KEEP IPHONE WELL

The iPhone comes with several applications installed on it, including the Maps application. With the Maps application, you can view maps of a certain area or get driving directions. If you need to view Maps while driving, you may want to keep your iPhone on so it will be easier for you to view a map or directions. By default, your iPhone locks after not being used. You must turn off auto-lock to keep your iPhone on while using Maps.

The iPhone comes with several applications installed on it, including the Maps application. With the Maps application, you can view maps of a certain area or get driving directions. If you need to view Maps while driving, you may want to keep your iPhone on so it will be easier for you to view a map or directions. By default, your iPhone locks after not being used. You must turn off auto-lock to keep your iPhone on while using Maps.

Instructions

1
Unlock your iPhone by pressing the Home button and sliding the bar on the touch screen where it says "Slide to unlock."

2
Tap the "Settings" button. Some settings you can view or change here include notifications, wallpaper and general settings.

3
Tap "General" from the list of settings options. You can view Bluetooth, network and auto-lock settings here.

4
Tap "Auto-Lock." The auto-lock options will open. You can set your iPhone to lock after not being used for one to five minutes, or you can turn off auto-lock.

5
Select "Never" from the list of auto-lock options and then open the Maps application. The iPhone will stay on while using Maps. To save battery usage, change back your auto-lock settings after you are finished with Maps.

 

 

PAY ATTENTION TO Nokia users

After all the fuss over Window Phone on Nokia hardware dies down, we're left with the UI that most Nokia users around the world interact with, S40. More affordable, these devices are feature phones in contrast to their smartphone Windows Phone counterparts, though as Stephen Elop accurately mentioned in his keynote earlier today, the line is ever blurring between the two categories of handsets.

Nokia today announced their Asha line-up of S40 devices. These phones do appear to be something more than what we've been considering a "feature phone" until now. The Asha 303 even has a 1GHz processor, faster than many Android handsets on sale now. We're fully aware of the limitations of a Series 40 device, but with the improved hardware, applications and web-browser packed with simple search functionality and a data monitor, S40 feature phones just got a bit smarter.


Nokia Asha 200

Being the most budget of the Asha lineup, we might expect the Nokia Asha to have no real stand-out features, but this isn't the case. In fact, the Nokia Asha 200 features something few other phones have: dual SIM card slots. The S40 interface on board is also tweaked to allow for specific ringtones and profiles associated to each SIM cards. The device also has a full QWERTY keyboard, making the inclusion of WhatsAPP on S40 a really fantastic prospect at such a low pricepoint - watch out RIM.

On the subject of price, this is a budget phone, there's no denying it. Pick it up and it's extremely light to the touch. With a hollow almost toy like quality, we had to switch on the display just to reassure ourselves we weren't using a dummy device. It has a pretty neat plastic backing with dual layered plastic. This just adds a visual flourish to the back cover reminiscent of some Samsung TVs, Laptops and indeed phones (Samsung Omnia 2).

Apple iPhone 4S guide

There’s no kidding that many people were hoping for something more next-generation, even more when Apple’s rivals have been cranking out some quality smartphones that push the envelope with today’s technology.  In any event, there’s this magical aura of some sort surrounding the handset that entices us to fancy over it no matter what. For starters, we truly adore that the three national carriers are carrying it, which is sweet considering there are more options now than ever, but it’ll need to really excel in execution and performance to keep it shining brilliantly in this fierce landscape. With that lengthy wait, does the iPhone 4S still have the perfect ingredients to stand firm amongst the competition?

The package contains:

• Apple iPhone 4S
• USB cable
• Wall Charger
• Stereo Headphones
• Apple Decals
• Quick Start Guide

• Important Product Information Guide

Design:
Generally, the first thing to capture our attention with any device is its looks, but seeing that the iPhone 4S utilizes a rehashed design, we’re not that compelled this second time around. Rather, we’re accepting of its solid construction and premium feel, but it’s essentially the same phone that we know and love. However, the only subtle difference found with the iPhone 4S is the new arrangement with its antenna design – though, the details to it are almost negligible. Of course, we adore the glass like plates that are sandwiched together with its brushed stainless steel band, which utterly aids the handset in retaining its premium feel. Yet, our mind tells us that the handset wouldn’t handle even the smallest of drops to the pavement – so yeah, you might want to be careful with it.

Last year, we were completely blown away by the Retina Display since there was nothing remotely close in producing its sharp details and realistic colors. Not surprisingly, we’re not as impressed this time because we find the same old 3.5” IPS display that’s featured with last year’s model. Nevertheless, its high resolution of 640 x 960 and screen size provides the perfect combination in giving us a wicked pixel density of 326 PPI – thus, making even the tiniest of text more than discernible to the naked eye. In an age where saturated color production appears to be what enthralls people initially, we still adore the realistic and natural looking colors dished up by the Retina Display. Add in its high contrast ratio and wide viewing angles, we’re able to effortlessly see everything on-screen without a pinch of degradation to its quality.

Will Windows Phone be home to the best mobile cameras?

 

Up to this point, Microsoft's Windows Phone has struggled to gain any substantial market share, regardless of high customer satisfaction, great hardware and topnotch software performance. This poor market performance can be attributed to next to no support from wireless providers and the lack of a real differentiating factor. The software is more or less bland – which some find to be a plus, or a relief from "Android's chaos" – and the hardware is easily lost amongst the sea of perpetually released Android phones.
Despite a very rocky start, there is still mountains of potential for Windows Phone. Microsoft's upcoming tablet line will make for a new yet familiar ecosystem. And lest we forget the partnership they now have with Nokia, a mobile force to be reckoned with (especially overseas). Given some more time to curate, Windows Phone could very well be the third ecosystem to join the likes of Android and Apple's iOS, but not without some more work.
The long-awaited Mango update finally hit last month, and brought some rather significant changes. But even our own Sydney, who "fell in love with the minimalist yet elegant design of Windows Phone and the Metro UI," finds the Mango update to be less exciting than she imagined, "despite the major improvements it brings." My Mango review was much of the same, and I feel Windows Phone still lacks the differentiating factor it needs to pull consumers into its camp. I, along with most other Android and iOS users, have too much invested in my current platform of choice to jump ship for virtually no added benefits.
As of late, there has been a strong push for camera technology in the mobile realm – this is where Microsoft can stick their foot in the door. More and more people aim to use their smartphones as their point and shoot versus dedicated digital cameras, for various reasons: portability, device consolidation, cloud storage, data connectivity, social media, etc. Thus manufacturers like HTC have established devices with advanced lens cameras, and Apple's upcoming iPhone 4S touts a mobile camera that gives dedicated point and shoot cameras a run for their money.
According to WMPowerUser and a job posting over at Microsoft's own website, Microsoft is ramping up efforts in the image sensing area, too. The first paragraph of the job listing reads:
"Do you want to help shape the future of mobile technology? The Windows Phone division is Microsoft’s fastest growing business where we are building the next version of Windows Phone. One of the areas that we are investing heavily is the camera experience where we intend to make the 'Window [sic] Phone the best camera you will ever own'."
One benefit that will ultimately play in Microsoft's favor – when it comes to camera tech, at least – is dictation over minimum hardware requirements. Not only will they be able to improve the camera software across the board, they can standardize Windows Phone shooters, too. And who might play the biggest part in that? Why Nokia, of course.
Nokia has been known for their topnotch cell phone hardware for years – more specifically, their attention to detail when it comes to cameras and lenses. The camera on the N8 (with a Carl Zeiss lens) was leaps and bounds ahead of the competition at the time of its release. The N9 and the identical Windows Phone, Sea Ray, both sport Carl Zeiss lenses that also taunt the competition.
If Microsoft can use the phone deal and this camera technology push to their advantage, set substantial camera requirements (like Carl Zeiss, or other real camera lenses) for partner OEMs and market their movement accordingly, this could be a huge move forward for them.
Better cameras alone, however, won't sell phones. Microsoft needs to keep improving their software, spruce up the UI a bit and entice more OEMs and carriers to join and promote their cause. But for customers looking to replace their point and shoot camera with a phone, Windows Phone could be the platform to take to in the not too distant future.

What say you, pups? Is the camera in your phone that important to you? Would you forget platform or OEM loyalty for a much better camera in your phone? Or will you settle for a mediocre camera to stay with your platform and manufacturer of choice?

HTC Sensation 4G (T-Mobile)

Unlike some 4.3-inch-screen smartphones, such as the HTC ThunderBolt and Samsung Droid Charge, the Sensation doesn't feel heavy or bulky. It's similar in size and weight (5 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick, and 5.2 ounces) to the T-Mobile G2x and Samsung Galaxy S II, but even so, the Sensation has a more premium feel and its tapered edges make it more comfortable in the hand.

Part of what allows the smartphone to be so slim is the 16:9 qHD (540x960-pixel resolution) Super LCD touch screen. The display features a contour design that gives it a concave shape, making it comfortable when held against the cheek, and also prevents scratches when the phone is placed screen-side down. More importantly, it looks gorgeous. Text and images look sharp with vivid colors, and we were still able to read the screen outdoors. The iPhone's Retina display and Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus touch screen offer finer detail and better color saturation, but the Sensation's display is still no slouch, and we suspect most people will have no objections to it.

The touch screen was responsive, as we were able to easily navigate the menus and launch applications with a single tap. Scrolling through lists and using the pinch-to-zoom feature was also smooth. For text entry, you only get the choice of HTC's supplied virtual keyboards--full QWERTY, phone, or compact--but no standard Android keyboard or Swype. That said, while it's not immediately obvious, the HTC keyboard has a feature called Trace that acts very much like Swype where you can drag your finger from letter to letter. As with Swype, we found Trace to be faster and easier and even more accurate than pecking away at each key.

Below the display, you'll find touch-sensitive buttons for the home, menu, back, and search functions. The left side holds a volume rocker and a Micro-USB port, while the right side is devoid of controls. The top of the device houses a 3.5mm headphone jack and power button, and just below it, on the upper right side of the screen, is the front-facing camera. The 8-megapixel and dual LED flash are located on back.

GPS Tracking Cell Phone Can Help You Spy On People's Phone Activities With Ease

A GPS tracking cell phone has the ability to track the GPS location of the phone user at any point in time. In the past, there were no such phones; you can only have a mobile phone and a GPS device separately. However, today, most mobile phones already come with the GPS tracking function. This is borne out of the need for people to navigate their ways when they are in strange areas. If you travel out of your state into another state, you will not get lost if you have a GPS tracking cell phone. You will be able to locate joints, bars, hotels, recreation centers and just about any place you can think of.
As must as you can find locations with your GPS enabled phone, it is also possible for people to find you with the phone. Via resources like Google Maps, your current location can be displayed and seen by friends and loved ones. If you are therefore missing at a get together, they can locate you on the GPS easily just to be sure you are safe.
Apart from purchasing a phone with the GPS function, you can also download a software online that can turn your phone into a GPS tracking cell phone. This kind of software usually works discreetly and is very useful when you do not want the owner of the phone to know that there is a tracker placed on their phone. For instance, if you have a teenager who likes to rock the town a lot, you can install this software on his or her phone so that you can monitor him or her effectively. This way, you will also be able to sense when your child is straying into dangerous terrains.
The software is known as the cell phone tracking software is cell phone spyware. It can be installed on any smart phone within seconds. It can also work on blackberry phones too. Once it is installed, it takes to the background from where it will work. It can record phone call conversations, text messages and emails too and above all, it can give accurate GPS locations at any point in time. You will be able to see where your child is on your computer whenever you need to know. You will just have to log into your online account and you will see it all there.
So if you cannot afford a GPS tracking cell phone, you can still download the cell phone spyware and turn any phone into one that can give accurate GPS locations.

Motorola Photon 4G

The Motorola Photon 4G certainly puts the "smart" in smartphone. This device has it all: a dual-core processor, the latest version of Android, a qHD 4.3-inch screen, world phone capabilities, enterprise-level security features, HD video recording, and more. In short, there's not a lot the Motorola Photon 4G can't do, and it rightfully earns a spot among today's best phones.
Slick Looks
The Motorola Photon 4G doesn't quite look like every other Android phone out there on the market -- and that's a good thing. While this phone sports the big touchscreen and slab-style like so many of today's phones, it features a slightly different shape: Motorola has lopped off the four corners of the device, giving the phone something of an intimidating look.

But the Photon 4G also is pretty bulky: it makes an iPhone 4 look downright diminutive. The Photon 4G measures 5 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by .5 inches thick, and weighs in at a hefty 5.6 ounces. The design looks and feels solid.

Also attractive is the big, bright touchscreen. At 4.3 inches diagonally, the screen offers plenty of real estate, and its 960-by-540 resolution makes images and text look sharp and clear. The touchscreen was very responsive, and it features a Gorilla Glass display that is designed to be scratch resistant and glare reducing, so you can use the phone in very bright sunlight

Making Calls
I made several test calls over Sprint's network, and found that the Motorola Photon 4G delivered good call quality. For the most part, voices were loud and clear, but I noticed a slight bit of distortion during some calls. And, much like the HTC EVO 3D, the Photon 4G felt a bit bulky to hold during some calls.

4G Support
The Motorola Photon 4G is the latest addition to Sprint's lineup of 4G-capable phones. The device can automatically connect to available 4G networks, which deliver super-speedy data service. You can turn off the 4G connection to conserve battery life, too. To learn more about 4G service, see 4G Wireless: Everything You Need to Know.

Like Sprint's other 4G phones, the Photon 4G retains support for 3G and Wi-Fi wireless networks; I tested the phone over all three connections and found it consistently delivered high-speed browsing.

Like the HTC EVO 3D, the Photon 4G supports Sprint's mobile hotspot service, so you can use it to create a hotspot to which you can connect up to 8 Wi-Fi enabled devices. To use this feature, you will need to subscribe to Sprint's $29.99-per-month mobile hotspot service, though.

Software
The Photon 4G runs Android 2.3, the latest version of Google's mobile OS. Android has grown more refined with each release, and version 2.3 is certainly impressive. It's more polished and refined than earlier versions, which were a bit geeky. Read my full review of the Android OS for more information.

On top of the Android OS, the Photon 4G features Motorola's MotoBlur interface, which is also used on phones like the Motorola Cliq and the Motorola Atrix. Luckily, the version found here is less intrusive. For starters, unlike past versions of Motoblur, this one doesn't require that you sign up for a Motoblur account to use the phone. It also places its main features -- widgets that deliver status updates and more from your favorite social networks -- on a secondary home screen, so you're not overwhelmed with them when you turn on your phone.

In addition to Motoblur, the Photon 4G also features Sprint ID, which is a way to add a theme to your Android phone. You can select from options such as Entertainment, Green, or Sports, which add widgets, shortcuts, and wallpaper to your phone. You can choose not to install a Sprint ID if you don't want one.

Camera
The Photon 4G features both forward and rear-facing cameras. On the front, you get a VGA camera for video calls, though the phone doesn't come with a video chat app installed. That means you'll have to install your own to make video calls. On the rear of the phone, you get an 8-megapixel camera that captures video good images. My test photos looked very sharp and colorful. I did have trouble capturing moving subjects, though.

The Photon 4G can record HD video in 720p HD and my test clips looked pretty good. Colors were vivid and the audio was good, but I did notice some occasional blockiness.

Multimedia and More
The Motorola Photon 4G comes packed with multimedia features. It offers a very good built-in music player, and includes software for transferring your digital audio files to the phone. You also get access to Amazon's MP3 store, FM radio, and a YouTube app.

Movie aficionados will appreciate the big screen, and its ability to play back HD video in 1080p. The Photon 4G also includes an HDMI out port so you can connect the phone to a flat-screen HDTV. In addition, it has DLNA support, which allows you to stream content to compatible DLNA devices, such as set-top boxes.

Down to Business
The Photon 4G isn't all fun and games, though. The phone also includes a number of features that business-savvy users will appreciate. It supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, which will allow you to sync your business e-mail and calendar. The phone also features improved data encryption for security and a remote wipe feature. The Photon 4G is similar to Motorola's Atrix, which can be used with a laptop-like accessory. With the Photon 4G, the accessory is called an HD Station, and it costs $129. It has USB ports and an HDMI out port, so you can connect the phone to a display, mouse, and keyboard. Then you can run apps like a desktop version of Firefox, using the phone almost like a mini computer.

Price and Availability
Sprint is offering the Photon 4G for $199.99 when you sign a two-year service agreement. You will have to commit to one of the carrier's data plans, but Sprint is, at least, one of the few carriers still offering unlimited data. On top of that, though, you will need to add a $10-per-month Premium Data add-on for the 4G service -- and that add-on plan is required whether you live in an area with 4G coverage or not.

Bottom Line
The Motorola Photon 4G is a full-featured smartphone that will please business users and entertainment addicts alike. It packs as much power as a PC used to, just a few years ago, so this is a phone that can certainly handle most day-to-day tasks, and more.

The best Android phone is ..

The Android smartphone playing field is positively huge, with quite a few handsets on the market with virtually every global carrier. The phones are by and large powerful handheld computers in addition to being good phones. The good selection in the market is a major reason why Android just keeps growing. This has a slightly negative effect, in that it is not easy to figure out which are the best of the lot.

Most smartphones, Android and otherwise, have good touchscreens powered by stout processors that keep things moving along nicely. Cameras on phones are largely quite good, and all of this utility is packed in handsets that are thin and light, making them easy to use.

When I look around at the vast Android landscape, I keep coming back to which phone has the killer feature that others lack. I don’t see one, as most Android phones are full-featured. While there is a lot of choice in Android phones, a good thing, I keep waiting for one phone to step up with that killer feature that sets it apart from the crowd.

My Nexus S 4G has NFC enabled with Google Wallet, which is not on many phones. It’s not a killer feature for me, though, as I haven’t even used it yet. I haven’t been anywhere that accepts Google Wallet for payments because not many businesses accept it yet. While a nice unique feature, it’s not a killer one for me.

I am not complaining as the selection of Android phones is outstanding. There are great Android phones with fast processors, big screens, and good cameras. But the geek in me wants a unique new feature that makes me want to go out and buy the phone that debuts with it. The desire for a special feature is going unsatisfied, and has for a while.

That’s what makes it impossible for me to name one Android phone as the best. There are a lot of good ones, but not one I would put at the top of my list.

The iPhone 4S is a mediocre upgrade at best

The iPhone 4S is a mediocre upgrade at best, with noticeable changes being an 8-megapixel camera, video camera that shoots 1080p high-definition video and a talking personal assistant called Siri.

Clearly, I am not the only one feeling underwhelmed by the latest iPhone. Cook's dull presentation left many pleading for the return of Steve Jobs, who could always be counted on to bring excitement, energy and substance to the Apple events.

Apple disciples looked up to Jobs, worshipping him as their leader, icon and the ultimate innovator. Like many devotees, I felt the event just wasn't the same. I missed Jobs, who each year stayed as loyal to his followers as he did his clothing.

Since 1998, Jobs has taken the stage at Apple events sporting his Levi 501 jeans, New Balance sneakers and black St. Croix turtleneck, while delivering exhilarating messages and revolutionary ideas to the throngs of fans and supporters. He has remained a constant to Apple and their fans, and his commitment to creativity, imagination and Apple supporters is truly missed.

I was writing this piece when I heard that Steve Jobs died. I couldn't help but look down at the Apple computer I was typing on and think of all the ways that Jobs inspired and encouraged students, inventors and educators who recognized his passion and dedication to technology and innovation.

Jobs was a pioneer and creative genius at the forefront of change and technology. He demanded more from people, computers, software and technology, while maintaining an extraordinary vision, which few could fathom.

An idea, which started from his parents' garage, transformed into a billion dollar company and is currently the largest, publicly traded company in the world.

Jobs created a fan base of devoted followers who love the legends, ideas and beliefs that we can always do better, create better and invent technologies that "can make life easier," allowing us to "touch people we might not otherwise."

Although I may be frustrated with the release of the iPhone 4S and disappointed that technology did not keep up with my hunger for innovation, I can't help but wonder where the world and technology would be without Steve Jobs.

Jobs has created a global thirst for learning, knowledge, creativity and technology. As a result, we refuse to stay satisfied and demand newer, better and brighter designs. Jobs showed us what it's like to invent, learn and inspire, while changing the world one computer, smartphone and tablet at a time.

As we reflect upon the life of Steve Jobs, a 2005 commencement speech that Jobs gave at Stanford University suddenly has greater poignancy and meaning.

"No one wants to die," Jobs said. "Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you." 

Apple: Steve Jobs Has Died

"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."