Smartphones & Accessories

A smartphone camera may be limited by its size, but it doesn’t have to be when accessories can enhance and take things further. Carson makes a number of different magnification products, including lenses for the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices that turn them into true macro cameras and microscopes.

Whether you realize it or not, your smartphone keeps tabs on your location almost all the time. That may not be an issue for you under most cases, but if you’re connected to an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network, or you just like flying under the radar, using a VPN (virtual private network) is one way to make that happen.

If the term “never leave home without it” applied to any one material item or product, it would have to be the smartphone. Some estimates suggest the average user looks at their smartphone screen as many as 1,500 times per week. Travelling without a handset in tow seems to be getting increasingly difficult, simply because of everything it can do. From taking photos at some exotic locale, uploading them to Instagram and messaging friends and family back home, the smartphone is a versatile tool anywhere and everywhere.

The code of conduct the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) set down for the wireless industry ensures that consumers can cancel their three-year contracts after 24 months without paying a fee, meaning that as of June 3, three-year cell phone contracts are effectively dead. If you signed a contract on June 2, 2013 or earlier, then you are free to renew or go without a contract. You have options to consider now that you’re on your own to decide, and here’s a look at some of them.

Having trouble connecting with your honey? Is technology getting in the way of your relationship? Here are five cool smartphone apps speficially deisgned to help couples get to know each other better, improve their communication and get back to being all lovey-dovey.

    ZAGG is the leading mobile device accessories company known for their InvisibleShield line of protective screen protectors made from various materials and geared to protect tablets, smartphones and now even wearables. ZAGG’s latest line of InvisibleShield products are available exclusively in Best Buy stores nationwide and on BestBuy.ca

Battery life is one of those bugaboos that’s always a concern with smartphones, and the iPhone 6 is no exception. Protecting a phone from a nasty fall is another thing altogether, so when a case comes along that can take care of both, it may be worth a look. LifeProof’s pedigree has usually been in making quality waterproof cases, and the Fre Power takes that and adds a large battery to keep the iPhone going double the time.

There are various signs that smartphones are becoming viable PC replacements.  Intel is now making powerful mobile processors, smartphones are starting to run desktop-level apps, and Microsoft is putting the power of desktop Windows on their smartphones.  

LG has proven that it can manufacture a really good smartphone, much like it already did with devices like the Nexus 5 and G3. Last year’s G3 made considerable improvements on the software side of things, improving the user experience in tangible ways, yet it still didn’t go far enough in standing out from the crowded Android pack. The G4 deviates little from an overall design standpoint, but offers an excellent camera upgrade and simpler software for a compelling contender.

Mobile devices have always been focused on personal communication.  First, it was voice calling, then text messaging and then services like BBM (blackBerry Messenger) and chat using various apps. Now we’re keeping in touch with video apps on tablets and smartphones.