Today Google released Chrome For Android beta finally bringing their popular desktop browser to the mobile arena. Currently is only available for Android 4.0 ICS devices so not many will be able to run it now but that will change soon with more Android 4.0 devices coming out and older devices being updated. Google will also be separately developing Chrome For Android separate from the standard Android browser but I’m sure it won’t be too long before these two merge together into one.

Since it’s a beta we won’t give it a full official review but I’ll point out some of the key features from the beta that I like.

• Familiar Interface – If you have used Chrome before then Chrome For Android will look very familiar to you. The colors and the main page layout look very similar to what you see on the desktop version of Chrome.
• Fast Page Loading and Rendering – Pages load fast and accurately. I didn’t see many checkerboard waiting for the page to load up.
• Smooth scrolling and smooth pinch & zoom – Two key features of any mobile browser is how smooth is scrolling and pinch & zoom. This is best I’ve seen and android based browser do with both. I didn’t t see any lag or stuttering.
• Chrome Desktop & Mobile Syncing – This is great feature as you are able to sync all of your bookmarks between both your desktop and phone. there is also a separate section for mobile bookmarks as well. The best part of it is tab syncing which will let you see a list of tabs that are open on your desktop and let you access these tabs on the so you can take that cool webpage you just found with you on the go. Hopefully the syncing will include to extensions as well.
• Tabbed Browsing – While this is nothing new to mobile browsers I do like the way Chrome for Android does it. When you hit the tab icon you will see each open tab with an image of the contents within that tab. You can control how  far the tabs stack on top of each other and there is a really cool animation for when you close a tab fully.

There are many other features that we didn’t list here as I wanted to focus on the ones I felt were key.  For a beta this is solid and I would recommend every users with an Android 4.0 device to download and give it a try.  Google did very well with their first web browser so there isn’t any reason not to expect them to excel in the mobile web browser space too.

The DROID RAZR MAXX didn’t take too long to come our after the original DROID RAZR after its début at CES 2012 and less than three months from the originals release. The missions the RAZR MAXX has is to give you a large battery but keep the same slim and thin design and close as possible. Do they succeed in this mission?

Hardware & Design

The design is nearly identical to the first DROID RAZR with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Advance display with qHD resolution that’s protected behind Gorilla Glass and a Kevlar backing to keep your device well protected from damage. They also put a water-resistant coating on the internal electrical components so that if they get wet the water beads off. Internally you have a 1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4430 dual-core processor, 1 GB or RAM, 16 GB of on-board storage (11.5 available to you)  with another 16 GB micro SD card included, 4G LTE data, 1.3 megapixel front facing camera and 8.0 megapixel rear facing camera with LED flash plus 1080p video capture. You can see our sample video and pictures below. The camera is good but you will get some grain in the pictures if you’re not in perfect lighting conditions.

The biggest difference in the hardware is the 3300mAH battery inside that Motorola claims that you get 21.5 hours of talk time and 380 of standby time.All this while keeping a slim 8.9mm frame. Does the RAZR MAXX live up to this claim?

Software & Usability

For software the device runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with Motorola’s user interface on top. Much of the software is similar to many other Motorola devices so we will get into some of those apps later. The main feature here is the battery life. In our test we setup the device as a user would normally use it.

Battery Test Setup:

• 3 Email Accounts
• Facebook & 2 Twitter Accounts
• Google Music, Google Voice
• Netflix and YouTube streaming
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio
• 10 Phone calls (Avg 10 min/Call)
• All settings set as they were “out of the box”

The phone was unplugged and off the charger Sunday 9:30 am and after 12 hours the battery was at 50%. From there we continued the test until he battery died fully Monday 9:30pm which gives you a maximum battery life of 36 hours. This is tremendous results especially for a power user. I’m sure once you start to tweak the settings with brightness, data connections and Motorola’s Smart Actions software you can get even better results. It’s also upgradeable to Android 4.0 which will improved the battery life even more.

Also included with standard Verizon apps such as VCast, VZ Navigator, Mobile Hotspot and My Verizon there are Motorola specific  apps such as MOTOACTV for fitness, MOTOPRINT for wireless print sharing and MOTOCAST which lets you stream any content from your computer anywhere over a 4G LTE connection a file manager that lets you move and manage files between the internal storage, SD card storage shared folders and  MOTOCAST connection computers and mention earlier Smart Actions which the phone will automate certain tasks based on how you set them via date, time, location, app etc.  A solid package of apps that make the DROID RAZR MAXX a well-rounded experience.

Overall

The Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX makes you wish that this device came out at the same time or in place of the original one. The beefed up battery is much appreciated and while doesn’t solve all the issues with Android and battery life it does help the power user out there have confidence that they will get through a whole day and not have to worry about running for a charger or changing they way they use the smartphone around. This is a recommended buy for anyone looking to grab an android device on Verizon even over the original Motorola DROID RAZR.

Samsung and AT&T announced today that you will be able to get your hands on (for some maybe two-hands) the Samsung Galaxy Note starting February 19th. The smartphone tablet hybrid is noted for its large 5.3 inch  HD Super AMOLED display with at 1280 x 800 resolution and comes with a S-Pen for stylus input. Other noted features is a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB or RAM, 16 GB or 32 GB storage options, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p HD video capture, 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat and will ship with Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread with Touch Wiz UI on top and include apps such as S-Memo which will let you capture pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings into a memo to share or edit the way you want.  Check out our hands on video of the Samsung Galaxy Note at CES 2012.  Pre-orders start February 5th

Press Release:

create, capture and share in new ways with the samsung galaxy note, available from at&t feb. 19

AT&T’s Latest 4G LTE Device Offers Customers a New Way to

Communicate and Collaborate

 

DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2012 –

 

Key Facts

· Previously announced at AT&T’s Developer Summit leading up to the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.

· Customers excited to get their hands on this dream device even earlier can pre-order at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or any AT&T company-owned retail store beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 for delivery by Feb. 17.

· The Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and advanced technology in the S Pen™ — delivering an all-in-one device that allows users to work more efficiently and maintain productivity, while communicating in a unique, personal way.

· Galaxy Note boasts the world’s first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×800), one of the largest screens on a smartphone, for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out.  With the expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, customers can take full advantage of the large display, to create and consume more.

·The Galaxy Note includes a highly advanced tool called the S Pen, which delivers fast, responsive and precise control to create fine lines and detail on the device display, much like an ink pen and pad of paper.  With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting.

· S Memo™, a multimedia application designed to capture all forms of user-created content captured by the S Pen, allows for pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings to be combined via a single application, converted to a ‘memo’, and shared as desired.

·It also includes a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The calendar integrates the phone’s to-do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping customers comprehensively organize their lives.

·An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, which can also be annotated with the S Pen before being saved or shared.

·Users can communicate in personal, creative ways expanding beyond traditional sharing methods with the Galaxy Note.

 

Accessories

The Galaxy Note features a unique portfolio of custom designed optional accessories including:

·Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home

·Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution

·Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.

·Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.

 

The Galaxy Note is also compatible with the following universal accessories:  Micro USB Adapter, HDTV Smart Adapter, Car Power Charger with Detachable Data Cable (Micro USB), Micro USB Data Cable, Travel Charger (Detachable with USB to Micro USB Cable), and the premium Refined Sound wired headset.

 

Pre-Orders

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 customers will have the option to pre-order the Note at http://www.att.comgalaxynote or by visiting an AT&T company-owned retail store.  Pre-orders processed by Feb. 15 will arrive by Feb. 17 at customers’ homes.

 

Quote

“The Galaxy Note brings a new level of efficiency to busy customers who would normally rely on multiple devices,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “This new breed of smartphone helps consumers accomplish more with a single device than ever before.  The unique all-in-one experience can simplify daily life while tapping into AT&T’s4G LTE network to let customers work even faster.”

 

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets.  4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available.  Deployment ongoing.  Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.  Learn more at att.com/network.

 

Limited-time offer. Samsung Galaxy Note requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req’d. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee(att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35. Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

 

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Nokia’s flagship smartphone for the US the Lumia 900 is set to launch exclusively for AT&T with an aggressively low price of $99 according to reports from BGR.  Announced at CES 2012 the Lumia 900 is the first top-tier Windows Phone handset from Nokia for the US that comes with a 4.3 inch AMOLED Clear Back display, 1.4 GHz Single-core processor, 8 megapixel  rear facing camera with a Carl Zeiss lens  f2.2 wide-angle lens dual LED flash, front-facing camera with a wide-angle lens to fit more people into a video chat, 4GLTE and Windows Phone 7.5. You’ll get some exclusive apps such as Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive and Nokia Music all for the low price of $99 is basically a steal. Check out our hands-on from CES 2012.

The ZTE Tania is a mid-range Windows Phone with at 1.0 GHz single-core processor, 4.3, inch display, 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and Windows Phone 7.5 OS. The phone is a bit on the thick side but feels light and should do well for the budget conscious consumer looking for a nice smartphone.

The HTC Titan II is an update from the very popular HTC Titan. It adds a new 16 megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video capture and  4G LTE data. The rest of the specs are close to the same as the original with a large 4.7 inch display, 1.5 GHz single-core processor,  512MB  or RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and Windows Phone 7.5 Mango. It’s coming to AT&T but no word on pricing and date just yet.

The Spectrum by LG is a follow-up to the LG Revolution. It comes with improves specs with a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon processor, 1 GB of RAM, 4.5 inch AH-IPS HD display with 1280×720 resolution, 4 GB of built-in storage plus a 16 GB micro SD card pre-installed, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 8.0 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash plus 1080p HD video capture and 4G LTE data speeds. It’s available January 19th and will ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but the specs are good enough to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich so we hope to see an update to that in the future. It will retail for $199.99 on a two-year agreement.

The Xperia ION is a new flagship phone for Sony who purchased their cell phone division fully from Ericsson last year. It’s Sony’s first 4G LTE phone and is exclusive to AT&T. It packs a massive 4.6 inch 1280×720 HD display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB or RAM, 16 GB of build-in storage, a powerful 12 Megapixel camera with LED flash plus 1080p HD video capture. It will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Sony’s UI customizations but will be upgradable to Android 4.0 ICS in the future. This phone I really like here from Sony. Pushing power and high camera specs with LTE data speeds should equal success here. Check out our hands-on demo.

Nokia announced their new flagship phone for the US the Lumia 900. This Windows Phone will be coming exclusively to AT&T. It comes with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Clear Back Display, 1.4 GHz Single-core processor, front-facing camera with a wide-angle lens. Rear facing camera with a Carl Zeiss lens  F2.2, wide-angle lens dual LED flash, 4G LTE and Windows Phone 7.5. It will also come with exclusive apps such as Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps and Nokia Music. No release date or pricing announced yet.

The SteelSeries ION Wireless Portable Gaming Controller aims to give you full game control feeling on a mobile device like a tablets, smartphones or PCs. It’s a Bluetooth Enabled controller that has a classic design and button layout similar to the PlayStation controller with dual analog buttons. The controller isn’t that big only being the side of a deck of playing cards which is good to fit in the pocket. The ION removes the need to use touchscreen controls which are in most cases difficult to use and you can’t see your game while your playing it.  Check out the video below from CES 2012.