Smartphones & Accessories

Fans of Microsoft’s Windows Phone mobile platform can be forgiven for feeling left out with the glut of new smartphone releases every fall. New iPhones, BlackBerries and Android phones are commonplace, but Windows? A little tougher to come by. However, Microsoft announced a new “affordable flagship” Lumia smartphone at IFA 2014 in September and the Nokia Lumia 830 is now finding its way into Canada. It sports the familiar colourful polycarbonate shell and a big 5-inch display at an affordable price point.

Last year’s Moto X was a surprise hit, winning praise for its attractive design, nearly pure Android UI and excellent value proposition. This year’s follow-up Moto X is much more than a spec-bumped version 2. The new Moto X is significantly bigger, much more powerful and gains new features, while retaining much of the appeal of the original. I just wrapped up a week with the 2014 Moto X and I’ll be sorry to see it go.

Smartwatches and wearables have been a hot category this year. It seems like everyone is making one, but this early in the game it’s tough to get things just right. Motorola’s Moto 360 has been one of the most hotly anticipated devices of the season because it’s one of the first out of the gate to tackle two challenges head on: it’s round like a traditional wristwatch, and with Android Wear it has an operating system built from the ground up for wearables. I’ve been spending some quality time with a Moto 360 and this is what I think about the latest must-have high tech accessory.

We love our smartphones and the right accessory just makes them better. Here are some of the best his and her accessories that can be shared by everyone to enhance their smartphone experience.  

The task of switching from your summer wardrobe to your fall wardrobe can feel daunting; going from espadrilles and sundresses, to boots and sweaters is like saying goodbye to sunshine and welcoming the cold, and that can be tough. But there’s something amazing about embracing new styles and colours, it’s like going back to school without the textbooks and teachers. Each fall you get the chance to try a new style on for size!

So you think you might want a Virgin Mobile phone. You’ve heard about Sir Richard Branson and his plans to travel through space and time (OK, maybe not time) and you’re thinking that Virgin Mobile might be the best place for you. You’re right. Because with us you’re not just a customer, you’re a Member. But, what does that mean?

Sometimes a return to basics gives you enough features that you can forgo the more expensive models out there. I will first give an overall review of the Moto G, then delve a bit deeper into its unique apps including Motorola Migrate, Assist, Alert  as well as the privacy settings, speakers, camera and video features. 

Books, tuition fees and supplies can leave a dent in your wallet. With only a two-year contract, these budget friendly phones get an A+ for affordability. They take the sting out of not being able to afford iPhone 6.

IFA 2014 was the location for yet more high tech announcements as Sony got in the game. Among the new products from Sony are the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (billed as the world’s slimmest and lightest compact tablet), new smartphones led by the new Xperia Z3 flagship, a new Android Wear-powered Smartwatch 3 and the SmartBand Talk fitness tracker.

The Pebble watch pairs with your smartphone to run apps right from your wrist. See that important email or text or who is is calling without having to pull your phone out.