GeekSugar

Daily Tech: The TwitterPeek Is For Tweeting Addicts

GeekSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:51 -0800

The new TwitterPeek device is for people who don't own a smartphone, but want to send lots of tweets - CrunchGear
Here's how cell phones have evolved over the years - MSN Tech
Spring Design is suing Barnes & Noble for copying their own eReader which resembles the Nook - Engadget
Verizon will start rolling out their Bing mobile app to BlackBerry Storm 1 owners - CNET
These movie titles will be coming out on Blu-Ray this week - Switched
It's giveaway time on GeekSugar! Log in for your chances to win one of these AT&T Smartphones - GeekSugar

Which New Handset Tickles Your Fancy?

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:33:57 -0700

This past week was a busy one with cell phone chatter, as we learned about three new phones that will be making their way to store shelves very soon. For instance, the new and improved BlackBerry Storm2 has just gone on sale in Verizon stores across the US and will cost $180 on a two-year contract after a $100 mail-in rebate. Meanwhile, the fashionable Palm Pixi, which costs $99, will be coming to Sprint stores on Nov. 15. And last but not least, the beautiful BlackBerry Bold 9700, which doesn't have a release date just yet, but is rumored to be hitting T-Mobile and AT&T networks this November. With all this talk about smartphones, I'm interested in knowing whether or not one of these handsets has made it to your wish list or if there's one in particular you can't wait to see in person? If so, which one?

Could You Give Up and Live Without Your Tech?

GeekSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:05:50 -0700

I read a story last week about the small (and shrinking) population of US residents that don't have a cell phone - which included my fellow blogger and friend, Gregory Han, from Unplggd. Although a portion of this group do not have the means to own one, a majority of this population has made a conscious decision to ditch the phone by their own accord. It reminded me of a friend that recently gave up his cell along with his Facebook and Twitter accounts in an attempt to clear his mind and simplify his life.

Although some folks see technology as an extra added complication to an already busy daily grind, I use tech to my advantage, and it actually helps streamline my day. From using my iPhone apps to help me navigate the roads, to using 3G and wireless technology to log in and get work done from anywhere. For me, tech allows me to go more places, and stay in touch with family and friends I wouldn't otherwise talk to on a regular basis. This got me wondering - would you give up and live without your tech on a permanent basis?

Partner Let Me Upgrade Ya: Cell Phone Guides and Accessories

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:31:57 -0700

You may not spend as much time on your cell phone as the trendy types on The Hills or Gossip Girl, but you probably keep your cell on hand at all times for contact, browsing, and simply wasting time. If you're looking to update, makeover, or explore a new use for your favorite gadget, check our handy guides.

How to shop for a new cell phone	Do more with your cellphone with these tricks and apps	Celebrities and their cell phones: then and now
4 fresh and fun new cell phones	5 awesome handmade cell cases	5 worrisome cell phone accessories

Give Your Phone the Props It Deserves With a Sleek Stand

GeekSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:47:23 -0700

I'm all about making my own iPhone or cell stand out of random objects, but if you want more of a traditional (read: new) and purposeful item, check out the sleek Philippi Mobile Phone Panel ($26).

This handy chrome desk accessory props up your cell so you can watch TV shows, make for easy viewing of your Twilight clock, or keep an obsessive eye out for any signs of a ring. It also works as a stand for your iPod or MP3 player so you can rock your tunes upright to quickly and easily check the titles of songs, or flip through your playlists.

Would You Watch Broadcast TV on Your Cell Phone?

GeekSugar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:16:43 -0700

Local TV stations may soon have the ability to broadcast live TV straight to your cell phone. Unlike YouTube, the service won't be on-demand. Instead, you'll be able to tune into live local television on your phone while stations will be able to offer both free and paid channels. Obviously, the technology won't work on existing mobile phones, but LG, Samsung, and Dell have already released prototype devices. And it's about time - this technology is already a huge hit in Japan!

With services like DVR and TV on-demand changing, this technology might breathe new life into broadcast TV. Would you buy a new gadget and use this service?

Geeking Out in Japan: A Retrospective

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:50:43 -0700

My two weeks in Japan went by in a flash, but I have the memories to last a lifetime - and now I'm sharing them with you! My trip through the "Electric City" taught me a lot about gadgets in the land of the rising sun, and attending the Tokyo Game Show was one of the highlights of my trip. And even though I didn't get to see the massive Gundam statue in all its glory, I did get to check out the head at TGS. Trust me, this thing is huge! Check out all the geeky sights from one side of the city to the other in this slideshow.

View Slideshow ›

The T-Mobile Tap: An Affordable, Cute New Smartphone

GeekSugar — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:15:50 -0700

Get ready to jump up and down, because T-Mobile is planning on releasing a handset called the Tap this holiday season, and it looks just like another popular smartphone we're all familiar with - the HTC Touch.

Forget the fact that this ridiculously adorable phone (available in midnight blue or berry) includes a two-megapixel camera, a web browser, a touchscreen display, a media player, and GPS functionality; it is also said to be very affordable. Now I don't know how cheap, since T-Mobile hasn't released any numbers yet, but I'm assuming $100 or less. This may just be the hottest handset this holiday season!

How to Shop For a New Cell Phone

GeekSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:13:00 -0700

I was pretty set on buying a new iPhone 3GS as soon as I could, but that doesn't mean I'm unfamiliar with the anxieties of choosing a phone. Remember when you had maybe three phone options to choose from? My first phone was a clunky Nokia with a changeable faceplate - my toughest decision was figuring out which color to choose! Obviously, your phone choices could be limited by your wireless carrier and contract obligations.

An article in the New York Times this week gives great cell phone purchasing advice. (Hint: their advice is to do the exact opposite of what my less-than-tech-savvy mom did last week: purchase a phone online sight-unseen because it was pink.)

To read a quick summary of their recommendations, read more.

Compare phones, plans, and companies online. Go beyond provider websites - try a site like GotReception to check coverage in your area and LetsTalk to enter your phone preferences and narrow your selection. The article also recommends visiting a review site like Cnet to check out reviews of any phone you choose.
Come up with a list of two or three models you're interested in and go check them out in person. The article suggests checking both big-box stores like Best Buy and individual carrier stores for best results. Take each phone for a trial run in the store. Do you like the keyboard? Is photo quality important?
After deciding which phone is for you, purchase it online. That way, you'll be able to compare a few different sites' prices and rebates.

Japanese Solar Powered Cell Phones Stream Live TV: Lucky!

GeekSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:43:57 -0700

During my travels through Japan, I just had to stop by the Akihabara district. Known as "Electric City," it's packed with blocks and blocks of gadget shops, game arcades, and stores where you can get every kind of cable known to man. It was a geek's dream, and I was living in it.

Cruising around one shop in particular, I noticed how awesome Japanese phones are. Let me start out by saying there aren't many iPhones in Japan - they're way too expensive - and people don't seem to mind. Why? Well, on their slim but lengthy solar-charged flip phones, they can stream TV and watch movies from anywhere in the country. I couldn't help but be jealous of their advanced cell phone tech (and prices - these high tech babies were only about $150 bucks in-store). I say, forget the Solio and give me solar panels on my iPhone!

Check out more pics of the gadgets I found in the Akihabara district of Japan when you read more.

View 10 Photos ›