Smartphone Review : T-Mobile G2x

The good: The T-Mobile G2x features a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor that delivers great performance. It also has a sharp design, plenty of multimedia features, and HSPA+ speeds.

The bad: The T-Mobile G2x's photo quality did not meet our expectations. The call quality could also be slightly better.

The bottom line: The T-Mobile G2x's simple Android interface, blazingly fast speeds, and polished look make it the phone to beat in T-Mobile's lineup.

When LG introduced the world to the LG Optimus 2X late last year we were suitably impressed by its dual-core processor and multimedia capabilities, but because LG has a history of not importing its high-end devices into the U.S., we held out little hope that it would hop across the pond.

Fortunately, we were proved wrong. At CTIA 2011 in Orlando, Fla., LG introduced the T-Mobile G2x, which is essentially a T-Mobile USA-branded version of the Optimus 2X. Available now for $199.99 with a two-year contract, it boasts an impressive 1GHz Nvidia dual-core processor, great specs, support for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network, and all-around good looks. Sure, it's running Android 2.2 at launch, but LG promises it will be upgradable to version 2.3 in the future and Android fans will appreciate the stock Android interface.

Also notable is that the T-Mobile G2x is T-Mobile's first "G-series" phone not made by HTC (unlike the T-Mobile G1 and T-Mobile G2). This underscores T-Mobile's confidence in LG; we hope the G2x is the first of many excellent LG smartphones to make their marks on the U.S. market.


Design
When you hold it in your hands, there is no doubt that the T-Mobile G2x is a premium handset. At 4.9 inches long by 2.5 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick, the G2x features smooth, rounded corners and is clad in a matte soft-touch finish on the back, with a seamless piano-black face and attractive gunmetal-gray accents around the sides. At 5 ounces, the G2x also has a certain heft that gives it a solid and luxurious feel in the hand.

The T-Mobile G2x has a beautiful 4-inch WVGA display.

The 4-inch IPS touch-screen display is simply stunning. The WVGA resolution provides crystal-clear sharpness, with vibrant colors and impressive detail. This is especially evident when playing games and HD video. It's not quite as vivid as the Super AMOLED screen on the Samsung Galaxy S 4G or the qHD display on the Motorola Atrix 4G, but it still offers rich colors and great graphics.

The touch screen is really responsive, requiring only a simple tap for a touch to register, and thanks to the dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, we were also amazed by how zippy the navigation felt. Simple tasks like scrolling through a Web page or launching an application felt that much quicker. Even the accelerometer kicked in faster when switching from portrait to landscape mode. The G2x comes with a gyroscopic sensor as well.

Beneath the display are the usual Android shortcut keys in the form of touch-sensitive buttons for menu, home, back, and search. On the top right of the phone is the front-facing camera. There are a couple of external speakers on the bottom along with the Micro-USB charging port. The volume rocker is on the right, and the 3.5mm headset jack, HDMI port, and power/screen lock button are on the top. The microSD card slot is located behind the battery cover, but you don't need to remove the battery to access it. On the back of the phone are the camera lens and LED flash.

T-Mobile packages the G2x with an AC adapter, a USB cable, and reference material.

Features
The T-Mobile G2x's feature set is an embarrassment of riches, with plenty of advanced smartphone technology that promises to provide speed and multimedia prowess. As we mentioned, it has the highly praised 1GHz Nvidia dual-core Tegra 2 processor. It does have only 512MB of RAM, but we didn't notice any performance drawbacks in real-world tests. Transitions between menus felt snappy, and we jumped through different points in an HD video clip with zero jittering.

To prove the strength of the Nvidia Tegra 2 processor even further, LG has included the Nvidia Tegra Zone app with the phone. The app lets you easily find, purchase, and download games that take advantage of the Nvidia processor. The G2x comes with Nova and Need for Speed Shift, and we have to say that both games performed very well in our initial tests. Graphics were very smooth and we experienced zero lag time during gameplay.

Because of all this power, it's no surprise that the G2x comes equipped with multimedia features galore. It has a Micro-HDMI port so you can hook up the phone to a big-screen television, and with mirroring mode, you can see on the TV whatever is on your phone. If you want to go wireless, the G2x also supports DLNA, a technology that lets you share media on your phone with other DLNA devices wirelessly. The G2x also comes with T-Mobile TV, a T-Mobile service that gives you access to live and on-demand TV.

If you would rather watch your own movies, the G2x comes with 8GB of internal storage. This might not seem like a lot, but you can load additional media onto a microSD card--the phone supports up to 32GB of extra storage. To get content onto your device, you can treat the phone like a mass storage device by dragging and dropping media, or you can use the DoubleTwist software to sync content wirelessly.

The T-Mobile G2x has an 8-megapixel camera and LED flash on the back.

One of the other benefits of the dual-core processor is that the phone supports full HD 1080p video playback. In addition, the G2x can record video in 1080p with its 8-megapixel camera. The short video clips we recorded looked pretty impressive, considering they are from a phone. We don't think video quality quite compares to that of a professional quality camera, but for family videos or simple YouTube clips, it works great.

Thank you:
http://androidandme.com/2011/03/phones/t-mobile-g2x-confirmed-as-first-dual-core-phone-with-stock-android/
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-20044830-10356022.html
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/T-Mobile-G2x_id5272
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/05/25/t-mobile-g2x-pulled-from-shelves-due-to-quality-issues/
http://www.gforgames.com/gadgets/news-gadgets/tmobile-lg-g2x-optimus-2x-overview-release-date-specs-6827/
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/t-mobile-g2x/4505-6452_7-34550510.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody#reviewPage1

App TV: 2011 Internet services on TVs compared

Today, many TVs are able to connect directly to the Internet. A few of them include QWERTY keyboard remotes and actual Web browsers, but most lack these PC-like extras. Instead they're designed around a "walled garden" of apps like Facebook, Picasa, and casual games; streaming services like Netflix and Pandora; and an interface meant to be browsed using one thumb and a standard TV remote. Increasingly, they also offer app stores with paid and free apps as well as, in one case so far, actual shopping.

Of course a lot of other devices, especially Blu-ray players and dedicated boxes like Apple TV and Roku, also offer apps and streaming. The advantage of these boxes compared with a TV is cost: you can add them to an existing TV without having to upgrade, and if they become obsolete, the replacement cost is a lot lower.

But if you're buying a new TV and want built-in services without having to connect an extra box, you may be interested in how the various walled gardens stack up. We've reviewed a few this year, with more to come, so here's a quick-and-dirty look in order of which ones we like best so far. All include Netflix and the differences accumulate from there.

Panasonic Viera Connect: We're fans of the simple approach used by Panasonic. The main home page is arranged around tiles that will be familiar to any iPhone user, and you can arrange them so your favorites are on top. Unfortunately there's no Vudu or Hulu Plus client, and it still uses the old Netflix interface, but overall we think it's still better than the alternatives we've tested. The app store has potential and is the first we've seen that lets you purchase physical merchandise, but we wouldn't recommend paying extra for those Gameloft games.
Wi-Fi: USB dongle included

LG Smart TV: Like Panasonic, LG keeps its interface simple, with a tile-based Home page layout we actually liked better than Panasonic's. It's customizable and well-laid-out, especially if you use the unique Nintendo Wii-like remote included in models like the LW5600 below. The remote also allows drag-and-drop and makes using the surprisingly decent built-in Web browser easier. On the downside, LG's app store is the lightest content-wise among the top three (although we love its star rating system for apps), Pandora is mysteriously absent for now, and Search is even less impressive than Samsung's.
Wi-Fi: USB dongle included

Samsung Smart TV: If Panasonic and LG take the simple Apple approach, then Samsung is like the sprawling, more capable but also more impenetrable Android. Samsung offers a video search and a sort of IMDb lite with TV and movie information, but search is disappointing and it's rare for any of the TV shows or movies listed to actually be available to watch. The major missing service is Amazon Instant, but otherwise Samsung offers more apps than anyone, and its potential upside, for example with 3D streaming, is the highest among any we've seen. The UND6400 linked below is missing the browser and QWERTY remote found with the high-end UND8000.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on select high-end models; USB dongle $80

Sony Bravia Internet Video: Unlike Panasonic and Samsung, Sony didn't make any major improvements to its Internet offerings. There's no app store and no integrated home page for Internet content, but streaming selection is quite solid (with the exception of Vudu), and there's a cool Gracenote app that can identify songs much like Shazam on your phone. Most of the other add-ons use a separate Yahoo widgets interface, and the streaming services themselves are bound to Sony's design--a good thing for consistency, but often, as in the case of Netflix and Amazon, the cover art is just too small.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on select high-end models; USB dongle $80

Sharp Aquos Net: Sharp's service doesn't offer YouTube, Hulu Plus, or Amazon Instant, and the selection of apps is relatively sparse in the main user interface. On the other hand, the TV also offers a separate smorgasbord of apps from Vudu, with a better interface but no ability to combine live TV with apps on the same screen.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on all models

Philips Net TV: Our least favorite service so far in 2011 includes even fewer apps than Sharp, and while it also offers Vudu Apps, the rest of the pickings are slim. Although it isn't strictly an app or part of Net TV, Philips' Wi-Fi MediaConnect feature is worth mentioning here since it can let the TV display whatever is on your laptop screen without wires.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on all models

Thank you :
http://reviews.cnet.com/2795-6482_7-677.html?tag=mncol;txt

LG Optimus 3D not getting any Gingerbread love until October

We have some good news and some bad news for the LG Optimus 3D owners out there. The sad bit is that their beloved smartphone won't be getting the Android 2.3 Gingerbread treatment for at least a few more months. On the positive side, the wait might just be worth it as it will improve the 3D capabilities of the device quite significantly.

The Inquirer reports that they managed to get some of the LG tech gurus to talk about the Optimus 3D Android 2.3 update release date and they said it will be coming in October. That might seem like a pretty long wait as by that time 10 months will have passed since the launch of Android Gingerbread, but there will be something to make up for it.

The LG Optimus 3D will be getting the usual bunch of features brought by Android 2.3 Gingerbread plus one key addition - it will be able to convert regular 2D application to 3D as long as the app relies on OpenGL for its graphics. So if you've always dreamt of adding an extra dimension to your favorite games or apps this might be your chance.

Now we are not sure how good the feature will work as converting 2D content to 3D automatically sounds pretty hard, but let's give LG a chance here. We'll see what happens in three months, when the update is actually released.

Thank you :
http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_3d_not_getting_any_gingerbread_love_until_october-news-2901.php

Next iPad is getting a boost in display resolution, according to latest rumors

Rumors – they just keep on coming, don't they? This time, a speculation about the next iPad iteration has surfaced on the web and it is supposed to come from a source pretty close to Apple itself. It is said that Cupertino is already testing 9.7-inch LCD displays made by Samsung and LG, which are intended for use in the iPad 3 (or iPad 2 Plus, as it might also be named).

However, the more interesting thing is that the said display panels boast theimpressive resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels and clock in at exactly 264 ppi. This actually isn't the first time we hear rumors about the iPad 2's successor getting a boost in screen resolution as a peak into the iOS 5 beta SDK revealed clues pointing at the exact same pixel count. Besides that, we know that both Samsung and LG are capable of producing displays with such pixel density, so this rumor might really be onto something.

Would you like an iPad with such a high-resolution? Share your thoughts with us by dropping a comment below!

Thank you :
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Next-iPad-is-getting-a-boost-in-display-resolution-according-to-latest-rumors_id20457

Smartphone Buying Guide: Q3 2011

If you are in the market for a smartphone there are plenty of great options to choose from. An overwhelming majority is powered by Google's Android platform, which continues to extend its lead in terms of total users thanks to a growing lineup of devices covering a wide range of features and form factors. But there's also stuff going on elsewhere.

Apple didn't release a new iPhone this past June as it has in previous years, however the company is expected to bring out the guns sometime around September with new hardware and the next version of iOS -- which is enough reason to be excited about. Meanwhile, Microsoft is slowly getting more Windows Phone 7 devices in the market, and with the arrival of Mango this fall and Nokia on board as its shiny new partner things are about to get much more interesting.

Meanwhile, things have been pretty stale on the BlackBerry and webOS camps. The former has been losing market share quarter after quarter, and it doesn't seem like a QNX-based handset will be out soon to push things forward. HP has been focusing on the recent TouchPad launch, but the company is expected to launch a third-gen Pre smartphone soon.

As with previous editions of this guide, we've put together a selection of the hottest devices out there to help you navigate through the sea of new smartphones getting released week in and week out. Each phone is listed alongside its feature highlights, specs and prices, from newest to oldest. Some devices listed here are not yet available but will be in a relatively short time span. We hope this will help you narrow down your purchase, and as usual your feedback is always welcome.

New & Upcoming Releases :: Nokia N9 • iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S?) • HTC Eternity • LG Thrill 4G • HP Pre 3 • Motorola Droid 3 • Samsung Galaxy S II

Current Popular Smartphones :: HTC EVO 3D • HTC Sensation 4G • Sony Ericsson Xperia Play • Samsung Droid Charge • Samsung Nexus S 4G • T-Mobile G2x • HTC Arrive

Early 2011 and 2010 Phones :: HTC Thunderbolt • Samsung Galaxy S 4G • Motorola Atrix 4G • HTC Inspire 4G • HTC Evo Shift 4G • Samsung Focus • BlackBerry Bold 9780 • Apple iPhone 4

Nokia N9

The N9 is Nokia's first phone to sport the MeeGo operating system. It features a 3.9-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass and no front-facing buttons; instead, Nokia has implemented a swipe feature for switching between screens and functions. Under the hood, a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM powers the device. There's also an 8MP Carl Zeiss wide-angle camera on the back end even NFC connectivity. But with Nokia abandoning MeeGo this phone is going to be a tough sell.

Additional views:

Carrier: TBA	Talk Time: 7 hours
Price: TBA	Standby Time: 19 days
Manufacturer: Nokia	Weight: 4.76 ounces
Platform: MeeGo	Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
Network: GSM, WCDMA , HSPA+ 14.4	Storage: 16GB/64GB

iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S?)
Available: TBA

Apple's next generation iPhone has been rumored for months and yet nothing about its release can be confirmed as of this moment. However for such a relevant product that has the potential of being a game-changer, we couldn't update our guide without bringing to your attention the likely announcement from Apple come this September. Rumors point to a thinner and lighter design, an eight-megapixel camera, and the same A5 processor used in the iPad 2. The only thing certain is that it will run Apple's updated iOS 5 with wireless sync, iCloud, iMessage, revamped notifications and over 200 new features.

HTC Eternity
Available: TBA

The Eternity is HTC's upcoming Windows Phone 7 smartphone and should be among the first to run the platform's"Mango" update -- meaning it won't be out until this fall. Known features include a large 4.7-inch display, the biggest we've seen so far not counting the Dell Streak which was marketed as a tablet, a single-core 1.5GHz processor, 8MP auto-focus camera with dual-LED flash supporting 720p HD recording, a 1.3MP front-facing camera, and 16GB of internal storage. In terms of connectivity, it has the usual Wi-Fi, DLNA, GPS, and Bluetooth support.

LG Thrill 4G (LG Optimus 3D)
Available: TBA

The Thrill 4G, known elsewhere in the world as the LG Optimus 3D, boasts an impressive specification list that includes a dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP4 processor and a 4.3-inch touchscreen capable of displaying 3D content without the need for special glasses. It also has a dual-lens 5-megapixel rear camera to record 3D photos and videos, as well as HDMI 1.4 and DLNA to stream content to other 3D-capable devices. Naturally, the device will also support 2D high-definition video and LG says it will have four times more video decoders than competing designs. There's no official price point so far and availability is estimated for Q3 2011.

Additional views:

Carrier: AT&T	Talk Time: 4 hours
Price: TBA	Standby Time: 4 days
Manufacturer: LG	Weight: 5.9 ounces
Platform: Android 2.2	Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Network: GSM, HSPA 14.4	Storage: 8GB internal, 8GB microSD card included

HP Pre 3
Available: July 2011

The Pre 3 is an upgraded version of the Pre 2 featuring a 3.6-inch 480x800 display, a 1.4GHz processor, a front-facing camera, a redesigned keyboard for larger fingers, and the same sleek, yet under-appreciated webOS. There will also be some synergy with HP's TouchPad, which will be able to take the Pre 3's calls and touching the two devices together will let you share URLs and other data. Availability is set for this summer but no carrier has been announced.

Additional views:

Carrier: TBA (AT&T and Verizon likely)	Talk Time: --
Price: TBA	Standby Time: --
Manufacturer: HP	Weight: 5.5 ounces
Platform: webOS 2.2	Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Network: --	Storage: 8GB / 16GB

Motorola Droid 3
Available: July 14, 2011

Motorola brings a powerful new option for anyone seeking a phone with a slide-out keyboard. The Droid 3 sports a 1GHz dual-core processor, a 4-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel camera, a full QWERTY keyboard and Android 2.3 customized with the newest version of Motorola's Blur UI. There are lots of very solid spec improvements all around over the Droid 2, though the lack of LTE may disappoint some.

Additional views:

Carrier: Verizon	Talk Time: 9 hours
Price: $200 with two-year contract	Standby Time: 12.5 days
Manufacturer: Motorola	Weight: 6.5 ounces
Platform: Android 2.3	Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
Network: CDMA, EVDO Rev. A	Storage: 16GB internal, expandable via microSD

Samsung Galaxy S II
Available: April 2011 in Europe, July 2011 in U.S. - TechSpot's Review

The Galaxy S II is one of the sleekest smartphones in the market at just 0.33 inches thick and weighing 4 ounces. Samsung's hot selling Android handheld features a 4.27-inch (800x480) Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, an 8MP primary camera with 1080p video capture and a 2MP camera in the front, as well as integrated NFC support on some versions. There's also Bluetooth 3.0+HS and HSPA+ connectivity, as well as Samsung's custom UI TouchWiz 4.0. The version released on Sprint will be called the Samsung Within, on AT&T the Attain, and on Verizon the Function. It is speculated to be released in the US in mid-July.

Additional views:

Carrier: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint	Talk Time: 8.5 hours
Price: TBA	Standby Time: 25 days
Manufacturer: Samsung	Weight: 4.1 ounces
Platform: Android 2.3	Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
Network: GSM , HSPA+ 21 / CDMA, EVDO Rev. A	Storage: 16GB/32GB

Thank you : http://www.techspot.com/guides/417-buying-smartphones/