Last week, the NPD Group, a research firm, released a study that states of all photos taken in 2011, 27 percent were taken on smartphones, up from 17% a year ago. Traditional cameras took 17 percent of the photos, down from 53% the year before. The fact is – as cameras on smartphones continue to advance in image and lens quality, packing around that Canon camera is becoming less common these days.

For me, the smartphone camera revolution happened back in 2007 when I first utilized the Nokia N95. This phone, advanced for its time and still impressive today, had a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, resulting in great images and fluid 30 frames-per-second video. Today, I carry a Nokia N8 which has a 12 megapixel shooter and xenon flash (the same you find on your traditional point and shoots) which takes HD quality video and also can send and receive phone calls too.

Unit sales of cameras are down overall, but it’s not all bad news for camera manufacturers. SLR-type cameras with detachable lenses are seeing an upswing in sales. Also, I’m seeing some folks shun using their smartphone as a camera because they want the battery life to be saved for actually making calls and sending messages.

How about you – are you a smartphone picture taker?  Sound off below in the comment!

(Photo credit: liewcf)

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Study: Smartphones Killing Camera Sales

Nokia has finally taken wraps off their first Windows Phone device for the United States. Coming in January 2012, the Nokia Lumia 710 will be available for T-Mobile customers.  This phone is an entry level phone, but a very well equipped one.

The Lumia 710 comes in white and black (I’m hoping to get access to a white one) with covers that go on the back. Additional colors will be available from select retailers in the future.

The Lumia 710 sports a 3.7 inch ClearBlackDisplay, which means they have some wicked technology that produces vibrant colors and deep, deep blacks. I have a Nokia N9 is also a ClearBlackDisplay and the colors and color depth is astounding.

Back to the 710, it is capable of T-Mobile’s 4G speeds and runs Windows Phone, a new platform for many, including me. I adopted Windows Phone back in November and I can’t look back. Between People Hub, which brings all your social networks and friends from them in one central place, Bing Search, Local Scout (which shows you food, shops, and experiences around any location from within a map) and the smoothness of Windows Phone 7, I’m totally sold on the platform.

Affordable Phone and Affordable Plan

One facet to this phone that makes it astounding to me is the price. The Nokia Lumia 710 will only cost $50 on a two-year contract and will be available to be on a $50/month plan from T-Mobile that will give you voice minutes and mobile data.

This is intended to convert existing feature phone owners (the vast majority of phones in America) to smartphone owners, of which Nokia says there are 150 million in the States.

Looking at the specs

For those wanting to know what this phone can do specs-wise, let’s do the run-down:

The Lumia 710 features a 3.7-inch WVGA display with Nokia’s ClearBlack technology; 1.4GHz single core SnapDragon processor with 512MB of RAM, and 8GB of storage; HSPA Category 10 at 14.4Mbps down and 5.76Mbps up, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, and GPS. It has a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, LED flash, and video capture at 720p HD.

[Full Disclosure: I write for Nokia Conversations and am a paid contributor there.]

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Nokia Announces Lumia 710 for T-Mobile US

I have come across a new item that I need to make room in my bag for…although not too much room as this is a very small product. PlugBug is an innovative power adapter for your Macbook laptop (regardless of which MacBook model you have) that can also power and your charge your iPod at the same time.

As frequent travelers know, power outlets can often be hard to come by. Also, if you have two devices to charge, such as your MacBook computer plus your iPad, who wins?

With the PlugBug, both devices can win as the PlugBug just snaps in to your MacBook power supply and provides you with a 10 watt USB powered plug suitable for any device (Apple or otherwise) that can charge via USB.

There are similar products on the market that provide a ‘powered’ USB outlet, but the iPad is unique that it needs a full 10 watts of power, with the PlugBug supplies.

For those wanting to check it out, the PlugBug is available for $34.99 at many locations, including Amazon.com,

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Apple Fans: PlugBug Is Your New Best Friend

However, I like to carry my PlayBook with me when I go out to coffee shops, during travel and just generally on the go. I constantly worry about the PlayBook getting scratched or damaged while in my backpack.

PlayBook has a soft pouch of a case it comes with, but I like to cram phones, books and notebooks into my bag, along with the PlayBook, making it a somewhat hostile place for my PlayBook.

When I decided to look for cases, the OtterBox line came recommended from my Twitter followers, so I decided to give the protective case a go. Enter the OtterBox Defender Series for BlackBerry PlayBook.

The Defender series is one that provides a high degree of protection for your device, while preserving it’s style and function. The Defender offers three layers of protection, including a silicon cover that surrounds the device, a shield that protects the touch screen from scratches and nicks and a plastic outer core that gives a little more protection and completes the look of this case.

Suiting your PlayBook in the case

Installing the Defender case on your PlayBook will take only a minute or two. The first step is to put the PlayBook in the plastic casing that the PlayBook fits in perfectly. Then you can wrap the PlayBook in the silicon outer shell. Simply pull the silicon shell around the corners of the PlayBook and then tuck in the sides so it fits in properly, then you can attach the other pieces.  The process is fluid and goes very quickly.

Cases getting in the way

On mobile phones, sometimes I avoid cases for devices because a) they add bulk to the device unnecessarily and b) they inhibit operation of the device, hindering my ability to access buttons, headphone jacks and cameras, for example.

In OtterBox’s case, the company has carefully engineered the Defender case for PlayBook to not be in the way. You have full access to buttons and the headphone jack is easily accessible by simply removing the door. The Defender case is protective and functional at the same time.

A stand built in, too

OtterBox has solved another usability issue with this case that plagues tablet owners. That is, if you’re on a plane or trying to view your PlayBook on a tabletop, how do you do it if you don’t want to hold it constantly?

The Defender case has a snap on piece that, at first glance, looks like it merely protects the front of the device. However, snap it off and pull out the built-in stand for a usable display stand for the PlayBook. The display angle is perfect for watching movies or showing otherwise using the device to surf the web or send email.

Wrapping up

The Defender by OtterBox will protect your BlackBerry PlayBook protected and looking sharp all at the same time. At around $70 list price (currently around $40 on Amazon.com), the Defender case will protect your beloved PlayBook against drops, dings, scratches and any other force that would injure your tablets beautiful exterior.

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Review: OtterBox Defender Case For BlackBerry PlayBook

When it comes to traveling or being constantly on the go, one problem we constantly face is keeping our gadgets charged. When I attend a conference, I often have a few devices on me, including an iPad, my mobile phone (often 2 or 3) and even an iPod. Since I’m constantly using the phone to call, take photos, shoot video and the iPad to do every-day computing, these devices’ batteries drain early and often.

I’ve carried around battery packs before such as the Zagg Sparq 2.0, which has a monster battery and two USB ports for charging more than one device at a time. However a new product popped on the market that got me very interested: a nice looking backpack that will not only carry everything, but charge multiple devices simultaneously with an integrated battery system.

Overview

The Powerbag Deluxe Packpack looks like a mainstream backpack. The black bag has numerous pockets and a nice padded strap with suspension for added comfort. What sets this backpack a part is this nice slide-in pocket for up to a 16″ laptop and lots of small pockets for pens, notebooks and other accessories you need while traveling about.

However, the star of this show is the removable and surprisingly lightweight recharable 6,000 mAh battery on board. This honking battery can charge a smartphone such an iPhone up to 4 times. Also, Powerbag has included 4 connectors to the battery, including one specifically for Apple devices such as an iPhone, iPod Touch a mini-USB connector and a micro-USB connector. It’s possible to charge multiple devices at one time, including an iPhone and an Android device. There’s a USB port custom designed for high-capacity devices such as an iPad or other tablet.

There’s a one-touch battery level indicator and a weather-resistant AC adapter charging port on the side, meaning you actually plug the backpack into the wall to recharge.

Use and Capabilities

To give this bag a real-world trial, i used it over the last week. I am constantly on the go and with me I routinely carry a bunch of devices including my 15″ MacBookPro, an iPod Touch, an iPad, my mobile phone and sometimes a BlackBerry Playbook.

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack, by itself, is stylish and surprisingly light. I had a premonition that the battery pack would make this a heavy bag, but the company has managed to avoid this completely. When I loaded the bag with my gear, it was comfortable to wear and looked good too. I like that this bag is an unassuming black backpack, which is perfect for travel as to not call attention to itself and prospective thieves.

The power connectors on the bag are located in a nice little side pocket where you’d expect them to be. There are three connectors in that side pocket, one for an Apple device and one micro-USB and one mini-USB. Tablets (such as an iPad) go in a separate pocket in the front, which is a very nice touch.

Testing

To test out charging capability, I first hooked up my mobile phone and found it’s charging rate to be very similar to having it plugged into the wall, based on the battery level indicator on the phone. Even when I simultaneously plugged in my iPod Touch, both devices charged at a very acceptible rate.

When I then added to the stress test by plugging in an iPad, the charge ratees descresed and chages took considerably longer, which is to be expected. I would say it’s best to charge just two devices such as a phone and iPod or two phones. Adding an iPad or other tablet is just too much on the PowerVine system on the backpack.

The backpack itself is very easy to use. I love the LED-indicator on the front of the pack that shows current battery level. With one look, I can see how much juice I have left throughout the day. The power connector for the backpack is weather-resistant and withstood some Oregon Autumn rain this weekend, which goes along way in my climate.

The battery, at 6000 mAh, is plenty strong to power your device array throughout an entire day. There’s another model, called the  Messenger, from Powerbag that only has a 3,000 mAh capability, which I don’t think would be good for heavy all-day use.

Conclusion

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack is an amazing functional backpack that gives me a much-needed advantage when traveling: constant power for my power-hungry devices. It’s nice to not have to think about finding an outlet while I’m traveling about.

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack is available for about $120 on Amazon.com. If you travel with devices in tow, this high-quality bag is worth the price and should be at the top of your list if you’re on the hunt for a bag. Powerbag offers a variety of bags including a larger backpack (for business travelers), messenger bags and more.  See their site for more details.

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Review: Powerbag Keeps Your Devices Juiced While On The Go

If you have a smartphone, Facebook is just an application on your iPhone, Android, Nokia or other phone. However, what about the huge majority globally who don’t have a smartphone..how can they interact with Facebook?  Yes we have SMS based updates, but this level of activity leaves a lot to be desired.

Personal Argentina is the first mobile carrier to deploy a Facebook-enabled SIM, making any GSM phone capable of using Facebook. By using the SIM Toolkit commands, Facebook is accessible via a cascade of text menus. All the Facebook interactivity happens over SMS, not an expensive mobile Internet connection.

By utilizing Class 2 SMS for connectivity, the user simply pays a monthly subecription and gets unlimited use of Facebook and the carrier gets to sell a value-added service without having to spend money on handset subsidies.

This is especially important in nations such as those in South America. Personal Argentina, the carrier, can reach ou to these geographies where Facebook adoption is high, but smartphone penetration isn’t . There’s an eager market of users who want access to social networks, but can’t pay a high monthly tariff for data or for an expensive smartphone.

To see more about the service, see the video below:

(Photo credit: Trevor Coultart)

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Facebook now available on non-smartphones via SIM option

This is why IT departments typically demand that you use X laptop and Y mobile phone (typically a BlackBerry) and nothing else. However, there is a shift occurring.

Many IT departments are loosening requirements and allowing for more flexibility in machine choices. Especially now that iPads and iPhones are being used by many professionals, which can easily be configured to utilize Microsoft Exchange email accounts.

According to NY Times, 48% of information workers buy smartphones for work without considering what IT actually supports.

Why?  Because Microsoft Exchange is so ubiquitous now that just about any phone platform supports it, so consumers who happen to be professionals who want to connect to corporate email don’t have to care any more.

Going beyond mobile phones, more IT departments are succumbing in other ways too. Consumer friendly apps such as Skype, which were once forbidden on corporate machines, are finding a way onto desktops.

Also, Bring Your Own Device policies are in becoming more commonplace, where office workers are given stipends to buy whatever laptop they want. This is a delight to companies such as Apple that are seeing increased sales, especially with laptops, which were rarely seen in corporate America a few years ago.

[Photo credit: tartanpodcast]

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IT Department says: Choose your own laptop and phone

The Pew Research Internet and American Life recently conducted a survey to gain insight into mobile customers in America and their communication preferences when it comes to their phones. Yes we know that the majority of Americans have a mobile device, which Pew says ownership is up to 83% nationwide and about three quarters of these mobile toting customers utilize text messaging.

One more interesting note is that about a third (31%) prefer to be in touch via text messaging over voice. Looking at the other point of view, 53% of respondents say they prefer to a voice call to a text message. However, digging a little deeper, young adults aged 18 to 24 prefer text messages by a wide margin! People in this age category send an average of 109.5 messages per day, which is a total of almost 3,200 messages per month.

So, as you can plainly see, there’s a huge generational gap as to how Americans are utilizing their phones. Youth prefer messaging while older mobile users want to talk via voice. Personally, I’ve seen many parents and grandparents switch over to text messaging out of necessity. That is, in order to interface with their kids or grandkids, they’re adopting text messaging as it’s the only way they can get adequate responses.

As for my habits, I used to prefer voice calls because I found them to be a more efficient use of my time. However, as I grew more accustomed to SMS and now use it more heavily, I prefer this method of communication.

What method do you prefer?  Let’s chat below in the comments!

(Photo credit: Flickmor)

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Do you prefer talking or texting?

This is a remarkable number, indicating that the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook and other eBook Readers are taking off in popularity.

Looking further, the 2012 figures might surpass 50 million units shipped, if current growth patterns stay in line. MIC sees the United States as the biggest growth market during that period as eReaders evolve into a new generation. To quote the organization, they say “Consumers prefer e-readers with multimedia functions in overal performance, coloriazation, and product differentiation are key factors for market success.”

And, as seen about a week ago, Amazon is expected to release a new version of the Kindle. The new tablet version will actually run a version of Android and will run apps, view movies and allow you to listen to music. Also, the Nook is more than just an eReader – it too runs applications, much like MIC is suggesting.

This holiday season is coming up and new eReaders and cheap tablets will be very interesting to watch.  What excited you the most?

[hat tip to CENS.com]

Photo credit: thekellyscope

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eBook Readers Prove To Be Very Popular

Tuday, on the Rudy Maxa show, I presented the top travel applications for this Fall traveling season. Here is a summary for those who listened to the show and want more information.

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Fall 2011: Top Apps for Travelers