Tag Archives: #SprintMom

Sprint Sharp AQUOS Cyrstal

Sharp AQUOS® Crystal (Sprint) Review

Gadgets, Smartphones, Technology,

Influence Central

When I opened my latest shipment for the #SprintMom program I was surprised to see a small box with the Sharp logo on it.  Sharp makes smartphones? Yes, Sharp does and a very unique one at that.  The AQUOS name isn’t limited to Sharp’s beautiful AQUOS LCD televisions any longer.   The AQUOS Crystal is like a tiny version of their AQUOS televisions.

Sprint Sharp AQUOS Cyrstal

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal, offered exclusively through Sprint and its prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA, has great specs for the price point of around $200 with no credit check or $0 with a 2-year service agreement.  From the start I oohed and ahhed over the 5 inch edgeless screen.  A few of my other favorite features of the AQUOS Crystal are the 8MP camera, Harman/Kardon audio technology (great sound!), Wi-fi calling, many camera features and modes, and Clip Now – a feature that allows you to send a screenshot of whatever is on your screen; a photo, contact, email, or web page for example, and send it to a friend.  I can’t leave out the Speaktoit Assistant.  This fabulous assistant could be my new best friend.  Ask him/her anything and your wish is granted.  What is the weather?  What movies are playing?  What is 640-62?  You can even customize your assistant to have brown hair and brown eyes if you’d like.  With the push of a button you’re on your way to finding out what you need to know right then and there.

Sharp AQUOS Crystal Highlights

• Android 4.4.2 KitKat

• 5″ frameless LCD display

• 5.16 x 2.6 x 0.40 inches

• 8MP camera

• Speaktoit Assistant

• App Pass

• Harman Kardon audio

• 2,040mAh lithium-ion pack

• Available at Sprint

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal runs on Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat and comes equipped with Google Mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Google Talk, Google Calendar, Google+ and YouTube!  I use Gmail, Google+ for photo storage and editing and YouTube everyday, all of which work a smartphone to the bone.   Another app I use everyday that put the AQUOS Crystal to the test is TwitPro, an app that broadcasts live and recorded tech podcasts.   I watch a video podcast while waiting in the carpool line which requires the device I’m using to have a good processor, great graphics, and reliable connection, all of which Sprint and the AQUOS Crystal offer.   Streaming video podcasts is seamless on this phone.  Madelyn watches videos on Amazon Prime Instant Video when we’re on road trips and this smartphone is the perfect size for just that.

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal has a bezel-free display giving it an edge in the smartphone design space.   No bezel means you have more screen real-estate for your favorite apps.  The frame is sturdy and strong and the curved design makes it easy to hold even for tiny toddler hands.  Speaking of toddler hands, kids get bored of apps and games quickly.  Sprint has a solution for that with their new App Pass program which allows customers to download apps from the App Pass catalog for just $4.99 a month!  How many times have you purchased an app for your child and she’s over it within 3 days.  The App Pass program nixes that by allowing access to an entire catalog of premium, hand-selected apps for just $4.99 a month!  App Pass offers unlimited access to these apps and games across two devices, and additionally, customers are given a $5 credit each month to spend on in-app purchases.  There’s an app for everyone in the family with App Pass. The apps are sorted into the following categories: Games, Free to Play, Lifestyle, Media, Utilities, Kids, Productivity, Books & Reference.

A snapshot of a few of the kids apps in the App Pass catalog

Clip Now feature on Sharp AQUOS Crystal

Camera & Audio

Take pictures like a pro with the 8MP camera and it’s plethora of features and modes.  Framing advisor improves photos by doing the thinking for you, helping with the composition and framing of your shot.  The advisor has options including food, portrait and outdoor scenes.  Never take a dark nighttime photo again with the Night Catch feature which brightens both subject and background for tricky nighttime shots.  Action shots are made easy with Sequential Shots. The Sequential Shots feature catches rapid movements by using one simple button hold.  One of my favorite camera features is Shutter Detect automatically takes a photo when it detects a smile.   I was amazed the first time I tried this feature.  It really does work, even capturing a photo of my husband smiling.. it’s a miracle! 😉   I found that the AQUOS’ color temperature is truer than some smartphones I’ve reviewed.  Many times, photos taken on a smartphone will lean toward the cyan side making the photo look cold and not natural.  The AQUOS Crystal camera is best used in bright light situations and when held very still.  Capturing unforgettable moments is easy and fun with the Sharp AQUOS® Crystal.

photo taken with Sharp AQUOS Cyrstal

I’ve heard of wifi calling but never really thought about what it is exactly.  Wi-Fi Calling allows users to use their voice and messaging services over existing home, office and public Wi-Fi networks, not using their valuable minutes.

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal has and a solid list of specs for an affordable price.  The 2,040mAh lithium-ion pack will easily get you through a full 14 hour day.

Sharp AQUOS Crystal

When you’re looking for your next phone, check out the AQUOS Crystal at your local Sprint store.  It is also available through Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA.

 

 

Sprint Family Share Pack Data Plans

Data Sharing For Families: Sprint’s Family Share Pack Explained

Brand Ambassador, Gadgets, Technology, ,

Mom Central Consulting

More #SprintMom posts:

As busy parents often realize the hard way, their teenage children are often never found without a phone in their hand. Since cell phones are becoming more and more popular as the days go by, teens are using more and more data each and every month. Data is used in many functions on a cell phone such as text messages that include pictures, streaming video, downloading music, and generally browsing the web. spacerSometimes it can be hard to find a cell phone provider that has enough data allowance per month to support these features. A great way to incorporate lines for each member of the family and get enough data to go around is the Sprint Family Share Pack.

Screen Shot 2014-09-17 at 10.19.35 PM
The Sprint Family Share Pack is customizable to each family not only with how many lines are on the plan, but also how much data is on the plan. To compare, a family pack with 4 lines and 4 GB of data the cost would be $100 a month with Sprint. The number of lines of the plan can vary from 2 to 10 lines and amounts of data available are 1 GB, 1.5 GB, 2 GB, 2.5 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 5 GB, and 6 GB.

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Teens are known for wanting the latest and greatest technology. On the Sprint network, the latest and best smartphones available include the Samsung Galaxy S5, iPhone 6, HTC One M8, and the Moto X. So no matter what type of smart phone is desired, whether it be for streaming video, text messaging, downloading music, generally browsing the web, the best phone for the task is available.spacerAnother great feature of switching to the Family Share Pack is that Sprint will buy out your current contract up to $350 for your family to switch. Many cell phone carriers enforce a 2 year contract with the purchase of each phone, and to leave that contract will result in financial penalties. Sprint is willing to cover those costs up to $350 for your family to be able to make the switch.

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Sprint Family Share Pack Data Plans

Sprint makes it easy for busy parents to shop for a new Family Share Pack by making an appointment to come into the store, or by shopping for the pack online. Either way, Sprint makes it easy to compare your current plan to the Family Share Pack and make the switch. So whether you or your teen is wanting a new iPhone 6, a Samsung Galaxy S5, an HTC One M8 or a Moto X, it is now attainable through the Sprint Family Share Pack.

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More #SprintMom posts:

Some great reasons to switch to Sprint include:

  • Sprint will buy out your current contract up to $350
  • The latest and best smartphones are available on the network
  • Busy parents can make an appointment to come into the store or shop online

Visit Sprint.com to learn more about their family share data plans and the smartphones and other devices they offer!

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Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport For Sprint, For The Active Parent’s Life

Brand Ambassador, Smartphones, Technology, , , ,

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Review

Mom Central Consulting

 

Samsung Galaxy S 5
Carrier: Sprint
Camera: 16-megapixel
Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core
Display: 5.1-inches

I hesitated to put this in writing but here goes.. my 40th birthday is in October.   I didn’t think that turning 40 was going to be a big deal – until a few weeks ago when I realized my birthday was just a couple of months away and I am turning 40!  Before I explain how this milestone makes me feel, you should know that I am not a fan of resolutions.  I never make them.  I consider myself to be a realist and I don’t believe in making resolutions because I don’t feel like they’re realistic and I don’t commit to something I don’t intend on following through with 100% and I know better than to commit to working out everyday or losing 30 pounds in two months.  Not going to happen.

That being said, I’m beginning to think that turning 40 could spark some life changes.  I won’t go into detail on what those changes would be because I will be the first to admit that I am SCARED of being held accountable for something I say I’m going to do and not following through with it.   I’ll just say that the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport and a new pair of sneakers may be playing a part in those changes.  Well actually, they already are.

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport is possibly the best Galaxy yet with refinements including a more-responsive 16-megapixel camera with simplified access to controls and filters, a battery built to survive long hikes, power outages, or nights in the baby’s room, and a brilliant display that allows for great visibility even in the sun.

I have been using the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport for a few weeks and I am very impressed with the unique built-in health features/apps that Sprint is excited to be able to share with its customers through collaboration with Samsung Telecommunications and health and fitness market leaders Under Armour and MapMyFitness as well as its incredible camera.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport

As a Sprint Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to test the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport.  Designed with fitness in mind, the Galaxy S 5 combines a rugged but classy exterior, long battery life, an awesome 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, physical buttons, and native fitness apps to support your health and fitness goals.

Apps and Features for the Health & Fitness Minded

The Galaxy S 5 Sport combines Samsung’s S Health app, Under Armor’s MapMyFitness and Sprint’s new Fit Live service to promote good health. An Activity Zone app also offers quick access to features like a compass and stopwatch.  Sprint includes a 12-month subscription to MapMyFitness MVP and six months of free Spotify Premium.

MapMyFitness comes in handy for cycling. Using the app, my son could see how many calories he burned during a ride.  The S 5’s ‘S Health’ app has a heart rate monitor and stress monitor.  The stress monitor has been great for giving my kids a visual representation, besides my bright red nose, when they are stressing me out. Through the app, I can show the kids when my heart rate is elevated and then they know it’s time to chill out.  Having a visual of the difference between mom when she’s not stressed and mom when she is stressed has definitely had an impact.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Fitness Apps

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Design

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport is 5.7 inches x 2.9 inches, weighs 5.6 ounces and sports an impressive 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED® display.   I’m a shorty so I have small hands and can comfortably use the Galaxy S 5 Sport with one hand.  There is actually a One-handed operation setting in the Settings app that allows me to toggle the function on and off easily.   If you’re prone to dropping phones, you’ll love the textured, rubberized body of the Galaxy S 5 Sport.  The physical navigation buttons, multi-tasking, home, and back, make switching between apps and browsing the internet so much easier than on some mobile devices.   I had to invest in a pair of smartphone gloves a couple of years ago, in order to use my old device while wearing gloves in the winter but the Galaxy S 5’s physical navigation buttons do away with the need for gloves.  IP67 water and dust resistant, the S 5 Sport lets paparazzi-like parents (that’s you and I) take photos of our kids while at the beach, pool, or lake, without having to worry about the occasional splash or drop into the water.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 hard buttons

Speaking of photos…  Paparazzi-parents need lots of storage space on their smartphone.  The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport comes with 16GB internal memory and has a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 128GB.  I’ll never have to worry about running out of space while shooting video at my son’s lacrosse game or my daughter’s ballet recital again!   A lot of people don’t take advantage of the SD card slot on smartphones but they should!  You can buy an SD card almost anywhere and just slide it in the slot and wahlah, your phone has tons of space!

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport camera review

The 3.5mm stereo headset jack is standard so you can continue to use your favorite earbuds or headphones.  I’ve been using a wireless Bluetooth headset to listen to music and audiobooks on my Galaxy S 5 Sport.

Color options are Electric Blue and Cherry Red. I am not a huge fan of bright colors but the Electric Blue has grown on me.  The default keyboard has numbers at the top so I don’t have to click a shift-type button before entering numbers, great for my crazy passwords that are made up of capital letters, numbers and symbols.  No more going back and forth between letter, number, and symbol screens.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Camera

Taking photos of the kids, flowers, and the puppy has never been so fun!  The Galaxy S 5 Sport’s camera is a winner. The controls are responsive and images are sharp, clear, and natural looking.   The camera shutter is very fast so I can take even more photos of the kids!

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport camera

Shooting photos of the kids in dim light or bright sunlight on a smartphone can be cumbersome but the HDR (high dynamic range) mode spiffs up photos in these situations without any extra work on the user’s part.  Taking a photo in HDR mode on the Galaxy S 5 Sport doesn’t cause a lag like some smartphones.  The Galaxy S 5 Sport takes less than a fraction of a second to snap a great quality photo but if you’re not sure you want to use the storage space on your phone for HDR photos, it shows you a preview of what a photo will look like in HDR mode before you shoot.

The “gear” icon on the top left of the viewfinder opens a 27-button menu of image-quality settings, while the Mode button takes you to a half-dozen effects with the ability to download even more including ‘Animated Photo’ and ‘Sound & Shot’.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Shot and More camera

The camera mode I had the most fun with, although not always consistent in result, is Shot and More.  This mode takes a series of photos a few seconds apart. You can do several things in this mode. My favorite Shot & More mode is ‘panning shot’ which is what I used to take the photograph above.  Other Shoot & More apps include Best Face, Eraser (erases the photo bombing stranger in the background), and Best Photo (chooses the best photo in a series).

The Galaxy S 5’s ‘Studio’ app gives users access to a a complete photo and video editing suite.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Specs and Features

  • Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat
  • 2.5GHz quad-core processor (Qualcomm® Snapdragon® MSM8974AB chipset)
  • 3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot capability supporting up to 10 Wi-Fi® enabled devices simultaneously
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Bluetooth BT 4.0
  • Built-in Google Mobile™ wireless services including Google Search™, Gmail™ and Google Maps™
  • HD Voice, virtually eliminates background noise and sound quality is dramatically enhanced on a call between two Sprint HD Voice-enabled devices on upgraded areas of the Sprint network.
  • Multi Window allows users to seamlessly toggle between applications without closing a window or opening a new page
  • NFC (near field communication) allowing the device to read information from everyday objects, such as stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips, or for use as a mobile wallet to make secure purchases.
  • Sprint Spark, a unique combination of advanced network capabilities built for data delivering peak wireless speeds of 60Mbps today on capable devices.

Below is a demonstration of the Galaxy S 5’s Multi Window funtion

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Multi-Window

How has the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Helped Me?

Since having the Samsung Galaxy S 5, I have literally spent 60% more time exercising than before.  I really calculated it.  I was walking once in the morning or evening but now I do both and a little speedier than before because I can listen to music that is super energizing and new to me via Spotify.  Sure, I have thousands of songs in my personal music library but it’s different when you hear songs that you haven’t heard before or from way back.. they get the adrenaline pumping!  Between Spotify and the fitness apps, I’ve been way more motivated to go for a walk or ride our stationary bike.   I, like you, am a busy parent and have a difficult time taking time for myself even when it comes to doing something for my health.  The Samsung Galaxy S 5, being an all-in-one device in that it gives me access to thousands of songs, a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and even a sleep tracker makes it easy for me to pick up just this one device and know I’m covered on many different levels.  Not to mention the amazing camera… as if I was going to take a selfie while exercising.  That’ll be the day. 🙂

Tracking my steps using MapMyFitness and listening to energetic tunes from Spotify get me going on my fitness journey from getting dressed to taking that last sweaty step.

Here are a few more photographs I took with my Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport camera photos

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport has a suggested retail price of $649.99 without a contract. With Sprint Easy Pay, well-qualified buyers can purchase Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport with $0 down (plus tax) and 24 monthly payments of $27.09. Visit Sprint for more information.

In The Box

  • Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport
  • Standard Lithium Ion Battery
  • Headset
  • AC Adapter
  • USB Cable
  • Get Started Guide
  • Important Information Booklet
  • Wireless Recycling Envelope

Save Money With The Sprint Family Share Pack

Sprint introduces new shared data plans that offer double the high-speed data at the same or lower price as compared to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.  For a Family up to 10 lines, get 20GB of Shared Data and Unlimited Talk & Text for only $100 a month.  It really doesn’t matter if your family is 3, 5, or 10 people, you will get at least 20GB of shared data and your monthly charge will be $100.

Sprint Family Share Pack - Data Plan

Read more #SprintMom posts here.

Kyocera Hydro VIBE review

Kyocera Hydro VIBE Waterproof LGE Smartphone for Sprint – A Durable First (and beyond) Smartphone

Gadgets, Smartphones, Technology, ,

Mom Central Consulting
Kyocera Hydro VIBE review

 

Parents who are looking for a great first smartphone for their kids should consider the Kyocera Hydro VIBE waterproof 4G LTE smartphone for Sprint. The Hydro VIBE is a great device that the tech-savvy parent can certainly appreciate and includes a slew of great features. It’s an Android smartphone that has a great design and is waterproof, making it a great first smartphone.  A further look at its features which I’ll let into below, can be the deciding factor in whether it is the right phone for your child.

See also:

• HTC One M8 for Sprint review

• Other #SprintMom posts

One of the biggest reasons the Kyocera Hydro VIBE is such a great option for kids is that it is waterproof.  Accidents happen, but with this smartphone, the user can spill a drink or accidentally splash water on it after washing their hands without fear of any damage. Kids can also feel free to take the phone to the pool and snap a few photos in or around the water.  I have heard more than a handful of stories about losing a phone to water damage, including one friend who’s phone fell in the toilet.  I have dropped a phone in the bathtub but luckily it had less than a half inch of water in it and I grabbed it quickly but I didn’t feel nearly as confident in its safety as I would with a waterproof phone.

Kyocera Hydro VIBE screenshotThe Kyocera Hydro VIBE has a 4.5 inch IPS qHD screen that has a resolution of 960 by 540 pixels. It is quite lightweight at only 139 grams. At the same time, it is fairly rugged at 0.43 inches in depth. It is submersible to 3.5 feet for up to 30 minutes!   It includes a primary rear-facing 8mp camera that doubles as a video camcorder that takes quality images. It runs on Android’s 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system, which means there are plenty of great apps from Google Play that can be installed, including children’s educational apps that parents will love.

Sprint customers who have kids will find that the Sprint Framily Plan is the perfect package option to go along with this rugged waterproof phone. With it, everyone on the plan gets 1GB of data, unlimited talk and text for only $45 per month and bills can be separated by account so that each adult on the plan can pay their own way and for their own kids.

Wireless charging is also included in the Kyocera Hydro VIBE for Sprint. This technology is more and more becoming the norm in smartphones and makes it even more convenient to charge them without having to worry about connecting a cable wire. This device relies on PMA-enabled (Power Matters Alliance) wireless charging, which means the user can simply lay it down on a charging pad to recharge the battery. The wireless charger is sold separately and the phone will get the user through a good 14 hours of talk time.The importance of kids having their own smartphone these days cannot be under-stressed.

Cell phones are no longer considered luxury devices but necessities. Contacting parents during afterschool activities and being able to make calls during emergencies is a must. There are also other reasons for kids to own smartphones, such as being able to text when they are going to a friend’s house or need their parents to pick them up.The tech-savvy parent will also delight at the price of the Hydro VIBE. It is zero dollars down and only $9.59 per month for 24 months or $29.99 when signing up for a two year new contract or when renewing a current contract.

Unedited photos taken with the Kyocera Hydro VIBE

The photos below are photos that I took with the Kyocera Hydro VIBE.  They are unedited with the exception of being resized and watermarked.

 

Kyocera Hydro VIBE flower photo

 

Kyocera Hydro VIBE close up photo
Don’t believe a smartphone can be waterproof?  Watch this quick video to see the test I put the Kyocera Hydro VIBE to.. in a lake!
#SprintMom Sprint Ambassador

I hope this review of the Kyocera Hydro VIBE helps you, especially if you’re looking for a good, durable first-phone for your child.

Stay tuned (sign up for my daily rss/email updates in the box at the top of the right column) for more reviews of devices offered through Sprint as I enjoy being a #SprintMom Sprint Ambassador during which I will test various Sprint devices and service options over the course of the year.

Enjoy!

Alicia

HTC One M8 harman/kardon for Sprint

The HTC One M8 harman/kardon for Sprint: Amazing Photographs & Incredible Sound!

Brand Ambassador, Gadgets, Smartphones, Technology, , , ,

Mom Central Consulting

Perhaps the most exciting new Android smartphone on the market right now is the HTC One M8. It is truly something special and is available through all the major wireless carriers in the United States. However, the recently released Sprint edition, the HTC One M8 harman/kardon, offers users an even better overall experience.  It delivers even better audio quality than the regular version making it not just a great smartphone but an awesome media device.  

HTC One M8 harman/kardon for Sprint

If you have kids, you know what  I mean when I suggest that your smartphone is a media device.  You know how your smartphone transforms into a gaming console with the switch from adult to child’s hands?  Or a karaoke machine, a DJ, a mini movie theatre, and in our case, a bedtime story reader when I’m sick and can’t read to my daughter at night.**   

HTC One M8 Size & Sound

The HTC One M8 harman/kardon is slightly taller than last year’s version and slightly larger at 71 millimeters wide.  The screen is a full five inches with an HD display resolution of 1980 by 1080 pixels. Battery life is good with the 2600 mAh battery and should get most parents through a busy day.  Of course, you have access to plenty of apps courtesy of Google Play whether you are looking for entertainment, finance, games, social networking and so much more.  The Harman/Kardon Sprint HTC One M8 includes a special technology called Clari-Fi. It makes all types of digital music compressed to fit on your phone have a more natural sound when you are listening to music through headphones. This is what makes it unique to the general version of the smartphone that are available worldwide.   The sound quality is amazing.  I’m not kidding when I tell you this; I was laying in my daughter’s bed a few nights ago and we were watching and listening to one of the SAG Foundation stories being read by James Earl Jones.  There was a point during the 7 minute video that I looked around my daughter’s room because I heard music coming from the left side of me and swore an iPod or her radio came on and I was going to have to get up to turn it off.   In reality, it was the music from the story we were watching, transcending into a space I didn’t think sound from a phone could go.  It was as if she had surround sound speakers in her room.  It was really wild actually.

I can’t even compare the sound quality of the HTC One M8 harman/kardon and the iPhone 5s.   The sound quality is that different.  Like I said earlier, it’s like you’re holding a mini movie theatre in your hands or you’re at a live concert without the parking hassle and crowd.  The sound is really that good.  So, if you listen to music while you’re working, exercising, cleaning, cooking, putting the kids to bed (Enya is great for bedtime!), or enjoying a romantic dinner with your significant other, the HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon will immerse you in the music like never before.  Really.  I’m not exaggerating.   Go to your Sprint store and check it out for yourself!

Take Professional Looking Photos With UltraPixels

If you are a busy mom or dad you will find that the HTC One M8 harman/kardon is the ultimate smartphone for you.  It is made with a gorgeous all metal build that is highly durable and will be able to withstand a good deal of punishment, even when your kids get their hands on it. Like the original HTC One from last year, the camera of the M8 is 4 megapixels, or rather UltraPixels as HTC has dubbed them. The UltraPixels are meant to capture as much light as possible in your shots when you are in low-light situations.

One of my favorite ways to test a camera is by taking macro or close-up shots.  Here are a few photographs I took with the HTC One M8 harman/kardon.

Close up photo quality with HTC One M8

However, unlike the original HTC One, the One M8 has dual rear-facing cameras. The purpose of this is to offer more depth in your photos, which is great when you are chasing your kids around to snap the best possible pictures. There is also a feature called UFocus that allows you to capture a photo and then go back to it to edit it when you are ready. Blurring the background will make your images look even better as it more effectively emphasizes the object or person of your focus.

Photo taken with HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon

As a parent, I enjoy the Zoe feature, which is the ability to capture video clips that are three seconds long and made up of 20 still shots. The HTC One M8 captures this each time you snap a photo.  Later, you can choose individual frames that you would like to use to make up a quick video for memorizing those special moments.

Keep Up With Your Social Media With BlinkFeed!

One of the biggest features of the phone is BlinkFeed. This appeared on last year’s HTC One and offers a refreshing look to your home screen that stands out in comparison to other Android smartphones.  You can choose among news and social network feeds you want to appear on your home screen so that you do not have to go digging for it. It is a great way to keep up with current events and with family and friends with whom you are connected on Facebook or Twitter.

Is It Easy To Transition From Other Phone and/or OS?

Overall, the HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon has definitely replaced my iPhone.   I have been anxious for a larger iPhone to be released and while it looks like that may happen sometime, I am very happy with the HTC One M8, even being the Apple girl I am.  HTC makes the transition from an iPhone, or any phone for that matter, to an HTC easy with the HTC Sync Manager.  I had my iTunes music on the HTC One M8 in no time and to top it off, I get to listen to the music from the phone OR from the amazing Harman Kardon Onyx Studio which connects to my HTC One M8 via Bluetooth and produces the most amazingly full and crisp sound.  The Harman Kardon Onyz Studio is a definite addition to our vacations this summer as we love to listen to music wherever we are and it is so portable, there’s no reason not to bring it along.

Sprint Sound Sessions / Spotify 20 Million Songs = Super Fun Summer Road Trips!

Spotify Free for 6 months with SprintAs a part of Sprint’s new Sprint Sound Sessions, Sprint is giving customers access to Spotify’s catalogue of more than 20 million songs.  I listen to music while I work, exercise, clean, and in the car.  I have music on 80% of my waking hours.   Sometimes even while I shower and definitely when my daughter bathes.  Talk about belting out a song in the shower!

Spotify on the HTC One M8 allows users to play music on demand, create playlists, discover new music, share tracks with their friends, listen to songs offline, and listen to music without ads across multiple devices.  Access to Spotify allows you to listen to millions of songs on the go.  It has been really nice to be able to listen to songs I didn’t already have in my music library, from my HTC One M8 via Spotify.   Think about how much easier your upcoming summer road trips will be with a service like Spotify on your phone.  Sprint is offering Sprint Framily Members Spotify for FREE for 6 months with the purchase of a HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon, for a limited time. When is a better time to take advantage of a deal like that than right before summer road trips?

 

#SprintMom Sprint Ambassador

I hope this review helps you, especially if you’re wondering if the boost in sound quality and the transition from another smartphone operating system is easy or not.   It is!

Stay tuned (sign up for my daily rss/email updates in the box at the top of the right column) for more reviews of devices offered through Sprint as I enjoy being a #SprintMom Sprint Ambassador during which I will test various Sprint devices and service options over the course of the year.

Enjoy!

Alicia

 

If you haven’t checked out SAG Foundation’s storybook website, bookmark it today and next time you lose your voice and can’t read bedtime stories to your kids, go to the website and choose from one of the many books for your child’s bedtime story.  Actors including Annette Bening, Elijah Wood, and Betty White, read wonderful stories in a video so kids get that sense of being read to and get to see and experience the book as if it were in their hands.   The HTC One M8 harman/kardon sound really helps the books come to life!