Smartphones & Accessories

When Google released Android 5.0 Lollipop, it was designed to not only give the mobile operating system a new coat of paint, but also add some neat additions to make usage easier. Eventhough it initially rolled out last fall, many changes have been introduced—it is currently in version 5.1.1; the changes and fixes found in the current version have helped make Android smartphones and tablets easier to use.

Which smartphone apps do you use most, no matter where you are? Arguably nothing changed the usability of smartphones more than apps. Your music, photos, maps and web browser were in your pocket, along with all your contacts, messages and phone history. The explosion of apps and their sophisticated capabilities have since given rise to the concept of a “killer app.” These are some of the elite that really change how you use or think about your smartphone.

When you think of cybersecurity or cyber safety, are you more likely to think of hackers targeting big corporations or governments rather than your own personal vulnerability. The wide open world of cyberspace is something you regularly interact with every time you browse a website, click a link, post on social media and chat online. But your online risk extends beyond those things because you can leave behind a digital footprint without realizing it, or expose your data in ways you didn’t intend to. This article is part of a series of articles that my Plug-in Blog colleagues and I are publishing over the next few weeks offering helpful tips and information about many topics related to cybersecurity. Today I will explore personal smartphone security.

I knew it was time to buy my mom a cell phone when I couldn’t get a hold of her when I had a question and needed advice. To buy the perfect phone for her, I had to figure out exactly what she would like and dislike in a phone, and as I discovered, it was completely different from what I liked.  

We know you’re recycling, composting, goin’ paperless and biking to work when you can (yay!), but we thought we’d share an awesome way you can get mobile with Mother Nature.

What has been the most attractive Android smartphone for the last two years is back, and the HTC One M9 sticks to the same design principles of its predecessors. The familiarity extends throughout the hardware and software, making this phone an iterative update from last year, rather than a major upgrade. There’s more speed, along with some refinements to HTC’s software overlay and the camera, but there’s no sign of an overhaul here.

It’s that time of year again. With Mobile World Congress now a month in the rear view mirror, the smartphones that made their debut at the event are finally beginning to find their way into buyers’ hands. If one of those cool new smartphones is in your future, there are a few things you should definitely be thinking about before making a purchase. I’ve put together a checklist of features to consider when purchasing a smartphone to ensure you make the right choice.  

For the first time, Samsung has split its flagship Galaxy S line into two distinct models. There is the regular flat version following in the footsteps of its predecessors, and the Edge, which curves on both sides for unique functionality. Under the hood, there is little that sets these two apart, so your choice is going to be mostly about which look you prefer.

If you’re excited about the pending arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge with its curved display, you aren’t alone. But it was only a few months ago that Samsung released the Galaxy Note Edge, the flagship phablet that paved the way for the Galaxy S6 Edge. I spent several weeks putting Samsung’s curved display phablet through its paces. It does take some getting used to, but the curved glass looks great, feels great and bodes well for the Galaxy S6 Edge—which puts that curve on both sides instead of Note Edge’s one.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge stole much of the spotlight at Mobile World Congress 2015, but there was another big Android smartphone reveal that has people talking. HTC unveiled the successor to its popular One M8 flagship smartphone, the HTC One M9. The beautiful aluminum design, BoomSound speakers and everything else that made the One M8 such a great smartphone remain, while the few complaints from users have been addressed in the new model. Now the wait is over, the HTC One M9 is available for pre-order in Best Buy stores as of today.