Samsung Modus HM6450 Review

Introduction and Design:

In our experience with the Samsung Modus 3500, a convertible style Bluetooth headset, we weren’t all too thrilled about its less than engaging performance in the calling quality department – which is of course one crucial area for any headset. However, the Samsung Modus HM6450 is seemingly a step up as it boasts all the same features as the Modus 3500, but seems to pack it all in a new stylish body. Combining it with an Android powered smartphone, you basically uncover some additional functionality that’s not usually akin to a headset that’s priced between $60 to $100. Included with the packaging are 3 ear gels, 2 ear hooks, stereo headphones, wall charger, user manual, and a 3.5mm stereo headset adapter.

The packaging of the Samsung Modus HM6450

Although it sports a conventional design, its implementation of a shiny blue patterned exterior combined with some lovely adorning chrome accents enables this mostly plastic headset to be one head turner. Lightweight due to its choice of materials, we’re still nonetheless satisfied with its overall solid build quality.

Sure you’ve got three different ear gels to choose from, but we’re not particularly too fond of their extremely rubbery feel – which is non-irritating to the ear, but doesn’t provide a snug fit. That’s where the ear hook comes to mind as it provides a substantially better fit without feeling too restrictive over a period of time.

The ear hook doesn't feel too restrictive over a period of time

If you happen to be button hungry, you’ll surely appreciate the wealth of buttons clinging to the various sides of the Modus HM6450. On one side you’ve got a reasonably sized volume rocker and a button that activates the headset’s built-in voice command service, while on the other, we basically find an easy to move power switch. Narrow in size, but raised slightly, we find the multi-function talk button place prominently on its front side. Meanwhile, you’ve got one microphone close by, while the other is at its usual spot near the end of the headset.

Multi-function talk button and LCD display on the front	Volume rocker and voice command button	Power switch
Buttons on the Samsung Modus HM6450

Rarely used by headsets in general, we find a tiny LCD display on the front that displays the headset’s battery level and connection status – which is nice, especially when you have quick access to it. And finally, the microUSB port in the rear is hidden beneath a plastic flap, but instead of simply charging the device, it also allows you to connect the included headphones to turn it into a stereo Bluetooth headset.

		The included headphones
The microUSB port in the rear is hidden beneath a plastic flap

Samsung GALAXY mini Review

This is a global GSM phone. It can be used with T-Mobile USA and AT&T, but without 3G.

Introduction:

Android has started from high-end to reach the mid-end and even touch base with low-end handsets. It plays nice with all of them, but don't expect it to be all the same – you have to sacrifice some of its functionality. The Samsung GALAXY mini cuts the corners when it comes to price, but aims to deliver you the versatile and robust experience of an Android handset. Does it succeed? Read on to find out.

While we're completely in favor of the low price (the GALAXY mini will cost you $230 off contract), there is a couple of trades you need to make. First, of course you have to swallow the smallish low-res 3.14” screen with its 240 x 320 pixels. In addition, the average 3.0-megapixel camera lacks auto-focus. Finally, the lack of Flash hinters your browsing experience significantly – especially if you're into online video. But if you can live with that – you will be awarded with an affordable smartphone with a responsive capacitive screen, nice build and smooth, lag-free performance. But before we dive in the Android world, let's examine the exterior of this new Galaxy of a handset by Samsung.


Design:

In the Samsung GALAXY mini world, sizes are smaller and you'll notice this with the 3.14” screen. The rather modest display has a resolution of 240 x 320 and supports 262k colors, allowing you to virtually make out every single pixel on the screen. The low pixel density renders it hard to read smaller fonts, so common in the browser, and you'll have to zoom in to get a legible amount of detail. We would hate to blow the resolution issue out of proportion, but if image quality is of utmost importance to you, the GALAXY mini might not be the best affordable handset out there.

The Samsung GALAXY mini comes with a 3.14” screen

You can compare the Samsung GALAXY mini with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

After your look slides off the screen, though, is when you'll notice the simple yet stylish accents of the handset's design. The perfectly flat screen is surrounded by slopes and edges, but the curves have a soft feel working in concert with the matte finish of the plastic materials. These might be aesthetics of practical essence, but arguably this is the best kind of aesthetics. The overall look and size might not have been inspired by the Samsung Corby series, but the two handsets certainly look similar.

The front holds the earpiece and three physical buttons defined by the brushed finish of the main menu key right in the middle.

The sides of the Samsung GALAXY mini

The backside features an inward curve with a very pragmatic non-slip textured finish. The easily removable battery cover houses a 3.0-megapixel flash-less fixed-focus camera unit and the speakerphone in the bottom. But despite the ease of taking it off, you'll only need to remove the cover in order to access the SIM card – the microSD card slot working with cards of up to 32 gigs is conveniently located on the right side along with the lock key. The left side holds the volume rocker, while on top a 3.5mm headset jack and a lid-protected microUSB are the final touches to the coherent design of the GALAXY mini.

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Plantronics Discovery 975 Review

Introduction and Design:

Unlike its Voyager series of Bluetooth headsets, the Plantronics Discovery line whole-heartedly keeps in mind fashion and a sense of style with its somewhat futuristic designs. Following up after the popular Discovery 925, which was a very well-rounded model, its successor in the Plantronics Discovery 975 aims to bring forth yet another similar experience. As it’s priced at the higher end of the spectrum at $130, you’re naturally presented with some nice features like AudioIQ2 & WindSmart technology for noise cancellation, dual-microphones, Multipoint technology, Voice Alerts, and its updated case that doubles as a battery charger. Included with the packaging are 3 gel ear tips, AC charger, case strap, and carrying/charging case.

The packaging of the Plantronics Discovery 975

One of the biggest distinguishable characteristic about the Discovery 975 is its stylish and futuristic design which seems to be foreign versus the usual crop out there. Amazingly, it has been reduced to nothing more than a narrow boom microphone that’s attached to the main body of the diamond shaped earpiece. Constructed out of glossy plastic that’s painted with a metallic finish, it contributes in making it very lightweight. Moreover, the subtle faux-pas leather adorning the earpiece complements its overall chic nature.

The Plantronics Discovery 975 has a stylish and futuristic design, that is nothing more than a narrow boom microphone, attached to the main body

Utilizing almost the same exact ear gel designs, it feels a little bit more comfortable versus their previous outing since it’s gummier in texture – thus enabling us to wear it for prolonged periods of time without being too irritating. Meanwhile, the intricate design allows it to snugly fit in our ear without the worry of it getting loose and coming off.

The headset feels comfortable, enabling us to wear it for prolonged periods of time

Physicals buttons are limited to only two items with the Plantronics Discovery 975, and to make matters worse, they’re all not that great in terms of feel. The multi-function talk button is placed squarely on the earpiece and exhibits a stiff feel when pressed, while the tiny volume button that simply cycles through three preset settings is located inconveniently on one of its sides on the earpiece.

Of course, you can charge the headset through its microUSB port, but the advantage with it is that it comes along with its very own useful combination carrying/charging case. As stated by Plantronics, it’s capable of delivering triple the amount of talk time. And besides being able to carry and charge the headset simultaneously, this model features a tiny LCD that displays both the battery charge of the case and headset.

You can charge the headset through its microUSB port, or through its useful combination carrying/charging case

Redsn0w untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1 released, iPad 2 not yet supported

The jailbreaking community has been losing sleep counting the days and nights until the full power of iOS 4.3.1 could be unleashed and finally an easy untethered solution for your iDevice is here, courtesy of the iPhone Dev Team. Untethered in this case means that you won't need to reapply the jailbreak after every reboot. Redsn0w comes on both Mac and Windows with the promise to set your handset free.

The only devices, which can't be jailbroken on iOS 4.3.1 with redsn0w remain the iPad 2 and the Verizon iPhone 4. The reason for not being able to jailbreak the iPad 2 lies in the exploit which was used previously via Limera1n or SHAtter, but that hole seems to have been fixed by Apple. And Verizon iPhone 4 owners will have to wait simply because, well, they are still stuck on 4.2.6.

A tethered option, which requires you to go over the jailbreaking process again after a reboot, has been available for quite a while, but that's the first true untethered solution. Jailbreaking gets you low-level access to the system granting you the freedom to install third-party apps which haven't passed approval for once. Many of the early benefits of setting your device free now come as a standard on Apple products – including multi-tasking and folders, but some features like free wireless tethering remain possible only after gaining low-level access. So while we compile a short instructional post on the whole process, why don't you voice your opinion on jailbreaking your Apple product: what's your reason?

source: 9to5Mac

Facebook update for iOS offers new features

There is a new upgrade for the Facebook client on iOS devices. Available for free from the App Store, version 3.4 adds a map view to Places check-ins, includes an improved News Feed and a better Notification dashboard.

Perhaps the best change to the iOS Facebook client is the way you can now ax stalkers or your ex or anyone you just don't want, directly from your iOS flavored device.

source: BGR

The updated iOS Facebook client allows you to remove anyone you want directly from your iOS device

Video tutorials for BlackBerry Touch show RIM's next Apple and Android challenger

Just the other day, we showed you some photographs of the BlackBerry Touch. Code named the Monaco or the Monza for the CDMA and GSM models respectively, the handset is next in a series of 'Berry models to take on the Apple iPhone (BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Torch 9800), RIM is hoping for better results with the new model. As you might recall, the BlackBerry Storm launched half-baked after a huge buzz while the Torch received lukewarm reviews from users.

While viewing pictures is nice, looking at video is better. Extracted from a recently leaked version of BlackBerry OS 6.0 (6.1.0.44 to be exact) is a number of video tutorials for the BlackBerry Touch. The question is whether or not RIM can ever get current Apple or Android users to make the switch to BlackBerry. While the Torch 9800 might have been successful in keeping 'Berry users from jumping ship, RIM needs to come up with something spectacular to entice those using other platforms to at least give BlackBerry a try. Is the BlackBerry Touch that phone?

source: Crackberry

Angry Birds Rio continues to see gold as it hits the 10 million download mark in 10 days

Not surprisingly, the Cinderella story is going strong for Rovio, maker of the Angry Birds series, as their latest venture proves yet again their appeal to the masses.

Angry Birds Rio is really sizzling because it has managed to achieve the 10 million download mark in just a mere 10 days – which is a pretty impressive feat on its own. Furthermore, it’s also able to impressively narrow the gap and actually push ahead of the original Angry Birds game on Apple’s App Store as being the most popular application. Easily breaking the previous record set by the original title, Angry Birds Rio is surely going to cement itself as a long lasting hit that’s sure to rake in some big bucks for its maker.

If you’re still holding out on it, you may want to check out our review on it to see for yourself what all the commotion is all about.

source: Twitter via Mobileburn

HTC Incredible S lands on Bell's lineup for $100 with a 3-year contract

Bell customers north of the border are getting the prime opportunity of being the first in all of North America to pick up the incredibly sweet HTC Incredible S.

You heard that right, you’re going to be need to check out Bell to experience seeing the auto-rotating capacitive buttons of the HTC Incredible S – and not to mention all the high-end specs coming along with it as well. However, you’ll need to shell out $100 to pick one up with a lengthy 3-year contract, but if you prefer the no-contract route, you’ll need to dish out $500 to get it sans contract.

Although some people are waiting out until word comes around about Verizon’s variant, Bell will be the only one in North America to offer the Android 2.2 Froyo powered smartphone. Well, at least Gingerbread is well on its way to the handset in the near future – so it’s a win-win situation either way for anyone who buys it.

source: Bell via Engadget