The LG Optimus Elite FREE!

Look at this sleek mobile phone by LG. Its the bold Optimus Elite. LG Optimus Elite offers an affordable and environmentally responsible addition to the Sprint line up of devices with eco-friendly attributes. Successor to the popular LG Optimus S, LG Optimus Elite boasts a pocketable form factor and virtual QWERY keyboard that allows users to update social sites and message friends with ease. Additionally, LG Optimus Elite comes equipped with NFC technology and Google Wallet enabling the device to be used like a wallet to make safe, secure purchases at hundreds of participating retailers. This affordable and highly customizable full-featured smartphone is ideal for feature phone users looking to make the move to Android as well as existing 3G phone users who want to stay connected and organized with Android 2.3 and other key features including a 3.5-inch capacitive touch-screen. LG Optimus Elite also features mobile hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G experience simultaneously and visual voicemail. Get it Free at Tao Wireless.

 

 

How to Improve Laptop Battery Life

Everyone who has ever used a laptop knows that sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when your laptop battery is about to die. Battery life is still one of the single most important issues that people consider when purchasing a new notebook. And why not? Battery life is the key factor to the mobility of a laptop computer. Sure, we all like thin and light PCs but even the thinnest, lightest laptop is nothing but a paperweight when the battery dies.

In some cases you might be able to turn to an extended battery for your laptop, but as manufacturers race to make thinner and lighter laptops many of these "ultrabooks" have integrated batteries that cannot be removed or replaced without completely disassembling the laptop. So what can you do to squeeze out a few extra minutes (or even a few extra hours) of battery life? With a few minutes worth of simple changes, you can easily get your work done without constantly looking for the nearest power outlet.

Most of this guide will focus on modern notebooks running Windows 7, but much of the advice below holds true even if you're running Windows XP or planning to move to Windows 8.

Don't Overwork Your Laptop

In the simplest terms, anything your laptop does requires power. Therefore, your laptop is wasting power every time it does something that you don't "need" it to do. One simple solution is to close applications you aren't using rather than leaving programs running in the background or minimized in the Windows taskbar. However, you can go one step further.

Every laptop running a modern version of Windows has the ability change power profiles using the Windows Power Management. Click on that battery icon on the bottom of your screen, and make sure your notebook is set to "Balanced" or "Power Saver" if you want a quick and simple way to limit unnecessary power consumption.

The "High Performance" setting is great if you are encoding video or playing games but it makes your processor and hard drive(s) work harder than they have to, using more power and throwing out more heat. Most notebooks also include power regulation software from the laptop manufacturer (HP Power Advisor, Toshiba Power Saver, etc.) which can be used to help reduce overall power consumption.

Being Wireless Will Eventually Leave You Powerless

We usually need our laptops to be connected to a wireless network of some kind; Wi-Fi, 3G broadband, your 4G USB modem, or even your Bluetooth external keyboard and mouse at the office. The problem is that constantly sending and receiving wireless signals drains a significant portion of your notebook's battery. The solution is simple: If you're not actively using a wireless connection then make sure you turn it off. You can disable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your laptop either by clicking on the wireless network icon on the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop or by pressing the Wireless on/off switch on laptops that have such switches.

Another Bright Idea: Turn Down The Display

The single component that consumes the most amount of power on your notebook is the screen backlight. This is particularly true for "desktop replacement" notebooks with large screens (15-inch and 17-inch laptops). Yes, displays usually look better when the backlight is nice and bright but when you're away from a power outlet you need to balance your desire for a vivid screen with your desire to keep your laptop running. Start by lowering the screen brightness to the lowest setting and increase it slowly until you reach the dimmest setting you find bearable. Of course, this will vary depending on the room you are in ... you'll have to increase the screen brightness if you're working outdoors under direct sunlight but you might be able to use the absolute lowest brightness setting when you're working on a plane with the cabin lights off.

DVDs Will Leave Your Laptop DEAD

Sooner or later most people find themselves stuck on a flight or in a car without Wi-Fi and nothing better to do but watch a movie to pass the time. Pulling out that DVD or Blu-ray collection sounds like fun but it's one of the fastest ways to drain your laptop's battery. The motor that spins the optical drive and the laser used to read the discs create a huge power draw while the disc is spinning. In addition to the drive, your laptop's processor (and the GPU) has to work hard to decode the audio and video. This usually translates into more than a 30% increase in power consumption compared to when your notebook is basically just sitting idle while you type a document in Microsoft Word. If you must watch movies, try to stick with digital content that you previously downloaded such as iTunes or Amazon Instant Video that has been saved to your computer. You can also stream online from Netflix.com or Hulu.com but, as previously mentioned, Wi-Fi power consumption is something to keep in mind.

 

Tao Wireless

New Products at Low Prices

Find more products in our store than ever before. Everyday we are adding more and more inventory for you to choose from. From Apple MacBooks to Hitachi HDTV's, find hot products at low prices at

www. TWSuperStore.com

www.TaoWireless.com.

Brand New Products Low Prices

When you think of Tao Wireless, you may think of mobile phones. This is about to change. Now you can find all of your favorite electroincs at a super low price. In fact, we guarantee our prices are the lowest. From laptops to flat screen's, we will bring you only the best products. Until June 1st, we are stocking more and more products everyday.

As always, we have free shipping and a guarantee on all of our products. Have you seen the new products on Tao Wireless? What are you waiting on? Start shopping now at Tao Wireless!

We Are Beginning to Add More Products Than Ever!

A lot of good things are happening around here at Tao Wireless. We are in the process of releasing an app that include news, fun and shopping. The Tao Wireless app is in the developing stage, but you can test drive it now! Head over to http://taowireless.mobapp.at/. and try it out.

Our big news is the grand opening of our new electronics super store on June, 1 2012. Its not just any electronics store,  but a store of super savings. You can find all of your favorite name brands at the lowest prices. From laptops to home entertainment systems, you will find it at our new electronics store. 

We Love Mothers!

This is our favorite time of the year, because it is our opportunity to celebrate the hard work and love that only a mother can give. Where would we be without the love, compassion and dedication of our mother? WE LOVE MOTHERS!! 

The LG Rumor Reflex Free at Tao Wireless

Its no surprise that we love giving away mobile phones. In fact 90% of our mobile phones in stock are totally free with free shipping. Today, we have dropped the price of one of our hottest selling mobile phones. Just in time for Mothers Day!

The LG Rumor Reflex for Sprint is a sleek messaging device that offers an affordable and environmentally responsible addition to Sprint's existing family of devices with eco-friendly attributes. LG Rumor Reflex boasts the coveted ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment (ULE) and Sprint. The feature-rich LG Rumor Reflex also offers a large 3-inch WQVGA touchscreen, 2 megapixel camera and camcorder, MicroSD card slot supporting up to 32GB, and 3G data capabilities. Enjoy instant access to update your social network status, upload a picture or find the coolest hangout with the built-in GPS. Get it free at Tao Wireless today!

Be The First To Try Our New App

Here at Tao Wireless, we believe in innovation. We are in the final stages of developing a cool app for you. We want to give you the chance to try it out. You can try it out while it is still in development stage, because we want your suggestions on what you want in a mobile phone app. If you have any cool ideas, drop us a line at support@taowireless.com. We are real people who listen. The app will go public on the app market June 1, 2012, but you can get it now! We are excited and so will you, so go ahead and download it now. Tell us what you think as we countinue to keep you up-to-date.

QR Code:

Are You a Cell Phone Addict?

Are you addicted to your cell phone? Could you go several hours -- or several days -- without it? Many of us would be lost without it. In fact, a new survey indicates that as many as 66 percent of us have Nomophobia, better known as the fear of not having your mobile phone with you.

Experts say it's a sign of the stress we put on ourselves to always be available. They say that if you leave for work without your cell phone, you shouldn't go into a panic.

But a team at tech company SecurEnvoy says more of us can't handle going without a mobile device. Four years ago they ran the same survey and found 53 percent of people with self-diagnosed Nomophobia.

The lesson is that more Americans think they can't get by for even a short while without their cell phone. 75 percent of us even make sure we bring our mobile phones into the bathroom.

AT&T Reaching Beyond Cell Phones

 

In an effort to expand beyond cell phones, the second largest US mobile operator AT&T is all set to enter the home security and automation business.

Called "AT&T Digital Life," the services would allow consumers to remotely monitor their homes and protect them from intruders, fire and water damage. Consumers can also control door locks or perform things like changing the temperature setting on the thermostat, no matter where they are - anywhere in the US or even abroad.

AT&T claimed that the new all-digital, IP-based home security monitoring and automation services would allow consumers to handle security arrangements of their homes using any web-enabled device, PCs, tablets and smartphones, regardless of the wireless carrier.

The services, which AT&T plans to start trials of in Atlanta and Dallas this summer, will feature a number of connected devices like cameras, window/door censors, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion and glass break sensors, door locks, thermostats, moisture detection and appliance power controls.

According to the company, all the devices would be wirelessly connected to AT&T monitoring centers. In order to push the services, AT&T has also formed a digital life services group, which represents a completely new business for the company. With built-in AT&T mobile internet service, the "Digital Life" platform will also be capable of Wi-Fi, Z-Wave and wired broadband connections.

We are keeping a close eye on this development.

 

Like Us Because We Love You

 

Check us out and join us on Facebook for fun, news and up-to-date information. We would love to see you and all of your friends around. Like us.. We will see you on Facebook!!

How Safe Are Mobile Payments

 

For some consumers, paying at the checkout line becomes a lot simpler when they can forgo the plastic card and pay with their phone. Mobile payment applications like the Isis Mobile Wallet, Google Wallet, Square, and LevelUp turn your cell phone into a payment source: Just store your debit card or credit card information on the phone and scan the device at checkout. "Consumers like the convenience factor," says Sarah Jane Hughes, a commercial law professor at Indiana University. But is this new form of payment safe?

Approximately 12 percent of mobile phone owners made a mobile payment in 2011, according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve. According to the survey, concerns about the security of the technology were the primary reason respondents gave for not using mobile payments. Hughes says one security advantage to using mobile payments is that "your phone normally stays within your line of sight. So unlike the credit card that gets moved to the back room, you're much less likely to let people take your phone away."

Ben Milne, CEO and co-founder of Dwolla, a mobile payment provider, says mobile payments are inherently more secure than using a plastic credit card. That's because most mobile payments are conducted on phones that have GPS, meaning the payment provider can determine who you are and whether the transaction is a legitimate one. "There's a lot of data around the transaction that can actually be utilized to protect people, and that data isn't available with a plastic credit card," Milne says.

Many people may be less likely to try mobile payments simply because plastic credit cards have been around longer, but Milne says that shouldn't be the case. "It makes no sense to make the argument that because the 16-digit account number has been around longer that it's better," he says. "In any event, probably what it means is the system has more problems. To me, if anything, it has probably more known ways of being exploited because it's been around for so long." With Dwolla, for instance, users never enter their credit card number into the app. Instead, the system stores your bank account information and then enables you to make purchases directly from that account.

Still, mobile payment applications are not immune from security threats. Square was hacked in 2011, as well as Google Wallet earlier this year.

While most mobile payment providers are relatively safe, there are extra precautions you can take. Follow these steps to ensure your accounts are secure when using mobile payments:

1. Have a PIN on your phone. A password to access your keypad "adds an extra layer of protection, in the event your phone gets stolen," Hughes says.

2. Use an app that issues an immediate electronic receipt. That way you can check the amount of money you spend right after each purchase.

3. Choose a method that gives you at least a two-factor authentication, such as a password on the phone and another to access the payment application.

4. Reconcile statements regularly. Just as you'd balance a checkbook, make sure to match up your mobile payments with receipts. "Anybody who is going to do a payment through a mobile phone needs to be paying close attention to their account," Hughes says.

5. Report security and payment problems right away. Your mobile payment is typically covered by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, but the liability limits depend on how quickly you report the problem. "The first two days, you're pretty well-covered. After that, the liability can go up to $500," Hughes says. "And if you don't do it relatively promptly, it can go up beyond $500."

Samsung Trumps the Competition

Samsung appears to have toppled Finnish mobile giant Nokia and may be even Apple’s iPhone and become the largest selling mobile handset manufacturer in the world. Nokia, who has been on the top spot in the mobile handset since 1998, has finally shifted to second position. This information was released as part of Samsung’s first quarter sales report for 2012, which has record-breaking figures. Even though the company did not reveal exact numbers, analysts have estimate that the company might have sold as many as 44.5 million smartphone handsets in the first three months of this year.

If that is true, then Samsung might have toppled Apple as well in terms sales because the iOS maker sold about 35.1 million iPhones during the same period of time. But then Apple makes only one model of the iPhone whereas Samsung has multiple models spanning both Android and Windows Phone. Overall though, Samsung has sold 93.5 million phones and thereby topping the 82.7 million phones that Nokia sold during the same period. After losing out on the smartphone market twice and betting everything it has on Windows Phone, this is the latest sign of Nokia’s decline as market leader.

Samsung’s estimated sales figures put it at 30.6 percent market share and Apple’s figures puts it at 24.1 percent of the market. This means that between themselves, Samsung and Apple have the majority market share in the smartphone business. This also means that two are the only major players in a market where other players are being constantly side lined and pushed out. Nokia’s decline is a major sign of this.

Samsung has been constantly in news for being one of the largest selling Android smartphone maker for most of last year. Its Galaxy series of handsets have being selling quite well in the recent past and have successfully generated a lot of buzz around the brand. Even though most of its offerings are on Android, Samsung also intends to work on Galaxy branded smartphones for the upcoming Windows 8 platform from Microsoft.

Nokia is already working closely with Microsoft to develop handsets on the Windows Phone platform. So it is possible that they will have a head start on the platform but Samsung massive presence may ultimately muscle them out of the race.

The latest Samsung Galaxy is in fact going to be launched next week at the Unpacked event in London. This is the long awaited Galaxy S3 and it is supposed to come with a bevvy of new features, including the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and a Quad-Core processor. It is also supposed to have a 5inch screen and a Super AMOLED display but then nothing has been confirmed so far. The German Amazon portal accidentally listed the S3 ahead of its launch and gave away a few details

The New Lucid For Free!

 

Looking for a free mobile phone? Get the Lucid LG by Verizon Wireless for zero dollars!!

The Lucid by LG for Verizon Wireless is designed to create an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use experience for first-time smartphone users. Lucid provides immediate access to call, messaging, voicemail, and camera features from the lock screen. Make phone calls by simply dialing with the Quick Dialer Widget. Assistance is at your fingertips with Guided Tours, which provide step-by-step, in-device tutorials. Lucids bright 4- inch screen provides clear and better visibility even under direct sunlight and consumes less of your battery life! With a blazing-fast 1.2GHz dual-core processor and the power of 4G LTE, your multi-media experience with be seamlessly entertaining. Enhance your experience with Netflix or by recording video in full HD and share them with friends via DLNA or HDMI. Chat face-to-face with the front-facing camera or snap photos with the 5 megapixel primary camera and upload them right to your favorite social networking site.

 

Free at Tao Wireless

The New ZTE Fury Free at Tao Wireless

The ZTE Fury for Sprint is perfect when you want the latest Android technology at an affordable price. This Android 2.3 ("Gingerbread") smartphone has a stylish, slim design with an amazing 3.5 inch high resolution touch display. With 3G Mobile Hotspot support, you can share the Furys  internet connection with up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices. The 5MP camera is great for snapping photos on-the-go to share instantly via your favorite apps like Facebook or Twitter.

With 4GB of internal memory and a 2GB microSD memory card pre-installed, there is plenty of room to save pictures and videos. The ZTE Fury is a budget conscience smartphone with big possibilities.

 

Get this exciting new mobile phone free! Tao Wireless....

Five Great iPad Accessories

 

1. Apple Smart Cover 
If you have an iPad and you don't have Apple's Smart Cover then you are missing out. It's such a well-designed and useful accessory that it's no exaggeration to say that an iPad doesn't feel complete without one. The Smart Cover attaches to the side of the iPad 2 or the new iPad using a series of magnets. Another magnet holds it closed across the face of the iPad, protecting the screen. Lifting the Smart Cover 'wakes' the iPad and closing it puts the iPad back into sleep mode. The Smart Cover folds into a triangle to make a stand for the iPad and can be removed completely with a firm pull. The covers come in a range of covers and in two finishes: the polyurethane covers are cheaper and come in a range of pastel shades; the more expensive leather covers have deeper colours.

2. Apple Wireless Keyboard 
The iPad touchscreen is fine for occasional typing. For anything longer than a few emails and a short document or two, you'll want an external keyboard. There are a few keyboard cases available but in most cases the keyboards feel cheap and are not much better to type on than the iPad's touchscreen keyboard. Apple's Bluetooth keyboard is an excellent solution. It's compact enough to slip into a bag but it's a full-size Qwerty keyboard and is solid and pleasant to type on for long periods. I use one for work every day. There is a way to make the keyboard and iPad combination even better though, and for that you'll need the next accessory on the list.

3. Incase Origami Workstation 

Whenever anyone asks me to recommend the best keyboard case for the iPad, I always tell them to get one of these and an Apple keyboard. The combined price is much the same as for the average keyboard case but the experience is much better. In transit, the Origami Workstation acts as a cover for your keyboard. When you need to do some typing, the Workstation folds back to create a stand for the iPad. For some tasks only a laptop will do but many users will find that this setup provides a remarkably flexible alternative for lightweight work on the move.

 

4. Kingston Wi-Drive 
There's quite a difference in price between the 16GB and 64GB iPads. That's a price worth paying if you intend to use the storage. Regular travellers, for example, would do well to get the largest capacity so that there is room for plenty of apps, plus a few films, books and some music. Those who use the iPad mostly at home or on the commute to work might be content to save their cash and make do with a smaller model. That does leave the problem of what to do when those occasional trips crop up. The Kingston Wi-Drive is a good compromise. Fill it with whatever you like and then use Kingston's free app to access it on the move. Up to three users can access the Wi-Drive at once, from any iOS device, which makes it ideal for family car journeys.

 

5. Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation 
The iPad has a 10-hour battery that should be plenty for most users. If you really can't get to a powerpoint within 10 hours, however, then Mophie has just the thing. The Powerstation is a 4000mAh external battery that you can plug into your iPad when your battery needs a boost. It won't provide a complete charge for the iPad but it will keep your tablet going for several extra hours. It's very nicely designed, with a sleek black and chrome finish that Apple fans will love. The addition of a battery life indicator is a nice, useful touch too.

Nokia May Turn Tattoos Into More Than Body Art‎

 

Vibrating magnetic tattoos may one day be used to alert mobile phone users to phone calls and text messages if Nokia follows up a patent application.

The Finnish company has described the idea in a filing to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

It describes tattooing, stamping or spraying "ferromagnetic" material onto a user's skin and then pairing it with a mobile device.

It suggests different vibrations could be used to create a range of alerts.

The application lists Cambridge-based Zoran Radivojevic as the innovation's lead inventor. It was filed last week and was brought to light by the Unwired View news site.

It suggests a magnetic marking could be attached to either a user's arm, abdominal area, finger or fingernail.

"Examples of... applications may be low battery indication, received message, received call, calendar alert, change of profile, eg based on timing, change of time zone, or any other," the filing reads.

"The magnetic field may cause vibration of one short pulse, multiple short pulses, few long pulses... strong pulses, weak pulses and so on."

The filing also suggests that the magnetised marking could be used as an identity check. It says that by picking a certain shape the user could create a "specific magnetic impedance" - effectively their own magnetic fingerprint.

It says this could act as a "password" and gives the example of a laptop refusing to display content on its screen unless it verifies its user is close by.

'Invasive procedure'

Nokia is far from the only technology firm investigating new uses for haptic - or touch - feedback.

HTC and Samsung have released mobile phones that slightly vibrate when the user types or presses graphical-representations of buttons on their screens.

Engineers at the University of Utah are developing a video games controller that uses haptic feedback via the user's thumbs to create the sensations of waves, pulses and a bounce effect.

Researchers at the University of Leeds have also created a handheld prototype designed to let cancer specialists locate and categorise patients' tumours by how dense they feel while examining them from a remote location.

However, Nokia's idea stands out for seeking to enhance touch feedback by permanently, or at least semi-permanently, marking the users' body.

"Our research suggests that once a user become accustomed to haptic feedback on a phone or tablet screen, other devices that don't offer it can feel 'dead'," Marek Pawlowski, editorial director at the mobile industry research firm PMN told the BBC.

"Nokia's patent suggests that their magnetic mark could be invisible - which might make this appealing to some. But in the immediate term I think users would draw the line at anything that is invasive like a tattoo or would be seen to have potential medical effects."

A spokeswoman for Nokia was unable to confirm whether Nokia intended to follow up its patent application with further research.

The New LG Reflex For Free!

 

The new LG Rumor Reflex for Sprint is a sleek messaging device that offers an affordable and environmentally responsible addition to Sprint's existing family of devices with eco-friendly attributes. LG Rumor Reflex boasts the coveted ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment (ULE) and Sprint. The feature-rich LG Rumor Reflex also offers a large 3-inch WQVGA touchscreen, 2 megapixel camera and camcorder, MicroSD card slot supporting up to 32GB, and 3G data capabilities. Enjoy instant access to update your social network status, upload a picture or find the coolest hangout with the built-in GPS. You can get this stylish phone for free at Tao Wireless.  Highlights 2.0MP Camera/Camcorder To Capture and Send Pictures and Videos Access To Great Sprint TV Apps Such As Sprint Football Live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile If Your Phone Is Ever Lost, Stolen, Damaged, Or Replaced Use Mobile Sync To Restore Your Contact Integrated GPS Provides Support For Sprint Navigation Large 3" Quick-messaging Phone With A Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard Made Of 31% Recycled Plastic and The Device Itself Is 64% Recyclable Stereo Bluetooth-capable For Hands-free Driving and Quality Music Sound Threaded Text Messaging, Email, and Instant Messaging Keep You In The Loop On-the-go Compatible Rate Plans Device Supports Keep My Existing Plan - Yes Device Supports Voice Plans - Yes Device Supports Sprint Talk Plans - Yes Device Supports Sprint Everything Plans - Yes Device Supports Sprint Talk/Message Plans - Yes Available For Purchase Without Service Plan - Yes Device Supports Add-on Line Upgrade Plans - Yes Device Supports Add-on Line Plans - Yes Early Termination Fee - Up To $200.00

The New Samsung Brightside Free at Tao Wireless

 

The Samsung Brightside for Verizon Wireless is the phone for anyone with a bright future! Never be out of touch with this shining example of constant connection. The combination of a 3.1 inch touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard lets texts and status updates fly out at the speed of now. Unique one-touch social access features let tech-savvy students bounce quickly from messages to contacts and back. The built-in 3.2 megapixel camera captures all those must-remember moments, which will come in handy when keeping friends in the loop through Facebook, Twitter, and texting. Wake up on the Brightside and light up your scene.

 

Get this brand new mobile phone for Free at Tao Wireless.

The Samsung Exhibit II 4G Prepaid

 

Running on T-Mobile's 4G Network, the affordable Samsung Exhibit II 4G Prepaid lets you easily access rich entertainment from just about anywhere. Powered by Google's Android OS 2.3 "Gingerbread", the Exhibit II 4G features a 3.7 inch WVGA TFT capacitive touch display, smartphone essentials like full Web Browsing, email, maps/navigation, social networking, and access to thousands of apps from the Android Market. Including free and premium TV with T-Mobile TV and a one-stop shop for watching and downloading the hottest movies with Samsung Media Hub. In addition to rich entertainment features, you can easily take and quickly share high quality photos and video with the 3 megapixel camera with flash and video chat with the front-facing camera. Get it at Tao Wireless!

Tao Wireless Spoils You This Valentine!

This Valentine Day, spoil yourself with something nice!! The DROID BIONIC 4G by MOTOROLA for Verizon Wireless with the ferocious force of Verizon 4G LTE is a virtual time machine, turning minutes into seconds. Droid Bionic is Verizon's first 4G LTE smartphone with a dual-core 1GHz processor. Enjoy super-fast Web-browsing, streaming video, seamless multi-tasking, and download speeds up to 10x faster than 3G.

The free ZumoCast app lets your Droid Bionic access or stream data straight from your home or work computers. Turn your Droid Bionic into more than must a smartphone with a full Firefox 4.0 browser, keyboard, trackpad, and multi-window capabilities all on the big screen with the LapDock accessory. Other smartphone features of the Droid Bionic include an 8 megapixel camera with flash, a front-facing webcam for video chat, 1080p HD video capture with easy upload to YouTube, Mobile Hotspot for up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices, and HDMI Mirror Mode.

Some Things in Life Are Free This Valentines Day!

 

This Valentines give a gift that your Valentine will remeber. Introducing the DROID INCREDIBLE 2 by HTC for Verizon Wireless. The Incredible 2 is just as incredible as its predecessor but with some new and improved features! The larger, 4" Super LCD display makes watching movies and videos even more enjoyable. Dual cameras, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, allow you to snap quality pictures, video chat, and capture 720p HD video. With Adobe Flash 10.1, experience millions of sites with rich applications, games, and content. Staying in touch will never be a challenge with instant messenger, text, multimedia messaging, and access to your Microsoft Exchange account and other email services.

Use your Incredible 2 as a mobile hotspot and share your connection with up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices all at once! Its FREE this Valentines season at Tao Wireless!!

Surprise Her This Valentines

The LG GS170 Prepaid Kit Red for T-Mobile Prepaid is a great, basic, easy-to-use flip phone that provides a combination of reliability, must-have features, and style. This stylish and affordable flip phone is packed with the essentials; camera, Bluetooth, calendar, games, music player, speakerphone, and HiFi ringers. The LG GS170 is an excellent choice for the family.

Highlights

• Bluetooth Enabled To Connect Wirelessly To Headsets and Car Kits For Hands-free Conversation
• Great, Easy-to-use, Flip Phone That Fits In Your Pocket and Your Budget
• Long Battery Life Lets You Talk Longer Without Charging
• No Data Plan Required
• Personal Organizing Tools Including Address Book, Calendar, and More
• Send and Receive Text and Picture Messages
• VGA Camera Captures Photos On-the-go

Get it for only $39.99 at Tao Wireless!

Hidden Cell Phone Fees: Carriers Making Big Changes

 

 

New changes all three major cell phone providers are making may now cause your monthly cell phone bill to increase. 

 

Effective immediately, AT&T has raised its data rates for all new customers by 20 percent. 

 

Data plans will now start at $20. 

 

Verizon Wireless no longer has unlimited 3G and 4G data, while T-Mobile slows down consumers mobile Internet speeds if they use more than 2 gigabytes of data per month. 

 

Sprint PCS still has an unlimited data feature, but you'll be paying an additional $10/mo. congruent with your current data plan. 

 

The 4G premium data fee apples to all smart phones on the Sprint PCS network, regardless of whether you have a 4G capable device. 

 

Amarillo currently has spotty 4G coverage. 

 

New towers and improvements to data speeds are expected to happen by June. 

 

Currently, the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and Blackberry models on Sprint only operate at 3G speeds. 

 

Now to hidden fees: 

 

Best Buy tells us one of the biggest "hidden" fees consumers see on their bill is an activation charge.  

 

For all carriers, new activation fees cost $36 per line, while upgrade fees run $18 per line. 

 

These fees are charged whenever you renew your contract for another 2-year term. 

 

Also, be aware of insurance premiums and deductibles. 

 

A $7/mo. insurance feature only guarantees you the right to a replacement phone should yours be lost, stolen or damaged. 

 

A claim must still be filed via your network carrier and deductibles can range anywhere from $50 to $150. 

 

Termination fees have also increased among carriers. 

 

The average price to terminate your service prior to your 2-year commitment expiration date is $200/per line. 

 

However, if you are using a smart phone, termination fees can be as high as $350.

 

Looking to save money? Prepaid carriers may be the best option for a lot of people. 

 

Prepaid services like Boost Mobile offer an unlimited calling, text, and data rate plan for $50/mo with no hidden fees, activation fees or contracts. 

 

The downfall---coverage! 

 

Not all prepaid carriers work across the state and the U.S. 

 

Here is a list of prepaid carriers offering service in our area: 

*AT&T GoPhone 

*Boost Mobile

*Virgin Mobile

*TracFone

*Net10

 

How to get the best deal on a phone: 

 

The first thing you should do is shop around. 

 

Often, online retailers will have cheaper prices than what you may find in-store. 

 

You will always get the best deal on a new device a month or two prior to your contract expiration. 

 

Carriers will try their best to get you to renew your contract prior to that date. 

 

Avoiding mail-in rebates: 

 

Yes, they still exist! 

 

The good news---places like Best Buy have canned mail-in rebates. 

 

Misunderstandings regarding smart phones: 

 

The iPhone 4 is not a 4G device. The "4" after the iPhone stands for the fourth generation product.  

 

3G vs. 4G: 

 

In simple terms, 4G provides a richer data experience than 3G devices. 

 

Text messaging capabilities and call quality have nothing to do with 3G, 4G and now, LTE. 

 

For more information about phone carriers, devices, and plans, visit www.taowireless.com

The top 7 phones at this year's Consumer Electronics Show

Whereas last year's Consumer Electronics Show was all about Android, the surprise mindshare leader at CES 2012 is Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system.

After completely reinventing the artist formerly known as Windows Mobile in late 2010, the company fleshed out and polished up the OS with the current Windows Phone 7.5 iteration. Thanks to a $1 billion partnership with Finnish giant Nokia early last year, as well as strong continued partnerships with handset makers HTC and Samsung, the Windows Phone ecosystem is set to finally come into its own in 2012.

Despite not dominating the show floor to the extent it did last year, Google's Android mobile operating system nevertheless managed a strong showing at CES 2012. Motorola announced a brace of powerful smartphones with the Droid Razr Maxx and the Droid 4, LG brought out the 4G LTE Spectrum handset for Verizon, and Samsung introduced a unique entrant to that middle ground between phone and tablet with the 5.3" Galaxy Note on AT&T. Samsung also saw its flagship Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phone, the Galaxy Nexus, leave Verizon exclusivity for Sprint.

Here's our list of of the top 7 phones at CES 2012:

1. Nokia Lumia 900

The Microsoft-Nokia partnership is finally bearing fruit in the U.S., with the much-heralded Lumia family the long-awaited result. Of the 710, 800, and 900 trio, the latter is the most powerful flagship Windows Phone device of the bunch.

The Nokia Lumia 900 features a sleek and curvy design — refreshing amidst a sea of sometimes barely differentiated Android slabs. Set to be the world's first 4G LTE Windows Phone on AT&T when it launches in the coming months, the handset literally turned heads on the CES show floor with its sharp looks and 4.3" AMOLED display. Another notable feature is its 8-megapixel camera, which includes an f2.2/28mm Carl Zeiss lens that can snap wide-angle shots and performs admirably in low light settings.

2. HTC Titan II

This successor to the original HTC Titan can lay two world's first claims to its crown: it'll be the first Windows Phone handset to run on a 4G LTE network in the States (courtesy of AT&T), and features a whopping 16-megapixel camera — the highest resolution ever seen on a handset released in the U.S. market.

Beyond being the equivalent of Mecca for cameraphone enthusiasts, the HTC Titan II comes with a stable of other hardware specs to match, including a big and beautiful 4.7" Super LCD display, 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, front-facing camera, and 16GB onboard storage.

3. Motorola Droid Razr Maxx

Launched just late last year, the Motorola Droid Razr is already getting an update in the Droid Razr Maxx. The claim to fame of this new ultra-thin Android device is its extreme battery life: with a reported 21 hours of operation from a single charge, the Razr Maxx essentially doubles that of the original.

Launching as a Verizon exclusive, the 4G LTE handset runs the elder Gingerbread version of the Android OS, but a Motorola representative told us to expect an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwichupdate in the second quarter of 2012. Also featuring an 8-megapixel camera that shoots 1080p high-definition video, a front-facing camera for video chat, and water-repellent nanoparticles that keep it safer from moisture, the Razr Maxx will be launching on January 26 for $299.99 on contract. 

4. Samsung Galaxy Note

The Samsung Galaxy Note took the baton from powerful, oversized superphones and ran with it. If you think the Galaxy Nexus's 4.65" screen was big, the Note might make you do a doubletake.

At first glance, the Note doesn't look like a phone at all, and you wouldn't be off base if you mistook it for a teensy little tablet. But it isn't just a gimmick: with Android ICS en route, a dazzling Super AMOLED display, support for AT&T's LTE network, and a built-in stylus that's as practical as it is fun, the Note is both flashy and feature-rich. It may pack an unpocketable 5.3" screen, but at 0.38" thick and 0.63 oz., the Note felt quite light and manageable during our time testing it out. 

One thing's for sure: the Galaxy Note mini-tablet (or is it a mega-phone?) is a bold device. And while only time will tell if consumers will be intrigued or just plain puzzled, we think Samsung's smartphone experiment might just be crazy enough to work.

5. LG Spectrum

If you're sensing a 4G LTE trend by now, you'd be absolutely correct; even Sprint is now ditching its WiMax network in favor of LTE as its primary 4G technology. LG tossed its own contender into that ring with the LG Spectrum. Featuring a 4.5" HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB storage, an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash, and support for Dolby Digital Plus, the Spectrum also supports wireless media streaming via DLNA and exclusive access to the ESPN ScoreCenter app.

The LG Spectrum will be launching as a Verizon exclusive on January 19 for $199.99 with a 2-year contract.

6. Motorola Droid 4

Billed as the world's thinnest 4G LTE smartphone with a full physical keyboard, the Motorola Droid 4is an Android slider running the elder Gingerbread version of the OS, but a Motorola representative told us to expect an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update in the second quarter of 2012.

If you're one of those smartphone users who never quite fell in love with virtual keyboards, the Droid 4 could be just the ticket for you. When we tested out the QWERTY offering we found the keyboard pleasantly tactile and responsive, though you'll be trading off some physical thickness to get it.

The Droid 4 will head to Verizon in the coming weeks for an as yet undisclosed price.

7. Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Sprint

Everything we love about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus — its beautiful 4.65" Super AMOLED display, powerful dual-core processor, and status as the world's first phone to run the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile operating system — will be following the device to a second carrier when it leaves Verizon exclusivity for Sprint later this year. 

Faced with a surprising dearth of new ICS handset announcements at this year's CES, we're at least happy to see consumers finally get more carrier options for the newest flavor of Android. While sharing most of the specs of its Verizon counterpart including a healthy 32GB of storage, there is one notable feature Sprint's version of the Nexus will include that the original does not: support for Google Wallet, the search giant's mobile payment system based on Near Field Communication technology. 

There's no word yet on exactly when Sprint will launch the Galaxy Nexus, but it's reasonable to expect availability around the same time the carrier launches its new LTE network sometime mid-2012. Tao Wireless