android phones

Internet-connected phones and tablets are nearly everywhere, often ringing and chirping at the wrong time and in the wrong place.

Many e-mail and other messaging apps are set to send audible alerts by default. Not only can these unnecessary alerts be a major annoyance, they also use up some of the device's battery power each time they wake the machine from sleep mode.

In just a few steps you can silence some or all notifications and customize the way your device responds to alerts.

Of course, the simplest way to prevent your phone from ringing is to press its … Read more

Thieves love smartphones. They're easy to snatch, easy to conceal, and most importantly, easy to resell.

If you're the victim of a smartphone robbery, you have more to lose than the phone itself. The thief may attempt to use or sell the personal data stored on the device to make fraudulent purchases or otherwise steal your identity -- and maybe empty your bank account.

There are two things every smartphone user should do to minimize the damage resulting from loss of the device: lock the screen and activate a remote-location and remote-wipe service.

In a post from earlier this month … Read more

The hottest phone on the planet right now: Samsung's Galaxy S III (S3). And looking at some of its specs, I can understand why.

Normally, entrance to this Galaxy runs $199.99 (with contract, natch), but for the next couple days, LetsTalk.com has the Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III (16GB) for $134.99 shipped, including free activation and a $10 Google Wallet credit (when you activate it after buying the phone). That's after applying coupon code TALKLOGIC at checkout.

As an iPhone user, I can't help but feel a little envious when looking at this phone (… Read more

After a couple of years of bubbling under the surface, near field communication technology -- or NFC as it's known to its close friends -- is set to go big. If you thought NFC was only about buying a latte with your phone in a cafe that offers contactless payment terminals, think again, because it can be used for much more.

As Sony made clear with its recent promotional campaign for the NFC-packing Xperia S, contactless connectivity has a surprisingly wide range of applications. This handy guide will show you what kinds of things you can get up to … Read more

NEW ORLEANS--HTC announced a 4G LTE updated Droid Incredible for Verizon Wireless, which looks very similar to the HTC One S offered on T-Mobile USA.

The new Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon is a variation of the HTC One S that HTC is already selling on T-Mobile USA. But there is one notable difference. This HTC device supports 4G LTE on Verizon's extensive network.

The device also comes with an advanced camera with an 8 megapixel resolution that can take up to three shots per second. It also has Beats Audio integration for improved sound quality. It runs … Read more

When I first encountered the Virgin Mobile Motorola Triumph last July, I called it the best no-contract phone you could buy. And that was when it was priced at $299.99.

Right now, Wal-Mart has the Motorola Triumph prepaid Android phone for $188, plus $2.97 for shipping (unless you opt for site-to-store, which is free). Sales tax also applies.

Unlike a lot of prepaid Android phones, the Triumph pulls no punches in the features department. Granted, specs alone don't tell the whole tale, but they tell a lot. The Triumph features a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 32GB of onboard … Read more

Strap yourselves in. We're about to hit another Android year at full speed.

2012 is breathing down our neck, which means that CES, Mobile World Congress, and even CTIA are fast approaching. In other words, get ready for an onslaught of new Android announcements.

Looking ahead at some of the rumored devices, consumers are in for some seriously powerful smartphones and tablets. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look back at some of the key trends from this year's products. What was it that made Android so successful in 2011 and what will … Read more

Is what you see in the image, the "Sony Ericsson Atrix Black Z Plus Prime," the name of a phone or an American Gladiator?

Sadly, this is a question I've asked myself before, as cell phone names have become a bit ridiculous these days. It appears that I'm not the only one who feels this way either because a company called YinzCam has come up with an entertaining way to poke fun at phone-naming schemes. … Read more

Last month, Republic Wireless made waves when it announced an Android phone with "unlimited" service for just $19 per month, no contract required.

I've spent the past couple weeks test-driving that phone and service, and I'm happy to report that except for a few wrinkles, both performed beautifully. (Read my original post for the full details on how it all works.)

Let's start with the phone. Republic Wireless currently offers just one model, the LG Optimus S--an entry-level Android phone by any standards, but perfectly serviceable for users with simple needs.

In fact, I'll let CNET's review of the Optimus S give you the full scoop, and just add my two cents' worth of sprinkles: I like the phone's slim, lightweight design and surprisingly peppy performance. It has a decent feature set and runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). For its intended audience, I think it's just fine.

(That said, I'd love to see Republic offer something like the Motorola Triumph, which offers a much larger screen and a lot more power.)… Read more