Google is going after Spotify with its new Google Play Music All Access service, which lets you listen to favorite tunes, create personalized radio stations, skip an infinite number of songs and get recommendations based on your musical tastes. The service is available now for a free 30-day trial. It will cost $9.99 a month, but if you sign up before June 30th for a trial, you will only pay $7.99 a month. So how is the service? We went hands — and ears — on to find out.
Installing Google Play Music All Access on your phone or tablet, is as easy as downloading the app. In the top left corner is a menu button that opens a drop down box from which you can access the Listen Now page, My Library, Playlists, Radio and Explore. Read the rest of this entry »
As Windows 8 struggles to gain traction, Intel certainly isn’t tying its fortunes to Microsoft’s OS. During a recent interview, an Intel executive told CNET that the company will soon begin selling its own line of Intel Atom-powered Android notebooks for around $200. That’s the same price of the cheapest Android tablets, such as the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7. Read the rest of this entry »
Samsung is looking to breathe new life into its PC business by merging Windows PCs and Android devices with its new SideSync technology. The feature, which is available on Samsung’s new ATIV line of notebooks, lets you switch from working with Windows to working with your Android device simply by connecting the two via a USB cable.
So how does that help you? Well, Samsung says SideSync will let you answer text messages sent to your phone using your notebook’s keyboard, transfer photos and videos between the two devices, check maps from your phone and edit files. SideSync is available with all Windows 8-powered ATIV notebooks, laptops, tablets and All in One PCs, as well as all Android-powered Samsung devices. Read the rest of this entry »
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When last we heard of AT&T’s Digital Life home automation and security service back in January, the program was just getting off the ground, launching in eight test markets. But today, the nation’s second largest wireless carrier has announced that it is officially bringing Digital Life online, making it available to consumers in 15 markets including New York, New Jersey, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Digital Life is AT&T’s attempt to take its wireless chops to the home security space, giving users the ability to monitor their homes from any Web connected device via a series of sensors, monitors and video cameras. What’s more, the service’s home automation capabilities allows users to lock and unlock doors, turn lights and appliances on and off, regulate the temperature and shut off the water supply to their homes from their tablets or smartphones. Read the rest of this entry »
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New York City’s ancient subway system is getting a much-needed high-tech upgrade with the roll out of 4G LTE and free Wi-Fi connectivity at 30 subway platforms, including Times Square, Union Square and Columbus Circle. Providers include each of the Big Four U.S. carriers and Boingo Wireless.
So far, AT&T is the only provider offering 4G LTE connectivity underground, with T-Mobile providing 3G service, though that’s expected to change this summer when T-Mobile rolls out its 4G LTE network in New York City. Sprint and Verizon Wireless have yet to bring their respective systems online, but both have announced that they will be up and running in the coming months. Read the rest of this entry »
The Samsung Galaxy S4 offers one of the most feature-rich smartphone cameras on the market. And part of that experience is what Samsung calls its Dual Camera mode. The function allows you to capture an image or shoot a video of the action in front of you, as well as a shot of your face at the same time. So if you’re checking out a concert and want to get a picture of the show and your reaction at the same time, Dual Camera mode is the feature you want. To use Dual Camera mode:
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S III was its Smart Stay function, which kept the display from timing out when you were reading an article by monitoring your eyes. For the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung has upped the ante by adding its new Smart Scroll function.
Smart Scroll, as its name implies, allows you to scroll up or down a Web page by simply moving your head (or the phone) up and down. To enable this function: Read the rest of this entry »
One of the coolest features of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is its ability to run two apps on the screen simultaneously, allowing you to multitask on your smartphone like you do on a desktop operating system like Windows or OS X. Just imagine reading your email on the right side of the screen while you surf the Web on the left, and you have Samsung’s Multi Window mode.
Samsung includes about a dozen Multi Window compatible apps, including email, Gmail, YouTube and the browser, and you can add social networking apps Facebook and Twitter if you have them installed. Here’s how to enable and use Multi Window mode on the Samsung Galaxy S4.
No matter how loud your phone’s ringer is, chances are if you put it in your pocket or purse the sound is going to be muffled enough to cause you to miss a call or two. Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S4 gives users the ability to increase the ringer’s volume when the phone is in their pockets or bags. To enable this feature: Read the rest of this entry »
Keeping track of your workout routine and eating habits has never been easier, thanks to the Samsung Galaxy S4’s new S Health app. Using the feature, you’ll be able to see how many steps you’ve taken in a day, track your workout, monitor your caloric intake and even check to see how comfortable the room is. Here’s how to use S Health.
"Hi Jonathan. Thanks for your comment. As I said the iPhone 5 offered better photo quality but some will prefer the S4 there because of its feature set. As for performance, I did notice lag with the S4 when navigating bet..." -- Mark Spoonauer, LAPTOP Editor in Chief on Apple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S4: And the Winner Is…
