What Color Would You Like Your Smartphone to Be?

Since Apple’s iPhone sparked the wave of smartphones with touchscreen interface, the other mobile brands then started to innovate and outdo what the flagship of the other brands can offer. And with that, the mobile blogosphere just couldn’t stop talking about the advancements of every smartphone even before its release.

Since then, the battle has only been dealing with the improvements of the features like speed, weight, and display size and resolution of smartphones to hit the shelves. And that no mobile brand had the inclination to step forward and change the game.

But this time, finally somebody said it. If you think the only things that matter with smartphones are speed, weight, and display size and resolution, think again. Now, Google’s Motorola and, once again, Apple are on a full-throttle to be a game-changer. Of which aspect, you ask? They aim to be a game-changer through the color of their flagships.

Have you noticed that every time one of the contenders in the mobile industry launches a new handset device, it almost always comes in black and white colors only? And with that being said, it surely does lack on the aspect of style and fashion—or the overall aesthetics. Good thing Motorola’s Moto X and Apple’s iPhone 5C comes now in variety of funky shades.

With a colorful phone, are you still going to buy a mobile back case and cover it? Well, this may become an issue considering that iPhone 5C’s material is not that sturdy—it’s a budget phone, anyway. Nevertheless, putting effort in the aesthetics would be another milestone for smartphones that it would be something that blogosphere will ogle about. After all, who wouldn’t want a phone that could be painted by your favorite blue color? With phones that have almost the same features, people will definitely be hard-pressed to choose from the pile of rectangular handheld devices with very minimal differences—not to mention, they are all black and white.

Will making phones stylish help in boosting the sales? Indeed it will. But it’s the company’s responsibility to make these nifty gadgets be more than what meets the eye. And since people have their own distinct tastes, it will definitely be a daring move for mobile company competitors to produce colorful smartphones that will suit people’s tastes. But at least, with colorful phones, you can easily match it up with the clothes you wear.

Having a colorful, funky-colored smartphone is not something new today. In the year 1990s, some mobile companies have already focused their attention to their phones aesthetics. Lo and behold, there were pumped slider phones, flip phones, and “candy bars” that got the limelight.

But for these companies to be successful, they should definitely focus more on their product’s performance and functionality. With those alternatives—specifically mobile phone accessories—that are meandering in the market, it would be a rough start for them to maintain a long-term advantage if these mobile companies will only stick to aesthetics alone.

Secure Your Android Phones with These Free Security Apps

Android is considered as one of the big boys in the mobile industry, simply because it is running literally on hundreds of devices. Basically, it is the most widely used platform than that of others. And because, unlike that of Apple, Android is an open platform. Third-party developers started sprouting like mushrooms, sharing their apps on the Google Play Store pool, flaunting in all their glory.

Sounds like a sweet treat, eh?—at least most people thought so. But, little did they know that there were also third-party developers who have malicious intentions to Android users’ private information and whatnot. There were even apps that would run perfectly then dysfunctions if it reached the targeted number of subscribers. After all, private information should not be like replacement parts that can be available anytime, anywhere, in-stores or online mobile stores. Good thing these security apps are here to save the day! Check out these apps that will definitely secure your device in no time:

#1: Avast

I’m sure most people—if not all—have heard of this security app since it is one of the highly rated apps, and it is trusted by millions of Android users. Why would millions of people trust this, you ask? Simply because it has outstanding features like firewall protection, blocking unwanted calls, tracking stolen device, and defending you from infected sites. Not to mention it has also received prestigious awards.

#2: McAfee

Who haven’t heard of this, too? It is one of the leading malware solutions, and like other Avast, it is also highly rated. Amazingly, McAfee Mobile Security offers features to locate, alarm, and backup/restore all for free. You can upgrade your McAfee Mobile Security after its 14-day free trial to premium, but you can keep version of the app, too.

#3: BitDefender Antivirus

Have you heard of BitDefender Antivirus? If so, then you probably know how great it is as a desktop security. Once you have installed and registered this app on your smartphone, it will start a full scan and check all the installed apps and files on your phone. While using the free version in a trial period, it then gives you access to real time web browsing protection and Anti-theft service. You can have the full version for only $9.95 yearly. It definitely is all worth it.

#4: Lookout Antivirus and Security

Lookout antivirus and Security, another popular mobile antivirus, offers protection against theft and loss. It also claims to be energy efficient. The features this app offers are antivirus security, scanning facility for each app that has been downloaded, daily/weekly scanning, and also constant monitoring of files. Once it is done scanning, it gives detailed options for device scanning, and surely, Android phones of all types are protected from viruses, Trojans, and spyware.

  

#5: Comodo Mobile Security

And last but not the least, the Comodo Mobile Security. This security app boasts its protection to Android devices against online threats like viruses, malware, and spyware. It even has advanced options for privacy protection, and it gives you options to lock files and data to prevent unauthorized access. You can recover lost data even with this Comodo app.

  

Just install one of these five awesome apps on your Android device, and you and your phone can now be all secured. Grab one while they are free!

Samsung Galaxy S4 Accessories That You Shouldn’t Miss

 The latest flagship of Samsung so far this year 2013 is the Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung even claims that it is a real life companion. It aims to help us in bringing us closer, and make every photo speak for its story, with all those fun moments that are real worth the capture. It aspires not to complicate our lives, but to simplify it by enhancing our digital lifestyle. You think gadgets of today—with all those advancements—can wreak havoc on our health? Think again. This front runner of Samsung sure knows how to turn the table as it cares enough to monitor not only the niftiness of the gadget per se, but also our health and well-being.

Awesome as it is, but smartphones like this still aren’t that favored with regards to protection and/or maximizing its potential. As how it should be, manufacturers build these devices as blank canvases, and we, the users, are the ones responsible for making these devices into magical machines. And so, to do our part to make the most out of this pristine Samsung Galaxy S4, it’s a must for each user to buy accessories that could make the gadget do its part incredibly. Here are the top 3 beefy Samsung Galaxy S4 accessories that you shouldn’t miss:

1: S Band

 

Did I say that Samsung knows how to turn the table? Now, with this S Band, tracking your steps, calories, distance, and sleep quality would run all the way to your fitness! Keep motivated as well as this fitness tracker wristband is accommodated by the updated S Health 2.0 app. You can now get all your stats monitored to keep you healthy and shaped-up!

2: Game Pad

All work and no play makes Jack a what? Now this is more than dull. Once in a while, one should have a time off from work, or he will become simultaneously bored and boring. You think playing with this pristine phone would be quite a handful? With Game Pad, not anymore. Gamers will definitely get hyped up with what this game console offers as it is a portable Bluetooth game pad that resembles to that of XBox controller. With this accessory, you can dock your gadget and holler that it’s time to play the game! This may also suit for Note 2 as well.

 

3: Protective Back Case Cover

Would you even let your hard-earned phone be an outlet for your grumpiness? You may shudder for countless times, but your phone isn’t safe from all the bumps and blows. With all those dreadful impending incidents, gearing it up with a protective back case cover would most likely be an essential accessory for your phone. While you’re at it, look for designs that will best suit your taste. Check out this Head Case Designs sturdy back case that barely adds any bulk or weight, but still offers an optimum protection for your phone against scuffs and bumps. It sure does soothe the savage beast inside you.

In order to live life to the fullest—and evidently, to make most out of every single thing—one must learn to be watchful with their health, have time to de-stress, and protect the things important. There should be three things to remember: health, enjoyment, and longevity. And you can find them with these three accessories that are available in online mobile stores or in-stores.

Smartwatches for Everybody

The talk about smartwatches has just begun and it doesn’t revolve around the tech giants alone to explore what is out there for wearable technology. A prominent automaker, Nissan, has presented us with their version of a smartwatch configured to a Nissan car (obviously) called the Nismo Smartwatch.

Nissan never intended to compete with any of the tech giants in the smartphone industry. Then again, this doesn’t imply that it would not be crafting top of the line technology for its drivers. This they have taken action through the release of the Nismo Smartwatch, a smartwatch that is capable of carrying biometric data that assists in driver performance and efficiency. This capability is what separates it from other smartwatch manufacturers that are usually in the electronics department. The Nismo Smartwatch is not a competition, but the first to launch such a technology in car and motors industry. This gadget is set specifically for Nissan Nismo car drivers. It includes a lithium battery for power and can be recharged by its particular charger via microUSB. It can give you a battery life of more than a week under normal condition.

So what came to mind for Nissan to tread through unknown waters? It’s not as much as unknown to the car company but it is still a huge step forward all the same. Nissan’s Marketing Communications General Manager Gareth Dunsmore has provided two simple reasons: 1) people are very much inclined to wasting their money on high-end technology of which the smartwatch is already a part of and this will directly correspond to the increase in consumer interest and 2) to continue the digitalized experience that the Nissan Nismo has showcased and make it more accessible through the Nismo Smartwatch.

Essentially, the Nismo Smartwatch is meant to cater to the needs of Nismo athletes, hence the conveyance of biometric data to the driver. Data such as the heart rate are all forwarded to the user and everyone who is concerned in real-time. Nevertheless, the smartwatch is adept in two other functionalities: monitor the efficiency of the vehicle using car data and a watch.

Using the Nismo Smartwatch, the user can oversee the performance of his vehicle, its average speed and fuel consumption, and vehicle telematics. You would no longer need to pop the trunk just to see what might went wrong with your vehicle, is it in need of oil change, tuning, etcetera. If say the car did dysfunction, the user will get tailored car messages from Nissan via the Nismo Smartwatch.

Like all watches, it delivers time and date, only now, it’s all digitalized and easily accessible through touch technology.

It is not as close to being available for pre-orders on your trusted online stores just yet but will be put on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month of September for anyone who wishes to see it first-hand.

A Smart Speaker for Your Smartphone

Your smartphone is capable of a variety of things. The possibilities seem to be endless with it in your hands. However, in order for it to be the ultimate gadget, you have to partner it with apps or mobile accessories that can boost its performance. Picking up the right add-ons can make you use your handheld device as you desire.

If you’re a music lover who likes to get to the rhythm of the beat, then you should always carry a boombox wherever you go. But nowadays when portability is the name of the game, you would simply look like a fool once you carry a full-size stereo on top of your head, while bouncing it up in the air. Good thing, Jawbone, the Bluetooth headset, head band, and speaker company, has just recently announced its latest line-up of Bluetooth speakers. The Mini Jambox is smaller than its predecessors, and it packs in more volume. It is just 24.5 mm thin and 58 mm tall, and it weighs only 255 grams; it is just roughly the size and weight of two Hershey bars put together. The Mini Jambox is made of a solid piece of aluminum with a variety of grille styles and patterns. There are nine different colors to choose from. You can absolutely find one that will speak out your personality.

According to Travis Bogard, overseer of the product development at Jambox, “How a product fits into your life is as important to us as the product itself.” And having a portable speaker made by a company that has a good reputation for producing great sound is enough for you to bring life to the party. The mini contraption has a proprietary passive bass radiator to increase bass levels and a pair of stereo acoustic drivers to produce a crisp sound. Not only that it is good for paying music; it, too, is perfect to give you the thrills when watching movies and make you exhilarated when playing video games.

It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0, making sure that you aren’t using more power than you need to. You can be able to walk the streets of the big city, playing music all the way without even minding about any wires because it is completely wireless. It is powered by an internal Lithium-ion battery that runs for 10 hours straight for an all-night long jamming. Its battery can be completely recharged by the use of a micro USB cable.

The Mini Jambox is quite an awesome device, but it does come with a price. It retails at $179, and we can all agree that it isn’t a cheap audio accessory. But if you’re an on-the-go person who wants to take the music with you wherever you are, then this just might be the thing that you need.