Design

The overall look of the Samsung Epic 4G is eye-catching, and yet very sleek and minimal all at the same time. It makes for a tight fit in the pocket with its 4.9 inch length and 2.54 inch width, but the size does contribute to a very solid and high-quality feel. It features smoothly rounded edges and a rich, glossy black color. The Epic 4G has a stunning 4 inch AMOLED display on a responsive touchscreen, which, unlike most phones, is easily viewable even in bright sunlight. The top of the device slides back to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, making it extremely versatile.

Features

The five-row QWERTY keyboard on the Samsung Epic 4G is spacious and comfortable to use with just the right amount of pressure needed to press the buttons. The device has the basic 3.5mm headphone jack, a micro USB port, micro SD slot, and a front-facing camera with LED flash. Sprint packages the Epic 4G with its charger, a USB cord, and a stereo headset with earbud covers. The device runs on Android 2.1 and uses the Samsung TouchWiz 3.0 interface, plus there are numerous new widgets and extra features available on this interface.

Performance

The worst part of the Samsung Epic 4G is probably its price tag – it is the priciest phone in the entire lineup of Samsung Galaxy S devices and there are extra charges for 4G data and Wi-Fi. However, the phone itself has enough excellent features and quality of design to solidify its place as the best all-around device in the Galaxy S line. The touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive, and the quality of e-mail and web browsing is high. The battery life on the Samsung Epic 4G is decent and the general reception and sound quality is very good.

Product Specifications

As with any new electronic device, there are going to be pros and cons to look at before deciding to make a purchase – and this goes double for a phone as expensive as the Samsung Epic 4G. However, the high quality of the phone’s construction and the list of great features make its high functionality perfectly clear. This Samsung Epic 4G review has found the consensus to be in favor of the Sprint Galaxy S device. The keyboard, responsive touch screen, and high-functioning Internet capabilities make the Samsung Epic 4G a good all-around mobile phone.

Design

One of the best aspects of the HTC Desire Z’s design is its bright and colorful display. The 3.7 inch screen is smaller than those of the earlier Desire models, but its sharp 480×800 pixel resolution more than makes up for the size. The HTC Desire Z is a solid, heavy phone in aluminum casing, with a full QWERTY keyboard hidden under its screen. Instead of just sliding out in one piece like most keyboard phones, the HTC Desire Z has three different hinges, allowing the pieces to swivel outward in a cool mechanical transformation.

Features

The HTC Desire Z has all the basics: a headphone jack, micro USB port, and a 5 megapixel camera. The Desire Z runs extra smoothly on Android 2.2, and utilizes HTC Sense for some extra special touches. The phone’s web browser is Wi-Fi capable and supports 3G, so connectivity is both fast and smooth. It also features a trackpad, but with the smooth and silky scrolling on the responsive touchscreen, it is rarely necessary to use. The HTC Desire Z’s autofocus camera is also equipped to record 720p video, and the camera function is overall well equipped with various filters and effects.

Performance

Users who enjoy a physical QWERTY keyboard on their mobile phones will enjoy the smooth, solid buttons and comfortable shape on the HTC Desire Z. With plastic gaps between the keys, typos can be greatly reduced, eradicating the problem usually caused by physical keypads. The trackpad is responsive and smooth, but rendered unnecessary by the scrolling function of the touchscreen. The Desire Z runs on an 800MHz processor, which is weaker than those of the other Desire models though still capable of allowing the device to run well and greatly reduce lagging.

Product Specifications

• 3.7 inch display
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera
• LED flash photography
• 720p video recording
• Android 2.2
• 3G compatible
• Touchscreen
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Trackpad
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Micro USB port
• HTC Sense equipped

The variety of features and the easy to use, comfortable QWERTY keyboard keep the HTC Desire Z desirable, even though it is considerably bulky and heavy compared to other smartphones on the market. This HTC Desire Z review has also found that it attracts many to its ability to run many apps at once, though doing so can cause its battery life to be shortened. The summary is that its positive qualities tend to greatly outweigh any of the smartphone’s negative aspects.  However, as with any mobile device, simply take the time to research the phone and its specifications to find out if it could be the perfect match.

Design

The HTC Desire HD is one of the largest phones out there, offering a 4.3 inch, 800×480 display screen, which has been debated as being nearly too large to be a genuine pocket device. The Desire HD utilizes a solid new design with a single aluminum unibody, making it both rigid and durable with a heavy, quality feel — a plus, since the phone itself is so large. The side offers micro SD and SIM ports under a single shared plastic cover, which allows for a lot of versatility. The smooth design is comfortable to use and offers a slightly masculine contrast to many of the other smartphones out there.

Features

This Android smartphone has a list of decent new features, as well as all of the standards, like its 8 megapixel, LED flash camera with 720 video recording capabilities and micro SD/SIM card ports. Its new 1GHz CPU makes it an Internet browsing workhorse, and its HTC Sense is updated with several nice extra touches. The Froyo-based device has 768MB of RAM, as much as any other smartphone that is currently available out there. Video playback has both Dolby and SRS sound options on the video playback and the device is Wi-Fi, 3G and USB-functional.

Performance

The 1GHz CPU packs a punch, making the HTC Desire HD a pleasure to use, especially with its stellar performance in web browsing. The battery life, however, is quickly drained, due mostly to the giant size of the display screen. It sucks the power in no time, so users need to take the charger along everywhere they go. The 8 megapixel camera is average to slightly above average, and anyone who takes the time to adjust the settings and learn about the device’s quirks can take some decent photos and also record fairly high quality 720p videos.

Product Specifications

• 4.3 inch display
• 8 megapixel camera
• LED flash photography
• 720p video recording
• 1GHz CPU
• Micro SD/SIM ports
• Android 2.2 Froyo
• Wi-Fi capable
• 768MB of RAM
• 3G support
• USB support
• HTC Sense

Even though there are some mild flaws, such as the poor speaker quality and low battery life, this HTC Desire HD review finds that it has plenty of great features to sufficiently redeem it. Android’s Froyo and HTC Sense give the device extra usability, not to mention an admirable amount of versatility.  In addition, the smooth construction, with its giant screen, are incredibly appealing. Luckily for the HTC Desire HD, its best features and main strengths lie in the areas its users will most likely be accessing and utilizing every single day.

What Can it Do?

The Symptom Checker lets users touch the part of the body that is troubling them and determines any possible conditions or issues that may be happening. Once they have an idea of what is ailing them, the information can be taken to the doctor to help with a medical diagnosis. This application is also extremely useful in an emergency situation to show what to do in such situations. Whatever the problem, the medically reviewed content can help, and there are even visual guides demonstrating how to perform CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and more.

Benefits

Going to the doctor without knowing what is wrong can be an expensive and frustrating experience; it can also be quite frightening. While the WebMD mobile application does not replace a physician’s diagnosis, it can give them a starting point and help increase communication between the doctor and the patient. In addition, by entering age, location, sex, and symptoms, this program recommends medical doctors who may be able to help with treatment if necessary. It also gives drug, vitamin, and supplement information that includes usage, side effects, warnings, and interactions.

Operating System

The WebMD mobile application was originally designed for the iPhone operating system, which was somewhat problematic. However, it is now available on the Android, Blackberry, and Windows operating systems as well, allowing it to reach a much wider audience. With over 2.5 million users who have downloaded this tool, it is one of the top applications on the market. It is also one of the first mobile web applications to use trusted privacy protection program TRUSTe’s mobile website privacy certification product that is now compatible with all major mobile operating systems.

Future Upgrades

WebMD recently upgraded their mobile application by redesigning some of the key features, such as making sure that the first aid essentials are now available anytime, even when offline. There is also now a pill identification tool that can help identify medications by the shape, color, and imprint. The database is constantly updated and information can be sent to an email address for more research. Users can also take advantage of the local health listings, which help them find the closest pharmacy, physician, or hospital.

This on-demand mobile application lets users make the most of their health care plan. While it is not designed for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, this tool is a springboard for learning about what may be wrong or learning more about a recent diagnosis. Its comprehensive database provides solutions for anything from an insect bite to a broken bone and how to handle emergency situations. In addition, users will never again have to search for that pharmacy slip that came with their medication to find out about drug warnings and precautions or to try to determine which pill they are taking.

Setting up the WaveSecure

With an application size of 600 KBs, WaveSecure is installed directly into a smartphone’s memory system and runs in the background of other software. After a user has installed WaveSecure, the application will perform an initial setup, during which it asks for a PIN password and a contact number for several individuals whom the user trusts. This enables the application to send a message to one of these people in case the phone is lost. A variety of options are then displayed on a main-menu screen, such as tracking, secure phone, media uploading, and backup data.

Options

With WaveSecure, a user never has to worry about losing priceless data, pictures, or other information. The backup option allows the user to send any data to WaveSecure’s online server for immediate backup or retrieval. When uploading media, these files can also be sent to the server, where they will be backed up and made accessible in case the phone is lost. When using the “lock down phone” feature, the user is essentially “locking” his or her phone in its current condition, while “wipe now” means erasing everything except email and account credentials; the phone never reverts back to its original factory condition. Also, all of these features can be remotely enacted from any computer.

Tracking a Lost Phone

Tracking with WaveSecure allows the owner of a lost mobile phone to know if a SIM card has been put into the phone. When a strange SIM card is put into the phone, WaveSecure will send a message to the contacts listed on the phone, along with an alert to the web interface. Using the web interface will also allow a user to track the phone’s location. In the event that a lost or stolen phone cannot be taken back, the user has the option of using the remote “wiping” command so that no personal information can be accessed. In addition, WaveSecure has conveniently installed a “restore” function in case a phone is recovered; this function will restore the phone to its previous condition.

While WaveSecure will have a definite appeal to most users who would like to remotely track or lock their phone in case it is lost or stolen, it may not be as useful to those who input highly sensitive data into their Android or Blackberry. The “wipe” function doesn’t complete delete everything on the storage card, nor is WaveSecure able to restore all settings and information to another smartphone. Since McAfee owns WaveSecure, it was expected that this application would reveal more sophisticated performance ability in preventing data theft or unauthorized data access. However, the next generation of WaveSecure is anticipated to be improved on the previous model.

Functions

TrueCaller is equipped with some useful functions, such as name display, reverse number lookup, location and number of the caller, and a social website feature that notifies followers when the user is on the phone. What this application is most coveted for, however, is its ability to support a list of callers the user blocks in order to prevent unwanted calls, whether from salespeople or individuals with whom the user no longer wants to speak. In addition, TrueCaller also notifies the user of spam calls that are being received and tagged by other users who utilize the application’s database.  This particular feature helpfully allows a TrueCaller user to block spam before they even receive it.

TrueCaller Step-by-Step

After installing TrueCaller on an Android, Symbian, iPhone, or Windows phone, a main screen will pop up showing the three main options: call filter, search, and update phone book. The search function lets users search for public numbers, which can be saved to the phone book instantly. Call filter also has a database of phone numbers which have previously been tagged as spam by other users and will notify you when a blocked number is attempting to access the phone. Of course, a user can always put any number they want into the call filter data bank and avoid talking to individuals to whom they do not wish to speak.

Social Functions

One interesting and convenient aspect of TrueCaller indicates just how important social websites have become in everyone’s lives. Fortunately, the makers of TrueCaller realized this when they decided to enhance their application with features that allow the user to connect with their Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. Besides being able to post status updates or messages, users can also view updates made by friends in real time. In addition, if it is available, a profile picture of who is calling or texting the user is viewable on the screen, which lends even more security to the user in knowing exactly who is contacting them.

More about TrueCaller

When a cell phone that utilizes TrueCaller application is turned on, it will begin immediately and run silently in the background; from there, numbers associated with all incoming calls and text messages are checked by TrueCaller’s data bank. If the database discovers that the number is in the user’s contact list, it will not do anything. If, however, the number is not found, then the application will quickly connect using WiFi or 3G to a server and search for the phone number. Also, TrueCaller will allow the user to specify which country is being searched for a specific number in order to speed up the process.

Trial Application

TrueCaller offers a seven-day trial application in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the U.S., after which users can directly purchase the application from their phones or from TrueCaller’s official website. Due to privacy laws, TrueCaller was previously not  available in the United Kingdom but is now operational in that country as well. In addition, this application will work properly as long as the user has an EDGE, 3G, or WLAN internet connection installed in their cell phone. As a method to avoid any unwanted or unwelcome calls, TrueCaller is a helpful device for those who must handle a high volume of calls each day.

Predictive Technology

The intuitiveness of Swype’s predictive technology rests in the developer’s ability to manufacture a virtual keyboard that can guess the words a smartphone user is trying to type out according to choices of previous words. For example, instead of pressing each individual key, users simply slide their thumb and finger over keys that spell out a certain word. After lifting their fingers from the last letter touched, Swype associates the traced letters with the words included in its own dictionary. So, if someone types the word “right,” he or will move his or her finger over the “r,” “g,” and “t” keys in order to generate the word “right.”

Correct Spelling

Swype will also correct any spelling errors committed while someone is “swyping” a word. If someone quickly slides their over fingers the letters “melow,” Swype automatically recognizes this spelling mistake and corrects it. However, there may be some confusion with certain words that are similar in spelling, like “son” and “soon,” but users can amend this by adding more letters to a word by performing a circular motion on the appropriate key with their finger. In addition, spaces are automatically placed between words, and users can adjust the traced line seen on the keyboard so that a letter can be capitalized.

Smartphones Using Swype

Currently, Swype is preloaded on ten devices available in the United States, including the four major carriers of popular smartphones and most Android phones. Swype is proficient in 50 languages and can even operate on the Wii gaming console and tablets. However, this ingenious key “screen” is not yet available on the iPad or iPhone, although a Swype spokesperson has stated that the company is talking with Apple about installing the item on their devices in the future. Also, if a smartphone or tablet has been preloaded with Swype, a tutorial video will play when it is first used.

Adjustment Period

For some long-time users of the standard QWERTY smartphone keypad, getting used to Swype’s unique method of typing may take a little time. It may seem more like a game than anything, especially when deciding which letters to slide over when constructing a message, or becoming adept at using distinct swiping gestures in order to add punctuation and capitalize words. Accuracy is not necessary with Swype, as long as some of the letters swiped contribute to a recognized word stored in Swype’s databank. It is almost like having numerous “shortcut” keys to use that are utilized by certain word document programs.

Fun and Fast

Swype can be taught to learn the most frequently used words by tracing the word one time and then touching the space key. However, this word must use all letters and include no numbers to be installed as a commonly used word. Alphanumeric combinations such as email addresses have to be added manually to Swype’s dictionary. The tutorial video included in the software demonstrates all of Swype’s functions to the new user, and is an effective introduction to a fast, fun and advanced method of typing on smartphones.

What Can it Do?

It is currently even easier to send a money request to contacts or to withdraw money from the account and deposit it into a bank account. The Bump integration even lets money change hands by simply tapping two phones together and entering the dollar amount of the transaction. Users will no longer have to worry about lending money to friends and not getting paid back quickly. With the PayPal mobile application, getting money is only a few clicks away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Benefits

There is no longer a reason to wait for the banks to open or a need to drive to the nearest ATM at the last minute. PayPal provides easy access to money, and an integrated tip calculator and bill splitter makes this application even more functional. Parents will also enjoy the “PayPal for Kids” program that lets them sub-link their accounts to their children’s, which provides an easy way to transfer funds. Parents can set spending restrictions, access online purchases, and even view all transactions their children make – and the option of a debit card makes it ideal for adults as well.

Operating System

The Paypal mobile application was originally created for the iPhone market and has expanded to include the Android marketplace and RIM’s Blackberry operating system. They partnered with Appcelerator to create a mobile commerce application that uses one code base for a simplified platform. The benefit of this simplified interface is that it provides the most access for all users. The hope is that eventually merchants will be able to use this technology in place of credit cards by using a simple, secure, two-click checkout process.

Future Upgrades

PayPal mobile application recently upgraded to increase its functionality, so now there are adjustable push notification features, a new beta feature, and additional assistance available. Users can determine how long they want to be logged in to the application and be informed whenever money is sent, requested, or received. They can even keep track of purchases that are made. There is even a Frequently Asked Questions Help Center that gives answers for PayPal basics for new users, as well as a new PayPal Local feature that helps users find nearby store and services that accept PayPal.

The use of smartphone technology has soared over the last few years, and in a short time, smartphones will rule the telephone market. Just in the last six months, PayPal has doubled its mobile application’s volume with over half a billion dollars in money flowing through the system. This free mobile application is a proven valuable tool for consumers, and with recent upgrades, PayPal continues to listen to what is needed in the market. The app is already revolutionary in terms of monetary transactions, and may soon replace banking altogether.

What Can it Do?

With so many offerings on the market, deciding which movie to see can sometimes be a complicated decision. The movie section not only shows when the movie is playing, it gives reviews, box office results, and the highest and lowest rated movies currently in theaters. It can even separate movies out by genre, while the television section tells what is going to be on TV and recaps all your favorites. For those who follow celebrity gossip, the people section gives information on the stars, personal information like birthdays, and even bits of trivia.

Benefits

Users can get all the information they need on the latest movies or television shows; they can find trailers, release dates, plot summaries, and casts quickly and easily. Profiles also show actor’s bios and filmography for a more in-depth view of their work. There are over 1.5 million movie and TV titles available and over 3.2 million celebrities, directors, and crew members on IMDb mobile. Users can even purchase DVDs and Blue-ray discs directly from Amazon through the application or share any of the information with friends through email, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Operating System

IMDb is available worldwide in several languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, and Portuguese. It was originally designed for the Apple iPhone, but has recently released a version for the Android operating system. It is also being developed for a number of other operating systems, which should be available soon. Designed with Webware, this is one of the top movie applications on the market due to its optimized user interface, which gives it all of the functionality of its web based originator in a portable version.

Future Upgrades

The newest upgrade of the IMDb application makes it even more user-friendly. With Retina support, voice search, and multitasking capabilities, users can jump between applications without ever losing their place; the redesigned home screen also makes it easier to find information. In addition, the Showtimes feature now gives movie listings in 13 different countries all over the world. Several of the bugs from the previous version have now been worked out, making this free application even better.

Not only will users never miss a must-see movie again, they can even enjoy movie trivia while waiting for the movie showing to start. This innovative application lets customers engage site content from anywhere they are and share their information with friends through social media applications. Amazon’s IMDb mobile application is a unanimous winner for those who enjoy a day at the movies. This all-inclusive program provides detailed information for movie buffs, in addition to being a one-stop shop for everything in the entertainment industry.

What Can it Do?

Cooking Capsules is designed to break down the cooking process into easy to digest pieces that help users create a masterful culinary dish. They simply need to scroll through recipes, find one that looks tasty, and tap on it. The screen will show all the tools that are necessary to make the item and give an in-depth description of the recipe. The application will then create a shopping list with the necessary ingredients, although additional items can be added to suit the chef’s tastes; the user can then watch the short video and prepare to enjoy a delicious meal.

Operating Systems

Cooking Capsules was the brain child of Mary Ann Cotter in response to the 2008 Google Android Developer Challenge. She had already shot a few pilot cooking shows and was looking for a market to distribute them to home cooks. After partnering with a developer in India, she created the concept of providing mobile users with the tools necessary to create exciting culinary dishes. By combining the user experience with a user friendly interface, they came up with an award winning solution for the Android platform.

Benefits

Many people do not learn by reading; rather, they do much better with a hands-on demonstration; as a result, traditional cookbooks can fail to inspire great chefs. By having a multimedia option available from the convenience of a mobile device, users are more likely to learn how to cook from the experience, and their endeavors will be more successful. In addition, they don’t have to worry about forgetting a key ingredient at the store with the handy shopping list feature. By downloading this interactive application, there will soon be a variety of delicious recipes available in their repertoire.

Future Upgrades

Currently, one of the major problems with Culinary Capsules is the lack of recipes available. Originally, the application only came with eight recipes: four French recipes and four Indian recipes. However, they recently released eight additional, eagerly anticipated brunch recipes for the program and more are expected; it is anticipated that new recipes will be released as specific collections for a small fee. In the future, the cooking instructions should be updated, in conjunction with the serving sizes, to make it less confusing when preparing a recipe.

Culinary Capsules is a wonderful idea for those who enjoy cooking or those who are learning the process; by breaking down how to cook dishes, the app makes it an easy and entertaining way to learn. However, until more recipes become available, this application has limited functionality. With creators promising new collections available soon, though, this application may soon become a go-to guide for how to make tantalizing treats. This unique approach to cooking makes it a stand-out winner in the application market today.