Review: Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch

A couple of weeks ago I managed to get my hands on a Samsung Galaxy S2.  And in short, it has to be one of my favorite devices yet.  I'm using the Sprint model which is dubbed the 'Epic 4G Touch' surname.  I have had my hands all over this phone for the past 2 weeks and it continues to get more and more awesome all the time.







Let's cover some of the phone's specs right quick:
- Dual-Core 1.2GHz processor
- 4.52" Super AMOLED Plus screen
- 8 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front facing camera
- Voice Talk by Vlingo
- Expandable Storage up to 32GB via MicroSD card
- 16GB of onoard storage
- Mobile Hotspot Feature
- 3G/4G compatible where speeds are available
- WiFi built-in

So you can see from the specs that this phone packs some serious punch under the hood.  But how does it perform?  In a nutshell, smooth as can be.  I have experienced very little to no lag from this device.  And lag is one thing I have noticed in both my Acer Iconia a500 Honeycomb Tablet and my wife's HTC Evo 4G.  Usually the lag on those devices occurs between screen transitions from Applications Menu to Home Screen or when loading up a resource heavy game.  But none of that has been evident thus far in my Galaxy S2.

Samsung packs this phone with the TouchWiz UI overtop Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) by default.  This means we get some pretty useful shortcuts and a nice, clean looking User Interface.  Some of the shortcuts are pretty awesome too.  The one I especially like (since I shuffle app shortcuts all over the place) is the tilt to move feature.  Simply tap and hold an app shortcut and tilt your phone to cycle through the available home screens.  It works flawlessly.  If you're not a widget fan, you'll have some work to do since by default there are numerous widgets running onscreen from the first power on.

Namely, you will see the clock and weather widget on the main home screen.  If you scroll to the left one screen you will see a Driving/Handsfree Widget and and a nice looking AP News widget.  If you scroll to the right one screen from the Home Screen you will have the Google Search Widget.  This being the Spring version of the phone it does come with some bloatware from Sprint.  In the form of: Spring TV, Sprint Zone, Nascar, Sprint Radio, etc.

The phone does come with a cool app named Kies Air.  In short it lets you control the phone's contents from a computer's web browser (as long as your computer and phone are on the same WiFi network.  The layout is nice and allows you to see pretty much everything you have on your phone from pictures to the most recent text messages all within your web browser.  That being said, I could play music back but had issues copying files through the network from the PC to the Phone.  Maybe I was doing something wrong.  Still, not a deal breaker for me as I could care less about this feature overall.

The default social networking app is 'SocialHub'.  I had some issues with SocialHub (just being in the form of having to track down settings and options from where I felt they should logically be placed).  Still, not a big deal as I ditched SocialHub for the Plume and Facebook apps for Android anyways.  Another great app that comes loaded on the phone is Polaris Office. And it appears to be the full version of the app as well which includes Windows format compatibility.  So that is a nice inclusion as well.

One of the big topics that is discussed with every Android device is battery life.  And most of the time this is one of the biggest complaints from Android user's.  I can honestly say that my battery life with the Galaxy S2 is pretty good.  In short, carrying it around during the day (from an 8 to 5 workday) my phone doesn't outright die halfway through the day.  Usually when I get home in the evenings around 5:00p or so it is down to about 40% life left.  Which is pretty good in my opinion.  Especially when my wife's HTC Evo 4G tends to get something like 4.5 to 5 hours of life from a full charge.

With that being said, I'm also running it with 4G turned off (we have no 4G in my area yet) and the WiFi and Bluetooth radios turned off as well.  Surfing the web on WiFi around the house causes the battery to discharge much faster.  But still it is fine for casual use or updating a Facebook status.

The camera is outstanding and does a great job.  In low-light areas the pictures still look as long as the flash is turned on.  And the flash is freakin' bright too.  So, if you're into mobile photography with your smartphone you'll not be disappointed.

One last thing to touch on is the hands-free features.  The hands-free/voice recognition features are powered by Vlingo.  Vlingo has been around for a while and can be thought of as an app similar to Apple's Siri in functionality.  And it is pretty good.  Out of the box you can have it read your text messages and send text messages for you.  It can do web searches and pull up GPS info for you as well.  All powered from your voice.  If using a Bluetooth headset it is setup so if you say: "Galaxy Hi" it will wake the phone and allow your voice input to use the phone.  Pretty awesome.

I had only one issue with the phone, and it was more with the software and with Facebook than with the device itself.  If you sign in to Facebook for Android, you're contact list will compile all of your Facebook friends info into your Contacts List.  I didn't like this feature and quickly found an easy way to turn it off in the settings.  Once again, it was an easy fix and not that big of a deal.

I could go on and on all afternoon about how awesome this device is.  I mean, I essentially replaced my iPod Touch with this device because it everything my iTouch did in terms of music and podcasts, not to mention Netflix and Crackle run great on it.  And gaming is jaw dropping on this device.  If you are looking for a great Android phone, without a doubt I would highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy S2.  The great thing about this device is that Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile all have their own version of the Galaxy S2.  So if you're on one of these services you can have a go at the S2 yourself (sorry Verizon customers).

Easily this phone gets a 5 star/5 star score!

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New Android Unlock Feature Trickery!

If you follow Android news, you'll know that one of the big features rolling out with Ice Cream Sandwhich (from here on will be called 'ICS' for short) is the Face Unlock feature being included in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.  So here's the deal, the device will use facial recognition to unlock your device.  That's awesome and it doesn't impede upon one of Apple's patents, right?  Sure is.

Or at least it was until some wiseguy decided to try and beat the feature at it's own game.  And let's just say, he won.  It was posed as a question from Twitter to SoyaCincau as to whether or not the Galaxy Nexus face unlock feature could be unlocked using a printed picture of the owner's face.  In his test, he didn't even need to kill a tree or waste ink on printing a picture.  He used the Galaxy Note device and took his own picture.  And guess what, it worked.  The Samsung Galaxy Nexus unlocked.

It has also been called to question as to whether he setup the device to unlock with the picture or setup the phone to behave the way it did.  His answer is that he setup the phone to unlock using his face, not the picture.  And he is sticking to that story.  Which in my opinion is completely believable.  After all, facial recognition isn't doing anything other than comparing a fresh image of your face with one on file somewhere in a database tucked away inside the operating system on the phone (all geeky references to how the technology actually works aside, this is basically it).

So, the concept that this could be tricked makes a lot of sense to me.  What do you think?

I can see a couple of ways this could be a pain for someone.  Say someone is having a meal with you and snipes a picture of you while you're waiting for your meal using their iPhone 4S (for example).  You get up and go to the restroom and while you're gone they use the image of you on their device and unlock your phone.  For kicks they now set your unlock screen feature to match their face. It seems you'd be locked out of your own phone right?

I like the concept of facial recognition for unlocking the device.  However, I don't see how this is anymore secure than a lock screen pattern or passcode.  Both of which can easily be circumvented should someone be attentive enough to watch you unlock your phone.

If you'd like to watch the video yourself check it out at:
http://youtu.be/BwfYSR7HttA

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No More Gmail Love for Blackberry

It was announced recently that Blackberry users will soon be unable to get their hands on a dedicated Gmail app for their devices.  However, as one might expect from a company like RIM who was basically one of the front runners in the smartphone market, this is kind of a surprise. Instead, the decision came from Google themselves.  RIM built their business in the phone market by granting a web experience on their devices and were one of the first to really get it right.  Only since the iPhone's debut has RIM been struggling to stay ahead of the tech curve. 

No doubt RIM is feeling the pressure being put on from both Apple and Google in the smartphone industry.  We have already seen this with the release of RIM's Blackberry Playbook which has all but been a 'hot item' since it's release.  So what is the plan with Google then?  Looks like the effective date is November 22, 2011.  If you are a Blackberry user who already has the Gmail app installed, you're in the clear.  Unless of course you require some sort of support for it.  Otherwise, you can continue to use it to your hearts content.  The other good news is that if you are indeed a Blackberry user, your device already includes native Gmail support via Blackberry Internet Services.  So you're still in the clear regardless what Google decides to do now or in the future.

If you are a Blackberry user who doesn't have the app but would like to get it.  You have until the 22nd of this month.  Instead of supporting a dedicated app, Google seems to be redirecting their efforts in this area to "building a great Gmail experience in the mobile web browser" per their website.  What do you think?  Does this sound like Google is trying to sway Blackberry/Gmail user's to move towards Android (or at least away from RIM)?  Either way, with about every other mobile device supporting a Gmail app sounds kind of funny with this move doesn't it?

It definitely sounds like it's been a big week as far as "tech shake up's" go.  With Adobe's announcement earlier this week of discontinuing mobile Flash to Google not supporting Gmail app's on the Blackberry platform...Man, what's next?  Is Netflix going to reopen Qwikster? (just a joke, sorry Netflix).

:)

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Adobe Kills Off Flash for Mobile Devices

It's no secret that HTML5 is a growing technology.  Now with a lot of desktop web browsers able to play nicely with HTML5 (and this is growing as well); it seems that it may become one of Adobe Flash's rivals on the web.  It is also no secret that Apple doesn't jive with Flash very well (at all) to put it modestly.

Up until yesterday (Wednesday) it seemed as though Flash had a decent foothold in the mobile sector when you figure it plays very well with Android based devices.  Why is yesterday such a point in the previous sentence?  Because yesterday; Adobe announced that it would no longer be developing Flash for mobile devices.  One thing you will also remember is that Adobe products are pretty decent.  At least as long as they are updated regularly when the newest versions roll out.  If not, then they typically turn into security risks (as with the case for most outdated software).

In a recent blog post by John Nack (product manager at Adobe) he pointed out that basically if Flash is kept from being run than they will have to find a different approach.  Is this a shot at Apple?  Apple doesn't ship their mobile devices or their computers with Flash preloaded.  Not really a big deal, right?  Since most Windows computers don't ship with it preloaded either (or at least an updated copy).  Wrong!  Apple has their reasoning behind this.

Apple's stance in the past is that Flash is more resource intensive than it probably should and caused lower performance in their products.  Meanwhile, the rest of 'web-world' uses Adobe products as sort of a 'defacto standard' on the web.  Regardless whether you are a fan or a "Flash hater", it's goes without saying that Flash is everywhere on the web.  If we look into the future just a short way, what if manufacturers and content creators find other ways to produce their projects and content on mobile devices; would this not also bring about a movement among people in the industry to figure out how to port their content away from Flash on the desktop/laptop side of things too?  That is speculation on my part though (I like to project ahead a little ways).  I hope I am wrong or that HTML5 is really that good to handle the migration from Flash by the industry.  On the other hand, it would be nice to be able to visit a site that was once Flash based and get the prompt that you need to install the latest "plugin for your web browser"...

As far as the mobile market is concerned, it looks as though Apple is probably pretty happy with Adobe's decision.  Seeing as how other devices may win some user's over solely on the fact that they grant a complete "web experience" in that they offer Flash as well (I have seen some ads that point this out specifically).  Either way Adobe rolls their dice, I hope for their sake they already have a plan in the mobile arena.  Otherwise, who knows?

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India Has a $35 Dollar Tablet

Last year some news headlines hit the world in a storm when it was reported that some folks in India were trying to develop a cheap tablet.  Their goal was simple, to develop a tablet and keep it cheap and affordable.  What they came up with was the concept for a $35 tablet.

Now, first and foremost let's keep this in perspective.  At $35 for a tablet, you're not going to be getting much.  But they endured anyways, and now a Canadian company by the name of DataWind is indeed manufacturing these devices for the people of India.  Don't expect these puppies to show up here in the U.S. or at least not anytime soon.  And if they do migrate to the U.S., I definitely wouldn't expect the tablet to retail for $35.  Maybe somewhere between $50 to $100.  Our tablet market just isn't willing to stoop that cheap quite a yet.

And if they do roll out for $35 bucks a piece, I'd buy one for each room in the house.

So let's take a look at what $35 dollars would buy you in India:
-7 inches of screen real estate.
-2GB storage capacity.
-366MHz Processor
-Wifi
-Running the Android OS (not sure which version)

In other words a 7inch tablet with smartphone guts from 3 years ago.  But for simple tasks like connecting to the web and web browsing; I'm sure it's probably enough.

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Why will the Kindle Fire sell like crazy?

Amazon's Tablet Offering: Kindle Fire

With all of the rage in the tablet world right now buzzing around the announcement of Amazon's Kindle Fire, I wanted to discuss why Amazon's first attempt at a full fledged tablet will be a crazy success for them.  First up, is the price.  I mean for $200 bucks you get a fully functional tablet.  Now granted, it isn't a crazy powerful device but it is very practical for what it aims to do.  It's rocking a dual-core processor (not sure which one of speed); and only 8GB's of storage on the device itself.  And they are boasting about 8 hours of battery life.  All on a rather nice, and comfortable 7 inch screen.

What does the Kindle Fire not have?  Well, pretty much everything most tech folks look for in a tablet by the market standards nowadays.
-No 3G
-No expandable storage.
-No front or back cameras.
-No bluetooth.
-No HDMI
-And no GPS.

So, if it basically has a handful of features when compared with other tablets; why will it do so well?  In one, simple word: content.  What is one thing we all have in common, and we all soak as much of it up everyday as possible.  Whether it be news, internet sources, television, music, media, etc.  It is all considered some form of content.  And what better way could Amazon jump into the tablet market than by providing a small window into the heart of the entire business?  Whether it be selling ebooks, merchandise, mobile apps, or streaming video via the new Amazon Prime offering.  All made accessible with device that simply builds upon what the Kindle name is already good for: e-reading.  No doubt, they will already have a bunch of Kindle fans who are looking to upgrade, that is a given audience right there.  Without even having to sell the concept to those fans.

Personally, if this tablet does as well as I think it will.  I will start to recommend this device to those new to the tablet scene.  Seriously?  Since most people aren't going to harness the full processor power of their devices anyways.  I saw a demographic the other day that suggested most people use mobile devices for:
1- Web access and communicating via the web while on the go (social media).
2- Media consumption (YouTube, streaming media, etc.)
3- Apps.

And at it's very basic level the Kindle Fire seems to have those 3 features covered.  See their tv spot for a brief intro:

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Free Apps for Mobile Devices!

Everybody who has a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or iPod Touch no undoubtedly loves apps.  Why?  Because they are the center of our mobile ecosystem.  If you have a mobile device you almost always have to have apps! It doesn't matter what platform you are on.  Whether it be an iOS device utilizing the Apple App Store or an Android based device running the Google Android Market.

But one of the constant complaints from all sides is that there aren't enough free apps out there.  Personally, I have an iPod Touch and an Acer Iconia a500 Android Tablet.  From my experiences, there are more free apps in the Android Market than are available for m iPod Touch.  At least in the categories I search in anyways. So aside from doing the obvious (which we do not condone on this site) is to jailbreak/root and find alternative ways to get your apps that may involve getting them for free.

There are many reasons to stay away from this method.
1- App developers need support too.  Without the support from the purchasers of a given app; future apps or even updates could be hindered.  In short, don't rip off the little guy!

2- Security.  Most of the alternative methods for acquiring apps tend to require you sticking your neck out there and exposing your device (and possibly personal information) to the world.

3- It's stealing!  Being upfront and honest by purchasing your apps not only means you have a clean, safe app.  But it also ensures that the cost of apps can stay down where they are cheap and affordable.  Start stealing them, and watch prices go up.

Since we aren't looking at the shady ways to get our hands on free app, how do we get free apps?

Simple!  If your on an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) than swing by: http://www.freeappaday.com/
At FreeAppADay, they give away one app for free everyday just as the name implies.  If you visit it from your PC it will link you up with iTunes to download from the Apple App Store.  If you're on your iDevice, it will launch the Apple App Store for you.  Simply acting as a way to promote to the free app.

They do have a section for Android Apps, but unfortunately it looks like that section hasn't been updated in quite some time.

For those of us Android enthusiasts looking for a free app fix.  Than checkout the Amazon App Store.  Everyday a commercial app is highlighted on the Amazon App Store for free.  There are two catches to this.
1- You have to be registered with Amazon to use the app.  Already have an Amazon account, you're good to go.
2- The Amazon App Store apk file has to remain installed on your device in order to use any apps downloaded via the Amazon App Store. (Regardless whether they were free apps or purchased)

So remember, there are other ways to get apps.  But before you venture down the road to the "Dark Side" be sure to checkout the legitimate ways to get your hands on free apps. Remember, good techie karma!

To visit the sites mentioned in this article:
Free App A Day: http://www.freeappaday.com/
Amazon App Store: http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011

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Amazon's New Tablet Dubbed 'Kindle Fire'

Looks as though Amazon's new tablet that has taken the news by storm will be called the 'Kindle Fire' and should retail for $199.  It will feature a 7 inch screen and will be Android based.  If you check the article over on CNET: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20112714-94/amazon-unveils-kindle-fire-tablet-for-$199/?tag=mantle_skin;content

You may notice that the device seems to resemble the Nook Color by Barnes & Noble.  The release of the 'Kindle Fire' will be the first actual tablet offered directly by Amazon.  As the previous versions of the Kindle were strictly e-book readers sporting the e-ink screens (which are monochrome).  The device does not include a camera or microphone and will only connect to Wifi networks (sorry, no 3G this time around).

The Nook Color by Barnes & Noble

So, it looks like for $199 you will not be running Honeycomb on it, but for $200 bucks it doesn't look like a bad tablet.  And if you know someone who loves their Kindle e-book reader, than I would recommend the 'Fire' for them.  Essentially, you are getting the e-book reader everyone knows and loves along with a color screen and more tablet like features.

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Is Internet Access Up There With Air, Water, and Food on Your List?

Apparently so, according to a recent survey.  I know a lot of surveys are crap with numbers and outcomes doctored to sway the informational data presented in the first place.  But this was too good to pass up.  A survey was conducted in which roughly 32% of the people surveyed admitted that the internet is as vital to their everyday life as our basic necessities (i.e.: water, food, air, etc.).  And most of them were in their 20's.

It's true, we are the connected generation.  But how far is to far.  I know I have days were I need to 'unplug' for a little while.  Where the constant data input that is streaming into my brain from either reading, watching, or using some for of technology becomes quite a strain.  In other words, ever have one of those days where you didn't mind if the cell phone battery died?  Yep, that's what I mean.

And it gets worse, the main culprit appears to be...*drum roll please*...Social Media.

Yep again, the survey points out that most people affected with said internet addiction check their status and social networks at least three times an hour.  (I may be guilty of this at some points in my day, but not all day).    I guess things do change after all.  I'm going to sound old here (and I'm only 29).

But when I was a kid, we had a things called television and a Nintendo.  These were our only distractions.  We didn't have 5 year old kids with smartphones taking over the world.  And if I would have said the word 'twitter' at the diner table, I would have been in big trouble...  And a 'facebook' was a school annual you got at the end of every school year, and all of your friends would sign it before summer started.

But now things are quite different.  And if you want to discuss it further, feel free to drop me a line on our Facebook page.  :)

In the meantime I will be consuming my fair share of air and internet.

To see the full article on the survey: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/22/web_more_important_than_air_water_and_food/

Happy surfing!

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