- Have you entered in our contest? Write a haiku about your Mom and you could win an HTC One. #HTCMom http://t.co/Kdw4KAg7cR ^eo
Posts Tagged ‘HTC’
Weekend Reading: Internet consumption, smartphone or car, and the HTC One
If there’s one thing I love writing about, it’s the endless stats that pop up online surrounding how important technology has become in our daily lives. This week we found some great articles that opened our eyes to how much we rely on the internet on a daily basis and what age group is more likely to give up their car before their smartphone. As well, we tell you about a new HTC Cash Back Offer for customers. Catch up with us in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
How much internet do we consume daily?
Ever wonder just how much data you really consume in a single day? If like me, you’re in for a surprise.
Internet Service Providers posted an infographic this week that’s pretty mind blowing, considering there are only 24 hours, 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds in one day.
So what did they find? For starters, there are 2.4 billion internet users worldwide. Of them, there are 2.8 million emails sent every second, 320 new Twitter accounts made every minute, and 780,000 apps downloaded every hour! This translates to about 133,333 years online, can you believe it?!
More crazy stats in the full infographic here.
What do you value more – your car, or smartphone?
This answer could likely vary depending on your age group, as showcased by a recent survey from The Huffington Post. According to the survey, “Millennials” (ages 18-34) were the only group to put their mobile device needs before that of transportation.
That being said, they were also the more conscious of the groups to make an effort to utilize things such as public transit, carpooling, and walking or biking. With so many alternatives, it’s easier to see why 30% were more willing to give up their car before their smartphone.
How do you feel about the results? Are you a “millennial” who passionately stands by your device? Or in another age bracket who defies the stats and would sacrifice your vehicle for your smartphone? I think no matter what demographic you fall into, it’s a tough decision. As one of our previous Rogers Innovation Reports indicated, 4% of Canadians would be willing to sacrifice bathing to keep their internet – maybe it’s not such a difficult choice after all! What do you think?
HTC One awards and promo offers
Those of you looking to upgrade to the new HTC One couldn’t have picked a better time! After winning “Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet” at the Mobile World Congress, HTC decided to supply a $100 (CDN) credit to HTC customers who trade in their older HTC model to purchase the HTC One.
For a limited time, customers can register for the HTC Cash Back Offer, purchase and activate a new HTC One before March 31, 2013 then send in their old phone with proof of purchase of their new phone. HTC will then send a Prepaid VISA card worth minimum $100 (CDN) in value! Full details on the phone and HTC Cash Back Offer available here. A fantastic offer for a fantastic device!
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Weekend Reading: HTC One, 31 years of cell phones, smartphones vs. PC’s, and business mobile trends
It’s been another exciting week for mobile tech with the announcement and preview of the upcoming HTC One, plus we take a visual look at the last three decades of cell phones, speculation on smartphones overtaking traditional PC hardware, and mobile’s effect on business. All ahead in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
Hands on with the HTC One
This week HTC unveiled what is being hailed as one of the must-have devices for 2013 – the HTC One.
Earlier this week the device was showcased at an HTC event in New York City, where our friends at Connected Rogers were lucky enough to get a sneak peek. You can get all the details on the design, camera, and specs in their post here, plus a few other top industry sources including CNET, Network World, and iClarified (with video).
The HTC One will be available at Rogers this spring – stay tuned for more details!
Infographic: 3 decades of cell phones
Can you believe cell phones have been around for a whopping three decades already? It’s true! The Next Web posted a fantastic cell phone timeline infographic this week showcasing just how far cell phones have come over the last 31 years. A few personal faves from the infographic include the Dynatac 8000x (aka Zack Morris’ phone on Saved by the Bell), and my very own first cell phone, the Nokia 5110.
Which blast from the past makes you most appreciative of today’s tech? Alternately, is there anything you miss about them or see a comeback for?
Smartphones to replace PC’s?
After seeing how far smartphones have come, how long do you think it will be until they fulfill all our tech needs and take over completely?
Writer Eliot Van Buskirk provided some insight in his latest article for The Huffington Post. After accurately predicting the success of the iPod before others saw its value, he’s fairly certain that his hunch on hardware peripherals will be next. His article outlines six things that point to smartphones becoming “the center of our digital lives,” including tablet keyboards, and The Cloud. Check out the full post and let us know your own predictions in the comments below.
Adopting your business to 2013 mobile trends
It may only be the second month into the New Year, but analysts are already making predictions about the effects on mobile tech on businesses. The Telecom Blog explored various reports recently suggesting that a mobile transition is happening amazingly quickly and if your business isn’t quick to adapt to mobile trends as are their customers, it could represent some challenges for them in 2013. Now, how is this this reflected on Canadian soil? A quick example could be how mobile is changing television. Canadians don’t limit their tablet or smartphone usage to browsing the Web. Turns out mobile devices are also great for watching TV, and especially for watching shows on demand.
One of our recent Rogers Innovation Reports also suggested an increase in mobile trends, with 80% believing more people will be connected to the web via mobile devices than desktop computers in 2013. I’m definitely one of the 80% using my smartphone for everything I can these days because it’s so convenient! It’s always on me, has instant LTE internet access, and a world of apps at my disposal.
Is your business ahead of the game when it comes to mobile tech? If not, are you shifting your plans for 2013 in that direction? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to know where you’re at.
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Weekend Reading: Windows 8 news, mobile banking and smartphone milestones
In this week’s edition of Weekend Reading, we look at some news around new Windows 8 devices, mobile banking and a new milestone for the smartphone industry.
Rogers announces premium Windows 8 devices and exclusive apps
Earlier today we announced that we’re joining forces with Microsoft to launch the largest selection of Windows 8 devices on Rogers LTE network. In the coming weeks, select Windows Phone 8 smartphones and an exclusive Windows 8 tablet will be available including the Nokia Lumia 920, Windows Phone 8X by HTC, the Samsung ATIV Smart PC and the ATIV S smartphone.
Our friends at Mobile Syrup and Gadgetorama wrote posts about the news, and The Globe & Mail published an article that quoted Max Long, president of Microsoft Canada saying, “I can’t think of a better way to experience Windows across the phone, PC, tablet and Xbox.”
Mobile Jaw highlighted that the Rogers Reservation System has the Samsung ATIV S, Nokia Lumia 920, and the 8X by HTC already up and The Cellular Guru recalled Rogers was “no stranger to the Windows Phone line, having been the first to bring the OS to Canada with the Samsung Focus.” We’re glad to see everyone’s excited!
We’ll continue to update everyone on pricing and launch timing here on RedBoard and on Twitter through @RogersBuzz. In the meantime, which device are you most hyped about?
Consumers eager for new mobile banking tools
eMarketer recently conducted a report on mobile financial transactions in their latest article, Consumers Readily Adopt New Mobile Banking Tools. In it, they look at why mobile banking is so appealing to consumers and why financial providers are on board. Personally, I was surprised to read that in the past 6 months, 38% of US mobile phone users used mobile banking.
I’m one of the many Canadians adapting to mobile payments myself, experimenting with banking, budgeting, and transactions on my Android smartphone. Which areas of mobile banking and payments are you most interested in? Read more on eMarketer’s own findings in the full article here.
Speaking of mobile banking, you may also want to check out the conversation from Rogers RevUp, a Q&A that happened in our community forums yesterday where our two experts answered questions about mobile wallet technology and security. You can check out the full conversation here.
Worldwide smartphone base hits 1 billion
According to research released by Strategy Analytics this week, the worldwide smartphone user base has officially topped 1 billion. It took 16 years to reach this important milestone. According to this article in CNET, the first official smartphone was the Nokia Communicator which launched back in 1996. Another article in Android Authority said that the 2 billion smartphone milestone could be reached in as little as two years.
Kelly is a regular contributor for RedBoard
Are you ready for the next big thing? Rogers welcomes premium Windows 8 devices with exclusive apps
Like you, we’re always excited about embracing what’s next in technology. Rogers was first to bring Canadians the BlackBerry, first to bring the iPhone, and the first to launch an Android smartphone.
So what’s the next big thing? Today, we’re excited to join forces with Microsoft to bring you the largest selection of Windows 8 devices from a Canadian carrier all powered on our blazing fast LTE network.
Across all Windows 8 devices, you’ll now have a complete cross-platform experience making it easier to switch between devices to easily access your best friend’s phone number from your tablet, grab your photos from last night’s party from your PC or quickly email your late assignment from your smartphone. Windows Phone 8 also includes great features such as multi-core processing, improved display resolutions, NFC, microSD storage expansion, and lenses for getting creative with your pictures.
Select Windows Phone 8 smartphones and an exclusive Windows 8 tablet will be available on Rogers LTE network and launching in the coming weeks. Here’s a rundown of what to get excited about:
- Nokia Lumia 920: Offered exclusively from Rogers in black, the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 captures the best pictures and video ever seen on a smartphone. The Nokia Lumia 920 makes it possible to take clear, bright, professional-looking pictures and video indoors and at night.
- Samsung ATIV Smart PC and ATIV S Smartphone: Samsung is releasing a line of Windows 8 OS devices including a tablet – the ATIV Smart PC (available exclusively to Rogers customers) and the ATIV S smartphone. The ATIV Smart PC was designed with a classy, sleek finish, and you’ll get the same Windows 8 experience you’re used to on your PC with the portability of a tablet. The S™ smartphone is a high performance device with a range of content sharing and productivity options.
- Windows Phone 8X by HTC: Available from Rogers in a Blue 16G and exclusively in a Black 8G, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC offers Beats Audio™ technology provides authentic, studio-quality sound whether you’re listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.
Existing customers can reserve the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Windows Phone 8X by HTC Windows 8 now by using the Rogers Reservation System in MyRogers on rogers.com.
We’re also very excited to provide Rogers customers our exclusive applications on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platform like:
- Rogers My Account on Windows 8 tablets: Launching with the Samsung ATIV smart PC available exclusively to Rogers customers, My Account allows you to manage your wireless account directly through an application on your Windows 8 tablet. With My Account, you can quickly select and activate a mobile internet plan, check your plan usage, plus view your account balance and make payments without having to call customer care or visit a Rogers retail location. For more info on the app, check out our blog post here
- Rogers Anyplace TV Live for Windows Phone 8 and Rogers Anyplace TV (on demand) for Windows 8 Tablets: With the Rogers Anyplace TV Live app for Windows Phone 8, you get live games like Barclays Premier League soccer, Blue Jays baseball, Raptors basketball, hockey and tennis, and real-time news like CityNews. Rogers Anyplace TV Live is a mobile app with a $5 per month/5 hour subscription. Currently there is a special promo waiving overage charges until April 30, 2013. With the Rogers Anyplace TV (on demand) app for Windows 8 tablets, you get on demand channels, including Citytv, CBC, W Network, TMN, Treehouse, Teletoon, Family Channel, free movies and trailers, and more. Rogers Anyplace TV is also currently available on Xbox to Rogers customers.
- Rogers One Number for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 Tablet: With the Rogers One Number app on your Windows 8 tablet, you can use your existing wireless phone number to talk, text and send picture messages and video chat with other Rogers One Number users, all from your tablet. Sync your contacts with the Rogers One Number app on your Windows Phone 8 to seamlessly synchronize all of your contacts no matter where you are.
We’ll continue to update you on pricing and launch timing here on RedBoard. You can also follow our Twitter account, @RogersBuzz for more information and the latest updates. Stay tuned!
What Windows 8 device are you most excited about?
Michelle is a regular contributor to RedBoard
See www.rogers.com/coverage for full details on Rogers LTE network coverage.
The information in this post is current at the date of posting and is subject to change without notice.
: Q&A with Wireless Box Office concertgoer @Jerw
Everyone knows that your mobile device is a great way to show your friends photos of what they’re missing when you’re at a great summer concert and they’re not. But what if your device was not only able to capture your memories at the show, but get you into the show as well?
Recently we hooked up photographer and digital media designer James Wilkinson with an LTE–enabled HTC One X, to document his experiences at Identity Festival at Toronto’s Echo Beach powered by Rogers, a 5,000-capacity outdoor beach venue within Rogers’ LTE footprint.
He began his journey by buying his tickets on the Rogers Wireless Box Office app, where not only did he skip the service fees, he also got front of the line access at the venue. Wireless Box Office customers also get in early to all shows at Echo Beach. At the concert, Wilkinson was able to share photos with his friends on Twitter and Facebook over the Rogers LTE network.
We caught up with Wilkinson after the concert for a quick chat.
Q: Tell us about the show. What was your favourite moment?
A: Identity Festival was so much fun! It is unbelievable how much positive energy there is at Electronic Dance Music events. Everyone was there to have a good time and dance the day away. Narrowing the event down to one favourite thing would be hard, it was so wonderful, but if I were to pick one it would have been seeing Eric Prydz. He doesn’t travel often, so (seeing him is) a rare experience to have.
Q: What was your favourite feature of the HTC One X?
A: How well it integrated with all of my favourite services: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and FourSquare. Also, the notification system is amazing. Almost every app I used had custom notifications.
Q: Aside from concerts, what do you think this phone could be most useful for?
A: I tested out doing a lot of my day-to-day business functions on this phone. I was able to hook up my Exchange calendar, contacts and email, received meeting invites, checked out my agenda for the day, and integrated all back with my personal Google Business accounts.
Q: What did you notice about the LTE network?
A: The LTE network is, simply put, lightning fast! It is on par with my Rogers home Internet, however the really awesome thing is the upload speeds. Anytime I would take a photo, it was like it was instantly online. No more waiting for uploading, I can focus on telling my stories.
Q: Can you describe the process of ordering your tickets via the Wireless Box Office?
A: It was simply a breeze. When I went to purchase tickets, I saw that there was a note for Rogers customers to check out Wireless Box Office instead and I ended up saving around $15 in services fees … and the ticket was sent right to my phone! The best part? The Rogers Wireless Box Office line moves a lot faster than the standard ticket holder’s line!
Q: Would you use Wireless Box Office again?
A: Next time I am looking to go to an event I’ll be checking out the Wireless Box Office app first to see if I can save some cash and have a much speedier concert going experience. I would totally recommend this to anyone. It’s like a hidden gem of being a Rogers customer — it’s awesome!
What summer concert are you most looking forward to this season?
Rogers LTE network available in select Canadian cities. Visit www.rogers.com/coverage for details.
Sarah is a new contributor for Redboard.
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Weekend Reading: HTC Desire C, TechXperts and the Rogers Cup
Desperate for a smartphone but don’t want to break the bank? You should check out the HTC Desire C .
This week we add this device to our lineup, in both white and red colours. With it comes the power of Android 4.0.3, Beats Audio integration, and a 5MP camera for photos and videos.
Those who have already had a chance to check it out are pleasantly surprised by this powerful little device. Android Central wrote an in depth review of the device saying it is “Probably the best entry-level Android phone you can buy today.” He adds, “HTC proves budget doesn’t mean last generation software.”
Our friends at Mobile Syrup also took to the device, stating “It’s appropriate for first-time smartphone buyers, students on a budget, or anyone looking for a pint-sized smartphone without a contract.” You can find more information about the HTC Desire C is here.
Now maybe you’re already a whiz with smartphones, but what about your computer? Rogers recently launched Techxperts, premium tech support for anytime, anywhere for anything from viruses, to loading software, to loading music onto your smartphone. Find out more in Connected Magazine’s latest article about the new service.
If you want to take a break from technology, now’s also a good time to check out the Rogers Wireless Box Office for some great deals on Rogers Cup tickets. By purchasing your tickets through the WBO, not only do you pay ZERO service fees and save 25% on Lower Bowl tickets, but you also get an official Rogers Cup souvenir upon entry to the stadium! You’ll also get a free $5 concession gift card for every ticket you purchase to grab some snacks before the match.
Check out recent posts from The Chronicle Herald and Sports Interaction to see who’s expected to take this year’s cup, then head over to Maclean’s for “Five minutes with Milos Raonic” to find out how he feels about ping-pong, Gold medals vs. tennis majors, and why he won’t tweet Taylor Swift!
Tickets are still available for Toronto and Montreal through the WBO. Which match are you guys excited to see?
Kelly is a regular contributor for Redboard.
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Sizzling summer devices from Rogers to keep you connected
As much as we like to think summer’s a time to relax and unwind, our lives tend to get busier as the season unfolds. Between weekend trips to the cottage, beach excursions, music festivals, weddings and sporting events, the summer is action packed and keeps us on the go. Maintaining our busy schedules also means it’s important for us to stay connected, wherever we may be.
Whether you’re a camper, cottager or beach bum, our hot new summer devices will keep you connected, organized and ready to take on that next summer activity.
For the Camper
If you’re an adventurer at heart and love spending time on the lake or by the camp fire, the Motorola DEFY PRO, available exclusively to Rogers on August 15, is the perfect device. Scratch resistant, dust proof and water resistant, the DEFY PRO is built to withstand the elements and designed for those with active, busy lives. Here are some great features that keep you connected and well equipped whether you’re pitching a tent or out for a spin on the boat:
- Motorola’s Battery Manager, which allows you to manage your phone’s power consumption and stay connected longer
- GPS so you’ll never lose your way
- A dashboard to keep track of your outdoor activities, complete with camping, hiking and daily workout views
For the Beach Bum
Maybe your preference is lounging on the beach or poolside? If that’s the case, the HTC Desire C smartphone will keep you entertained while you’re soaking up the vitamin D or driving to your next surf-side destination. Here are a few special features that make this the perfect beach-bum device:
- Beats Audio technology that features studio-quality sound resulting in a rich, clear listening experience
- 5 megapixel camera with instant sharing capabilities, allowing you to post those perfect beach pics on Facebook seconds after they’re captured
- Vibrant 3.5-inch HGVA screen, perfect for web browsing, viewing photos and video while lounging in the sun
With its large HD screen and preloaded music unlimited and video unlimited apps, the Sony Xperia ion also serves as a great personal entertainment device for those lazy days by the water.
For Weekend Getaways
If you want to connect online using your favourite Wi-Fi devices during weekend getaways, a Rocket hub or Rocket mobile hotspot is a must-have item this summer. Here’s how they work:
- A Canadian first and Rogers exclusive launching this August, the new LTE Rocket hub allows you to easily connect up to 15 computers and Wi-Fi devices to the Internet. Just plug it into an electrical outlet and power on to create a Wi-Fi zone connected to the Rogers wireless network. No software to download, no installation to schedule—get high speed internet for the whole family where you never thought possible, whenever you choose.
- The Rocket mobile hotspot will keep you connected whether you’re on the road, exploring around town, or even on the dock or boat. Simply turn on this battery-powered, pocket-sized device and you’ve created a password-protected Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 Wi-Fi devices—from laptops to Wi-Fi tablets, from music players to eReaders and more.
- When getting that new summer device, you may also want to think about signing up for the new 6 GB Super Plan from Rogers. With the new Super Plan, streaming videos, downloading music and staying connected has never been easier and it’s perfect for sharing between multiple devices.
With endless options at your fingertips, how will you stay connected this summer?
Michelle is a regular contributor to Redboard
Release your inner music pro with the HTC One X from Rogers in The Studio
Have you ever wanted to create your own music track? Here’s your chance. We’ve teamed up with HTC to create an interactive choose-your-own-adventure style video on YouTube where you can create your own music track like a pro.
Just like those choose-your-own adventure stories you used to read as a kid, this video will give you the chance to work with a fictional music producer to create your own custom music track.
In video, you’re mistaken for a big-time LA music producer who is asked to step into a music studio and mix a new track. Throughout the video, you get to pick what type of music genre and audio elements you want to include in your song like cowbells or triangle or even things like pygmy grunts or buzz synth. At the end, you get to listen to your masterpiece enclosed within the awesome HTC One X, Canada’s first smartphone with Beats Audio™ and share it with your friends.
How did your music track work out? Did you discover your hidden talent? To find out what other people are saying, follow #TheStudio on Twitter.
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
: Weekend Reading: summer gear guide, teens & tech
How young is too young to have a Facebook account? This question has been hotly debated for the last week after the Wall Street Journal recently reported that Facebook is developing tools that might enable it to extend membership to children under 13. The Globe and Mail published an article summarizing some of the security and privacy issues this change could cause while also acknowledging that many preteens are already on Facebook. On RedBoard, we actually had similar discussion this week with @KatiaMillar and @GingerMommy where we talked about technology and families. One of the questions we posed to both moms was around advice for parents who are considering giving their children a cellphone. Check out what they had to say here and if you’re a parent, feel free to join the discussion in the comments section.
Father’s Day
Speaking of families, you know its Father’s Day on Sunday, right? Forgot about a gift? Well, why not treat dear old Dad to a movie night? Connected Magazine published a great article on The Best Superhero flicks that might spark some ideas. From men of steel to caped crusaders, these superhero movies could be exactly what you need for a night-in with Dad. Still thinking about a last minute gift? Check out TIME magazine’s last minute Father’s Day shopping guide on what not to buy this year.
Engadget’s summer gear guide
Recently, Engadget compiled a great list of the hottest summer devices. With vacations looming on the not-too-distant horizon, a great new smartphone can help be a huge help. Not only can you stay connected to family and friends, but with the right device, looking up directions, finding that perfect spot to eat or checking into flights is a piece of cake. Some devices high on their list are the HTC One X, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Nokia Lumia 900. Check out their full buyer’s guide here.
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
March 8th, 2013 a 3:27pm
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