Kyocera Hydro XTRM (US Cellular)

Summer is the perfect fun season to a barbecue, tanning and swimming in the pool. But if your friends are anything like mine, you'll be thrown unceremoniously into the bottom of the said pool with your smartphone in your pocket. And which, rest assured, is not fun.

Fortunately, the Kyocera Hydro XTRM (pronounced "extreme") of the U.S. Cellular is not only dust and shock-resistant, it is waterproof as well - means he doesn't have to spend a night in a bowl filled with rice uncooked, where he accidentally takes a dive in the ocean.

But even with its characteristics splash and low contract price of $29.99, XTRM Hydro is not exactly the Michael Phelps of phones. In light of its less-than-desirable call quality and mediocre camera, you should keep your options open for other handsets if waterproof capabilities are not a necessity.

Design
As Kyocera Hydro XTRM meets certain standards of military specification for shock capacity, it has a more bulky than most smartphones. I like its border dark metallic faux that surrounds the body, and while the rear of the dimpled battery door is not too attractive, the outside rubber provides more friction and contributes with handle.

The handset measures 4.88 inches in height, 2.52 in. wide 0.42 inch thick, and it weighs 4.9 oz. In a few moments to hold the device in my hand, its heftiness was obvious, but after a short while, I stopped to notice his weight and it was not embarrassing at all.

Waterproof capacity Hydro XTRM water mean that you dont you worry about it around the kitchen sink.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Located on the left is a volume rocker. The top has a standby/on-off button and a 3.5 mm headset jack, and the bottom has a Micro-USB port for charging. Port is covered by a sheet or a small door.

It sports an IPS WVGA screen 4 inches with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Obviously, this is not a high-end smartphone touch screen (for example, you'll see a significant amount of "speckles" when displaying a white empty field). However, I had no problem to display images and text, the screen was well polished, and the screen was responsive and sensitive to the touch.

Above the screen is a 1.3-megapixel camera. You will notice that there are no in-ear speaker beside him. It is because the XTRM with the receiver chip Sonic technology. This means that it uses a sensor in ceramic inside to transmit the audio signal via the hard tissue inside your ear.

On the back, you will find the camera and accompanying LED flash below. Two small slits for the sitting speaker to the left of the lens. With the help of a small indentation, you can lift and remove the battery cover to access the microSD card, which accepts cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB and 2, 000mAh battery. Given that the back plate must be sealed to prevent the entry of water, by removing and reapplying requires a little muscle.

The software features
The phone runs on Android 4.1.2 and comes with these Google like Chrome, Gmail, pillars, maps with Navigation, Messenger, several set of Google apps, Search, Talk, and YouTube.

Working database management applications include a native client of the browser and messaging, a calculator, a calendar, a clock with alarm functions, a music player, an application of news and weather, a sound recorder and a voice Dialer.

Under the settings menu, there is also a software function called MaxiMZR. This allows you to limit the data connection of applications running in the background to save battery power. There is also a MagniFont Mode option for those who want to improve the readability of text by increasing the font size a level greater than the 'Extra Large' or 'Huge' which is common on Android phones.

Instead of having a speaker in-ear above the display, the XTRM uses a sensor ceramic indoors to transmit sound waves.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Other applications include several on Amazon (for its site in the retail, Appstore, MP3, Kindle, Amazon and Zappos Audible), the American game Oregon Trail (which is disappointing, nothing like the original), Slacker Radio, Twitter, ICE (which stores the emergency contact information) and Eco Mode, app battery - and energy-efficient.

There are also several applications specifically from US Cellular, as city ID, daily Perks (which informs you of the tenders with the carrier), Wi - Fi now, apps to get ringtones and games and a browser application.

Additional features include Bluetooth 4.0 and 4 GB onboard memory.

Camera and video
The camera 5 megapixel camera has six photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 2, 592 x 1 944 pixels), digital zoom, a flash, three axes, scene modes, six, geotagging, three qualities of image, three exhibitions auto, five ISO levels, balances five white and four color effects.

The front camera offers the same features except it has only four photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 1280 x 960 pixels) and four levels of ISO, and it is not a flash or a scene mode.

View the original article here

Samsung 5 shape free (US Cellular)

If a smartphone is more computer (or fresh) you need a feature phone like the Samsung 5 free-form is an alternative. The compact QWERTY is simple enough, and at $69.99 with an agreement of cellular service in the United States, it is also easy on the paycheck and requires no monthly data plan.

However, buyer beware. Navigation 3G speeds slow this phone can be frustrating, its narrow keyboard will injure the larger fingers, and the wan and dull camera screen resolution are usable, but not engaging. Treat the freeform 5 as you would a flip phone you can also text on, and you will come closer to enjoy. I, myself, could do the trick.

Design and construction
Fifth in a long line of 'free' forms, this version of cookie-cutter 5 sports a familiar pleasantly compact proportions combined form.

At 4.4 inches by 3.4 inches wide by 0.42 inch thick, round, almost bubbly 5 freeform feels substantial in the hand (it weighs 3.3 ounces), smooth on the ear and great in the Pocket. Shiny black finishes are typical Samsung. I haven't decided if the phone is cheaper as is or with a matte processing; I guess I would vote for something in the meantime.

The brilliant, compact Samsung Freeform 5 slips into pockets.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Compared with touch screen of today ' hui-all, free-form and his ilk go old school with the physical buttons guiding the navigation array. D - pad, plus button "back", programmable keys, and speaker button all sit under 2.4 inch screen 5.

When it comes to the viewing experience, form free 5 not impressed. Its screen QVGA, resolution 320 x 240 pixels looks blurry and the colors are dull, without gradients. Text appears smooshed down and soft on the edges, not crispy and thin. It's the same exact configuration, we have seen - and accepted - feature phones in the past, only now the display technology has far exceeded the Freeform 5.

Navigation in the screen with programmable buttons and the D - pad was fine, but having to constantly unlock screen was annoying. You can set the screen to Dim ever, but it's just a good way to run your battery down. I would like to see longer interval options.

If you do not like the looks, you can adjust the bottom of the phone, your personal banner message and the clock format screen and color. Time size and font for the keyboard and the screen backlight are both in your control, too, but you will not see deep customization that makes things like change the pictorial menu to a grid, or choose from a library of fonts.

Physical keyboard lovers will appreciate what Samsung did with here four-row QWERTY keyboard, press the raised, rounded and completely separate in space limited. The buttons are reactive, with the exception of the space bar, which did not have this click reassuring while typing more messages. Due to its bulkiness squished, I could type quickly messages. On the flipside, this keyboard will inevitably feel cramped for many people, even those who have small hands.

Watch the closer the mini keyboard of the phone's functionality.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Although the freeform 5 keyboard will respond when you tell it, the software is not very intelligent. It won't be a misspelled AutoCorrect words or insert a period when you double tap of the space bar (there is a button practice period just to right, however). Some shortcuts to shared function can turn the phone vibrates, launch voice commands and open your message Inbox, for example.

With regard to the external features, you will find the card slot rocker and microSD volume on the left spine, the camera button on the right, a standard 3.5 mm headphone at the top and a Micro-USB charging port on the bottom. The end call button is also the phone power switch.

There is no front camera, but the back of the phone has a 3 megapixel camera, without flash module.

Characteristics and applications
A 3G compatible phone, the freeform 5 also has location and Bluetooth 3.0, in addition to multimedia messaging support. Features top of the line as the Wi - Fi do not on the device.

There is, however, the voice commands (English and Spanish), display of caller ID, a music player and airplane mode. You will also find a WAP browser, a browser, a calculator, a calendar, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, a world clock and a Notepad. The handset displays default English menus, but you can also change the language to Spanish, and Chinese.

The microSD card is positioned on the side for easy access.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

US Cellular tone room supplies to buy more ringtones to complete the 30 that you can assign to your contacts (including silent). In this regard and other address book of experience is typical, which allows you to assign an ID photo, group call, address, phone numbers, a birthday and notes. The address book is 1,000 deep contacts, so there is room for friends and family and then some.

US Cellular throws in a few preloaded as the backup contact, a navigation app, BlockBreaker and AccuWeather Premium game. Many require a subscription.

For more games and apps, you can embark on the storefront EasyEdge to download, such as social networking Social Scene for Facebook and Twitter, Bejeweled and LEGO Batman. Just keep in mind, you need a strong 3G connection and little patience in order to get them.

Camera and video
I am a big fan of phones that come with a shutter button physical camera as the fact of it. Press it and you will trigger the camera 3 megapixel camera and camcorder.

This phone 3-megapixel camera takes poor pictures, but can upload them to Facebook.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

There are a series of resolutions for each mode, more various shooting options, brightness and balance of whites and effects levels. He is also a self timer, night mode and rack optional.

View the original article here

Kyocera Hydro XTRM (US Cellular)

Summer is the perfect fun season to a barbecue, tanning and swimming in the pool. But if your friends are anything like mine, you'll be thrown unceremoniously into the bottom of the said pool with your smartphone in your pocket. And which, rest assured, is not fun.

Fortunately, the Kyocera Hydro XTRM (pronounced "extreme") of the U.S. Cellular is not only dust and shock-resistant, it is waterproof as well - means he doesn't have to spend a night in a bowl filled with rice uncooked, where he accidentally takes a dive in the ocean.

But even with its characteristics splash and low contract price of $29.99, XTRM Hydro is not exactly the Michael Phelps of phones. In light of its less-than-desirable call quality and mediocre camera, you should keep your options open for other handsets if waterproof capabilities are not a necessity.

Design
As Kyocera Hydro XTRM meets certain standards of military specification for shock capacity, it has a more bulky than most smartphones. I like its border dark metallic faux that surrounds the body, and while the rear of the dimpled battery door is not too attractive, the outside rubber provides more friction and contributes with handle.

The handset measures 4.88 inches in height, 2.52 in. wide 0.42 inch thick, and it weighs 4.9 oz. In a few moments to hold the device in my hand, its heftiness was obvious, but after a short while, I stopped to notice his weight and it was not embarrassing at all.

Waterproof capacity Hydro XTRM water mean that you dont you worry about it around the kitchen sink.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Located on the left is a volume rocker. The top has a standby/on-off button and a 3.5 mm headset jack, and the bottom has a Micro-USB port for charging. Port is covered by a sheet or a small door.

It sports an IPS WVGA screen 4 inches with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Obviously, this is not a high-end smartphone touch screen (for example, you'll see a significant amount of "speckles" when displaying a white empty field). However, I had no problem to display images and text, the screen was well polished, and the screen was responsive and sensitive to the touch.

Above the screen is a 1.3-megapixel camera. You will notice that there are no in-ear speaker beside him. It is because the XTRM with the receiver chip Sonic technology. This means that it uses a sensor in ceramic inside to transmit the audio signal via the hard tissue inside your ear.

On the back, you will find the camera and accompanying LED flash below. Two small slits for the sitting speaker to the left of the lens. With the help of a small indentation, you can lift and remove the battery cover to access the microSD card, which accepts cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB and 2, 000mAh battery. Given that the back plate must be sealed to prevent the entry of water, by removing and reapplying requires a little muscle.

The software features
The phone runs on Android 4.1.2 and comes with these Google like Chrome, Gmail, pillars, maps with Navigation, Messenger, several set of Google apps, Search, Talk, and YouTube.

Working database management applications include a native client of the browser and messaging, a calculator, a calendar, a clock with alarm functions, a music player, an application of news and weather, a sound recorder and a voice Dialer.

Under the settings menu, there is also a software function called MaxiMZR. This allows you to limit the data connection of applications running in the background to save battery power. There is also a MagniFont Mode option for those who want to improve the readability of text by increasing the font size a level greater than the 'Extra Large' or 'Huge' which is common on Android phones.

Instead of having a speaker in-ear above the display, the XTRM uses a sensor ceramic indoors to transmit sound waves.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Other applications include several on Amazon (for its site in the retail, Appstore, MP3, Kindle, Amazon and Zappos Audible), the American game Oregon Trail (which is disappointing, nothing like the original), Slacker Radio, Twitter, ICE (which stores the emergency contact information) and Eco Mode, app battery - and energy-efficient.

There are also several applications specifically from US Cellular, as city ID, daily Perks (which informs you of the tenders with the carrier), Wi - Fi now, apps to get ringtones and games and a browser application.

Additional features include Bluetooth 4.0 and 4 GB onboard memory.

Camera and video
The camera 5 megapixel camera has six photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 2, 592 x 1 944 pixels), digital zoom, a flash, three axes, scene modes, six, geotagging, three qualities of image, three exhibitions auto, five ISO levels, balances five white and four color effects.

The front camera offers the same features except it has only four photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 1280 x 960 pixels) and four levels of ISO, and it is not a flash or a scene mode.

View the original article here

Samsung 5 shape free (US Cellular)

If a smartphone is more computer (or fresh) you need a feature phone like the Samsung 5 free-form is an alternative. The compact QWERTY is simple enough, and at $69.99 with an agreement of cellular service in the United States, it is also easy on the paycheck and requires no monthly data plan.

However, buyer beware. Navigation 3G speeds slow this phone can be frustrating, its narrow keyboard will injure the larger fingers, and the wan and dull camera screen resolution are usable, but not engaging. Treat the freeform 5 as you would a flip phone you can also text on, and you will come closer to enjoy. I, myself, could do the trick.

Design and construction
Fifth in a long line of 'free' forms, this version of cookie-cutter 5 sports a familiar pleasantly compact proportions combined form.

At 4.4 inches by 3.4 inches wide by 0.42 inch thick, round, almost bubbly 5 freeform feels substantial in the hand (it weighs 3.3 ounces), smooth on the ear and great in the Pocket. Shiny black finishes are typical Samsung. I haven't decided if the phone is cheaper as is or with a matte processing; I guess I would vote for something in the meantime.

The brilliant, compact Samsung Freeform 5 slips into pockets.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Compared with touch screen of today ' hui-all, free-form and his ilk go old school with the physical buttons guiding the navigation array. D - pad, plus button "back", programmable keys, and speaker button all sit under 2.4 inch screen 5.

When it comes to the viewing experience, form free 5 not impressed. Its screen QVGA, resolution 320 x 240 pixels looks blurry and the colors are dull, without gradients. Text appears smooshed down and soft on the edges, not crispy and thin. It's the same exact configuration, we have seen - and accepted - feature phones in the past, only now the display technology has far exceeded the Freeform 5.

Navigation in the screen with programmable buttons and the D - pad was fine, but having to constantly unlock screen was annoying. You can set the screen to Dim ever, but it's just a good way to run your battery down. I would like to see longer interval options.

If you do not like the looks, you can adjust the bottom of the phone, your personal banner message and the clock format screen and color. Time size and font for the keyboard and the screen backlight are both in your control, too, but you will not see deep customization that makes things like change the pictorial menu to a grid, or choose from a library of fonts.

Physical keyboard lovers will appreciate what Samsung did with here four-row QWERTY keyboard, press the raised, rounded and completely separate in space limited. The buttons are reactive, with the exception of the space bar, which did not have this click reassuring while typing more messages. Due to its bulkiness squished, I could type quickly messages. On the flipside, this keyboard will inevitably feel cramped for many people, even those who have small hands.

Watch the closer the mini keyboard of the phone's functionality.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Although the freeform 5 keyboard will respond when you tell it, the software is not very intelligent. It won't be a misspelled AutoCorrect words or insert a period when you double tap of the space bar (there is a button practice period just to right, however). Some shortcuts to shared function can turn the phone vibrates, launch voice commands and open your message Inbox, for example.

With regard to the external features, you will find the card slot rocker and microSD volume on the left spine, the camera button on the right, a standard 3.5 mm headphone at the top and a Micro-USB charging port on the bottom. The end call button is also the phone power switch.

There is no front camera, but the back of the phone has a 3 megapixel camera, without flash module.

Characteristics and applications
A 3G compatible phone, the freeform 5 also has location and Bluetooth 3.0, in addition to multimedia messaging support. Features top of the line as the Wi - Fi do not on the device.

There is, however, the voice commands (English and Spanish), display of caller ID, a music player and airplane mode. You will also find a WAP browser, a browser, a calculator, a calendar, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, a world clock and a Notepad. The handset displays default English menus, but you can also change the language to Spanish, and Chinese.

The microSD card is positioned on the side for easy access.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

US Cellular tone room supplies to buy more ringtones to complete the 30 that you can assign to your contacts (including silent). In this regard and other address book of experience is typical, which allows you to assign an ID photo, group call, address, phone numbers, a birthday and notes. The address book is 1,000 deep contacts, so there is room for friends and family and then some.

US Cellular throws in a few preloaded as the backup contact, a navigation app, BlockBreaker and AccuWeather Premium game. Many require a subscription.

For more games and apps, you can embark on the storefront EasyEdge to download, such as social networking Social Scene for Facebook and Twitter, Bejeweled and LEGO Batman. Just keep in mind, you need a strong 3G connection and little patience in order to get them.

Camera and video
I am a big fan of phones that come with a shutter button physical camera as the fact of it. Press it and you will trigger the camera 3 megapixel camera and camcorder.

This phone 3-megapixel camera takes poor pictures, but can upload them to Facebook.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

There are a series of resolutions for each mode, more various shooting options, brightness and balance of whites and effects levels. He is also a self timer, night mode and rack optional.

View the original article here

Kyocera Hydro XTRM (US Cellular)

Summer is the perfect fun season to a barbecue, tanning and swimming in the pool. But if your friends are anything like mine, you'll be thrown unceremoniously into the bottom of the said pool with your smartphone in your pocket. And which, rest assured, is not fun.

Fortunately, the Kyocera Hydro XTRM (pronounced "extreme") of the U.S. Cellular is not only dust and shock-resistant, it is waterproof as well - means he doesn't have to spend a night in a bowl filled with rice uncooked, where he accidentally takes a dive in the ocean.

But even with its characteristics splash and low contract price of $29.99, XTRM Hydro is not exactly the Michael Phelps of phones. In light of its less-than-desirable call quality and mediocre camera, you should keep your options open for other handsets if waterproof capabilities are not a necessity.

Design
As Kyocera Hydro XTRM meets certain standards of military specification for shock capacity, it has a more bulky than most smartphones. I like its border dark metallic faux that surrounds the body, and while the rear of the dimpled battery door is not too attractive, the outside rubber provides more friction and contributes with handle.

The handset measures 4.88 inches in height, 2.52 in. wide 0.42 inch thick, and it weighs 4.9 oz. In a few moments to hold the device in my hand, its heftiness was obvious, but after a short while, I stopped to notice his weight and it was not embarrassing at all.

Waterproof capacity Hydro XTRM water mean that you dont you worry about it around the kitchen sink.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Located on the left is a volume rocker. The top has a standby/on-off button and a 3.5 mm headset jack, and the bottom has a Micro-USB port for charging. Port is covered by a sheet or a small door.

It sports an IPS WVGA screen 4 inches with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Obviously, this is not a high-end smartphone touch screen (for example, you'll see a significant amount of "speckles" when displaying a white empty field). However, I had no problem to display images and text, the screen was well polished, and the screen was responsive and sensitive to the touch.

Above the screen is a 1.3-megapixel camera. You will notice that there are no in-ear speaker beside him. It is because the XTRM with the receiver chip Sonic technology. This means that it uses a sensor in ceramic inside to transmit the audio signal via the hard tissue inside your ear.

On the back, you will find the camera and accompanying LED flash below. Two small slits for the sitting speaker to the left of the lens. With the help of a small indentation, you can lift and remove the battery cover to access the microSD card, which accepts cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB and 2, 000mAh battery. Given that the back plate must be sealed to prevent the entry of water, by removing and reapplying requires a little muscle.

The software features
The phone runs on Android 4.1.2 and comes with these Google like Chrome, Gmail, pillars, maps with Navigation, Messenger, several set of Google apps, Search, Talk, and YouTube.

Working database management applications include a native client of the browser and messaging, a calculator, a calendar, a clock with alarm functions, a music player, an application of news and weather, a sound recorder and a voice Dialer.

Under the settings menu, there is also a software function called MaxiMZR. This allows you to limit the data connection of applications running in the background to save battery power. There is also a MagniFont Mode option for those who want to improve the readability of text by increasing the font size a level greater than the 'Extra Large' or 'Huge' which is common on Android phones.

Instead of having a speaker in-ear above the display, the XTRM uses a sensor ceramic indoors to transmit sound waves.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Other applications include several on Amazon (for its site in the retail, Appstore, MP3, Kindle, Amazon and Zappos Audible), the American game Oregon Trail (which is disappointing, nothing like the original), Slacker Radio, Twitter, ICE (which stores the emergency contact information) and Eco Mode, app battery - and energy-efficient.

There are also several applications specifically from US Cellular, as city ID, daily Perks (which informs you of the tenders with the carrier), Wi - Fi now, apps to get ringtones and games and a browser application.

Additional features include Bluetooth 4.0 and 4 GB onboard memory.

Camera and video
The camera 5 megapixel camera has six photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 2, 592 x 1 944 pixels), digital zoom, a flash, three axes, scene modes, six, geotagging, three qualities of image, three exhibitions auto, five ISO levels, balances five white and four color effects.

The front camera offers the same features except it has only four photo formats (ranging from 640 x 480 to 1280 x 960 pixels) and four levels of ISO, and it is not a flash or a scene mode.

View the original article here