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« Last post by binger on May 21, 2013, 10:54:48 PM »
I think it should be against the law to take pictures of your odometer while going 65 mph even if it means missing the 111,111 on the gauge.  Men! :-P
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« Last post by dubie76 on May 19, 2013, 10:50:35 PM »
There are many states that have made it illegal to text and drive. I know that I am guilty of this on a few occasions. What I do like about iOS is the ability to talk into the phone and send the text.
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 19, 2013, 08:36:19 PM »
Usually I spend heavy hands on time with the big hitters, the flagship devices. Knowing that not everyone will or can spend top dollar on a new device, I jumped at the opportunity to take the all new Verizon Wireless Pantech Perception for test drive! I entered this demo with an open mind and truly did not know what to expect. My experiences with Pantech devices in the past, well . . . let's just say are miles away from this excellent contender in the current handset marketplace. I knew that Pantech thrived on an entry level market, but that is out the window with this particular smartphone. Not only does the Perception have a solid build quality, but Pantech must have been taking notes on what consumers need/want from a phone. This device offers a removable back, that while plastic, looks and feels like brushed aluminum. The lithium ion battery is also removable and had no issues lasting a full day of power user torture. Taking a quick walk around the device, the user is met with a great combination of build materials including a metal surround and quality buttons. This a a good time to point out that the Pantech Perception follows suit with the Nexus style devices that only have two sets of hard buttons and no capacitive buttons. You get a physical power button and physical volume rocker, but you are welcomed with no capacitive or "soft keys" and left with a more true and "pure" Android experience. This is a skinned version of Android 4.0.4 and it does have the usually carrier bloat, but the device is not inhibited by the overlay. The lock screen greets you with an older, more familiar Gingerbread style slide to unlock with the additions of a few home screen slide shortcuts. Once unlocked, you are right at home with a customizable dock and plenty of room for your favorite widgets. I'm still shocked at the quality of the display. Every time I pick up this phone I smile. While other devices are pushing the 400 dpi mark on 4.5"+ screens, this little gem looks just as good squeezing in 300 dpi in a much smaller display. Crisp, clean, bright, and clear are all adjectives that do the Perception justice. Whether browsing the web, watching video, or flicking though photos, you will have a hard time looking away from this beautiful little display.  Now let's not confuse the term little. I'm natively a Galaxy Note 2 user, so everything looks smaller to me. Those that find a sweet spot in a 4" display will be right at home here. And if you are left hand dominant, you are in for a real treat!! Righty's like me will find the power and volume buttons oddly placed. The power button is at mid center on the right edge of the device. It is very unnatural for a right thumb press; however, in the left hand, it naturally sits under your middle finger and the volume rocker fits perfectly under your left thumb. I'm not saying they did this on purpose, but if you are a left handed user, definitely head to the store for a hands on!!  As a phone, I found the Perception to crush the competition on volume and crispness. Both the ear piece and external speaker are loud enough to make your ears bleed. For the first time in a long time I found myself avoiding full volume for calls, games, and video watching. I did take advantage of a full blast ringtone! No missed calls on this baby!! You can check out more over at Verizon Wireless.com or you can pick up the Pantech Perception at your local VZW store for only $99 with a 2-yr contract!!
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 14, 2013, 08:21:59 PM »
 The It Can Wait CampaignTexting and driving is no joking matter, yet most of us admit to using our smartphones while in the driver's seat. As this current generation of technology users continues to revel in instant gratification, the risks of killing ourselves or others is steadily increasing. Facebook, Twitter, Email, Texting, and Google Searches quite literally could be the death of us all. I will admit that I am enslaved to my smartphone. Like many of you, if a notification chimes in, there is no putting off checking what awaits me in my inbox. Believe you me, I have tried. It feels like torture trying to avoid that quick and innocent peek at who or what item of importance I could possibly be missing out on. This is just plain silly. I need to wrap my head around a simple fact . . . It Can Wait! AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, and 200 other businesses have joined forces with an anti-texting while driving initiative called It Can Wait. The goal is to end texting and driving, a dirty habit that increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident by 23 times! The reality is that we all know the danger and risk involved, yet most of us continue to put our lives and the lives of others on the line. Memorial Day is approaching fast and with it brings an increased amount of travel in the U.S. and this is followed by the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers. In the past, if you are anything like me, you have read the stats and brushed off these types of initiatives, but I'm asking you to not do that this go around. I would like you to take a few minutes and think about the big What If . . . what if you were texting while driving and hit a small child chasing his soccer ball into the street. What If . . . Just think through all the possible What If's and ask yourself if that next notification is really worth it!! I have just made my commitment at http://ItCanWait.com to do my part in ending the texting while driving epidemic and hope you will do the same. Head over to It Can Wait for more information and make sure to spread the word about ending distracted driving!
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 11, 2013, 01:31:20 PM »
 May 16th is almost upon us! This is a big day for Windows Phone users and those excited to play with Nokia's latest offering, the Lumia 928 for the Verizon Wireless Network. You may have already seen the Microsoft Windows Phone commercial picking fun at the stereotypical Android vs Apple sentiment that is so prevalent throughout the web. If you haven't, check it out below: As funny as this video is, one truth rings clear; Nokia is truly the backbone of the Windows Phone comeback. The Windows Phone concept and OS is not one many would immediately run to after toying with an Android or Apple phone; however, thanks to Nokia, Windows Phone is now a contender. Let's face it, Nokia is doing a great job doing what they do best . . . building rock solid devices! Here are just a few of the latest adds to Nokia's flagship Windows Phone device: A full 1080p HD 8.7-megapixel camera with Carl ZeissŪ optics
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which create blur-free pictures and videos, even in low-light conditions.
4.5-inch PureView display
Global Ready™
Wireless charging capabilities
Where are my Windows Phone peeps at? Am I going to see you waiting in line at Verizon Wireless on May 16 or are you grabbing this online? Either way you are getting a bloody steal at $99.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate with a new two year customer agreement.
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 11, 2013, 12:12:01 PM »
Many of our readers come from either the Android or iOS persuasion. Both users are faced with the question, at some point of their device ownership, "root or not, jailbreak or not?" My Android devices are almost always immediately rooted . . . once root access is achieved. As for my iPad, I have actually avoided jailbreaking. I'm stumped as to why, but reading this post from our very own Dubie76 helped me realize that I am not taking full advantage of what my iOS devices have to offer. I'm not sure why I am so content pushing my Android devices to the limit, yet iSheeping my way through a typical Apple experience. Do you root or jailbreak your devices? What are your thoughts? Please take a few minutes to read @Dubie76's post "to jailbreak or not" Many people's first thought about jailbreaking their iPhone is that its piracy. I can tell you that it is not. Lets start off with what a jailbreak really is.
Jailbreaking an iPhone is the same thing as "rooting" an android phone. It gives you access to the root files of ios just like it does with an android phone. Once this is achieved, you have the ability to modify, tweak, and change the functions of the phone.
Yes, just as with rooting an iPhone people have that unrestricted access to the phone to "sideload", "flash", or install applications that have been cracked, but that's not what this is all about.
Apple has locked down their ios to keep this phone and its functions the way Apple wanted them to be, and only allowing the users the options that Apple wants you to have. Take for instance receiving a sms. When your iPhone is locked and you receive an sms, you get the notification that pops up on the lock screen. When you want to reply, you must unlock your device, open the sms app, and then reply. Why? because tha . . . Read the rest HERE and make sure to comment!! AND don't forget to follow him on twitter @Dubie76!!
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 02, 2013, 04:48:01 PM »
I also wish there were other colors we could choose from. The only real way to modify the stock app would be to have root access and then do some dev/theme work.
If you are not rooted, I would look into the apps that d3ltr0n mentioned.
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« Last post by d3ltr0n on May 02, 2013, 04:13:19 PM »
I dont have an sg3, so dont know how to change the colors. But there are alternative SMS apps that you can download and fully customize it with a theme or set your own background, colors, style, etc... One I really like using is GO SMS PRO & Handcent SMS
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« Last post by d3ltr0n on May 02, 2013, 04:01:37 PM »
Man that sounds like an awesome device!
Thats hilarious about pranking your wife!!!! ha ha
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« Last post by DriphterX on May 02, 2013, 02:28:55 PM »
Verizon sells accessories . . . right?!? Of course, all the carriers do, but I never would have guessed these accessories would amount to anything more than batteries, cases, chargers, and screen protectors. I received quite an education while researching the latest "Smart" accessories available directly from Verizon Wireless. I found a plethora of really useful and interesting gadgets that are conveniently sorted by Health and Fitness, Lifestyle, and Toys. You can check them out by clicking HERE. In true Driphter fashion, we will be taking a specific look at many of the goodies that Big Red has to offer, so let's start with the Slingbox 500! I have had the pleasure of taking the Slingbox 500 for a spin courtesy of Verizon Wireless and have immensely enjoyed my time with this handy piece of technology. I have known about the Slingbox from its inception a few years back, but never pulled the trigger. Looking back, this was a mistake! I wish I had jumped on this a long time ago. For those who have never heard of Slingbox before, it is a streaming transmitter of sorts. You take any media capable device and put the Slingbox between it and the final audio/video source. The Slingbox then uses your home WiFi or LAN connection to make the content flowing through the Slingbox available via an app that you can purchase ($14.99 USD) for any Android or iOS device or via a Computer Web Browser (for free) in full 1080p HD Resolution. Some of the more interesting uses of the Slingbox are security cameras, baby monitors, and your child's computer. I mean, c'mon, as a technology fanatic this is really exciting! Being able to remotely view any audio/video device opens up a whole new world of possibilities. The original intention of this device was to make your cable box or satellite receiver available from anywhere in the world. Utilizing the Slingbox in this fashion even allows you to use a virtual remote control to change the station, record a program on your dvr, or power the device on and off. I had quite a bit of fun pranking my wife with these features. She changed the batteries in our TiVo Remote 3 times thinking the remote was going bad, all the while, I was secretly changing the station from my Android Slingbox app! As a Hulu and Netflix subscriber, I wondered how much value I could place in a device like the Slingbox, and as a streaming TV device, the only true benefit for me was access to my local channels. Anything I have on my DVR doesn't need to be streamed to me . . . scratch that . . . the items that I would stream, I get from Hulu or Netflix. BUT, and a big BUT, all of the unconventional uses sealed the deal for me and actually made me want one. As a father of 3 children . . . ages 2 to 8 . . . I found the video streaming capabilities quite useful. A baby monitor with video out, now becomes a quick disciplinary check for dear old dad. At any time in the day, I can hit my Slingbox feed and see what my kids are up to in the play room. And as my kids get a little older, their computer habits will stand the test of ultimate accountability. To check computer usage, my wife or I can hit the Slingbox video feed anytime and see exactly what our little ones are up. Let's face it parents, when you walk in on your kids while they are on the computer, the browser usually gets minimized and minimized quick! The Slingbox will hold your kids to a higher standard as Big Brother, err Big Mom and Dad are watching . . . with Slingbox, we are always watching! This wonderful piece of technology certainly isn't for everyone, but I think many of you will find the Slingbox useful and a definite buy. To read more about it, you can head to Verizon Wireless HERE and while you are there, make sure to check out the many other Smart Accessories they have to offer! If you already have a Slingbox, feel free to post how you use yours below! Have questions? I'll do my best to answer! Ask away and thanks for reading!!
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