http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhxcCDaM-EY

Zev Green and I check out the blistering fast LG Nitro HD on AT&T’s new 4G LTE network. We gave this Android Smartphone a very strong 3 out of 5 remotes. You have to check out our review for all the details.

Price:

• 2-yr Contract Price: $249.99
• Best Buy Online Discount: $100.00
• Total: $149.99

Stats:

• 4.5-inch display
• 1.5GHz dual-core processor
• 4G LTE
• 8-megapixel camera
• DLNA wireless media streaming
• HD 1080p video capture
• Front-facing Camera 1.3MP
• OS / Platform Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Bluetooth
• Mobile Hotspot

Pros:

• Phenomenal AH-IPS (Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching) Display
• 4G LTE network on AT&T is amazing. Avg speeds were around 28-33Mbps, bursting as high as 58Mbps
• LG User Interface is designed very well

Cons:

• Not a fan of that little flip thing to get to the power. It’s going to break
• The Android OS Lag- even with the dual-core processor
• Battery life takes a hit on 4G. All estimates are based on 3G

On Episode 12 of Dads On Tech, Ray and Zev Mo speak about the Motorola Droid Bionic, an Android smartphone running 2.3.4 gingerbread running on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Watch and see why we gave it a 3/5 remotes.

Stats:
- qHD display
- 4g LTE
- $299 with a two year contract
- Android 2.3.4 (gingerbread)
- 4.3 inch display
- 8 mega pixel camera
- Will shoot 1080p hd
- Front facing camera
- 1GHz dual core CPU

Pros:
- Verizon’s LTE network, which is fast
- 4.3-in. display to be bright enough for outdoor use
- Front and back cameras
- Can be a mobile hotspot (4G makes this a Pro)
- ZumoCast Capable (access any file from your computer remotely)
- Can dock with a laptop (like the atrix)

Cons:
- Expensive ($299 w/ contract)
- Battery life not so good (expected on 4G phones)
- 1Ghz Processor vs the 1.5Ghz in other models
- MotoBlur (not a fan)

Ratings:
- 3 out of 5 remotes

Pictures from the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant Event in New York City:

[flickrset id="72157624365364739" thumbnail="square" overlay="true" size="large"]

Zev Mo takes a look at the HTC MyTouch 3G Slide on T-mobile.  This smartphone is running Android 2.1, and we demonstrate the swype on-screen keyboard. Take a look and let us know what you think!

[flickrset id="72157624406818702" thumbnail="square" overlay="true" size="medium"]

[starreviewmulti id=3 tpl=46]

Last week, Disney Parks Blog gave some wonderful screenshots of their new Mobile Magic Application.  The concept is this, if you are a Verizon Wireless subscriber, you can download the application for $9.99, that’s good for 180 days.  And for a limited time (I assume until January, while they are stretching the app’s legs), it is free for 24 hours.

If you aren’t a Verizon Wireless subscriber, like me (iPhone), you can have access to some very “basic” information (mostly the essentials- weather, operating times, magic hours, dining info, etc) through the web at http://m.disneyworld.com.

The app promises “FASTPASS return times, attraction wait times for the park you are in, extensive information on character locations and more for Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.” I am looking forward to testing the app out in January, once I get a demo unit from Verizon, since I am on AT&T with the iPhone.

We’ll see what the accuracy of the fastpass and attraction wait times are, although I assume it uses historical statistics, or another algorithm for the calculations.  If it is wired, accurate, and not too vague, I will be very impressed.

The Disney Mobile Magic BREW application (the kind that you see on non-smart, or touch screen, phones) will be very useful for people who use those kinds of devices.  DPB did mention that “touch” phone support will be expanding, so I assume that there will be a Java-based app for the Android and Blackberry smart-phone segments as well.  That is something that I would be very interested in.

I see there being a third-way here.  I understand strategic partnerships, and they certainly serve a purpose here, but the next phase of the WDW experience should go even farther.  The next evolution, in my personal opinion, should be property-wide wireless networking.  This is not small task, despite the flat geography of the 35,000 acres of Disney property.  However, with personal wireless devices, and laptops/netbooks being so ubiquitous (and becoming more every day), it is the next logical step in creating an entire experience for the guest.

With this implementation, all of the data is served instantaneously to the guest, on demand, and also by using in-network geo-tagging.  We have already seen a portion of this technology implemented in the parks, if you remember Pal Mickey.  Future wireless devices, the iPhone for example, are going to be equipped with RFID devices that can be triggered when in close proximity to some object or place.

Two ways to deliver content:

a) Application-based: An application can be developed for the device (OS platform dependent) that operates both inside and outside the park.  When the application detects being on the internal wireless-LAN for the park, it will shift content accordingly, and/or operate on a different cost basis, if desired.  This would provide the richest 2-way content and most information for Imagineers, especially when incorporated with RFID.

b) Web-based: Access from any web capable device from within the park’s wireless-LAN.  This delivers content on a demand, however guest location can be somewhat determined on a limited basis.  Information is instant, and controlled.

Access over the wireless-LAN, rather than bulky carrier-based data access, gives a higher Quality of service for the guest.  It also alleviates the applications need to keep updated and synchronized data usually plagued by version-control problems, and coding/device issues, that can become an unruly mess.  Plus, with a username and a MAC address, you can empower the guest, see what they want to do, where they want to go, and when they want to do something.  You get a complete analysis in order to give Imagineers the information on how to best design and cater to the way that guest actually visit the property, not just how you think they do, or want them to.

Offering this as an add-on service, you can integrate things like photopass, where you can buy your pictures that evening from your room, a restaurant, or even poolside.  The ideas are endless, but the system is essential.  I’m sure this has to be on Disney’s radar.  Especially that you can integrate a Social Networking experience, exclusively on property, as a new “attraction” to the park.

On the hardware front,the most common devices capable of allowing for rich content delivery are smartphones (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Palm).  Being able to deliver custom content on these devices can be done by browser alone, but rich content that gives true 2-way data (which is the ROI for all of the infrastructure outlay), needs a formal app.

Here’s the list of phones that the BREW app is currently available on:

– LG Glance
- LG VX Chocolate
- LG Chocolate 3
- LG Decoy
- LG VX 8700
- LG Venus
- Moto Adventure
- Nokia 7205
- Samsung Renown
- Moto 325
- Samsung 540
- Samsung 550
- LG 5500
- Nokia 6205
- Moto 755
- UT Starcom 8950
- UT Starcom GC1-c711
- GZ1 – S Boulder
- Moto K1 -M
- Moto – L7c
- LG 8350
- Samsung Trance
- Moto V3m
- Moto Barrage
- Moto VU204

If you are like me, I am always impressed with Disney Imagineering.  There is no doubt that the future within the parks will incorporate devices that guest already bring with them.  The best example is Space Mountain‘s games while in the queue.  In the future, you can interact with the ride, or be involved somehow with a shared experience (group gaming, scenario creation- like Spaceship Earth, etc.) using the devices you now carry, through the network app.

I can’t wait!