My 2014 review via WordPress

https://wordpress.com/post/54719538/448/?recap2014

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  Hope everybody has a successful new year coming in! Thanks for all of your support and feedback. 

ITechuoutguy

Calling and texting apps that can replace your phone

Hey guys, this read is for those readers, viewers, and subscribers that are looking for other options out there that replace their phone bills. Now, earlier this week I mentioned that there are data devices and services and plans that you can get today to cut your data costs.  Well there are apps out there that can cut the phone bill costs as well. Must warn you that these apps are not a full replacement which means you can't call out for emergency calls, unless you are using a smartphone or cellphones without service.  But if  you want to break a arm or leg just to keep in contact with family and friends via calls and text messages, here are some great apps that may help you cut your costs:

                                     TextNow gives you free unlimited talk and text via Wi-Fi

                  Textplus app gives you unlimited texting and you may do offers to get free minutes

Skype is a free unlimited texting and video calling app. This also allows you to buy minutes as well. So you are able to make calls via Skype as well.

Google Hangouts App is by Google and you can convert it through your regular sms messaging.  Also, hangouts let you video chat for free and you can add minutes as well to your google account also. 

All of these apps you can download on Android devices, Windows, and iOS too.  They are all free to download now.  Go ahead and check them out.

How to get Free Data For Life Part 2!

Hello everyone! Some of you all may have read my rant about free data for life once before. You should have free data and do what you want to do with it whenever! I truly believe that. There are a lot of tech companies and wireless providers who try to accomplish this goal for you all and some have failed and some succeeded. But the ones that have pushed this to almost the highest limits that they can have been Freedompop, T-Mobile, and now HP! Data and Wifi is everywhere now, dont get me wrong. But, if you are not connected at home or at work, where are you going to go? To libraries and bookstores and starbucks all the time? Im not so sure I want to do that forever. Although for some the devices you may have to pay good penny for, in the end itll be all worth it.  So, look no further, below are some images of the devices and a description for each of what they offer. You make your pick. Check after the break...

HP Stream 11 Windows Laptop includes free 4G Data.  HP.com/

                           HP Stream 8 Windows tablet includes Free 4G Data.  HP.com/

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 includes 200MB for Free 4G Data with T-Mobile. T-Mobile.com/

Samsung Galaxy S II Free 500 minutes and 200 text messages with Freedompop. Freedompop.com/

Freedompop Phonton 4G Hotspot includes 500MB of Data per month for LIFE.  Freedompop.com/

My Top 5 Cloud Drive App

Hello everyone. This is for those who freak out about all those files, photos, music and videos that have on their tablets and smartphones.  You don't want to delete them and save them on a memory card or some sort? Well here below are my TOP 5 apps to use for all these items.

Box App ( Available on Windows, Android, and iOS)

                                     DropBox App (Available on Android, iOS, and Windows)

                                    OneDrive App (Available on Windows, Android, and iOS)

                                   GoogleDrive App (Available on Android, Windows and iOS)

                                                   iCloud App (Available on Windows and iOS)

Chrome Apps on your Windows PC

                                                            Chrome Launcher

Want to experience the Chrome apps on your Windows PC? Well, you can.  In the image above shows the Chrome Launcher, which you can download now for free on the Chrome Web store.  So check it out now. Its free to download and experience the Chrome OS on your Windows PC now.

Qualcomm Snapdragon new images with LG G Flex 2?

Qualcomm released this image of what it seems to be advertising what could come in the up coming week at #CES2015 and for Intel. Also, if you look closely, it seems that this image shows of what seems to back casing of a smartphone.  From the looks of it, this could be a LG device (LG G4 or G Flex 2). Now the past year or so, we have seen LG move the buttons to back of their phones such as the G2, G Flex, and G3.  Now we also know that LG G Flex 2 will be a front runner at #CES as well. So with that being said, maybe putting two and two together and just say that the new processor from Qualcomm will be demoed in the new LG G Flex 2.  So base on the image above, what do you think that Qualcomm and Intel has in store for us @CES? All comments are welcomed.

WhatsApp is Calling!

WhatsApp is a  popular way to send messages to other smartphone users, no matter what platform they’re on – so popular, in fact, that Facebook in an effort to acquire it earlier this year. And while WhatsApp may do text messaging quite well, sometimes we crave the sort of communication you only get when speaking directly to a person. Voice call support has been expected to come to the for a while now, with early hints popping up months back, but now it looks like the pieces might finally be falling into place, as the latest Android WhatsApp release reveals just such a voice call framework. While the feature isn’t yet active, resources within the new Android that arrived the other day provide enough hints at UI structure and functionality to piece together the mock-ups you see above. The call notification and history screens are pretty standard-looking Android fare, and there also seem to be signs of call recorder functionality. At least in this build, voice calls appear to be segregated from text communication, but we don’t yet know if that’s how things will work in the final release.
This is big progress, but there’s still no clear ETA for WhatsApp’s voice mode. We’d like to believe that this new release means that it’s undergoing internal testing, but even then, testing can take months. Maybe once the developers are a little further along, we’ll hear the announcement of a formal due date, but for now, these teaser shots will just have do.
 See below after the break.

Subcribe to the new blog site for CES 2015

Hello everyone, its that time again. Yes, we are closer to another year and great new tech and cars and other cool electronics and other gadgets. So that means CES is on its way and rumors are flooding in non-stop as of right now of what we could see in the following year.  So, if you want to follow alone this journey, you can subscribe here and in the link below.  Leave comments and tell me what you all want to see come in the next year and years.

http://ces2015news.blogspot.com/

What is T-Mobile Data Stash?

A little over a week ago, T-Mobile UnCarrier 8.0 was announced.  With this announcement came with excitement.  It is called "Data Stash".  With data stash, this is simple to explain.  If you have a simple choice plan with Unlimited Talk and Text and High Data Speed of 3GB and 5GB, you will qualify for this plan.  With this being said, the way that the data stash works is that you can't over the 3GB of data or 5GB for this to work.  So for instance, if you only used 2GB of this month, next month that 1GB of data you didn't use will roll over to the new cycle. Same way with the 5GB of data.  This plan will go into effect in January 2015 of your next cycle.  So, if you have any concerns or questions, leave comments below or head on over to T-Mobile's Official website:

http://www.t-mobile.com/offer/data-stash-data-roll.html

Google Gives You A Gift of the Lord of the Rings!

Starting today, Google is giving away the 2001 HD version of the Lord of the Rings for FREE! So head to the Google Movies and TV section of your Chrome or Android device and download now! Also, what is your favorite Lord of the Rings movie?

Click the link below to get your free copy. 

https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Lord_of_the_Rings_The_Fellowship_of_the_Ring?id=rAUJN48IHXw

YouTube App Update Material Design

YouTube for Android devices finally gets the Material Design treatment. The differences are that each person's channel gets a different style of color and the look is much more appealing on the eye.  check out the  hands on video after the break...

Google Hangouts New Updates on Desktop

Google Hangouts new update for the desktop just now got better.  With the new desktop update, you can now see your dialer. You now can have a call log appear right from the app on the desktop.  You can call, text, and hangout better than ever. Check out the screen shot below and tell me what you think.  We this make you want to use the Google Hangouts app even more or just use it at all? Is Google too late to bring users to the hangouts app. Also, what more do you want to see happen with the Hangouts?  Leave comments below. You can download this web app now from the below link.  www.googlechrome.com/webstore/hangouts

Microsoft Giving away FREE ALBUMS!

Great news to tell everyone that is using the new or latest Microsoft Operating System.  Microsoft is giving away free music for the holidays! Yes, as of now you have access to some free music from various artists from Jay-Z to Maroon 5! But in order to get these great albums from these artists, you must have either Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8.  Also you would need to download the music from the Xbox Music app.  Will this help you change your mind about Microsoft? Could and Apple and Google music streaming apps lose your interest? Well, if not, hurry and go get your music, for this is a limited time offer only!  Only on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices that have Xbox Music App.

Hulu is FREE for all on Android

For those of you that are using Android devices, Hulu is now free for all! Yes, well, only for consumers that are using Android devices can now watch TV shows and movies freely on their smartphones and tablets. Is this enough for you other users to join Google's ecosystem to get Hulu for free or no? Will others cut the cable cord and watch unlimited Hulu for free! Now, is the time to check out Hulu and download from the Google PlayStore.

 

No More paying for EIPs or high phone plans

I have come to realization that  we as Americans or just people in general are paying too much for Data plans, phone plans, and smartphones and other devices in general. No matter how you look at it. The carriers will all say "You cant beat our deals" or "We have the number 1 plans". That is their job. That is what they are to say to us and you as customers. But when you look at what you are paying for, rather its the plan, accessories, and the phone or tablet itself, we are paying a pretty penny for all we have. For anyone to say that it is worth every dollar spent, you are kidding yourselves. Now I know some might not be paying a lot due to being on someone else plan such as a family plan or on a second line with someone. Thats fine, that ok. Now do you think you are really getting a bang for your buck? How many people really call others to even have calling as unlimited for that. Yeah, sure some text others than call or even use social sites to communicate. So with this all being in consideration, is unlimited everything even worth the price people and consumers are paying? Who is on their phones and data plan tablets all day and night?  Who is using their devices to watch movies, tv, music, gaming all day and night for the unlimited to be unlimited? You cant say you are. Because, well, you have to eat, sleep, and you know the rest.  With most people, 1GB inst enough to survive off of if you have no wifi in your location or destination.  But is $10 plus per 1GB  of data really worth the extra cash out for your satisfaction compared to free wifi? This we can write a book on or even a novel. Data Plans are just over rated and carriers throttle the data.  So you are really not even getting Unlimited like you think when it comes to data. You see slow downs and wonder why you are unable to continue to watch your favorite movie or tv show or Youtube video in a smoothly matter. But why spend so much money on phone plans, when there is a lot stores and retailers and food places that allow you to use free Wi-fi? Today you really can't beat free Wi-Fi. There are lot companies creating apps where you talk, text, and video chat for Free via Wifi. Plus, you are still able to do all the things you want and love without compromising anything. This is just something to be thinking about as we head into 2105.  Now, for paying extra for overpriced smartphones and tablets. EIPs will definitely take your money as well. Even when a carrier says $0 down, there is still something you have to pay for. Rather its taxes or the activation fee. Don't expect to leave the stores thinking its all FREE.  You are only free when you don't have to pay for it all and not even down the road or the next months and so on. So if you have the money to spare for that flagship or prepaid phone, then do it. Pay it out upfront. Don't wait til you have to owe something. If so, hope you are trying to sell the device to get your hard earn money back.  But they all will in the end do the things you will want them to do. Rather its a flagship device or low end. Like I said, majority of people and consumers just, text, watch videos, and social network. If that is the case, you would just use Wi-fi, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a monthly plan you either are stuck in for 2 years. Pay as you go might be a safe bet for anyone now and or just using wifi hotspots such as At&t, Clear, and Freedompop for connectivity. But when it said and done, more money in the pockets when ditch the 2 year plans and monthly fees and EIPs. I am done with it all. My phone and laptop does everything I need it to do for me without the payments. If anything the pay as you go route at its lowest rate and i mean lowest rate is how I would go. Only because Im around so much Wi-Fi, there is no need for me to be spending even $40 a month on a decent plan. That the fact, I have family and friends that are not as hip to me as they should be. I'll get you all on board. With the apps and programs I use, Wifi would be my best bet.  How about you? What do you all think about all of this mentioned of above? Is it making any sense? Did it hit home? If not now, it will later.

LG G Flex Year-End Review

LG G Flex 2013/2014 Gen 1

Hello everybody, this year is almost over. How time has flown by. For that being said, we must not forget what the year has brought us. This year we seen some amazing things happen in the tech industry, from larger phones, to smaller and thinner tablets, to drones, to robots, to wearables, to 5K displayed monitors and TVs. 2014 has been a great successful year for technology and 2015 should be even better.  But, before we say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015, lets take a look back at one of the most underrated and most innovative  smartphone for 2014. This smartphone is no other than the LG G Flex.

The LG G Flex was really worth breaking the bank for in many ways consumers know. The LG G Flex has some specs that you would say is outdated such as the Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of Ram, 32 GB of internal memory (No SD card slot included) and the 720p display.  But it had came with some great features, but to others, they might not be as impressed with theses at all. For some wouldnt understand why these features would be an advantage over the other smartphones on the market.  These features include a self-healing back that can take the minimum scratches from knives, keys, etc.  It will in time heal itself. Like others have called it "The Wolverine" of smartphones.  Another key feature to this phone is the "Flexible" screen. Unlike the bengates we have seen from iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, this phone was meant to bend back and forward. This phone can actually bend out of place and return to its normal state without cracking the screen. The screen is a POLED display, which means its plastic-based OLED.  Also, another great feature is that it is one of the first smartphones to have a full curved display. Now Samsung did try to do the same with their answer of the Galaxy Round, but it just wasn't as successful as the LG G Flex.  The Galaxy Round was just a pure gimmick. For it not being as successful, it never seen the light in the US. These key features are what makes the G Flex stand out from the crowd. It also similar to the LG G2 in many ways then others. The 6inch screen display gives it the true definition of what a phablet should be. You also can use the phone in landscape mode as well. Watching videos, movies, and gaming on this device, you would see why I love the curved screen so much. It gives a better experience overall for any user. Another great feature that is also found on the Galaxy Note series is the Dual Window features. Not just any dual windows.  You have Slide Aside, and Q slide. These will allow you to multitask even faster and better.  The battery life on this device (depending on how you use it) is once again underrated because of the phone itself.  At times, I am able to even get out about 18 hours on one full charge plus heavy usage. But this varies from user to user and if rather or not you are running a lot of apps in the background of your device.  This phone also has a 13MP camera and 2,1 front facing camera as well. This phone also shoots recording videos in 4K. Just like the Galaxy Note 4 and Note 3, with LG G Flex, you are able to take notes on phone using the memo app and a standard stylus, So, for anyone who thought that you werent able to share or take notes, well LG has allowed you to do that.  So from what you have just read should be more than enough to ask for in a smartphone if you ask me.  But there are still some cons but less than you would have guessed.  So below are the pros and cons of this device.

PROS: The pros are that the curve display gives you a better viewing angle when watching videos and playing games.  The battery life is outstanding, giving you up to at least a full day of usage.  The self-healing coat on the back of the phone self-heals minor scratches.  The dual window features giving you more room for multitasking.  The snapdragon 801 is still a good processor with great performance and speed in the phone.

CONS: The cons may turn you away from this phone if you are use to the NORM of things. For one, this phone does not have a removable battery. If phone gets damaged, you will need to replace it. Another con you might not like is that it lacks a micro SD card slot for expandable memory. But it comes standard with 32GB of internal. For some, that would be all you need. Then if you have a lot of photos, videos, music, and documents, there are applications you can download to store them all on.  Another con that a lot of consumers and  tech reviewers complained about was the 720p display.  Now for this, I really wouldn't say its a con unless you were already using a phone or tablet with 1080p or higher display resolution, then you might see the difference.  But with G Flex, you can enhance the brightness and display mode. If you don't like the Standard Mode of display, switching the display to Vivid Mode will enhance the quality of the picture on screen. You will see the difference from there. Must remind that this may affect your battery life as well. Final con I have seen is that the phone will randomly restart itself at times. This happens often at times. Some have said it has to do with apps or even software issues. But not even LG has come out and said anything about this issue with the G Flex. But pretty sure this may be fixed in the future or next Gen G Flex. (hinting). 

In the end, if you are a person that wants to look cool and stand out from the normal crowd of users with smartphones, then this will be the phone for you.  It is also a good tablet replacement as well. So you wouldn't need to carry too many devices with you at once.  If you dont mind losing out on a SD card slot, then 32GB of internal should be good enough. But if not, like mentioned above, there applications such as Box, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, and Dropbox, that will allow you to store your files and documents. The battery life is what I really love the 2nd most about this phone.  I have seen so many people constantly are charging their phones up within hours. So I do give it 5 stars on battery life. The phone in hand and holding it up to ear is perfectly fit. Not to mentioned that you aree able to use LGs wearable accessories with the phone as well such as Lifeband Touch, the bluetooth Tone pro, and the LG G Watch. You won't disappointed in that at all. This smartphone did change the game and has other phone companies on Edge, literally.