The Samsung Galaxy Nexus - Android Refined
no imageThe Samsung Galaxy Nexus continues the trend of the Nexus lineup by showing the best of what Android has to offer with each launch, each time corresponding to the launch of a new version of Android. The Galaxy Nexus is the flagship device of Google to demonstrate their most recent Android version yet, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While it might not be perfection, it shows that Android has the ability to go head on with the best in terms of a beautiful UI and consistency. I have been testing the Galaxy Nexus for Verizon for a few weeks now and will provide a quick review of the device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Plus Review
Samsung is back in the 7” tablet game with it’s latest entry, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. Instead of running an OS meant for a phone like the previous Tab, the Tab Plus is powered by Google’s Android Honeycomb 3.2. Along with the new OS, the Tab Plus also received a 1.2GHz dual core processor, IR blaster, and much slimmer body. With all the new ingredients, and a $400 price point, has Samsung cooked up a winning recipe? Hit the details to find out in this Guru Inspection.
HTC Rhyme Review
Geared specifically toward the ladies, the HTC Rhyme tries to stand out in a crowded arena of Android competition. With it’s mediocre specs, plum color, and assortment of accessories, this device is trying really hard to offer something unique. Being the sensitive dude that I am, I used HTC for almost a month to see if it would fit the needs of not just it’s target audience, but even a tech geek like myself. Hit the details on this Guru Inspection to find out!
Samsung Galaxy S II Review (AT&T)
Samsung had a rocky start with Android. Their first couple of phones were under powered and never received the updates they were promised. Than something changed at Samsung. They released the Samsung Galaxy S. They didn’t just launch it on one carrier, one country, or even one continent, they flooded the global market with it. It was an instant success and quickly placed Samsung on the top as an Android manufacturer. Does this sequel live up to the first device, or is this phone going the way of Ocean’s Twelve? Find out in this Guru Inspection of the Samsung Galaxy S II!
Yeti Mic Review
If you’re looking to turn up the production quality of your podcast, record some music or just have a really bad ass microphone; look no further. Blue makes the Yeti microphone and Willie gives us his take on it’s quality. Hit the jump to see the video review or head on over to a trove of other reviews at The Gadget Gurus YouTube channel.
Motorola Droid Bionic Review
The Motorola Droid Bionic is the first smartphone (superphone?) from Verizon Wireless that combines nearly every high-end spec imaginable. It has a 4.3” qHD display, dual-core CPU, 4G LTE, 8MP camera w/ 1080p video recording, Mobile Hotspot, and more! The main question is: “Does the Droid Bionic live up to the eight months of hype?” Find out after the break!
Hauppauge HD PVR Review
If you’ve ever wondered just how the Gaming Gurus work their magic making video reviews, this is the little device that makes that happen. The Hauppauge HD PVR is an extremely easy to use device that allows you to record video from a console or even your cable/satellite receiver onto your PC. If you’ve ever wanted to show off your ninja skills in your favorite game and show the YouTube world how good you are then the Gurus definitely recommend this guy to help. For the full video review hit the jump to watch it or head on over to the Gadget Gurus YouTube Channel to check it out!
Guru Inspection: HTC Status Review
The HTC Status embraces a landscape first, portrait second design with a comfortable and ergonomically shaped body. The screen is a HVGA 2.6-inch touch screen with a 480 x 320 resolution that fits the phone’s size particularly well. The screen size will work for some and not be usable for others; it is a really narrow line that this phone walks on. The resolution is great if you use the phone for e-mail, texting, social networking and basic organizational things like a to-do list. However, if you’re looking for a web-browsing, excel editing, gaming powerhouse – the screen size will become an issue. Looking at larger canvases such as an e-mail attachments, websites and pictures is still totally doable but will require some work when it comes to scrolling. So the functionality is there it just may not be as easy to peruse things as on other 4-inch + sized smart phones.
Guru Inspection: HTC Flyer Android Tablet Review
When HTC announced that they were entering the tablet market, I was instantly excited to see what they would bring to the table. Between HTC’s history of solid hardware and innovations in software with Sense UI, how could they go wrong? That’s when we learned that the HTC Flyer would be running Gingerbread, a version of Android made for phones not tablets. Most modern Android tablets run Honeycomb, a version optimized for a tablet sized devices. At $499 for the WiFi only 16GB model, does the Flyer have the chops to compete with all of the other tablets on the market? Hit the jump to find out in this Guru Inspection.
Guru Inspection: HTC Thunderbolt Review
The HTC Thunderbolt is the first US phone to have real deal 4G by way of Verizon‘s LTE network. Although it packs the latest network technolgy, the Thunderbolt has a steep moutain to climb. It is going up against phones with dual core processors, better screen technology, and of course Verizon’s own iPhone 4. Does the Thunderbolt have what it takes to make it rain in the club, or is it a mild drizzle? Find out in this Guru Inspection.
HTC Android Smartphone Guru Throwdown: Part 1 Cameras and Hardware
HTC has some great phone choices on all four major carriers. Nic ‘the Angry Guru’ and I have teamed up to pit four HTC phones against each other. The contenders are Evo Shift for Sprint, Inspire 4G for AT&T, Mytouch 4G for T-Mobile, and Thunderbolt for Verizon. In this first part we will take a look at the cameras and overall thoughts on hardware. We’ll follow this post up shortly so stay tuned and enjoy the challenge!
Guru Inspection: LG Optimus 2x (LG-P990)
Running the 1GHz Tegra 2 chipset, the LG Optimus 2x is the world’s first Smartphone with a dual-core CPU. But the insane amount of horsepower isn’t the only thing going for the Optimus 2x; 4″ LCD touch screen, 8MP camera, 1080p HD video recording, 8GB of internal storage and Android 2.2 Froyo are all present and accounted for in the Optimus 2x likewise in the ex-colonial version, the T-Mobile G2X.
But is the extra horsepower worth it? Do smart phones that live in your pocket need to have this much computing power? Should you get this instead of other dual core smart phones such as the HTC Sensation, the Samsung Galaxy S II and the Motorola Atrix?
Read on to find out!
Guru Inspection: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Review
Possibly the worst kept secret in Sony Ericsson’s history, the Playstation Phone aka the Xperia Play was one of 4 devices unveiled at MWC in February this year. Part Android phone, part PSP, is this handset a match made in heaven or is it just a Frankensteinian mix that was never meant to be? Read on to find out!
Guru Inspection: Motorola Xoom Video Review
We have waited a while for this day, but it’s finally upon us! The Xoom Review is here! I’ve been playing with this device since launch and put it through it’s paces. You heard my mini-review on the Gadget Gurus Podcast, but you have to see everything in action to understand the ups and downs of the Xoom and Android 3.0/Honeycomb! Instead of reading anymore of my ramblings, why not hear and watch them instead? Here is the Motorola Xoom Video Review!
Guru Inspection: Motorola Atrix 4G Review
AT&T has entered the 4G game pretty damn hard. First, they brought out the HTC Inspire, a powerful Android 4G phone with Sense UI, the updated Snapdragon processor, awesome performance, all at a sub-$100 entry point. Now, we have the Motorola Atrix 4G which is a BEAST! Dual-core Tegra 2 processor, qHD (960×540) 4″ display, 1GB of RAM, 4G connectivity, all in one sexy package available for under $200! To understand how awesome and powerful this device, you need to see it in action…luckily for you, I specialize in reviews in the motion picture variety!
Samsung Nexus S Video Review
All right guys, I finally got around to getting this review up of the latest sensation in the Android world, the Samsung Nexus S by Google. Check it out!
Guru Inspection: Samsung Transform Video Review
Hey everyone! Got my hands on the new Samsung Transform for Sprint! Watch the review to see if this new Android has what it takes to stand up against the solid offerings from Sprint!
Guru Inspection: Apple TV (2010) Review
I got the my hands on the brand new 2010 Apple TV and put it through its paces! Check out to see if the new Apple TV is worth your money.
Guru Inspection: Why I Love My Sony a500
In July, I walked into one of my local camera specialty stores, fully expecting to walk out with a Nikon DSLR. To be honest, I knew I wanted a Nikon, but I wasn’t really sure which model. After over two hours in the store, I walked out with something completely different and unexpected.
I’m just getting started in this “prosumer” area of digital photography. I wanted more control over the photos I was taking, but I didn’t want to spend a small fortune on a camera that would just end up being way too much power for my beginner needs. Researching cameras wasn’t too helpful either. I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person that needs to actually see the different options and see how I feel about them “in real life.”
Guru Inspection: Samsung Reality Review
The Samsung Reality is the successor to the Samsung Rogue from Verizon Wireless; however, it’s actually a step down from the Rogue. The Reality features EVDO Rev. 0 (vs. Rev. A on the Rogue) and features a less attractive screen. The Reality is still a great mid-range slider phone, just not as great as the phone it’s replacing. The Samsung Reality is available from Verizon Wireless, in red or black, for $79.99 with a two-year agreement.
Guru Inspection: HTC Droid Incredible
Got my hands on the latest, and greatest, Android offering from Verizon Wireless: The HTC Droid Incredible! Check out the video review and learn why this device is, hands down, the greatest Android offering available!
Guru Inspection: Apple iPad Review
I got my hands on the iPad and managed to create a video review (in HD, of course) of Apple‘s latest device! Check out some of the slick features of the iPad and why it’s a must buy, in my opinion.
Guru Inspection: LG Rumor Touch
This video was shot a few months ago at CES but since the phone has been finally released we thought we’d show you again…so here it is, Guru’s hands on with LG Rumor Touch for Sprint.
Guru Inspection: T-Mobile HTC HD2 Review
The T-Mobile HD2 is out and I decide to take it for a test spin. Check out the Guru Inspection and see if this is worth picking up!
Guru Inspection: MOTO Backflip Review
Finally AT&T has launched their first Android device. The device they decided to debut the Android OS is none other than the MOTO Backflip by Motorola. The Backflip has a very unique hardware design and is definitely a first of its kind. Does the MOTO Backflip pass the Guru inspection? Read on to find out and make sure you check out the unboxing video HERE.
Guru Inspection: Samson C01U
After a year of doing The Gadget Gurus Podcast, we all have finally started to get actual podcasting mics. I, like both Nic and Vic (copy/paste Guru), picked up the Samson C01U mic. Below is a quick run through of what came in the package.
Guru Inspection: The Samsung Moment
Just finished doing a video review on one of the two devices provide to me by Samsung, the Samsung Moment. If you’re on Sprint, thinking about switching to Sprint, or just an avid Android lover, check out this review!
Guru Inspection: The Nexus One
Here is the Guru Inspection of the Nexus One. Get the “411″ on the features that makes this device stand out from the rest and why it is the best Android handset ever released.
