Windows Phone’s shortcomings give it the ultimate opportunity to propel itself in the race for top smartphone manufacturer. Windows Phone 7.5, better known as Mango, came to fruition mid way of last year and it became a welcome addition to the platform. It added great functionality in the social and multi tasking department; as well as enhancing the live tile aspect of the platform. Microsoft seemed to be on the path of steady and significant upgrades that every consumer wants. Windows Phone can win, if Microsoft steps it up.

The Reality

Microsoft began their refresh for a place in the mobile space to late.  iOS and Android already had their feet set in stone when it came to market share. The bad distaste consumers had from Windows Mobile also didn’t benefit the cause. Windows Phone is vastly different than anything else on the market, but as the past as shown being different isn’t enough in this mobile ecosystem. Upgradable differentiation is the key to constant progression with your product.

The Software

Metro UI is a fluid and elegant piece of work. It takes Apples form of simplicity with a pane of applications and gives it a taste of 21st century eye candy. From the outside looking in, it gives a valiant effort for the most part. Consumers want to get intimate with the operating system, but it’s seemingly boring interface isn’t enough to convert them. Only everyday Windows Phone users know how the user experience drastically differentiates itself from the crowd. It never slows down or push itself more than it needs to. Its a very nicely knit package that performs more like a piece software that’s been around longer than just 2 years.

The Apps

Apps, apps, and more apps. Applications have become the holy grail or the crucifix for present day mobile operating systems. They extended the functionality of the software as well deeply integrating a consumer with its fellow man. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Apple gave birth to it, Google copied it, and Microsoft is trying to redefine it. The app hysteria around Windows Phone is somewhat unwarranted. Quantity should never overtake quality and in Microsoft’s case, they have a pretty good mix of both. Windows Phone already has the core apps baked into their software so there’s no worries in that department. WP email client is only second to Blackberry’s iteration and the strict hardware guidelines make every experience the same as the next device. The majority of the tech world finds these guidelines as a limiting attribute that ultimately hurts WP expansion, but quality user experience breaks the status quo of beefy specs anyday. Apple is the ultimate showcase of that idea mastered to perfection.

The Hardware

Microsoft mandates that all their WP devices have a hardware requirement to ensure the best user experience for all consumers. In theory, this is genius. It destroys the negative aspects that open source platform brings to the table and supplements it with efficiency. The only problem with Microsoft’s initiative is that all their hardware requirements are last generations tech. It’s a shame that hardware like a snapdragon processor, 512mb of ram, and 800×480 screen resolution have become considered ancient in the tech world. It’s goes to show you the speed of innovation in the mobile industry. It’s truly something to marvel at. Even tho WP doesn’t need the advances in technology such as a quad-core processors or 1gb of ram yet, it does however have to future proof its prized software. Firmware updates have become the make or break feature of present operating systems. It gives the consumer a new lease on the user experience. It puts them at a comfort level knowing that their device won’t be obsolete in a matter of months. Again, Apple has done an amazing job in this regard. Apple has mastered the craft of making its consumers blissful with every device. Microsoft should keep strict hardware for its next version of WP. It just needs to make sure that the hardware is compatible with future versions of itself.

Summary

Windows Phone has been the talk of the town in the tech world the past few weeks. The majority of it is coming from two very distinct viewpoints. One being that Microsoft needs to give current WP users the Apollo update. This update is supposedly going to be an epic change in nature. Multiple different sources have said the update will and will not becoming to current Mango devices. Not to add to the fray, the only thing i will say is that NOT giving current WP users the update is beyond idiotic. I rest my case. The second surprisingly is the Nokia Lumia 900. The consensus is that hardware wise, it’s in a class of its own, and on the other hand, it’s just another WP device. The funny thing is that the negative aspect of various reviews still say that it being another WP device isn’t necessarily a bad thing, only that other current generation operating systems like IOS and Android are more advanced. The critics are right in more ways than one. But Microsoft and current WP users should take one thing away from all this sudden Windows Phone hysteria. Windows Phone has POTENTIAL! Tremendous and warranted potential. Microsoft has to supplement its own shortcoming with progression in the mobile space. A 2 year old operating system causing this much discussion can only mean that people WANT a Windows Phone. They just can’t in it’s current state. I can’t help but feel the Metro UI is a reincarnation of WebOS trying to resurrect itself lol. Maybe it’s the tech geek inside of me, or maybe it just has THAT much potential. Only time will tell, but in the mean time, STEP IT UP MICROSOFT!

The site is live. Google’s online streaming service will be called Music Beta by Google. The service will allow you to stream your library across the web and your android device. Stay tuned for more updates

Update 2: You can add up to 20,000 songs to the service and will be available in stages and by invite only currently.  The new music app will be available now for android 2.2 devices.

Update 1:  There will be an app available to download on your PC that will help you upload all your music to the cloud service.  The app will be same one that we have see in android 3.0.  The 3D gallery which will also be available on the Android phone devices but will be optimized for phone.

Amazon today made a big move in the digital music battle with the launch of the Amazon Cloud Player.  The player which is available now is free for all users and they will start you off with 5 GB of storage and they are running a special now that if you purchase a new album from the Amazon Music store you will get upgrade to the 20 GB plan free for 1 year. The service will allow you to upload music to the cloud storage via cloud drive and access it from anywhere where there is a computer and internet connection and is also available on your android device as well through the Amazon MP3 app in the android market. Currently Android is the only mobile OS that has the app available.  Plans with more storage start off at at $20 per year and go up but the actual streaming music service is free for all users.

Amazon make the first big step in cloud streaming and we have hear rumblings of what Apple and Microsoft have coming down the pipeline to enter into this market and also we have heard that Slacker is suppose to come with a On-demand style service as well. Things are beginning to heat up here.

For more information on cloud computing be sure to check out this article here.

LG Talks about their new 3D Passive glasses technology and how they have improved the quality while making the glasses cheaper and easier to make. The new glasses are much lighter and can be built into more fashionable frames while keeping the cost around $20 per pair.

LELO was on hand at CES to show off their line of personal massagers at the show, from their  High end Insignia line which is water proof and also rechargeable with a 4 hour battery life.  To their USB rechargeable model, there is a whole range of products to chose from and can be purchased at

LELO.com

iGUGU  takes aim and jumping into the Internet TV and streaming box market with the iGUGU InternetTV. 

The iGUGU InternetTV is a PC based solution that will allow you to stream content from your PC and the internet right into your TV.  InternetTV also takes a different approach to the user interface which looks a bit more intiutive and easier to learn than maybe some others. The nice thing about InternetTV being PC based is that they are not limited to the content that you can access. Which means you will be able to get content from such places as Hulu and Netflix which is sometimes blocked on other competitors products. The InternetTV UI is customizable to set the boxes to what content you want them to be.  The product goes for $99.

Press Release

iGUGU InterneTV Delivers the World of PC- and Internet-Based Content to the Television
The PC-Based System Fulfills the True Intent of Internet Content Streaming by Giving Users Ability to Search, Access and Watch Most Free and Subscription-Based Content Available on the Internet
LAS VEGAS – Jan. 3, 2010 – iGUGU®, a global manufacturer of innovative entertainment technology products for consumers and business, will demonstrate InterneTV, an easy-to-use, affordable solution that enables consumers to stream the majority of all PC- and Internet-based content to the television, at the 2001 International CES (Central Hall, booth 14043) from Jan. 6-9, 2011.

Unlike most other Internet content streaming solutions, InterneTV is PC-based allowing the solution to stream virtually any content that can be viewed on the computer to a television in the living room or in the home theater using a compact, feature-rich handheld RF remote control. At the core of InterneTV is a powerful software application that aggregates both subscription-based and free content from hundreds of websites, making it easy and intuitive to search, access and view video content.

A content streaming solution is only as good as the type and amount of content that it can actually stream. CES attendees are invited to visit its booth at CES to directly compare iGUGU InterneTV with other leading Internet content streaming solutions. Whereas most other content streaming products limit users to viewing content from specific sources, the PC-based InterneTV solution enables users to view virtually ANY content that can be played on a PC.
According to Isaac Calderon, president of iGUGU, InterneTV has the capability of creating a paradigm shift in the way that consumers receive their video entertainment at home. “As major networks and cable programs make increasing amounts of their content available free-of-charge through the Internet, and many offering original content available only through the Internet, the Internet is positioned to replace broadcast and cable television as the primary source for video entertainment. InterneTV is the bridge that brings all of that Internet-based content back into the living room where consumers are accustomed to viewing their video entertainment.”

News Release

About iGUGU InterneTV
iGUGU InterneTV turns the PC into a powerful entertainment center by enabling users to access and play stored video content from the PC or streaming content from the Internet on a television or home entertainment center. The iGUGU InterneTV system consists of an innovative, compact handheld wireless remote control, wireless or cable-based options to connect the PC to the television, and an easy-to-use, powerful, software application that aggregates free and subscription-based content on the Internet, giving users the ability to search, catalog and play more content than any other solution on the market.

The PC-to-TV interface manages all content between the computer and the television. Connecting the PC to the television is made easy through three connectivity options which include both wired and wireless solutions to deliver video at up to 30 frames per second. iGUGU’s wireless solution provides wireless connectivity between the television and a Wi-Fi enabled PC at a distance of up to 400 feet utilizing an 802.11g-compliant box that provides both VGA and HDMI video outputs and stereo audio output connections. iGUGU Mid Range provides connectivity up to 50 feet through a VGA cable and utilizes a wireless USB which is connected to the PC to communicate with the wireless remote. iGUGU Long Range enables audio and high-definition video to be transmitted up to 330 feet between transmitter/receiver boxes that are connected between the computer and television.
iGUGU InterneTV, which is compatible with Windows, supports 480p and 720p, and delivers resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768.
iGUGU InterneTV will be available in Q1 2011 starting at $99 USD via leading retailers and will be backed by a 12-month warranty and 24/7 technical support.
About iGUGU

iGUGU is a subsidiary of San Diego, Calif., based VNA Group, a conglomerate of companies that include transportation vehicles, fitness equipment, entertainment technology, and consumer products.
The VNA Group delivers to consumers and businesses around the world a diverse array of innovative products and services that enhance and improve the way that people work and play.

iGUGU designs and manufactures innovative entertainment technology solutions that enable consumers to enhance their lifestyles and businesses to take advantage of new revenue streams made possible through the convergence of the Internet and entertainment industries. iGUGU’s business philosophy is simple: to dedicate their talent and technologies to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society.

iGUGU is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.igugu.com.
© 2011 iGUGU. iGUGU, and the iGUGU logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of iGUGU in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

For more information:
Ken Hagihara
Media Relations Representative
for iGUGU
Integrity Public Relations
(949) 768-4423 x801
ken@integritypr.net
# # #

LG plans to make your TV a bit smarter with the LG SmartTV.

The LG SmartTV Upgrader is a small box that will plug into your TV and will bring you a easy to use menu that is custom built by LG that will give you access to content across all platforms of internet and TV. You will be able to get streaming content from Hulu, Nexflix, Vudu and may other content providers right onto your TV. Check the video for more info.

Press Release

NEW LG SMARTTV UPGRADER MAKES EVERY TV A SMART TV
Combines Web Browser, Premium Content and LG Apps
With a User-Friendly Interface
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 – LG Electronics introduced its new LG SmartTV Upgrader (ST600), an easy solution for transforming any TV into a Smart TV, today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8205). The Upgrader gives any television with an HDMI input the ability to access endless amounts of content including movies, sports, television programming, music and premium applications, all through an easy to navigate user interface*.
The LG SmartTV Upgrader also offers a Web browser so viewers no longer need to turn on their laptop to access the Internet. With this feature, news, reviews and a host of other content can be viewed on the television screen.
“LG Smart TV is an exciting innovation and our LG SmartTV Upgrader provides an affordable option for consumers to adopt this new technology,” said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, LG Electronics USA. “Now any TV can be „Something Better‟ with virtually unlimited content options.”
Building upon the pioneering NetCast Entertainment Access offering, the LG SmartTV platform provides access to endless entertainment options from providers including*:
 VUDU– Allows consumers to buy or rent from an extensive catalog of more than 2,000 high-definition movies and TV titles without monthly fees or additional hardware. It also is the only online service to offer movies in 1080p.
 Netflix – Updated with Netflix 2.0, consumers can now stream thousands of movies without a PC.
 YouTube – Instantly streams millions of Web videos directly from the Internet.
tim
www.LG.com
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 CinemaNow – Allows consumers to browse from the CinemaNow premium content catalog and instantly stream purchased or rented movies and popular TV shows.
 Hulu Plus – Subscribers have access to back seasons or full runs of some of TV‟s greatest shows.
 Amazon Video on Demand – Allows consumers to view more than 75,000 hit movies and television shows instantly.
 Live Streaming Sports (multiple partners) – Pro sports fans can follow their favorite teams, stay up to date with player profiles, and stream games in HD quality.
The LG App Store is also populated with hundreds of applications for download. The user-friendly interface can be easily navigated by a remote control with finger touch pad or smart phone with an Android or iPhone QWERTY keyboard application.
LG‟s Smart Share function allows users to wirelessly stream content from their PCs and other compatible devices for viewing on their television screen. Smart Share also includes Media Link, which provides additional information, such as cover art or liner notes, for content being streamed. The Upgrader includes built-in WiFi and uses an HDMI connection.
Specifications
 WiFi 802.11 BGN
 Connections
- HDMI
- Optical
- USB
 A/C Power
For more information and product images, please visit LG‟s online press kit at www.lgnewsroom.com/CES2011.
# # #
tim
www.LG.com
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*Design, features specifications, pricing and availability subject to change.
*Internet connection & subscriptions required and sold separately. The Magic Motion Remote does not come equipped with all LG SmartTV enabled TVs and separate purchase maybe required.
*For a small percentage of the population, the viewing of stereoscopic 3D video may cause discomfort such as dizziness or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using the 3D functionality and contact your health care provider. 3D glasses required and sold separately.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations around the world. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean won (USD 43.4 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world‟s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG‟s “Life‟s Good” marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

 

We are on our way to CES 2011 in Las Vegas!! Its that time of the year once again for the biggest consumer electronics and technology conference in the world International CES.  We’ll be covering all four show floor days giving you the latest gadgets, tech and new and emerging treads in consumer electronics and technology.  To get all the latest information coming out of the show be sure subscribe, follow and like all of our social media feeds

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You can also keep up right here at BWOne.com as well and we have a section dedicated to CES which is located at CES 2011 Page

Enjoy the coverage and let us know what you want to see at CES this year.

Hardware

Both present great hardware out of the gate. The core internals are basically the same with them both running off a Intel Atom processor but where it  changes is the Blu-Ray player that the Sony includes which makes it much bigger but a good idea for those that are looking for a multi purpose device. The Sony also comes with a front USB port and and 3 more in the back while the Logitech has no front USB and only two USB in the back.  I think as far as the box is concerned the Sony does beat out the Logitech in that department but that should be expect with Sony’s history of hardware manufacturing.

The remote controls are where they both contrast heavily. The Sony has  a much smaller remote that fits in your hand similar to a game controller with a full QWERTY keyboard that can be a bit weird to type on and a much small touchpad to control the on screen mouse.  The Logitech comes with a traditional size QWERTY keyboard with a thin profile and large touchpad for easy mouse navigation.  This keyboard is much easier to use than the Sony keyboard and with Logitech being a PC accessory company I would expect them to be better in this area and they were.

Usage

Both have Google TV and both give you a solid UI experience with the Sony being more of a stock experience and the Logitech adding a bit of color, a more enhanced media player and Logitech HD Video for HD video calling. Logitech put a bit more effort in certain areas to make it a bit more UI friendly in some areas of Google TV. The advantage of having HD video calling available puts Logitech a bit ahead of Sony in this area but at the same time we do not have an android market open just yet for Google TV so we could see an HD video calling app on the Sony as well in the future but we will wait to see on that.

Overall

Both provide a great Google TV experience with solid hardware. If you are looking for an Blu-Ray player to watch movies or to get rid of your current Blu-Ray player the Sony is the one you want. If you are not in need for a Blu-Ray player save your money and grab the Logitech Revue.

For all coverage on Google TV be sure to head over to BWOne.com/GoogleTV

Buy the Logitech Revue from Amazon

The Sony Internet TV Player and Logitech Revue are both available from Best Buy below

Sony Internet TV Player

Logitech Revue

The Logitech Revue is Logitech’s entry into the Google TV race. Will is gain a good review? Lets see inside.

Hardware

The Revue is made of a entire plastic body which gives that typical Logitech build quality where is may not give of the high end look at first it does feel like solid build.  There are no ports on the front which gives a clean look but would have been nice to have USB ports on the front for easy access. The keyboard is a full QWERTY keyboard with a large touchpad on the top.The touchpad is large enough track pad to be able to fully use the on screen mouse well. Even though it’s a regular size keyboard it is very thin and light and comfortable to type on. As showing the hardware tour previously the Logitech Revue the hardware is good.

Check out our full Review of the Logitech Revue Hardware Tour

Usage

Performance wise the Revue works solid.  I didn’t experience any slow downs and going through menus was a smooth process. You get pretty much the same features that you get in the Sony Internet TV player that we reviewed earlier with the addition of a more user friendly media player app to stream content from your PC and play content off USB storage. Also you get Logitech HD video app for HD video calling but at the time of this review we were unable to get this feature to work. We did buy a Logitech HD TV webcam but the service was intermittent and didn’t work consistently enough for use to do a full review on. Overall the device performed smoothly

Check out our full Google TV Review Here

Overall

Overall The Logitech Revue is a great Google TV box for those not looking for a Blu-Ray player and will be streaming all of their content. I would have liked to see a way to mount it to a back of a TV so you can give it a full seamless look.