By: Jason Ciudaj (Contributing Editor)

New technology can be a fun and beneficial thing. However there are three key elements that make it useful.You have the product, performance, and service. The last one ranking most important on a lot of people’s list.

Today I would like to talk about service from a personal standpoint. What good is the latest device, let’s say a cell phone, if obtaining even mediocre service is unavailable. My recent visit to the Sprint store in Fairfield, California once again left me frustrated. Upon my arrival I was asked to sign in at the front desk so that way I could be serviced in the order that I came. Sounds simple enough. Seeing that I was only the second name on the list I assumed I would be assisted in a timely manner. Holy shit was I wrong! It was past 45 minutes before I was called for my turn. I would be more understanding if they were short staffed but with seven employees on the floor wandering the store, five of which were laughing and texting each other…It’s hard to be understanding when they hold so little regard for the customers’ time. Now, I’m not an unreasonable man. I understand that sales and commissions are important to them. I also understand that they can have a bad day in the store. But of the countless times I have been there I have yet to stumble upon the mythological good day when things are running efficiently.

All in all, the simple attempt to make a billing correction took over an hour and a half. In the meantime the store had filled with other customers with their own issues that needed to be addressed. The looks on their faces alone confirmed that they felt the same way I did. What’s most appalling was the fact that they were only quick to help a customer when a new purchase was in order, while those of us not making a purchase aresegregated to the lowest caste. I guess for me the act that was the final cherry on the cake was when the gentleman who clearly did not give two and a half shits about my time or what service I received while in the store asked me to give him a top rating of a 5 when I received a service survey sometime inthe next several days from Sprint. So I smiled and said they’re number one in my book but in my head I was giving him my middle finger to show which number one he really was.

So while I don’t assume that this is the case in every Sprint store, I am definitely calling out the one in Fairfield California for their lackluster, incredibly sad customer service.

New technologies can be fun and beneficial for everyone. But as soon as you have a problem and need some tech support or customer service, I suggest, you talk to our thick accented friends from INDIA instead. For the same amount of time, at least you’ll be in the comfort of your own home!!!

If you have experienced similar headaches in your area, let us know.

By: Jason Ciudaj (Contributing Editor)

Could this be the new Samsung Galaxy S III?

Remember when Samsung released the Galaxy S and it was just a thing of beauty?  The vibrant colors and crystal clear display. It was an amazing phone and a great improvement over Samsungs pathetic earlier attempt at a smartphone, the Instinct. A phone that I was so disappointed with that I took my Samsung Instinct out to the rifle range and blew it up with 2 lbs of tannerite. But that’s beside the point. We need to bring the focus back to the Galaxy S. It was a very impressive phone. So when Samsung announced the release of the Galaxy S 2, I thought to myself what could they possibly improve? Well, they made a sleeker sexier phone with more power. I have to say I wanted one bad but my first generation was still in good working order and I liked it. But now word is Samsung has done it again.

Sources say Samsung has officially come up with a design for the new Galaxy S 3 and that has got me very excited. Now I’m not sure what its going to look like but if it’s anything like its predecessors then I’m know it will blow our minds again. Can I get a hell yeah!?! What I have heard about this exciting addition to the Galaxy family is that Samsung finally did away with the plastic body which so many disapproved of. Sources say this third generation model will feature a ceramic body instead… woooo! This improvement on top of the already kick ass specs of the GS3 make it a worthy adversary.

Some of the other mouth watering rumors include features such as a 4.8 inch screen with glorious HD resolution, a quad-core processor,and a respectable 8MP camera. One thing we know for sure is that when Samsung designs a new product they design it to kick ass and look good while doing it. This phone is going to be a head turner folks. Guys listen up; women will want to give you their numbers just so it can seen being stored in this awesome machine. And ladies; well here is where your jealousy comes into play. All those guys who you think are checking you out… well it’s really the GS3 they’re all looking at wide-eyed. I’m sorry but that’s probably going to be the case. If you can handle that then by all means use this to your advantage. But with great power like this comes great responsibility. All in all the Galaxy S 3 is looking to be one hell of a phone and I for one cant wait for their estimated arrival in June to get my hands one.

And everyone wants the iPhone 5….

By: Jason Ciudaj (Contributing Editor)

Dyson… Now there is a name everyone is familiar with. Who hasn’t seen their ridiculously expensive blade-less fan, used one or dreamed of owning one of their vacuums, or owns one of their fancy heaters? You can probably find one of their products in just about any upper middle-class household. They are, after all, known for top quality products with head turning design. So why stop at vacuums? How about….smartphones?

I’ve got to admit, it was a bit of a surprise to hear that James Dyson, the founder of the company mentioned to reporters that he is interested in breaking into the mobile phone market. James mentioned that if they did proceed with making mobile phones the technology would have to be interesting, the best of everything. For the rest of us that means it is going to be expensive. But when has that ever stopped us from buying other Dyson products? This isn’t exactly a vacuum though. It’s a phone, something we take with us everywhere we go. We need our phones to perform just as good if not better than they look. Can Dyson pull itoff? Who knows?

When it comes to cell phones, I for one am perfectly happy with my time tested Samsung Galaxy S. It’s going to take something of epic proportions to pull me away from that and I just don’t think the king of vacuums is up for the challenge. Besides, the mobile phone market has been oversaturated lately, and phones made with style in mind often become outdated upon release, becoming nothing more than old technology housed in beautiful casings (Vertu, Goldvish anyone?). On the other hand, I don’t see vacuums being outdated every three months. I admire ingenuity and effort, but somehow, I think it would be in Mr. Dyson’s best interest to just stick to the household products. I still can’t justify $1,100 for a single Bang & Olufson cordless phone. Perhaps Dyson can have something cheaper for the home without sacrificing design?

By: Jason Ciudaj (Contributing Editor)

Normally, I care very little for what gets unveiled at the Mobile World Congress. Seriously, after watching Myrealitytech’s insanely boring coverage of it last year, I almost subscribed to CNET. Almost. However, sweet Jesus!… Nokia just showed off their 41-megapixel sensor on the new Nokia 808 PureView. Now that’s one hell of a way to get some attention at a trade show where everyone is peddling something new. I can already see the PR headline in my head. “PureView. Because 12 MP simply doesn’t capture enough details” Seriously though? 41 MP? I know that MP doesn’t really mean cake nowadays but 41? Details are great but detail like that would be deadly on that otherwise-harmless looking zit on your face.

The phone packs a punch in other areas as well. It’s sporting a 1.3GHz single-core chip, 16GB microSD, 512MB of RAM, 4in display, Carl Zeiss optics, 4x zoom ( personally, they could’ve gone 10x zoom), and it can also take 1080p video. For those who don’t remember, or those who only have the iPhone in their limited brain cells, Nokia had a wonderful camera phone not too long ago by the name of N8. Coincidentally, the sweet looking metal and glass beauty was a giveaway prize here at MRT as well. I’ll let you guess who won one over a year ago. hehehe….Oh but that only came with a puny 12 MP sensor. With all the new specs crammed into the Nokia 808 PureView, there is now another reason desperate professional photographers need to find real jobs. Because lets face it, with all the detail being captured, I feel bad for the people who have to slather on twice the spackle to cover up Lindsey Lohan’s gigantic facial craters. 

Right now this phone is only available in Europe where all the swanky people live. Availability in the U.S. is yet to be discussed. However, if you keep your fingers crossed, hopefully we will be seeing it over here in the not-too-distant-future. Of course by then, the 100MP phone would’ve already debuted in Japan or something, where I’m pretty sure their cell phones can already take photos of beings in Jupiter.

By: Jason Ciudaj (Contributing Editor)

It was a ball rolling around in a circle on a table with a banner that said “Meet Sphero”….Naturally I clicked where it said Sphero at the top of the page to learn more about this device.  I then saw a close up image of Sphero with another banner saying “Part Robot. Part Ball. All Fun” I have to admit at this point I was more than just curious, I had to know what it was.

All of us who own smart phones and/or tablets know all about the fun games we can have on them.  However all these games take place onscreen. Orbotix, the company behind Sphero says you can now take the game out of the virtual world and bring it into ours. “Engage in the virtual world. Play in the real one…At Orbotix our goal is to continue to blend the real and virtual worlds to expand the boundaries of what we expect from technology. With our smart robots and innovative software we’re exploring and defining mixed-reality gaming—the next evolution of entertainment.” Sounds like a lot of what we’ve heard and seen before. Yet it’s still interesting enough to take a look at.

So what the heck is Sphero anyway? Apparently it’s the first robotic ball out there (I had no idea). That’s right, I said robotic ball. Sphero is designed to connect via Bluetooth and be controlled with our smart phones and tablets that operate on the Android and iOS systems.  However you tilt or swipe your screen translates into Sphero’s actions.

There is a note of caution that Orbotix posts stating “Sphero is a sophisticated electronic device, it is not intended for children under the age of thirteen. Do not change or modify Sphero except with approved accessories. Never abuse, kick, throw, hit, chew, crush, bounce,violently shake or excessively drop Sphero. Do not disassemble Sphero or expose to extreme environmental conditions.” From the looks of that statement, I had to remind myself that we’re talking about a ball and not an overemotional, hormonal pubescent teen on a major freakout. Either way, it sounds like Sphero’s a little sensitive, so be careful. Be nice to Sphero.

Now this sounds fun but I’m sure some of you are thinking what the hell you’re supposed to do with it?  Well, there are a number of apps that can be found in the Android Market as well as on iTunes such as Sphero, Sphero Golf, Sphero Draw N’ Drive, Sphero Drive, and Sphero Cam.  Apparently there is even a camera in Sphero that allows you to take pictures and videos while you control it. You can also customize the color of your Sphero to better suit your mood.  There are of course other apps that are still to come, like Sphero Chromo, and Sphero Space Fighter. Apparently, Orbotix wanted to make sure no less than a boatload of Sphero comes your way. Hey, that’s cool.

This sounds great and all but I wanted to know some of the more technical info. So here we go.

Sphero  is a ball controlled via Bluetooth connection to an Android or iOS device with about a 50ft range.
It can reach speeds of up to 3ft per second while keeping precise control.
The multi-colored LED claims to be capable of producing thousands of colors. Hooray color freaks! 
The internal guidance system includes accelerometer, compass, and gyro.
Inside construction: Orbotix Smart Robot  Outside Construction: Opaque high-impact polycarbonate shell
Dimensions:     size 74mm diameter, weight 168 grams
Induction charging (so nothing to plug)

Lipo Battery: drive time over 60 minutes at full speed. With a charge time approximately 180 minutes.

When purchasing a Sphero, prepare for a bit of a sticker shock.  The price tag with the cheapest method of shipping comes to $139.99.  That does seem a bit steep.  However, its not just a ball but an actual robot. In addition, some of the apps are also free. I expect more advanced ones for a premium.

Now it is up to you to decide if the $139.99 price tag is justifiable.  I’ll make sure to let you know what I think when I buy one (I’m interested to try it when the new iPad 3 comes out.)  Of course, the hours of fun and numerous conversations started might just be worth it.

So the next time you need a gift for the tech geek in your life or that fickle person who has everything. Just ask yourself…do they have a Sphero?

By: Edward Jackson (Editor In Chief)

Free app enables users to check into TV shows and get real rewards such as gift cards, movie tickets, music and much more; innovative brands and networks onboard for launch

Viggle a Function(x) company, today announced that its first free app is now available in the iTunes App Store. Viggle works with iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and rewards people with gift cards, movie tickets, music and more for checking into TV shows using its proprietary show matching feature. The company, founded by media and entertainment entrepreneur Robert F.X. Sillerman, also announced a number of strategic launch partners including Verizon, Pepsi, Gatorade, Burger King Corporation and Capital One.

“We’re excited that Viggle is now in the hands of passionate TV viewers,” said Chris Stephenson, president of Function(x). “And, we’re lucky to be working with networks and brands who really understand the connection people have with the shows they love. Everyone wins here—consumers get rewarded for their loyalty and networks and brand partners are able to connect with Viggle users in relevant and meaningful ways.”

“At USA, we are committed to expanding the ways our fans engage with great content beyond their TV viewing experience,” said Jesse Redniss, senior vice president, digital, USA Network. “By connecting to Viggle, we are able to offer access to more compelling engagement, participation and affinity rewards that extend our viewers’ access across multiple touch points.”

A number of innovative brand partners have signed on to take advantage of the rich opportunities Viggle creates for them to engage with consumers. Viggle provides these companies with easy ways to target different audiences and present their brands in a variety of contextually relevant ways including games, quizzes, polls, downloads and videos that are related to the consumer and what they’re watching. “Pepsi is and always has been an entertainment brand,” said Massimo d’Amore, president of PepsiCo’s Global Beverages Group. “Being partnered with the best in music, sports and TV is very natural for us and partnering with Viggle helps us keep close to the consumer on an exciting new platform.”

“The way people consume TV has completely transformed since everyone started watching their favorite shows with a mobile phone or tablet at their side. It is no longer a passive form of entertainment,” said Marc Mentry, senior vice president, advertising and sponsorships, Capital One. “We want to meet consumers where they are and unexpected rewards are a great way to drive engagement with the Capital One brand.”

Core to Viggle’s promise are the rewards consumers get for checking into the TV shows they love. Viggle users will be able to redeem points for rewards from a growing slate of more than 20 brands that span entertainment, retail, restaurants and travel, including Best Buy, Sephora, Hulu Plus, and many more. New rewards are being added to the catalogue every week and Viggle is working with rewards partners to create special reward opportunities such as daily deals and one-of-a-kind experiences for TV’s biggest fans.

Viggle works today with live, recorded and online TV content from more than 150 channels—with more being added daily. Using the integrated microphone on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch device, Viggle automatically identifies what the viewer is watching on television. Once checked in, users can see a summary of all Twitter conversation related to the show and are able to share comments from within the app directly to Twitter or Facebook. Users can learn more about their favorite shows by clicking on direct links to online show pages, unique content, downloads and special merchandise that are integrated directly on the show pages.

“Viggle is a powerful new way for brands to engage with consumers using cutting-edge technology,” said Bob Jeffrey, CEO and Worldwide Chairman, JWT. “Our business today is driven by innovation and the road to success sits at the intersection of Hollywood, Silicon Valley and Madison Avenue. Clients and consumers alike will love Viggle.”

By: Edward Jackson (Editor In Chief)

A convenient USB charging unit provides full power to 16 iPads, iPhones or iPods in a compact device from Datamation Systems

Charging large numbers of iPads, iPhones and iPods is a challenge for many schools, businesses and other organizations. A new 16-port professional USB charging station now makes this possible. Compact, light and easy to use, the Power Pad 16 (DS-IP-PP16) provides the optimum power required for charging iPads and other iDevices. It can be used to replace bulky power strips and the AC adapter bricks of the standard chargers.

Created by Datamation Systems, the leading provider of security carts and cabinets, with the expertise of Cambrionix state-of-the-art USB technology, this is the latest addition to an extensive suite of charge, sync, security and storage products for iPads and other devices.

“The PowerPad 16 can be placed in a cabinet, cart or carrying case. It can also be mounted on a table, wall or under a counter,” said Joe Mazza, Datamation Systems’ Vice President. “It is perfect for tech centers, trade shows, travelling labs and training centers.” The Power Pad 16 has been used in retail environments where charging large numbers of iPads and other Apple devices has to be reliable and fast in the least possible space. Service depots report it is a perfect tool to eliminate the jumble of wires and chargers.

Designed for charging Apple devices, this will also charge many other USB-powered devices, virtually any that would charge using a standard Apple USB-connected AC adapter. It is not a “universal” USB charger but Datamation Systems is creating other versions that will accommodate most USB devices. Datamation Systems carts, cabinets and transport cases are used in thousands of schools, libraries, hospitals and offices.

These new iPad, iPod and iPhone charging systems and other products are available from major computer sellers or directly from Datamation Systems. Additional information can be found at Datamation’s iPad and Tablet webpage.

By: Edward Jackson (Editor in Chief)

IDT’s FlatNoise Technology Provides a Virtually Flat Noise Figure as Gain is Reduced, Improving QoS and Easing Data Converter SNR Requirements to Reduce System Cost

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT), the Analog and Digital Company delivering essential mixed-signal semiconductor solutions, today announced the industry’s first FlatNoise dual intermediate frequency (IF) variable gain amplifier (VGA) for multi-mode 2G/3G/4G wireless base station transceivers. IDT’s devices offer the industry’s best noise figure (4 dB) for maximum gain and virtually no degradation when gain is reduced, improving quality-of-service (QoS) and easing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements of the downstream data converter to reduce system cost.

The IDT F1240 and F1241 are dual-channel digitally-controlled IF VGAs featuring IDT’s FlatNoise technology. This new technology virtually eliminates noise figure degradation for the critical top 13 dB section of a wide 31 dB gain control range – a stark contrast to other IF VGAs which typically exhibit a dB for dB degradation in noise figure as gain is reduced. FlatNoise eases the SNR requirements of the system’s data converter, enabling customers to improve signal quality and use a more cost-effective, lower-resolution data converter. For many applications, this allows the customer to downgrade from a 14-bit data converter to a 12-bit data converter with comparable system SNR.

“Our new FlatNoise RF products bring tremendous value to the application and complement IDT’s leading timing and RapidIO solutions for base station designs,” said Tom Sparkman, vice president and general manager of the Communications Division at IDT. “The F1240 and F1241 feature the industry’s best noise figure and lowest power consumption, and join our previously announced F1200 as the industry’s first products to offer FlatNoise technology. By improving the signal quality at the VGA, we essentially make it easier for downstream devices to operate. This gives system designers flexibility to use a more cost-effective data converter; for example, using a 12-bit device instead of a 14-bit device.”

IDT’s new IF VGAs feature extremely low distortion (OIP3 = +49 dBm), allowing for higher front-end gain, improving the receiver’s sensitivity and resulting in additional QoS enhancement. The devices operate over a 10 MHz to 500 MHz frequency range with a typical maximum gain of 20 dB and offer the industry’s lowest power consumption (80 mA per channel). In addition, the IF VGAs are extremely accurate, with a gain step error of only 0.04 dB, improving the system SNR performance even further. A parallel or serial communication interface provides control of a 6-bit (0.5dB: F1240) or 5-bit (1.0 dB: F1241) resolution, giving designers maximum flexibility.

By: Edward Jackson (Editor In Chief)

The Anthro mobile device family consists of two product lines. Choose between compact mobile Carts or stationary Cabinets to charge and store tablets and other mobile devices. Charging Carts hold and transport 40 devices. The stationary Cabinet is offered for tablets (20 iPad mobile devices or tablets) or for mini-touch devices (40 iPods pocket computers and similar devices).*drool*

The Tablet Charging Cart measures just 23.75”w x 24.5”d and is the smallest storage cart available on the market. Anthro’s Charging Cart is the ideal vertical storage solution in education and healthcare where space is at a premium. Individually-numbered bays easily hold 40 iPads including their cases. Cable management clips position the power inlet at the front of each bay for quick connection. Keyed door locks and a two-point locking system keep tablets secure. Each door features mounting points for padlocks for added security. A separate locking IT area is located in the back of the Charging Carts to protect adapters, cords and cables.

Accessories such as an optional Storage Drawer and a Sync Kit are also available. The optional Storage Drawer mounts under either Cart and is the perfect size (10.75”w x 14.5”d x 4”h) for keeping peripherals handy. Anthro’s Sync Kit is a 10-port USB hub which provides a wired connection to your iPads, iPods, and other devices so you can sync 10 at once.

Readily convertible to a mobile teaching station with its comfortable height of 46”, the Tablet Charging Cart includes a recessed top work surface which keeps a laptop from sliding off. The Tablet Cart features a lockable storage area for a laptop. Three external receptacles are conveniently located on the Tablet Cart for projectors and scanners. The 4” inch casters make it easy to transport the Tablet Charging Cart from room to room.

Charging Cabinets come in two mounting options. One option is to mount the Charging Cabinet on a wall. Or the Charging Cabinet can also be attached to the top of a counter or table. Whether wall-mounted or attached to a shelf or counter, the Cabinets organize the clutter of mobile devices and save valuable floor space. The Tablet Cabinet holds 20 devices and the Mini-touch Cabinet holds 40.

All of Anthro’s mobile device Carts and Cabinets feature a power indicator light and an on/off switch which protects the contents from a power surge when plugging in the cart and devices. The Anthro mobile device Carts and Cabinets ship assembled. Constructed of steel with a baked-on powder coat finish, the Charging Carts and Charging Cabinets have a Lifetime Warranty. A two year warranty covers electrical components. The cord and plug are not under warranty. Anthro Corp was founded in 1984. Anthro provides height-adjustable workstations for the healthcare, education, lab, business, engineering, and government markets.

By: Jenna Gonzalez (Editor In Chief)

Staff Note: As part of our spectacular summer giveaway extravaganza, we are giving away several of the newest smartphones all throughout August-September 2011. So make sure you and your friends “Like” us on Facebook . Remember that our contests are ONLY eligible to our fans and Facebook subscribers so don’t forget to LIKE us on FB! We will be giving away TWO BRAND NEW smartphones of our choice on August 30. All you have to do is “LIKE” us on FB and share with your friends!    I know I’ve said it before, that when it comes to luxury cell phones I’m a Vertu girl, but I have a place in my heart for anything Lamborghini. Not too long ago, Tonino Lamborghini introduced the Spyder cell phone, a blend of elegant style and innovative technological performance. Tonino Lamborghini, the son of the legendary Ferruccio has been blending fashion with the performance engineering the that Lamborghini name has represented for over half a century now. Tonino Lamborghini is celebrating their 30th anniversary in technological style with the new special edition Spyder Supreme Diamond deluxe luxury cell phone.

The phones are of Italian design and are hand assembled in Switzerland, where over 70 components of inner body are hand crafted and assembled.  The front of the phone is encrusted with 7.8 carats of white diamonds from top to bottom. The back of the phone has the battery cover uniquely clad in crocodile leather. You will find the legendary Lamborghini bull emblem stamped in 18k gold on the front and rear of the phone. The Spyder has a 2.2-inch scratch-resistant sapphire crystal LCD screen with 240 x 320 resolution.  The technical features aren’t on equal scale of exclusivity though. It has a 2.75G dual-band operating capability on GSM 900 & 1800 networks, along with an external 4 GB memory support, 3.0 Megapixel camera with auto-focus, and a hidden SOS signal button for emergencies. This piece of luxury technology will run you $36,950USD.

The supreme diamond series continues with two other versions; The S650 & S660. The S650 model will have 2.5 carat diamonds adorning the body along with the black leather back. The price tag for this one is $10,000USD. The S660′s front face will be covered in 5.9 carats diamonds, and will also have white crocodile leather back. You’ll can get all this for the meager sum of $16,419USD a piece. The supreme diamond series has been made limited to only 300 phones and will only be available for presale in Hong Kong, Macau, Beijing and Tianjin.

Because MRT is still a tech site for real people, one thing I have to be clear about is that with technology so fleeting, like cellphones, it’s not very practical to spend so much on. Then again, one can argue that a lot of people spend ridiculous amounts of money on other things they find interesting, regardless of what others feel about it. That’s why people of every walk of life have many choices to pick from. Price and functionality aside, what do you think of the design?

P.S. There is still no word on if the included bluetooth headset will be bearing diamonds or not, but I hope it does because that would just complete the package.

Take a look at the rest of Tonino Lamborghini Spyder of cell phones here