Today Microsoft revealed today the next generation in not only in console gaming, but in home entertainment. The Xbox One is Microsoft’s newest gaming console that plans to be the one stop for all your home entertainment.

The Xbox One is a powerhouse in specs with an 8 Core AMD CPU, 8 GB of GDDR3 RAM,  500 GB of storage and Blu-Ray drive. But the specs aren’t what the Xbox One is about. It’s what you can do with them and Microsoft is bringing with the new Xbox One Platform. It’s the software that powers the system that is drive by 3 different OS, one is the raw Xbox OS, a second is a Window OS kernel to run Windows 8 Modern UI style apps and a 3rd OS that allows the other two to communicate to each other to provide a unique and seamless experience. One of the cool features is Snap mode which allows you to run multiple apps at the same time. So you could be playing a game and on a Skype call at the same time trash talking in real-time. Microsoft also now supports TV with a new TV overlay called the Xbox One Guide. It basically takes over for cable box.

The Xbox One will also have a new controller that is very similar to the old controller but adds a couple of new menu buttons, improved D-Pad and analog stick and a new vibrators build into the trigger which developers can use for better game immersion.

Kinect has also been improved with now a 1080p camera and better motion capture technology to the point where the new Kinect can detect a hearbeat. It’s also got improved voice controls and can turn on your Xbox with a simple voice command.

As for the games that have been show like Forza 5, FIFA ’14 and Call of Duty Ghost. The graphics are right on part with the PS4. Everything looks realistic and plays smooth. Of course some hands on time in the future with these games will give us a better idea but for now expect some very good-looking games for the Xbox One

With new content deals and partnerships with ESPN and the NFL to name a few the Xbox One is setting itself up to be the dominate console for this generation. Check out the spec sheet below for more info.

Specs:
Processor:	8 Core CPU AMD chip
Ram:	8 GB GDDR3
Optical Drive:	Blu Ray
Storage:	500 GB
Wireless:	802.11n / Wi-Fi Direct
Connections:	HDMI In/Out USB 3.0
Audio/Video	1080 & 4K Resolution Support 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Operating System(s):	Xbox One Platform (3 OS platform)
Kinect:	1080p HD Video Improved Kinect Technology. Better sensors, Can detect a heartbeat and very detailed motion.
Controller:	New Controller has improved D-Pad, new buttons and new runmble technology called "
Backwards Compatibility	No Backwards Compatibility with Xbox 360 games or Xbox Live games developed on the 360 platform. Microsoft states that they will continue to support the 360 separate with new games and new content and features.

LG has spent a lot of time developing Optimus UI  for it’s smartphone and the latest version is available on the LG Optimus G Pro. LG’s idea with the Optimus UI is to give highly graphical interface with as much customization as you want it to. It’s a kitchen since of features and options which is both a good and in some cases a not so good thing. In our video you’ll see the cool graphics and customization Optimus UI comes with in its transitions and being able to customize icons and turn apps into widgets. You’ll also see the clutter mess that Optimus UI brings as well and can be very overwhelming for someone using it for the first time. While it’s not perfect Optimus UI still brings a pretty good software experience.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S4 one of the main aspects of the the GS4 they focused on is the software. They realized back with the Galaxy S3 is that to have a great phone you have to have an awesome software experience  This is something that Apple has focused on with the iPhone and is a key pillar to their success. The Galaxy S4 without a doubt is one of the most feature right smartphone available. The latest version of Touch Wiz is based on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and takes advantage of everything that it offers and adds more to it. You have your motion based features like  Air View, Smart Scroll, Smart Stay, Air Gestures and  other features like Multi-window, Screen Mirroring, Watch On, S Health and S Translator are just a few of the many software features available in the GS4. In our near 30 minute epic video we go over as many features as we can fit into that time frame and still had to leave some out. After watching the video you’ll see overall that pretty much any feature or add on that you would want in a phone is probably packed in somewhere in the Galaxy S4.

It didn’t take too long after the LG Optimus G Pro event in NYC for AT&T to push out review units the the press. The Optimus G Pro is LG’s answer to the Galaxy Note II from Samsung which started the phablet category. The box is typical AT&T packaging  and not much for accessories just the wall charger. Would have been nice to have seen some headphones and a cleaning cloth.

When you first look at the Optimus G Pro or what I like to call it the G Pro is the massive 5.5 inch 1080p display. It’s the most standout feature in the phone.  The phone is a big phone but much more poketable then you would think and lighter. In terms of software the Optimus UI which is based on Android 4.1.2 Jelly bean is a bit of awesome and a bit of cluttered. The graphics of the UI look amazing from unlocking the lock screen and swiping between home screens. The UI lets you customize just about everything even the icon of your apps. With that said you will fee overwhelmed by all the clutter. So many different quick settings, options and bloatware that I can see a novice user getting turned off by so much. There seems to be some clean up a user will need to do to get the phone the way you want.

So far I like what LG is bringing with the Optimus G Pro. It’s a solid phone that is spec well but the lack of a stylus doesn’t make me feel that this is a true phablet just yet. We will have to see as I take about a week of full use to see if LG Optimus G Pro has what it takes. Please check out our unboxing and in-depth first impressions video and states below.

	LG Optimus G Pro (AT&T)
Screen Size	5.5" 1080p Full HD IPS Screen (400 ppi resolution)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor
RAM	2 GB
Storage	Internal:32 GB (23 GB usable) Micro SD Card Slot: Up to 64 GB.
Camera	Main: 13 Megapixel Front: 2.1 Megapixel Both: 1080p HD Video Capture
OS	Optimus UI Based on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Battery	3,150 mAH Removable
Connections	4G LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, GPS, NFC

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is not only one of those most anticipated smartphones of 2013, it’s one of the most anticipated pieces of technology this year. A month ago Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S4 in grand style in NYC and now we have the final product in our hands.  While the packaging is very similar to the Galaxy S3 with really just a color change of the box, the device itself is definitely a step up for the GS3 from my first impressions.

Speaking of first impressions I’ve spent about a day using the GS4 and I can tell you that it gives off a much more premium feel like the Galaxy Note II does. The screen will be the first feature people notice. The 5 inch 1080p display is just sharp, vivid and great to look at and it’s so close to the bezel the phone looks like total screen.  The software performance is very on par with the processor. It’s fast, smooth and feels like  that quad-core processor is at work. Touch Wiz feels like a true update and continue to evolve and get better and makes android easier to use. I do like the way settings are now tabbed out and they explain in more detail what each setting does. Some of what some would call “gimmick” features like Air Gestures have worked pretty well and presents a wow factor when showing off to friends. Some of the quick camera shots I’ve taken have been impressive but I’ll get into a camera quality test later.

So as you can see my first impressions have been very positive so far but that’s just first impressions. We’ll see after a week if those impressions stay high and it lives up to the hype. For now take a look at our in-depth first impressions video.

	Samsung Galaxy S4
Screen Size	5" Full 1080p Super AMOLED
Processor	US: 1.9 GHz Snapdragon 600 quad-core International: 1.6 GHz Exynos 5 Octa-Core
RAM	2 GB
Storage	Internal: 16GB/32GB/64GB Micro SD Card Slot: Up to 64 GB.
Camera	Main: 13 Megapixel Front: 2 Megapixel
OS	Android 4.2.2 With Touch Wiz
Battery	2,600 mAH Removable
Connections	4G LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, GPS, NFC

]]> http://bwone.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-unboxing-in-depth/feed/ 0 http://bwone.com/att-lg-optimus-pro-hands/ http://bwone.com/att-lg-optimus-pro-hands/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 00:55:59 +0000 Warren Bowman http://bwone.com/?p=29861

Last night LG and AT&T gave us a chance to get a hands-on look at the LG Optimus G Pro which is LG’s direct competitor to the breakthrough phablet Samsung Galaxy Note II. The Optimus G Pro follows LG’s earlier Optimus G offering but beefs up the specs with a large 5.5 inch 108op display, Quad-Core processor and enhanced 13 megapixel camera. While it make seem at first it competes with the Galaxy Note II, its more smartphone then hybrid since there is no stylus included and lines up better against the HTC DROID DNA from last year. The spces are solid and the software seems to have improved and the overall feel of the phone is good from both hardware and software performance in our hands on. Our video below gives more of an in-depth look and the specs table gives you the key features of the phone.  I can’t wait to get our review unit to see ho well this works.

	LG Optimus G Pro (AT&T)
Screen Size	5.5" 1080p Full HD IPS Screen (400 ppi resolution)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor
RAM	2 GB
Storage	Internal:32 GB (23 GB usable) Micro SD Card Slot: Up to 64 GB.
Camera	Main: 13 Megapixel Front: 2.1 Megapixel Both: 1080p HD Video Capture
OS	Optimus UI Based on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Battery	3,150 mAH Removable
Connections	4G LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, GPS, NFC

It’s been awhile since we last updates, a month or so. We had a few things going on that we needed to take care of that was outside of BWOne.com. But we’re back and of course we’re going to be better than before. Our focus is going to be bringing you great quality content. We may not put up a heavy amount of post but you can be sure that each post we put up will be of high quality.

Updating Review Process

Some things will also be changing with our review process. We will now state how long we’ve used a product in our reviews.  I feel that this will add more value to our reviews and give a true well rounded opinion about the product. We may not be the fastest review available but we will be one of the best reviews available.

Stay tuned for more news, more giveaways and more great tech news from BWOne.com!

There was a lot of hype and build up surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S4 launch. There has been a very mixed reaction from many fans and tech journalist about the phone and the event. Many have said that Samsung has dropped the ball and the Galaxy S4 is just a Galaxy S3s and nothing big. Well I have to fully disagree as I think Samsung made the right moves and is going to win big with the Galaxy S4.

The Galaxy S4 is Not a Galaxy S3S

The Galaxy S3s the term that many are using about the Galaxy S4, relating it to more a small spec bumps that apple does with their iPhone’s with most recently the iPhone 4 and 4S. There is much more to the GS4 then just minor spec increases.  If you look at the chart below you’ll see compared to the Galaxy S3 I wouldn’t call a quad-core/octa-core processor phone with a 5 inch full 1080p display and 13 Megapixel camera a small spec bump. Samsung has made big enough changes to make the S4 stand out as you can see in our hands-on and software tour.

	Samsung Galaxy S4
Screen Size	5" Full 1080p Super AMOLED
Processor	US: 1.9 GHz Snapdragon 600 quad-core International: 1.6 GHz Exynos 5 Octa-Core
RAM	2 GB
Storage	Internal: 16GB/32GB/64GB Micro SD Card Slot: Up to 64 GB.
Camera	Main: 13 Megapixel Front: 2 Megapixel
OS	Android 4.2.2 With Touch Wiz
Battery	2,600 mAH Removable
Connections	4G LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, GPS, NFC

Also there has been a lot of complaining about the  ”Broadway Play” that Samsung put on the introduce the phone. Yes it was corny, cheese, a lot of jokes fell flat but it was suppose to be that way. If they actually tried to put on a real play I would have been more worried. But the play was a great way to not only tell you the features of the Galaxy S4 but show you how they work and a life senerio which they can come into play.  The point here is to not only tell what your phone does but show it as well. Goes a long way for consumers when it comes time to make their next smartphone purchase.

Overall I feel Samsung did the best job they could in promoting the Galaxy S4 which isn’t a revolutionary change but is different enough to warrant the attention it is receiving. Share your thoughts on this. Do you think Samsung hit the target with the Galaxy S4 or did they miss the mark?

While you share your comments be sure to enter into our latest giveaway for a Motorola Elite Sliver Bluetooth Headset.

One of the new features in Blackberry 10 is the addition of video to the very popular BBM aka Blackberry Messenger app.  Starting a video chat is easy if you and your friend both have a Blackberry 10 device with a front facing camera you’ll see a green icon on the top right corner of the screen. Tapping on that will bring up the option for BBM Voice or BBM Video. Select video and the phone will dial out and all your friend needs to do is answer to connect. The BBM Video chat has your standard video chat controls, you can view in both portrait and landscape but the feature that I find the coolest is the share screen option. When one of you hits that you’ll be able to share exactly what’s on your phone’s screen with a friend. You can’t interact with the screen if you are the viewer but it’s pretty good for showing presentations or asking a question on how to do something. The app works similar to the way Google Talk on android  does video chat but with far more functionality and much better video quality. I have to give Blackberry a thumbs up here for how well this service works and hope they add more features to it soon.

Taking a screenshot on a mobile devices has become a standard way of sharing something cool on your phone. The Blackberry Z10 has an easy way to let you capture the moment as it happens on your phone. To take a screenshot with the Blackberry Z10 all you need to do is :

1. Go to screen that you want to take the screenshot of
2. Hold Down both the volume up key and volume down key at the same time. You will hear an audio camera click sound which means the picture has been take.
3. Go to Pictures  and you should see your screenshot there. If you’re going though file manager then you need to go to your camera folder which the screenshots are saved there.

Simple of course but i do wish it had a few more features like a visual cue like a screen flash letting you know the screenshot has been taken and I would have also liked to see some instant sharing or editing tools appear right when you take the shot similar to what you see in Android so I’m hoping Blackberry updates this feature and gives you more tools.