Samsung Focus Windows Smartphone
REVIEW by VINAY GANTI Nov. 15, 2011 
I’ll admit it. I have a Windows phone, and I love it.
My experience with the Samsung Focus has been nothing short of extraordinary. every second I use the phone is a joy. Samsung has earned a reputation for delivering great mobile devices, including the recently released Galaxy S II and Galaxy Nexus, but with the Focus, Microsoft is the one that shines.
Power up the phone and you’re greeted with a series of “Live Tiles.” Each tile updates in real time, adding new information to the home screen, like your number of unread emails and text messages.
The best use of this feature is the People tile, which continuously flips through photos from your social networks in a 3X3 square. no more waiting for new Facebook photos to load — you can scroll through your friends’ latest snapshots with the flick of a finger.
But say you did click on the People tile. What you’d get is an integrated timeline of your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn feeds. Liking, retweeting, and sharing are a breeze. Likewise, clicking the “Me” tile shows you all the social activity directed at you — @ tweets, Facebook tags, etc. — in one consolidated screen. and from this tile, you can update all of your accounts in a single status update.
The built-in applications work beautifully with transitions and animations that make even the most seasoned iPhone addict go “Ooh!” (Try it, I have, it works.) the browser is easy to use. Bing Maps, while a departure for those accustomed to Google Maps, work well and the GPS determines location instantly. Downloading music, podcasts, and videos are a snap with Microsoft’s Zune system.
Microsoft even offers some basic voice technology to dictate texts, make calls and search the web. no, it’s no Siri, yet, but Microsoft has indicated that it will release a much more advanced technology in the near future.
Which brings us to this phone, and every Windows phone’s borderline-fatal flaw — lack of apps. while the Windows Phone Marketplace is easy to navigate and search, there are simply not that many apps to choose from. As of July, the Windows Marketplace hovers around 25,000 apps. by comparison iPhone and Android have 350,000 and 150,000 apps. but the most popular ones are there — Foursquare, Twitter, Evernote, GroupMe, Soundhound, Tripit and, of course, Angry Birds. Absent major players include Dropbox, Google Voice, Instapaper and Instagram.
For business users looking to make the leap, the phone offers Exchange support and Office Live. Office Live lets you view, edit and sync Word, Excel and other files directly from your phone. Another great feature is the Battery Saver mode, which automatically shuts down power hogs like push email and live updates when the phone’s battery is below a certain level. this feature becomes really useful when you do not have a charger nearby.
Samsung included the necessary hardware to make this phone a multifunction tool. the 5MP camera, with a dedicated exterior camera button, takes crisp photos and videos and has a built-in flash. In addition to using the camera button, you can simply tap the screen to take a photo when in camera mode, which is great for one-handed shooting. the device feels solid in your palm, and the speaker and microphone deliver great sound.
The idea of falling in love with a Windows anything is still something I have issues with. but I can’t deny my affection for this phone, and if you’re looking to make a break with your current device, the Windows Phone 7 could very likely win you over too.
Click HERE for more From the ABC News Gadget Guide.
Samsung Focus Windows Smartphone
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Categories: Technology Tags: galaxy, mobile devices, snapshots, social networks
Where Can I Get The Best Smartphone Deals?
If you own an ordinary mobile phone, you are able to call out, receive calls, text, and take pictures. now imagine voice-activating a call, playing your favorite tunes on an MP3, or downloading your favorite book to Kindle – on your phone. Quite simply, it’s the best kind of mobile phone available. Just a bit bigger than the conventional mobile; applications, or apps, make it the most amazing device created in a long time!
Reviewing the best smartphone deals is a lot easier than you may think. Do you text a lot? Are you an enthusiastic participant on social networks? would you want to Twitter or look at your emails when your on the move? then its time for you to look for the best smartphone for your lifestyle. to function effectively, your phone needs 3G or other wireless support. Apps like voice command, television, and internet based games can make you wonder why you waited such a long time to change to a smartphone.Googles Android, also known as ‘droid’, has Kindle. EBooks, some of them free, can be downloaded to the smartphone. for those who text a lot, or write notes to the smartphone’s memory, check out the best smartphone deals for slide out QWERTY keyboards, an ordinary keyboard minimized to fit the device. some smartphones, like Droid 2, feature raised keys.
“Swipe” the screen to change a page when reading a book. List your preferred apps, such as an Mp3 music player, on the screen. the functionality of a smartphone are outstanding. While looking for the best smartphone deals, the best place to begin, is online. there are plenty of smartphone comparison sites to help you find the best offers.
Android Mobile uses the Android operating-system. the Android lets an individual customise the smartphone by downloading apps, obtained in the Android Market. Add shortcuts to your screen for quicker access to email accounts, news feeds, and much more. Google search helps you obtain the solution to your questions now, rather than needing to wait until you get home to access the web. does your standard mobile phone offer that service? Not likely, and fast access to information is a benefit to everyone. .
The HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy S smartphones have some of the best features around. Using Google’s Android operating-system with 3G technology, there is a full touchscreen interface as well as a QWERTY keyboard. the high pixel cameras take quality pictures which can be emailed to friends immediately.
HTC Desire’s 3.7 inch touchscreen display, multi-touch and 1 GHz processor make web browsing quick. Android os is coupled with HTC sense. Free voice-guided GPS navigation can be a convenience for drivers and walkers alike. Iphone4 stands out as the choice of many smartphone users. a few of the options include a 5MP autofocus camera and Bluetooth capability. the GPS carries a digital compass. An audio/video player is enhanced with the 16 GB storage.
Phone purchases and monthly costs are cheaper and provide more apps if they are a part of a package. Smartphones make life easier and better, and very quickly, everyone will have one. Look at the options online to get the best phone styles, bonus awards, costs, and carriers. Go to this website: http://www.best-smartphone-deals.co.uk . it is your complete source for smartphone comparison from multiple retailers and carriers.
Where Can I Get The Best Smartphone Deals?
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Categories: Technology Tags: droid, favorite book, mobile applications, mobile phone, social networks, voice command
New York City is one of the best places to meet girls on earth – if you want to seriously know how to date in NYC read on.
The first thing I want to alert you to is that in new York there’s really a culture of people dating many people at the same time; you need to be able to exploit this and know how to date in NYC.
It’s not unusual to meet a girl and for her to have 7, 8, 9 boyfriends at the same time. if you want to really know how to date in NYC you’ve got to get away from any old-fashioned ideas of only being interested in one girl at a time and waiting to see what happens.
It’s just part of the culture, people are always meeting other people and there’s so much choice around that it can be hard to make a relationship decision. A real key to figure out how to date in NYC is to get involved in the rampant dating culture.
So it’s important for yourself that you start to have an open mind with dating more people and meeting more people and having wider social networks because if you’re like totally single in new York where you don’t know any girls and don’t have any girlfriends, this will make it hard to get someone who is really, really good.
You might not be able to pick up a girl like Mila Kunis tonight but there are some really hot girls in NYC. Personally I feel its got the hottest girls in the world. they key to how to date in NYC is to be bold and daring, and aim high.
So knowing how to date in NYC within that large dating culture is real important to you.
So the first thing I want to encourage you to do is take advantage of all of the really amazing singles events and ideas that there are in new York. in new York you’ve got ideas from walking your dog in the park with a girl who also owns a pet, to singles boat cruises, to speed dating, to all kinds of really cool ways of making dating efficient.
Because let’s face it, once you know how to date in NYC you’re going to be busy, you probably work a lot and you don’t have a lot of time for dating. so it’s really important that you begin to take advantage of some of the resources that are available to you.
Put a lot of time and energy into improving yourself but you don’t want to waste too much time trying to chase women.
I’ve got to say one of my favourite places to meet girls is on the lower east side. It’s very relaxed, it’s very casual and there’s lots of small little bars that don’t charge an entry fee or make it too hard to get in. if you really want to know how to date in NYC – quite simply it’s about local knowledge.
You know, when you go out in the meat packing district, it can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes getting into venues. so what I recommend is to start to choose lots of small friendly little bars, that you can socialize and go between bars and you can meet people and it’s not too uptight, it’s not too pretentious and it’s a pretty relaxed environment when you can talk to people.
The other really good way to meet girls in new York is just during the daytime especially in summer.
And meeting girls in the park or while you’re having lunch, or just walking in the street is a really good way to meet girls.
You’ll find that people may have a bit of a thick skin when it comes to actually talking to someone to begin with because there are so many scammers about, but if you’re able to break the ice and to get her to feel comfortable and make her laugh pretty quickly and get her to snap out of her daily routine and her stresses, then you’re going to find meeting girls in new York very, very easy.
Missions – to really master how to date in NYC:
(1) Check out and use as many singles resources as possible – for example singles events, singles cruises, speed dating, online dating, new York Salsa – the more the better.
(2) Enjoy your city! so many guys that struggle to get girls live a boring life in the world’s most exciting city. Don’t go straight home from work check out jazz bars, events, art galleries, live music, the park, theater, anything at all. just start to have a much more fun lifestyle.
(3) Go on far more dates! get it in your head that new Yorkers date a hell of a lot. 2-3 dates a week is an absolute minimum. create a plan so that happens automatically and easily.
Follow your three step mission and know how to date women in NYC.
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Categories: Movie and Dining Reviews Tags: boyfriends, girls, relationship, social networks
Lockerz Original Content Series ‘The Homes’ Reaches 1 Million Views — Lockerz Videos Now Available to Non-Members
Press Release Source: Lockerz On Thursday February 3, 2011, 10:00 am EST
SEATTLE, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Lockerz, a members-only social commerce website with nearly 18 million members worldwide, today announced that its much buzzed-about series, “The Homes,” has reached 1 million views in less than one week, just within its member community. ”The Homes” is an indie rock musical starring Chelsea Kane (formerly Staub, Jonas LA).
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110203/LA41808)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101207/MM13819LOGO)
In response to the tremendous positive feedback from the entertainment community as well as members, Lockerz is now making its entire collection of 3,000 videos accessible to non-members beginning today–no signing in or signing up. Additionally, both members and non-members can now share videos with friends on Lockerz (fwbs;)™) as well as friends on other major social networks.
“The early success of “The Homes” inspired us to make Lockerz’ video content discoverable and sharable by non-members and members alike,” said Kathy Savitt, founder and CEO of Lockerz. ”The question then becomes, why not be rewarded for watching? We are making it trivially easy for non-members to join and start earning PTZ immediately.”
As always, Lockerz members earn PTZ® (Points) for watching videos, which can be turned into discounts of up to 100 percent on the world’s hottest brands in Lockerz SHOP. At the end of each video, Lockerz will tell non-members how many PTZ the video was worth, as well as invite them to join the Lockerz community.
Lockerz PLAY is a key component of the company’s mission to be the homepage of Generation Z. Over the long-term, one-third of the content is envisioned to be original, such as “The Homes” and Lockerz’ first series, “Kill Spin.” (Additional original series are currently in development.) The remaining two-thirds is planned to be curated from other sources, and frequently exclusive to Lockerz. To date, more than 300 million videos have been served on Lockerz to its member community.
About Lockerz
Based in Seattle, Lockerz’ mission is to be the homepage for men and women ages 13 to 30, building a community of nearly 18 million trendsetters and tastemakers who love to shop, play and connect on the Web. Lockerz rewards members for doing what they love online, offering major discounts on the coolest fashions, electronics, music and more. Members earn PTZ® (Points) by watching videos, listening to music and inviting friends. Lockerz PTZ are then used to lower the prices of merchandise at-will. Lockerz was founded by former technology and retail executive Kathy Savitt, and is backed by Liberty Media Corporation and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
For more information about Lockerz, please visit www.Lockerz.com.
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Categories: News and Events Tags: 1 million, Photo, positive feedback, press release, social networks, video content
Video games see social networks as growth engine – MarketWatch
By Dan Gallagher, MarketWatch
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — For those wondering when the video-game industry will enter its next console cycle, some argue that the new cycle has already started, with social networks as the next big opportunity.
Such was apparent this week at the Game Developers’ Conference in San Francisco, an annual gathering of video-game designers and publishers. while the event saw some big developments among traditional gaming — most notably, Sony’s new motion-control system — a big theme running through the event was the rapid growth of social networking and the related opportunity for game makers.
The opportunity is big indeed. The largest social-network site — Facebook — alone has more than 400 million monthly users. MySpace, its closest rival, has 100 million monthly users. Those numbers are far above the number of people who own traditional video-game consoles.
“We have a new mainstream mass audience,” Gareth Davis, platform manager at Facebook, said during a panel discussion at GDC. “We think this is a lot of opportunity for game developers to tap into.”
Games are becoming hot property for social networks. The soaring popularity of games such as “Mafia Wars” and “FarmVille” over Facebook has attracted the interest of both game makers and investors looking to pump money into the next Big thing.
Such was apparent at GDC this week. Among the crowd of programmers and designers were venture capitalists, financial analysts and private equity funds, sniffing for opportunities in the market.
These investors are not looking to sink money into the next PlayStation or Xbox game; rather, they are looking for the next Zynga — the San Francisco-based company that makes “Mafia Wars,” “FarmVille” and other social-network games. still privately held, Zynga landed $180 million in funding late last year from Digital Sky Technologies, or DST, the Russian outfit that also bought a large stake in Facebook.
Media reports said the investment gave Zynga a market valuation between $1.5 billion and $3 billion. The company reported 100 million unique monthly users in November, and reportedly has about $250 million in annual revenue.
“Amazingly, there are over 200 million people playing games on Facebook each month, out of 400 million total Facebook users, suggesting a 50% penetration rate,” said Todd Greenwald of Signal Hill Capital, who also noted that more than 500,000 gaming apps have been developed to date.
Competing for gamers — and developers
For game makers, the growing interest among social networks provides a new opportunity beyond the industry’s typical channels — which are largely consoles such as the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and associated handheld devices.
These social networks are competing against each other to lure developers — and each offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Sony moves toward Wii-like motion
Sony unveiled the details of its new motion-control video game system called PlayStation Move, which is expected to hit the market later this year. MarketWatch’s Dan Gallagher and Walt Mossberg explain why we’re likely to see this technology play a role beyond video games in the near-future.
Facebook offers the largest base of users, by far. Offsetting that is recent developments whereby the social-networking giant will be taking a portion of the revenue generated by games in the form of virtual goods sales. The company has also changed some of its policies that had previously allowed game makers to market their games more aggressively, after several users compared the efforts to spam.
“When you have 400 million people, it’s important to protect the user experience,” Facebook’s Davis said.
MySpace — which runs a distant second to Facebook in terms of market share — is taking a slightly different approach.
Video games see social networks as growth engine – MarketWatch
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- OhGizmo! » Archive » GDC: Sony PlayStation Move Motion Control System
- Mark Pincus on Facebook, the iPad and an IPO | Tech Blog | FT.com
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- How to Create a Facebook Fan Page Editorial Guide | Social Media Examiner
- Global Voices Advocacy » Facebook Deactivations
- Lose Your Life Savings on Facebook ~ Chris Pirillo
- Game Retail Store » GDC Vault Adds Free 2D Boy, Bungie Video Lectures
- Activision Files Countersuit Against Video Game Makers | JD Journal
- arcade game makers classic arcade games | Online Arcade Gamez
- The Fantasy Art Of Computer Games | Games Misc | MediaVerso
Categories: Technology Tags: Facebook, gallagher, mafia wars, platform manager, social networking, social networks
