REVIEW: Moto X on Inland Cellular.

Hey guys! It's been a while.

Today I'm here to talk about a fairly new(UPDATE: Not so new) device in the smartphone world: the Morotola Moto X(2012).

The Moto X is a standalone device(Thus far anyway), although the Schaumberg Illinois based company has recently released several other new Android phones such as the Moto G, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx and the Droid Mini.

NOTE: This review is not specifically a comparison to other devices and any other devices mentioned are used to compare basic functions or features such as size, weight etc. I could use any device, but for the sake of understanding, I picked a popular option with similar specifications for these comparisons. Furthermore, this review is not a "Vs" review. It's strictly my opinion on the device at hand.

The Motorola Moto X.

NOTE: This review is for the Motorola Moto X, XT1050 Android Smartphone.

Being one of the first in line of a new generation of Motorola phones, the Moto X is certainly a step up from older devices such as the Atrix line, Milestone line, and even the famous Razr lineup.

The Moto X is currently available on most US carriers, and the current 2-year contract price for the 16GB model at most stores is around $29.99 or free(Not taking into consideration the many discounts and promotions various carriers offer).

As some of you might know, I previously owned an Inland Cellular Motorola Razr Maxx XT912 that gave me problem after problem. It would reboot randomly, freeze up, overheat, randomly shut down wireless networks, it wouldn't connect to or see other bluetooth devices half the time...it was also very slow...the list goes on. You'll soon see that the Moto X(XT1050) has none of these issues.

When I was in the market for a new phone, it came down to two options....The Samsung Galaxy S4 or the Moto X...the only reason I bought the Moto X over the S4 is because the S4 wasn't available for purchase. It was a very close decision and I'm honestly very glad I ended up with the Moto X.

PROS: 
#1: Fits well in the hand without sacrificing screen size!
The Moto X screen is 0.1 inches smaller than that of the Samsung Galaxy S3. The S3's body is very large and finding a hand to fit it comfortably is tough. The body on the Moto X is 5mm smaller than that of the S3. How? I'll tell you! On every phone, there is something called Bezel. Bezel is the part of the phone that holds the screen in position. As companies keep creating and designing new things, their technology will therefore become more impressive. This applies to bezel; as more bezel is made, companies find new ways to make it stronger, allowing for less and less bezel to be necessary to the construction of the device.

#2: Extremely fast.
The Moto X has accomplished(What seems like) wonders when it comes to running apps, processing information of any kind and keeping wireless connection speed consistent.
I actually broke one of my own rules and downloaded a game! Sure, it relies on an internet connection so its not as much of a process hog as other games, but still...amazing. For full specs, see this link: Moto X Specs.

#3: Clean Android experience without MotoBlur or other software getting in the way.
Sure, it has Motorola apps like Motorola Assist, Motorola Migrate, MotoCare, and Motorola's own camera app, but none of them bog the system down like some other custom software might on other manufacturers phones. Plus, the aforementioned apps are actually useful unlike the dreaded "Bloatware" found on other devices.

#4: Camera(s).
The 10MP camera on this device is certainly special! I went from an 8MP on my XT912 to this 10MP on the XT1050, which may not seem like a huge step up, but it is when it comes down to it. Its cleaner, more stable(Although not by a huge margin) and the settings are easy to access and modify.
The front facing camera is quite good for being only 2MP. The light adjustment on both front and rear cams is a huge improvement and does its job very well.

#5: Color options. Although this really only applies to a few carriers and its online only.
With most carriers, you only have the black and white options available.
Below are the carrier options for the Moto X color customization as well as some of the color options available.

#6: NFC, among other modern settings are available. It's a fast way to transfer files, pair with devices without having to take the long route with bluetooth settings(Although it still uses bluetooth to maintain a connection) and in some cases, make electronic payments(If you have a protective case on your phone, this feature may not work properly).

#7: Completely Hands Free(If you so choose). There is a marvelous setting that enables full control over the device by using your voice. Even with the screen turned off! Go into settings and enable the Touchless Control. All you have to say is "Ok Google Now" at any time and then give it a command.

#8: The Moto X offers a wide variety of features previously available only through 3rd party apps or that are unique to this phone entirely(So far). Keep in mind, some features may be available on other devices, but if they are, I have not heard about them, so correct me if I am wrong.
The list of features include Texting from your PC, Touchless Control(As mentioned in #7 above), Active Display(See #9 in Pros), Camera wrist gesture(See #10 in Pros).

#9: Active Display! This feature is quite amazing as it allows the user to check for notifications and or the time without turning the screen on. If your phone is in a physically stable environment(NOT a moving car on the back roads of Idaho), you can simply tap the screen or bump the phone(or any similar jarring) and the screen will provide you with an unlock option, time, and any current notifications you haven't seen yet. Sliding up into the notification will take you to the app that the notification originated from. Sliding down will unlock the device.

#10: Camera Gesture Control.
One of the cooler features the Moto X has is the ability to activate the camera(Stock camera only) by twisting the phone back and forth quickly a few times as seen in this GIF Image.

#11: KitKat! The Moto X released with Jellybean(Operating System version 4.2.2) but is upgradable to Android 4.4 KitKat. KitKat releases many improvements, some of which aren't readily noticeable.
These features include the ability to set your default home screen(Launchers like Themer, Aviate, Next, Nova, etc) so apps like Twisted Home Manager aren't necessary, Touchless Control bug fix(Updated version required a SIM card to make phone calls. With 4.4, no SIM card is necessary), Dialer/Contact apps are now practically combined while maintaining their own entities, and much more.

#12: Android 5/L/Lollipop! Whatever people call it, the next OS after KitKat has been confirmed for the Moto X down the line when Google and Motorola get their crap together.

CONS:

#1: My biggest qualm with this device is the lack of MicroSD storage expansion. This means if I want to store music or videos on my device...well, I'm very limited as to how much I store. Of course with the ever growing cloud industry, this isn't a huge problem unless you don't have 24/7 access to wifi or cell service(And even then, almost all carriers have limits on their data and its expensive to go higher than 4GB). Also, the 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage built in isn't bad...
My solution to this issue however, relies on the fact that the Moto X is OTG(On the go) storage compatible.
This means I can plug an adapted USB flash drive or adapted SD card/micro SD card into it and it will work.

#2: This one is small but its still significant if you like to save time when navigating through the system.
When on the Recent Apps screen, you can swype the apps away(Kills the application to save processing power) and one most phones, there's actually a button(on screen) to remove them all at once. The Moto X doesn't have this button and if I have more than 5 apps open, it can be a pain to remove them all slowly.

#3: Battery Life.
Ok so I know that I was spoiled with having a Droid Razr Maxx(extended battery life as compared to normal Razrs) but even for the average smartphone, the battery life on the Moto X isn't that good. I usually charge it overnight and unplug it at 5:30AM and use it throughout the day until late at night(Roughly 9 or 10PM). By midday(12PM Noon), my battery is anywhere from 57% down to 43% and dies before 8PM, where my Razr Maxx would still be at 89% down to 73% and would last until 11pm(With about 13% left).
Of course the solution is an external battery pack or one of the very few battery cases manufactured for this device, but those aren't cheap and it would be responsible manufacturing where the battery is made to last all day. This is the 21st century and people are constantly on their devices. The average smartphone user checks their phone 110-150 times a day. Pretty battery draining if you ask me.

#4: Battery is non-removable. This really speaks for itself.

#5: Limited bloatware. As I stated above, the Moto X does come with some Motorola bloatware, and while it doesn't affect the system in any way, it's still slightly annoying to not start from scratch like most people want.

#6: Limited camera options and speed.
The stock camera is not what I'd call very good...it's slow, has limited settings and has seemingly primitive light adjustment and focus. That's why I suggest going the route of reliable 3rd party camera apps like Focal, A Better Camera, or even VSCO Cam. These among many others are great alternatives and offer a wide range of options, advanced settings and faster shutter speed(For shutter speed and efficiency, I recommend Focal). Granted, some of these aren't supported on all phones or tablets, they're still supported on a great many. NOTE: Google Camera is now available for the Moto X and its AMAZING.

#7: Wireless charging capabilities....while you're technically able to wirelessly charge the Moto X, no one seems to have a definite answer for this or to how easy it is. I did find one 'solution' that requires a specific wireless charging case and a charging mat. Not worth my time, especially if I own a protective case that I don't want to have to take off and on to swap with the charging case/sleeve. The idea behind wireless charging is to be quick and 'no hassle'.

#8: Absence of Notification Light.
As a smartphone user who relied heavily on notification lights to tell when I need to check my messages, this was a big disappointment. However, with the active display, this almost becomes an anti-con.



Summary And Conclusion:

Overall, I am very pleased with the Moto X as my everyday and business device. It has a solid construction, and it runs very smoothly. Its been almost a year since I have purchased this device(This review is VERY VERY late) and it still runs as fast as when I purchased it(Hint: VERY FAST).
Bottom line: Buy it if you're looking for a good phone that's affordable on or off contract.
The NEW Moto X has been released and I do recommend checking that out too.

I give this device a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks everyone! Have a FANTASTIC day! :)

~ARGOS~

UPDATE and Review!

Ok so I know I linked to my Tumblr(What a way to greet you guys with a new post!) but to be honest, I don't post stuff or reblog stuff...its yet another social network/blog site that I have to learn or spend time on and frankly...I don't HAVE that time. I only check it maybe once a month, maybe 3 times a month. So if I don't post anything, its not that I don't care its just that....well, I don't care...(Do you see where I'm going with this?). In other words, if you expected anything out of following me, I'm sorry, I seem to have thought I could follow through with something I can't. Unfortunately that happens and I promise I'm working on changing that about myself. 

IN OTHER NEWS:

A LOT has been going on in the technology world, good and bad(Don't get me STARTED on the new iPhones[s]) and thought I would cover some of the big news. THEN I thought "Wait a minute, that's what sites like CNET, TechCrunch, Engadget and much more are for... ". So why do I need to do that to you guys? I'd forgotten I am a REVIEW blog.  So in light of that, I have a review for you guys!

If any of you have heard of the small audio brand NoiseHush, you know what I'm about to talk about. NoiseHush(I'm going to call them NH from now on) who makes a wide range of bluetooth devices(Including Carkits yay!) and other audio products, recently released a bluetooth clip-on receiver that  tethers to your phone/tablet/random-
My rating on it would be 8.5 out of 10. Which for me, is very high. When it comes to electronic devices, I am a critic like no other...(My phone receives a solid 4 :p).
Now that we've gone over the good, lets go over the bad. I can think of some legitimate not so good things and a few trivial things(They count though..I'm a critic, remember?).

bluetooth-capable-media-device and has a 3.5mm jack to plug your earbuds/headphones into. What this essentially allows you to do is leave you music player(Phone, Tablet, Bluetooth enabled PC/Laptop etc) across the room while you listen to your music though your earbuds! Its extremely handy, has decent quality, excellent range of volume and to top it off, it even looks cool! It comes in several colors, has a pause/play(Also doubles as an answer/end call button. Did I mention it has a microphone?)

#1: If you have a high quality pair of earbuds and expect that quality to be the same with the NH, prepare to be disappointed. I have a pair of Vers Bass Boosted earbuds(Walnut) and when they are plugged directly into my tablet/phone/laptop, the quality is phenomenal. HOWEVER, when I plug them into my NoiseHush and tether them to the same devices via bluetooth, the quality is standard. I mean, yeah its pretty darned good, but don't go expecting things like bass boost to be part of the package.
#2: If you have earbuds that have a pause/play function and you want to use that instead of the NH controls, don't expect them to work. This might seem obvious, but you never know, it might've worked! However I only tested this with one pair of earbuds. Give it shot!
#3: I have not gotten it to work with Skype yet.....as far as I can tell the audio protocol is not static so the use of a device such as this is not feasible...sadly..
#4: The charging cord is not MicroUSB and its a little short....BUT it does charge quickly and its small enough to be very convenient. So this is almost a non-negative.

I'm still learning more about this device as I use it so a 'full' review probably isn't possible at this time. If you guys have any questions about the device, let me know, or go to thinkgeek.com and search for NoiseHush. You can also visit the NoiseHush website where they have many other products at noisehush.com.

If any of you like remote audio products, I hope you consider this one!

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T REVIEW.

ASUS Eee Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T Android Tablet. 

Ok...so I know that I said I might do an unboxing video or something similar for my ASUS tablet, but I kinda....geeked out before I could even remember that. I was so excited that I didn't wait to customize it...and it's so far now that I even now have the new OS on it! So seeing that I can't really do an accurate unboxing...I will just do a review on it.

Ok, to start it off, the stock specs are as follows:

Android OS 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. (Upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and very possibly Android 4.2).

8MP rear camera, 2 MP front facing camera.

64GB storage, up to 32 more in MicroSD card storage.

Full HD 1920x1200 Super IPS+Panel screen(VERY nice viewing).

Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad-core 1.5-7 Ghz Processor.

Corning Gorilla Glass 2 built in screen protector.

Up to 9.5 hours of battery life.

And now for more detailed specs by category(Below):

DISPLAY:
 Physical size: 10.1 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels
Pixel density:  224 ppi
Technology:  Super IPS+ LCD
Touchscreen: Capacitive, Multi-touch
Features: Light sensor, Scratch-resistant glass

HARDWARE:
 System chip: NVIDIA Tegra 3
Processor: Quad core, 1600 MHz
Graphics processor: 12-core GPU
System memory: 1024 MB RAM
Built-in storage: 32-64 GB
Storage expansion: microSD, microSDHC

CAMERA:
Rear Camera: 8 megapixels
Flash: LED
Aperture size: F2.2
Features: Back-illuminated sensor (BSI), Auto focus
Camcorder: Yes
Features: Video calling
Front-facing camera: 2 megapixels

Includes GPS, Navigation, Youtube, Picasa, Calender, Alarm, Document viewer(Polaris Office) and a nice Calculator.
The stock e-mail client supports the following domains: IMAP, POP3, SMTP, and Microsoft Exchange. There are a few other ASUS added apps but none of them are extremely important. They are mostly things like netflix, zinio(like netflix) and similar media apps.

MY REVIEW:

Basically, I searched for 5-6 months on what the best tablet was. I found out that this was it, based on my searching.
I saved up for it, and then bought it. For me, it was just me trying to buy the best for my money that ISN'T an apple product, and I am also a huge geek/nerd so this was kinda big for me.

I had high expectations for it, and this device definitely met them. I love it. Ive had very few problems with it, and the problems I HAVE had are because of certain websites not being 100% compatible with my tablet. I've got a laptop. That and the occasional lag from a background process that insists on struggling. No biggie.
Other than that....nope. It's all awesome and good. I love the camera(8MP), the storage(64GB) is certainly wonderful and I have YET to make a dent in it, the screen is phenomenal, very clear and its hard to spot the individual pixels.

The OS(Operating System) is very nice, although I am currently using 4.1.1 instead of the stock OS(4.0.4). I got the upgrade almost immediately after I started using it. So if any of you still plan on buying this and want to go straight to Jelly Bean(4.1.1) you don't have to worry about a thing. BUT if you want to keep Ice Cream Sandwich(4.0.4) for a while, no sweat, just don't initiate the firmware update.

It's extremely thin for a tablet, which makes it very nice to use, it feels good in the hands, there is a weight behind it due to the metal casing and strangely enough, your hand can grip it quite nicely.

You can get it in about...2 or 3 different colors or in my opinion "Shades".

Overall, I am very happy with this product and I recommend it if you are looking for a high end tablet without going apple. Some may argue that Samsung or Toshiba are better, but it's all personal preference, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

I hope this makes your decision easier! Here are some pictures I took with my phone along with a screenshot of my home screen with a false location.

If you have any questions concerning extra features or app compatibility etc, let me know! I believe my e-mail is listed, if not, comment and I will change that.

~Wilson1.