LG G5 Product Review - Can it Compete Against Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy?

When LG first showed off the G5, it made a big show of it being the first phone with modular capabilities. This ability to swap out and customize certain hardware parts has been a longtime fantasy for mobile users. Like building a personal computer, you can upgrade certain components that are important to you or fit a certain need. It's encouraging to see LG take these baby steps towards modularity. This isn't a concept device stuck in developer limbo.  Instead, LG ran this on a mass-market flagship phone, which hopefully means it's committed to furthering this feature in the next iterations.  LG is facing a gigantic challenge in 2016. It’s launching directly against Samsung's Galaxy S7 which improves on an already excellent platform to become an incredibly accomplished smartphone. To combat Samsung and the omnipresent iPhone, LG has decided to innovate and rethink how we use smartphones. The G5 is really different. It’s a phone that has a bottom and battery that detach, allowing you to clip in new modules that give the G5 special abilities, like a better camera or higher-quality sound. It’s a small change, but damn exciting because of what it represents and what it could mean for the future. Let hear back from some LG G5 users. Can this innovative device truly compete against the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the soon to be launched Apple iPhone 7S? Share you comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

PC Magazine Ranks the Top Free Android Smartphone Apps

Here are PC Magazine's top 5 free mobile apps for 2016: Any.Do has grown leaps and bounds from its humble list-making origins to a powerful daily organizer. Use it for everything from grocery lists to more complex task management. A feature unique to the app is the Any.Do moment, where you run through the day's tasks and decide which you're going to accomplish. avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus is everything you want in an Android security suite and then the kitchen sink as well. The app comes with top-tier protection from Android malware but can also deter thieves by letting you remotely track, lock, and message a lost Android. It even comes with browsing protection and call and SMS blocking. Comics is the place to go for digital comics. Create an account to shop for digital comics, and even subscribe to monthly titles. It's also a powerful reader, bringing the panels from your favorite stories to your tablet or phone. It's enough to make a die-hard print reader like me think twice. Evernote is the gold standard against which all the others will be measured. With power search features, extensive tagging, optical character recognition for photos, and nesting Notebooks, Evernote makes it easy to find and organize your notes. A free account with Evernote gets you 60MB of uploads per month. Google's app portfolio really brings its A-game app development to Android, which comes as no surprise. Google Chrome is a fast browser on Android. Google Translate brings strong voice recognition and translation to your phone. Google Goggles connects you with useful information from your pictures. Google Drive and QuickOffice give you unprecedented mobile storage and document editing. Gmail is a smart, simple email client and Google Play Music lets you stream and store all your tunes. The Android Device Manager helps keep your phone safe, and the invaluable Google Keyboard will totally change how you interact with your phone.  Vote for your #1 mobile app by visiting the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Apple to Launch the iPhone 5SE in China This Week - Will it Succeed?

The Apple iPhone 5SE launches on Thursday and preliminary numbers at China-based retailers suggest decent demand — but the black market tells a more mixed story. The U.S. tech giant started taking pre-orders for the smartphone on March 24 and has not released official figures. However, as of Monday in Beijing, total pre-orders on three retailing sites exceeded 3.4 million. Despite the brisk pre-orders, though, Chinese vendors and scalpers are uncertain if the iPhone SE will be a sure bet like previous models. One scalper is offering the iPhone SE at a $20 discount to the official price in China. In the past, scalpers have been able to charge a premium of roughly $300 over the official price for a newly released iPhone, but one  Hong Kong smuggler who refused to be named said he expected to charge just $30 above the listed price for the iPhone SE. Until now, Apple has competed in China's massive smartphone market only with its high-end iPhones. The iPhone has become a status symbol, helping to make the country a top market for the U.S. tech giant. The iPhone SE is seen as a way for the company to expand in emerging nations and to target more price-sensitive consumers. In China, the lower end of the market has been dominated by less expensive Android-based smartphones sold by Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Meizu. Can the smaller, less-expensive iPhone capture significant market share in China? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

GSMA Privacy and Security Conference at the Hague - Preview (May 10-11)

The Mobile 360 Series in contrast to the other regionally-focused Mobile 360 events, this one is entirely devoted to the topic of privacy and security across the global mobile enterprise ecosystem. In cooperation with The Hague Security Delta and The Municipality of The Hague, Mobile 360 Series – Privacy & Security will explore the state of network security and data privacy today and examine best practices across a variety of industries. This event will include a combination of keynote speakers, panel discussions, technology demonstrations and in-depth case studies that address the growing importance of privacy and security across the globe. two-day program will feature a high-level thought-leadership conference that includes keynote speakers, panel discussions and in-depth case studies from across many industries. As consumer and enterprise awareness grows and more importance is placed on digital trust, customer data privacy and management will become a source of competitive advantage and service creation. Mobile 360 – Privacy & Security will support the cultivation of the mobile-first commercial security and data protection communities. How valuable is this new Privacy and Security event to smartphone and tablet users like you? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Sony's ForwardWorks to Develop Games for IoS and Android Smartphones

Sony announced Thursday that it's ForwardWorks subsidiary will develop games for IoS and Android devices in Asia. The move makes Sony the latest console game company to move into smartphone apps, following rival Nintendo. Nintendo's first smartphone app, Miitomo, was released in Japan last week. But Miitomo is more like a social experience than a traditional game. The app asks users questions about themselves, and then shares those answers with friends. Sony appears to be taking a different route. The company said it will offer "full-fledged game titles" and use existing PlayStation games and characters in new apps. Japan-based Sony has previously dabbled with smartphone gaming without much success. In 2012, the company launched PlayStation Mobile in an attempt to bring Android smartphone games to its dedicated handheld console, the PlayStation Vita. Sony has also promoted a range of Android smartphones with "PlayStation Certified" branding, including a handset from Sony Ericsson with a PlayStation-style controller. But PlayStation Mobile failed to catch on, and few titles were released for the service.Can Sony succeed ton its second attempt to develop games for smartphones? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Samsung Galaxy S7 Voted #1 Best Smartphone by Consumer Reports

Similar to their experience with the phones, Consumer Reports found the device to have great cameras, excellent battery life, super-fast processors, and very high resolution screens. The expandable storage and water-resistance features also helped the phones gain their top ratings, partially because they make the other parts of the phone stand out even more. For example, the phone can record video in 4K, or Ultra-HD. Those files are huge in size, which makes it important to have a microSD slot for memory cards. Battery life lasted more than 24 hours of simulated talk time -- more than twice the iPhone 6S. The speakers on the S7 and S7 edge produce loud and crisp volume. And because of the phones' high resolution displays, screens are easier to read in bright light. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge's main camera is terrific, despite downsizing in resolution from the S6's 15.9 megapixels to 12.2. It produced Excellent image quality and Very Good 1080p video quality—among the best we've tested in a smartphone. confirmed that the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge can handle immersion for up to 30 minutes in 5 feet of water. They can laugh in the face of sinks, toilets, and scarily deep puddles. And, amazingly, this water-resistance is achieved without physical covers for the USB port. Can the newest Samsung Galaxy S7 series maintain Consumer Reports top-ranked position once the Apple introduces its highly anticipated iPhone 7S next September? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

What is the Best Security App for Android Smartphones and Tablets?

Mobile Security and Antivirus from Avast has received 4 1/2 star rating from CNET for Android mobile security. The free version of the Mobile Security and AntiVirus app offers: 1) Detect viruses, malware and more, plus strengthen your home network, 2) Log in anywhere and Avast claims it can make your device unbreakable. With more than 230 million sensors, we see new threats first, and respond fast – to everyone in our network. And we don’t give your details to anyone (be that the NSA, the CIA, or the government). The days when an antivirus took over your PC are long gone. Avast Antivirus is lighter and faster than ever, so you won’t even know that it’s there. It doesn’t matter whether they’re wireless or connected by cables, routers and other devices on your network are easy targets for hackers. Hackers can easily compromise routers to get access to your personal data, web cam or to simply use your internet bandwidth for free, while you pay. Does the Avast security app deliver on these promises? Let's hear from Android users from around the globe. Share your feedback with the Cyber and Cloud Security Center: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Google Launches 'Android N' - What Will Be the Impact on New Mobile Apps?

Google released the first Android N developer preview on March 9, two full months earlier than expected. The Android N preview went live for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi and LTE), Nexus Player and Pixel C on the Android Developers site. A more polished version of the Android N developer preview will still be shown off during Sundar Pichai’s keynote lecture on day one of the conference but developers and enthusiasts will have a couple months’ head start on getting to know N. Google has released a early preview of the next version of its mobile operating system – Android N – with split-screen multitasking, increased battery life and better notifications.  Head of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer, said: “It’s earlier than ever, it’s easier to try and we’re expanding the ways for you to give us feedback. We want to hear from you and iterate on the platform with you – that’s what makes Android stronger.” Compatible apps (developers will need to add support for split screen mode individually) can be opened up side-by-side in Android N and resized. Developers will be able to set a minimum size for their app windows, but you’ll have a very similar multitasking experience to what you already find on many OEM devices. There’s also a new picture-in-picture mode that works just like minimized video in YouTube. Will "N" make Android OS devices more competitive with IoS and Windows 10 based electronics? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Assessing the HTC M10: What Does the Future Hold?

HTC had a challenging year in 2015, with the M9 perhaps not being the hit it wanted. It's most interesting device last year was perhaps the HTC One A9 instead. It has a refreshed design, opts for an amoled display and runs a lighter version of Sense than we've seen before. It also performs well on its mid-range hardware and rumour has it the new flagship will be taking a few cues from this device. Claims suggest HTC might abandon the name M10 for the next handset, with the name HTC 10 being thrown about instead. Other leaks suggest a 5.1-inch AMOLED display with a Quad HD resolution, along with the SD820, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of memory. A fingerprint sensor is expected on the front of the handset, like the One A9 and the leaked images also suggest USB Type-C will be on board. Despite the One M9 launching on the eve of MWC like Samsung and LG did this year, we will be waiting a few more weeks for the M10. Reports suggest HTC will do a separate event in April for the launch of its new flagship, with the 11 April and 19 April both appearing in rumours. The company has already started teasing the device  so keep an eye out over the next few weeks. With the HTC One M9 - 2015's flagship - pushing design refinement, but falling short in other areas, it's make or break time for HTC. Can HTC rediscover the right formula needed to resurrect its smartphone business? Let us know your predictions here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Product Review: The Motorola Droid Maxx2

As the new owner of my first Motorola smartphone let's take a brief look at some of the features, benefits and potential pitfalls. If you are an Android smartphone user rest assured that much - not all - of the functionality found in Samsung, LG and related devices is the same. Settings: Quite similar, although you may need to 'hunt' for the setting of your choice. Screen: Comparable to the Samsung Galaxy 6 - good size with good resolution. Power On-Off Options: Oddly I cannot find a "Restart" feature only a "Power Off" option ... somewhat disappointing. Speakerphone: Good volume and sound quality. Ringtones: A very good selection to choose from, however, some may suggest that the quality of these tones is rather rudimentary. Battery life and charging: It is too soon for me to make a conclusion on battery 'life', however, I can definitely say that the power charging capability - either from your standard wall jack or from your vehicle power adapter is much faster than my aging Samsung Galaxy phone. Look and Fell: Nothing dramatic here other than to say the external 'texture' of the phone assures a better grip reducing the possibility of dropping and damaging the device. Sof is the Droid Maxx2 a viable competitor to the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series? I suggest not. However, if you need a well-built, dependable smartphone at an affordable price the Maxx2 may be the right choice for you. Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Preview: iPhone 7 Strategy - Can Apple Keep Pace With Samsung?

Samsung made a big splash at last month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by introducing the Galaxy S7 Edge and Edge Plus. Now attention turns to Apple's next move. The iPhone 7 will be Apple's brand-new flagship phone for 2016, and following tradition should be announced in September. Although the final release date is still many months away, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill going crazy over the upcoming iPhone. With an all-new D-jack headphone jack, waterproofing protection and an eSIM. Loads of rumours are circulating about the screen too - will it get bigger? Will it feature a curved edge? Will it have a Touch ID display, or edge-to-edge glass? One things for sure, the new iPhone will be faster than ever, with an A10 processor and embedded M10 motion co-processor, plus 2GB of RAM. reports say that Apple might struggle to meet demand for the iPhone 7 due to earthquake damage in Taiwain to Apple supplier TSMC's factories. In early February,  reports emerged suggesting that Apple would use TSMC as its sole processor manufacturer, but the earthquake came just days later. Don't be confused by the rumoured Apple iPhone launch event expected to take place on 21 March. This is for the iPhone 5se, the 'mini' iPhone that is thought to be the first of several new iPhones launching this year. Just when will Apple launch the iPhone 7 series and will it keep pace with the Samsung Galaxy? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Is Smartphone 'Style' About to Surpass 'Functionality' Among Consumer Preferences?

Smartphones have become status symbols and statement makers -- much like luxury cars. The new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a good example of this idea. With a price tag of almost $800, customers are paying an ultra premium. And while the phone has tons of features that cater to nearly every whimsical need, many just seem superfluous. After using the S7 Edge for about a week, I've come to love the way it looks and feels in my hands. I also love how the phone performs. Everything feels instantaneous. Apps load incredibly fast. The fingerprint reader works with the slightest touch. The always-on display is really helpful. And the phone charges in less than 80 minutes. On the flip side, the S7 Edge is a bit high maintenance. Compared to an iPhone 6 Plus, the phone I've been using for over a year, the S7 Edge seems more complicated than it should be without equally rewarding me for my extra effort. Case in point: the unique curved edges of the screen. Aside from making the phone feel great, they don't make the phone that much easier or better to use. In fact, it sometimes feels like Samsung had to add features to justify the design. In other cases, the curved edge limits the usefulness of the phone. Most would agree that the market leading smartphones from Apple and Samsung are status symbols in addition to providing bona fide functionality that we have grown to expect. But does that mean that smartphone ‘style’ may surpass ‘functionality’ anytime soon? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Indian Market Responds to New $4 USD Freedom 251 Smartphone

Ringing Bells unveiled its Freedom 251 smartphone touting features that included a 4-inch display, 1.3-GHz quad-core processor and 8 GB of storage. The "made-in-India" product was listed for just 251 rupees ($3.65), a price with the potential to revolutionize India's devices market and make Internet access affordable for tens of millions of people. One problem: Industry insiders say the deal is too good to be true. "This seems to be a joke or a scam. It is something we are very upset about," said Pankaj Mohindroo, national president of the Indian Cellular Association. "This is being investigated by various government authorities." In a letter to India's Minister for Communications and I.T., Mohindroo said that even when using the cheapest components, such a phone would cost at least 2700 rupees ($40) to produce. After counting taxes and duties, the price should be at least 3500 rupees ($52). How will this incredibly low price point affect adoption among one sixth of the world's population? Send us your comments here at the Smart and Tablet Zone: http://cloudandcybersecurity.blogspot.com/