display w/ 960 x 540 resolution which makes everything looks superb on the screen's device. Offering great viewing angles for a sharp & crisp visuals especially at 240 ppi (pixels per inch). The qHD resolution looks as good as the more recent Android releases as the small screen makes the small details look vibrant. I think qHD display loses its effect on a bigger screen but on a 4 or 4.3inch size is just the right size to be great on the eyes. An unexpected great treat for owners.

Battery/Performance

The EVO Design is armed with a 1520 mAh battery which will get through most of the day. I was able to get longer battery life when using Spotify (8 hours) rather than Google Music (less than 5 hours). When using phone with normal email, Tweeting, phone calls, Facebook, & texting; I get around close to 10 hours of usage. Definitely adequate to keep up with most consumers needs.

The Design has a 1.5GHz single-core processor w/ 768MB of RAM & 4GB of storage inside of it. Definitely reads like a mid-level Android device released around a year ago but it sure doesn't perform like it. The specs combined w/ Android 2.3 & HTC's Sense UI works as smooth as silk for a remarkable Android experience. I got damn near no lag what so ever using it throughout the span of two-weeks. Thumbs up to HTC & Sprint for getting the performance right.

Cameras

The Design 4G is equipped it with a 1.3MP front-facing & 5MP rear-facing cameras. The front shooter works as well as any others with grainy results. The rear-shooter is good quality 5MP lens combined with Sense's camera options makes a great mobile shooter on-the-go. Don't get me wrong this lens doesn't best the iPhone 4's 5MP camera but it gets the job done. The latest EVO is also capable of shooting video in 720p HD which produces decent results for capturing moments on-the-go.

"Near-Android perfection in our books."

TG 2 Cents

Based on the specs the EVO Design 4G is armed with, some may think that it is lacking compared to today's standards. Surprisingly enough the Design 4G is a stable performing mid-level Android device that is well crafted-even by early 2012 standards. This joins the Droid Incredible 2 as an all-around ideal Android phone in our eyes. Near-Android perfection in our books. With Sprint moving its 4G network from WiMAX to LTE, this maybe one of the last great all-around WiMAX devices. I definitely had no complaints with this device whatsoever.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

You may think we wouldn't suggest for Sprint subscribers to buy this but it is actually the opposite. Making the list to receive the Android 4.0 update, this mid-level device is still a great buy for those who maybe interested. It is currently on sale for $99 on contract at Sprint and only $39.99 on contract at Amazon.

Hotmail App Comes To The Kindle Fire

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

That's right! All of the many of new Kindle Fire owners can now access your Hotmail by the way of the new Microsoft app. The Hotmail app is free within the Amazon App Store and gives you Exchange Sync support to access your contacts and folders along with your email. Microsoft seeks to provide a better email experience over the Fire's native email app with this one. Hit the link below to download it ASAP.

Hotmail App Link

Verizon Wireless Users Can Watch The Super Bowl On Their Device Using NFL Mobile

2012-01-24T09:09:00.000-05:00

On February 5th, you will have the option to watch this year's Super Bowl on TV or on your smartphone if you are a Verizon subscriber. All VZW subscribers need is the Verizon NFL Mobile app to watch it and you are good to go to enjoy this free offering. This is the first time anything like this has been done as I am not surprised VZW is getting even more innovative with their services.

Also, the carrier has beefed up their 3G & 4G network coverage within and surrounding the Indianapolis Stadium as well as providing all Super Bowl attendees free Wi-Fi. And last but not least, VZW is sponsoring a contest to give football fans tickets to this year's big game. Interested consumers can enter to win here. Now who wouldn't be interested in any of this good news?

Changing Of The Guards At RIM

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Well RIM truly believes in, "Out with the old and in with the new", for the NewYear at least with CEOs. While we are all awaiting for the newest devices from RIM, we get a new commander in chief. The previous head of RIM, Mike Lazaridis, has stepped down as agreed on by the Board as well as himself to let new leadership step in. "There comes a time in the growth of every successful company when the founders recognize the need to pass the baton to new leadership," says Mike on the transition to unanimously decided Thorsten Heins as the new President and CEO.

Mike Lazaridis

Thornstein Heins

Thornstein Heins will be the new face when you think of Blackberry. Moving into the hot seat and now to receive criticism if the brand does not make good on its swift move to the future. Heins looks forward to continuing to work with the former CEO, Mike Lazaridis, and acknowledges their "growing pains" as well as RIM's "challenges" but feel the company will "grow stronger as a result." Lazaridis is not completely out of the company as announced he is the new Vice Chair and therefore will work closely with Heins to provide strategic counsel and to allow an easy and smooth transition. This change up is upon the heels of the release of Blackberry 7 and the very soon to be released Playbook 2.0 to be seen as early as February. The company felt that the new leadership will help take the company through their new phase as well as readying them as they prepare for their Blackberry 10 software which is expected later this year. There is still no talk of release dates for newer devices to date but Lazaridis is confident in the success of the company. The confidence is so that he intends on investing an additioinal $50 million of the company shares into the open market. Let's hope this jump starts RIM's 2012 stay in the market.

For the official press release please follow this link.

The LTE-Powered LG Spectrum For Verizon Is Now Available

2012-01-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

LG's second Android device running on Verizon's LTE network is now available for purchase. The LG Spectrum was announced during CES and its official launch is upon us. Priced at $199.99, the LTE device offers users a 4.5inch IPS HD display w/ 1280 x 720 resolution, equipped with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, running Android 2.3, 1.3MP shooter in front & 8MP shooter on the rear w/ auto-focus & LED flash, capable of 1080p HD video, and 16GB microSD card included. Head down to your local VZW retailer to demo it or if you want it so bad, hit the link below to order yours.

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Google Under Fire For Attempted World Takeover

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Google and the brand itself is everywhere; mobile phones, tablets, operating systems, search engines, social networks. Now Google wants to continue their monopoly and attempt to takeover the world wide web by incorporating all of these functions that have done well for them and wrap them tight and leave out the other brands. Brands being Facebook, Twitter and Bing to name a few. Google has decided to launch a feature called Search Plus Your World that pretty much allows you to Google Plus your lifestyle on the web. Almost the same way Facebook has allowed their users but more and all under the Google branding and plus 1.

Search Plus Your World was just introduced last week and Google has been catching hell from antitrust experts for attempting to make their name more of a permanent stamp in the social networking arena. With huge networking giants like Twitter and Facebook how do you think Google will accomplish this, by shutting the latter two out. This is exactly what their plan is. Being that Google is it's own search engine and they have other outlets they feel they have the right to incorporate everything Google in one place. You would think that the internet was a great space to create whatever you would like, Wrong! With Google making a move like this it may cripple the hold that Facebook has on social networks and their are plenty of folks against this monopoly. With Search Plus Your World you can do everything you would on Facebook and also search through you and your friends post or check ins to find the favorite hot spot or party with out needing to open another window. I think the convenience that Google is aiming to bring forth will be good at the same time I do understand how it isn't fair for the competition. I do also remember not to long ago Facebook didn't allow Google to search their site but then turned around and partnered up with Bing. Still unfair? I guess noone ever wants the underdog to get ahead.

Google is truly changing the game by requiring companies to sign up with Google+ and then allowing them to be placed highest in its search results. I am sure it seems as if there is ulterior motives although it is yet to be seen but this maybe very beneficial to everyone, of course not Twitter and Facebook though. Well just think Facebook doesn't have a hangout and video chat capabalities, so didn't they already lose the tech wars? Let's look at what Search Plus Your World would do for you. It will tailor each user's search results to posts and profiles of friends and find the best results for your inquiry. It will still access the web but try to closely relate your search to the Google+ network. This technically creates a personalized world wide web for you that surrounds your personal interactions and with the people in which you have interacted. You will be able to find people that share similar interest as you and then you could join their circle. Essentially you can create your own social community online with the web. Let's just see if the internet turns into Google World .com.

Apple Focuses On Education By Announcing iBooks 2 For The iPad And iTunes U For Educators

2012-01-19T12:25:00.001-05:00

As previous rumors suggested, Apple's education press event took place this morning in NYC and they unveiled new software for educators /students. The Cupertino-based company unveiled iBooks 2 for the iPad, iBooks Author, and iTunes U apps for schools and administrators. Of course an iPad or iOS device is required to take advantage of the new apps/services.
Starting with iBooks 2, introduces new full, interactive textbooks priced at $14.99 or less from textbooks companies like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, & Pearson. Eliminating the need for multiple books within a backpack and replacing it with an iPad. The app is available starting today within the App Store for free.

Next up is iBooks Author app for your Mac that allows anyone to create their own book filled with great content, 3D diagrams, videos, pictures, etc. The Author app is made easy to use with textbook templates & layouts that you can drop/drag content with no problem. The Author app is available for free in the Mac App Store also, starting today.

And lastly introduced today was the iTunes U app for the iOS family (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) that gives users the ability to take courses on your mobile. The app allows teachers the ability to manage courses, lectures, assignments, books, quizzes, & syllabuses. The app also offers free educational content from universities like Cambridge, Duke, Harvard, Oxford, & Sanford as well as grades K-12. Starting today it along with everything else announced today is available for free.

Jobs' legacy still continues to thrive with revolutionary ways to help the world through technology like what was unveiled today. My only concern is the schools systems without the budget for iPads, that will continue to fall behind the curve of education.

AT&T Announces New Data Plans, Starting On January 22nd

2012-01-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

Late yesterday afternoon, AT&T announced a new variety of data plans for smartphones and tablets to take effect this Sunday, January 22nd. The new plans were created to help new subscribers to have access to more data without too much more $$$. Current AT&T subscribers won't be forced to change their data plan but will have the option to change if desired to do so. The new smartphone plans are:

AT&T Data Plus 300MB: $20 for 300MB
AT&T Data Pro 3GB: $30 for 3GB
AT&T Data Pro 5GB: $50 for 5GB, with mobile hotspot / tethering

The new tablet plans are:

AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $30 for 3GB
AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

The overage fees is $10 per GB over your selected plan.

Not a bad change especially if someone wants to up their monthly data by 1GB. Just a few short days until you can take advantage of it.

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The Wi-Fi Motorola XOOM Is Now Receiving Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) Update

2012-01-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

With the Motorola XOOM being the closest thing to a Nexus tablet (being a Google developer tablet), it is among one of the first Android devices to officially get the Android 4.0 update. The official update has begun rolling out to all of the Wi-Fi XOOMs to give you some Ice Cream Sandwich flavor in your lives. If you have yet to receive it simply go to Settings > About Tablet > System Updates to get started. Let us know how you a like the update in the comments.

via DroidLife

Temple Run Game Coming To Android Sometime Next Month

2012-01-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

After becoming a huge success on the iOS App Store, makers of the Temple Run game are looking to spread their wings into bringing it to the Android platform. For those of you unfamiliar to the game; the object is to outrun a pack of skull-faced monkeys chasing you throughout the temple ruins by jumping, sliding, & turning left & right to keep ahead. You also try to pick coins in the process to earn you more power-ups. Temple Run is yet another popular iOS app making its way to the Android Market. Last month we reported Instagram is also expected to make its way to Android as well. The more the merrier I say. Share the app love, developers.

Read via TechCrunch, TheVerge

Pick Up A 12-Month Xbox Live Gold Card For Only $39.99

2012-01-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

Is your Xbox Live subscription coming to an end soon? Have no fear, Amazon is here to make your day. The online retailer is currently running a promo that shaves $20 off of the original price for a 12-month subscription. This way you can keep the party, online gaming, etc. going without missing a beat. And don't worry, we pointed you to the online game code to access your new membership ASAP instead of waiting for a card to come in the mail. Your welcome. Hit the link below to get started.

Buy yours here

Is The Samsung Galaxy Note Coming To Sprint & Verizon As The Galaxy Journal?

2012-01-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Samsung Galaxy Note is a long-awaited device for some to make its way to carriers here in the US. AT&T was the first carrier to call dibs on it last week at the start of CES but Samsung isn't one carrier exclusivity company (except for the Nexus of course). According to the folks at the Examiner, they spoke with industry analysts who confirmed the 5.3inch phone/tablet to arrive for both Sprint and Verizon during the first half of the year under the name of the Galaxy Journal. This sounds like great news for interested subscribers on those networks but as Droid-Life pointed out:

"Samsung does not have a CDMA/LTE model available anywhere in the world yet."

Something to keep in mind taking this rumor in just in case.

Read via DroidLife

2012: All Eyes On Apple

2012-01-16T16:31:00.000-05:00

2012. A year most of us expected to have Jetson-like technology but we are obviously far from it. Now that CES has come and gone consumers wait for Ice Cream Sandwich to arrive on select Android devices and to see what Apple has in store. But unlike previous years, there are certain aspects of this year in Apple makes things slightly different. Aspects like the company may have peaked as they have a new CEO at the helm with the passing of the co-founder Steve Jobs. Expectations of the new redesigned iPhone 5 we were expecting last year. The rumor mill running rampant with several new iPads on the way. Being a new iPhone owner, I am personally excited for all of the new products & services from Apple. Allow me to further elaborate.
We as consumers have a lot to thank Apple for in regards to providing the best App & music ecosystem, (until recently) the best resolution on a smartphone, and the best selling tablet in the market. The company has recently been penetrating more into the enterprise market with Mac computers, iPads, & iPhones as well. We already reported how this year Apple may redesign several products this year which will all be welcome addition for consumers.

At this point in the game, expectations for any Apple products will be pretty high. So when they unveiled the iPhone 4S instead of the iPhone 5, people were disappointed but that didn't last too long as the sold out of pre-orders and were the highest selling device for all three carriers offering it over the holidays. But for 2012 with the help of the newer LTE chipsets coming to have less drain on your battery, we should see the iPhone 5 we were anticipating for 2011. A 4inch display w/ higher resolution, a quad-core processor, a Qualcomm processor that supports all network frequencies w/ 3G, HSPA+, & LTE radios, an even slimmer design build, NFC, a capacitive touch Home button, and a higher resolution camera to combat the other platforms with more updated specs. If the i5 offers any of these rumored specs, I think iOS users will be thoroughly pleased along with an updated OS.

Next up on Apple's consumer wishlist: the iPad 3. The next in line of iOS devices is the best-selling tablet in the market is the newest iPad. Due out sometime in March as mass production has already begun with the factories running 24 hours straight in China. Rumors put the new iTablet slated to have a quad-core processor, a higher resolution (2048 x 1536 maybe) HD display, higher resolution cameras, and LTE support for AT&T and Verizon (soon-to-be Sprint). Most of the new changes so far sound internal, little is known about the actual physical hardware changes that may come about if any at all. Consumers who are finally looking to pick up their first tablet are valiantly waiting to see what the third iPad will offer.

And lastly on the Apple anticipation list is the rumored iTV. Several reports suggest that Apple is definitely working on an iOS-power HDTV slated to launch sometime this year theoretically replacing the current Apple TV streaming box. The new iTV is rumored to offer seamless integration w/other iOS devices, access to iTunes, iCloud, & App Store ecosystems, a camera for FaceTime, and Siri built within for a different kind of Smart TV. This concept maybe more of a gamble than previous products as you can imagine, the price point for an iTV may start around $1,999. Obviously more specs/features may have to be added for this to become a big seller unless it is sold at a more reasonable selling point.

Rumors also suggest the MacBook Air and iMac will get redesigned and beefed up as well. I think mass consumer focus will be around the i5, iPad 3, & the iTV. Siri will be a feature equipped on all three of these devices as we hope Apple takes it out of beta and adds more features to the virtual assistant. Hopes of new look for iOS 6 are out there but since they added several new features to iOS 5, that may not happen this time around.

The recently-appointed CEO Tim Cook is obviously no Steve Jobs in regards to presence (proven at the press event for the i4S). Although he has worked with Steve Jobs as the company's COO for the last four years and previously handed the company's daily day-to-day operations while Jobs was on medical leave. If that bit of news still doesn't put you at ease for the company's future, I am quite sure Jobs left Cook and the other heads a blueprint of sorts along with whatever Jobs already had in the works before his resignation & death. So you guys can relax...for now.

Expectations can be a good thing but can mostly be bad things at times as sometimes they can be unreasonably high which will lead to never being satisfied. The company has been on quite a winning streak but don't expect everything the company releases to be golden. No one is perfect. No matter what an Apple fanboy tells you. But whatever you expectations are: high or low, everyone from consumers, bloggers, to analysts all have their eyes on Apple to see what their next big thing will be.

Smart Buy: Pick Up The Nokia Lumia 710 For T-Mobile For Free At Walmart

2012-01-16T12:11:00.000-05:00

Not being available for a full week already, the WP7-powered Nokia Lumia 710 for T-Mobile is already getting a great deal. Walmart, which is already the home of daily deals, is offering the entry-level WP7 device by Nokia for free on contract. Everywhere else has it for $49.99 w/ a two-year contract pricing. Also, if you want the phone contract-free, it will set you back only $379.99, which is not bad when some of the full retail pricing for phones can go as high as $600, $700. Not sure how long this deal will last so interested buyers may want to take advantage of this deal.

Read via Walmart

The Marriage Is Over; Monster And Beats Are Over

2012-01-13T22:13:00.001-05:00

Well after four long years the marriage is over, like most celebrity marriages. No not Ashton and Demi, Monster and Beats Audio. Yes it is true after irreconcilable differences Beats Audio and Monster Cable have decided to call it quits. The two companies that have changed the headphone advertisement game, with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine as the forces and faces behind the Beats brand and Monster and Noel Lee as the main ingredient to the wiring will begin their own competition to be the head gear of choice.

Now Beats Audio have the makes of 50 Cent, Ludacris and their own ex-partner, Monster who have decided to continue manufacturing their own line up of high-end headphones, to battle for the king of the audio hill title. Monster had started manufacturing headphones previous to joining forces with Beats but it was definitely a smarter move for them to join with music producer Dr. Dre and Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine. The previously signed 5 year agreement in 2008 has helped both companies grow bigger than they each could have imagined. Last year alone the partnership garnered over 53 percent of the $1 billion headphone market. That was then and 2012 is now and with other brands and celebrities coming out with their line we should see a fierce battle. Wonder if a reality show will come out of this. Now I guess we have to see who maintains in the audiophile heads. Just remember Dre. said it first, "He keeps their heads ringing."

Lesson 61: How To Really Connect With the Kinect for Xbox

2012-01-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

I figure we all have had more than enough time to get used to the new year and our new gear (Christmas gifts, swag whatever you call it.) We here at TechGuys want to start off the first lesson plan of 2012 with the Xbox 360 kinect video chat app. I am sure you have your holiday Kinect bundle all set up and need to connect with friends and family that you haven't seen since last year or at least since December 26th - 31st of 2011. Well we wanted to show of one off the little known features about the kinect.

First of all make sure you have the Xbox 360 and kinect set up correctly and connected to either your wired or wireless network. Next you need to set up your Xbox Live subscription. If you were lucky you were able to get either a 1 or 3 month subscription free with your bundle if not you will need to buy your subscription either online through your Xbox or by buying a prepaid card in the amount of either 1, 3, 6, or 12 month subscriptions. The typical pricing is about $4.99 a month for one carrier/user but you can get the family pack that is pretty much 4 one year subscriptions at $8.33 a month, for 4 carriers. Microsoft runs different sales so check often it may be cheaper online. I managed to get my one year subscription for $39.99, which is about $3.33 a month.

Now the fun begins. Create a profile, sign in and find a friend with the Xbox 360 and kinect (they must have the kinect to do video chat) to connect with. Go to video kinect and instantly you are connected with your kinect. There are also some cool settings to have fun. If you press either of the trigger buttons (RTor LT) on the controller you will cycle through the settings. Please comment and let us know if we need to do any further explanations or a video to help you set up your system. Otherwise enjoy some of the pics we have posted from our video chat!

Apple's Education Press Event In NYC On January 19th

2012-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Remember that possible press event from Apple in the NYC? Well the invites went out recently to confirm just that. The press event will again focus on education instead of unveiling new hardware. Rumors would suggest that Apple is looking to get into providing e-versions of textbooks for iOS devices for an added ease for more distribution. Next Thursday at 10AM in NYC, Apple looks to change the world of education as they did with consumer technology.

Canon Announces Two New Line Of Their PowerShot Series With 110HS & 520HS

2012-01-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

CES is not only for new smartphones, tablets, and HDTVS; it is also a time for new cameras to shine as well. The company makes sure to offer superior optics with their new point-and-shooters. Canon made sure bring out its Sunday's best with their new PowerShot ELPH 520HS and the 110HS. The 520HS offers users a 10.1MP 28mm lens w/ a 12x optical zoom, the ability to reach ISOs up to 3200, capable of 1080p HD video, can shoot repeatedly at 6.8 frames per second all on a 3inch LCD display. Consumers can expect this shooter in stores sometime in March with a $299.99 price tag and available in Black, Silver, Red & Blue colors.

While the 110HS, which is aimed more towards first-time photographers, offers a 16MP 24mm lens w/ a 5x optical zoom, the ability to reach ISOs up to 3200, capable of 1080p HD video, can shoot repeatedly at 5.8 frames per second also on a 3inch LCD display. Consumers can expect this shooter to arrive sometime in February with a $249.99 price tag and available in Black, Silver, Red, Blue, Green, & Pink colors.

Both models are equipped with the new DIGIC 5 processing system for more accurate colors, faster processing, & better image quality in low-light settings. Also added to both is the new Advanced Smart AUTO feature to help detect the best scene to take your picture in with a selection of 58 scenes to choose from like landscape, people, moving subjects, etc. So, who needs a new point-and-shoot for the new year?

The Nokia Lumia 710 For T-Mobile Is Now Available

2012-01-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

Starting today, T-Mobile subscribers can pick up the first of Nokia's lineup of Windows Phone with the Lumia 710. While the entry-level device may not have the design/build of its older brethren (Lumia 800), the HSPA+ 710 is still armed with the latest WP7 software coupled with Nokia Drive, Microsoft's in-house Bing services, and the entire Office suite to name a few of them. The 710 will only set you back $49.99 on contract after $50 mail-in rebate giving direct competition to the HTC Radar 4G. Interested buyers can hit the link below or drop by your local T-Mo retailer to make it yours.

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Canon Unveils Its Newest Flagship Point-And-Shoot With The PowerShot G1 X

2012-01-11T11:01:00.000-05:00

Canon decided to step up their already renowned PowerShot G-Series by adding a higher tier. Towards the start of CES Canon announced the PowerShot G1 X offering even more than their latest release with the G12; think a point-and-shoot camera on steroids. The G1 X offers consumers a 14.3MP 28-112mm lens offering a wide-angle aperture of f/2.8- f/16, 4x optical zoom, ISOs up to 12,800, a 1.5inch CMO sensor, can record 1080p HD video @24 frames per second, a 3inch LCD display, and the company's new DIGIC 5 processing system for more accurate colors, faster processing, & better image quality in low-light settings.

The G1 X is expected to arrive in February for your consumption with a $799.99 price tag geared towards DSLR users who seek a more compact backup and still shoot quality photos. The price point may deter some of you from getting when you buy an interchangeable lens hybrid camera fro around the same amount of less. I am very curious to see how the shooter performs in real-life.