Smartphones & Accessories

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.

Samsung has a bit of a tough act to follow in the Galaxy S4. The company’s flagship smartphone has been the top-selling Android smartphone since its release in 2013, it’s the biggest competitor to Apple’s iPhone and in many ways it set the bar for what other manufacturers brought to the table since then: bigger displays, more powerful CPUs and innovative software like S Health. Competition in the smartphone market is fiercer than ever in 2014, so the Galaxy S5 really has to hit it out of the park to stay on top. Based on what we saw at Samsung Unpacked today, it looks like the Galaxy S5 has the chops to keep Samsung’s winning streak going.

What is all the fuss about Spritz? If you were using a Spritz-enabled app, you would already have read to the end of this post and could tell us. But given that Spritz-enabled tech isn’t out there yet (it’s coming soon, though), here’s the scoop. Spritz is new speed reading technology that’s based on the theory that much of our time spent reading is wasted as our eyes move side to side. Display a word in one place, flash one word at a time and suddenly reading becomes much more efficient. Not only that, but by displaying just one word at a time, reading is suddenly possible on compact displays, like a smartphone or smartwatch. Being able to quickly (and painlessly) read e-mail, reports or even books on your Gear2 or Gear Neo suddenly makes the idea of wearable technology even more appealing.

Samsung has released its Gear S app on the iOS App Store to enable users with the Gear S2 and Gear S3 (Frontier and Classic) smartwatches, plus the Gear Fit app for the Fit2 band, to work with the iPhone and iPad. Both are available to download now, if you want to get started.

    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

Once a pioneer in the wireless industry, Nokia has come out of hiding in Canada with these two mid-range smartphones.

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.

For Samsung, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a cross between a premium flagship and a mid-range phone, but whether you need it or not is another story.

If Asus hasn’t entered your radar for your next smartphone choice, the company is looking to grab your attention with the Zenfone 3. Having only entered the Canadian market last year, albeit quietly, this handset offers a new look and improved performance from its predecessor. Without any carrier partnership, it also comes fully unlocked, making it attractive for those who want to avoid paying too much and signing a contract.

Most smartphones and tablets meet their untimely end by falling in bodies of water, being left out in the elements or when used in freezing or extremely wet conditions. Thankfully, there are various options out there that can help protect precious mobile devices.