Setup and use of the Kingston Wi-Drive is a pretty straight-forward, easy process. After connecting the device to a computer and storing files, unplug the drive from your computer (remember to eject first), then press and hold the power button on the top right-hand side of the drive until you see the green LED light illuminate. After a few seconds, a blue light will begin to flash on the front of the device, letting you know the WiFi connection is active.

Next, you’ll want to go into the wireless settings on your Android phone or tablet and turn WiFi on. Scan for new networks, and you should see the Wi-Drive network available for connection. Select it and your Android device will connect to the Wi-Drive network. Now, to get access to the files on the drive, just open up the Wi-Drive Android app and you will see your Wi-Drive at the top of the list.

It’s important to note, the app page in the Android Market states that the app is in beta, and is intended for use only with Android tablets; however, I have had no issues using the app on my HTC Amaze 4G — I have no problems viewing pictures or streaming music or video from the drive. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be support for Ice Cream Sandwich-enabled devices, as I cannot access the Wi-Drive from my Viewsonic G Tablet running Beta ICS 4.0.X by Team DRH. Of course, it could be my ROM, but judging from the comments in the Market, it looks like I’m not the only one having issues with ICS.

Now, you all know we’re a website with a focus on Android and everything that is even remotely related to our operating system of choice, but I have to admit I am guilty of sleeping with the enemy. That’s right… I own an iPod Touch. The iPhone could never satisfy me in terms of smartphones, but I must admit I do like my Touch, though it doesn’t get nearly as much use as my older generation iPods did.

You’re probably wondering why I would mention such a thing, but that’s one of the features of the Kingston Wi-Drive that helps the product appeal to a larger audience — iOS compatibility. If you are like me and you own an Android phone and tablet, but you can’t seem to part with that iPod (or even if you’re rocking shamefully using an iPhone — I’m not judging), the Wi-Drive serves a double purpose, as you can get access to files and stream music and movies to your iOS device using the Wi-Drive app from the iTunes App Store.

Another feature that I really like is that the Wi-Drive will allow up to 3 users to get access to files simultaneously. This means you can be listening to a song while your significant other is watching a movie and the kids are viewing family photos, all at the same time. I haven’t gotten a chance to actually test it out with anyone else yet, so I’m still kinda curious to see if there would be any lag experienced due to having more than one person connected.

The Yays

The Kingston Wi-Drive is small and lightweight. As I mentioned before, setup and usage couldn’t be easier, so you won’t have to be a rocket scientist to get the device to work. Again, the Wi-Drive is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, so it serves its place on both sides of the fence.

The Nays

First and foremost, there is no Ice Cream Sandwich support. Kingston — get ‘er done! Secondly, the UI of the Android app is definitely not the prettiest I’ve ever seen. There is no way to sort or easily browse your music and movie files. All you get is a folder view of the contents on the drive, so I suggest keeping things organized from the beginning if you plan on filling the drive with a lot of music and movies. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I would definitely like to see a more user friendly UI in future updates to the Android application.

Want to Buy?

The Kingston Wi-Drive is comes in two sizes — the 32GB model is $89.99, while the 16GB model runs $49.99. If you’d like to pick one of these babies up, you can do so by clicking the links below. Also, be sure to stop by Kingston’s website for a look at their other great products!

Enter the BioLite CampStove. Bringing the comfort of a camp stove on your trips makes life easier. Many of us know how to cook on an open fire, but a camp stove is just a nice convenience. What if your camp stove did more than weigh you down a bit and hold a pot nicely? Well, then it is worth bringing along with out a doubt. The BioLite CampStove does just that. It takes the head from the fire you build inside it and converts it usable energy for your portable gadgets. You don’t have to pack extra tanks of propane or any other type of fuel, just toss in some twigs and pinecones and you are set to cook and charge up your phone. Watch the quick video below.

One could take this little gadget a step further. It isn’t just an awesome idea for camping and hiking. It makes a killer power source when your electricity goes out during a storm. Keep warm, do some cooking and watch a movie while trapped in the cellar during a tornado. It is small, portable and has multiple purposes. Weighing in at 2 pd 1oz with a height of 8.25″ and width of 5″ makes it tiny but powerful.

You should check them out over at BioLite.com. They aren’t available to purchase just yet though. They are currently taking pre-orders to reserve yours now before the camping season gets under way around the nation.

Kieron-Scott Woodhouse’s Bamboo phone had made quiet the splash over on DVICE and frankly it really tweaked my interest as well. As Kevin Hall says in his article, I don’t think this phone is going to set any sales records but I do think it’s an amazing concept in function and form, not to mention the thing is just plain gorgeous! Woodhouse, a design student at Middlesex University in the U.K., even came up with a steel and bronze phone, which is even more of a stretch. This really is an amazing looking phone so hit the source links after the video.

SOURCE: DVICE > MIDDLESEX U > ADZERO

In the future you can expect to see some Ice Cream Sandwich love for this guy. As promised by Verizon and Motorola. When that might be is any ones guess. The DROID 4 is a pretty outstanding device and will easily cater to those of you that prefer a keyboard over the on-screen only options. It isn’t available just yet though, but is right around the corner with a launch date of February 10th. When it is finally time to go snag one, you can expect $199.99 on contract with all the usual data and plan requirements.

DROID 4 by Motorola Ready to Work and Play on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

Power, speed and reliability get the job done

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Feb. 7, 2012 — The award-winning DROID 4 by Motorola will be available to handle even the most demanding lifestyles starting Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com. Introduced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the DROID 4 is the thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone measuring at less than half an inch thin. DROID 4 not only features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, but also a five-row QWERTY keyboard with a PC-like layout and edge-lit keys for fast, precise typing, even in the dark. Powered by America’s fastest, most reliable 4G network, DROID 4 customers will have access to 4G LTE coverage in 195 markets covering more than 200 million people.

Additional features

• Verizon Wireless 4G LTE – Customers can expect fast download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas
• Android^™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android^™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 4.0-inch qHD display with scratch and scrape resistant glass
• Government-grade encryption (FIPS 140-2) for email, calendar and contacts; preloaded with Citrix^®Receiver^™ for Android (available in webtop) for desktop virtualization and access
• 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture
• Front-facing camera for video chat
• 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot supporting up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Business Ready

DROID 4 is designed to help customers get more done. Business professionals can impress their audience by presenting to a conference room full of potential customers in a snap by plugging the DROID 4 into an HDTV and presenting directly from the phone. Professionals can also combine the DROID 4 with the Lapdock 500 and its 14-inch display to create a full-featured mobile office. They can download documents, make edits using Lapdock’s full keyboard and email the updated documents to colleagues or customers. The Lapdock even features a built-in webcam so customers can attend virtual meetings and manage their business face-to-face.

The Smart Actions app on the DROID 4 helps automate everyday tasks and optimizes battery efficiency by letting customers create rules, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate during work hours or dimming the display at a specific battery level.

Business professionals can leave their laptops behind and use the MotoCast^™ app to remotely stream documents, videos, music and pictures from their work or home computers to their handset. The remote access of MotoCast eliminates the need to store documents on the handset as everything is stored on their office laptop.

Pricing and availability

• DROID 4 by Motorola will be available on Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
• The Lapdock 500 is available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online for $299.97.
• Customers that purchase a DROID 4 will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Follow@VZWnews on Twitter for the latest news on Verizon Wireless.

The Excite X10 comes in two models, a 16GB and a 32GB. It is an internet tablet only meaning no carrier attachment for 3G or 4G service. The screen size is 10.1-inches of Corning Gorilla Glass. Housed inside its 0.3″ thin body is a dual-core 1.2GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor and 1GB of RAM. There is a 5MP rear facing camera and a front facer for good measure. It also has all the Micro slots one could need like, HDMI, USB and SD. The X10 also has another interest addition, on the side of the tablet is a physical switch to lock the tablet in landscape or portrait mode. The tablet is launching with Honeycomb but Toshiba was was very quick to let me know that Ice Cream Sandwich is in the works.

What will one of these set you back? Well, the 16GB model is £399 and the 32GB model is £449. It is definitely thin, fast and light. To get yours ordered, head over to Carphone Warehouse to snag a 16GB or 32Gb.

For those of us here in the states, we will have to wait a little bit longer for an official U.S release. To keep up with Toshiba and when that might be, you can sign up for email alerts at Toshiba Direct.

It is obviously another Android accessory that we just can’t live without. His name is Andru. He is the all-in-one desktop figure/wall charger. With a clever little stand that you ‘plug’ his legs into to make him visible to the world. Simply disconnect him from the stand and give him a shock in the nearest wall outlet for a convenient charger. Not only does he look cool, but he is functional. Too add just a little bit more to this device, the creators added in a little lights and gave his eyes some glow in killer blue color while charging and white while in standby. Should help you find your charger in the dark if it is plugged in. Oh, and yes, he is an action figure, his arms do move.

Our suggestion, forward this post to your respective other half and hope for the best. If you can’t count on her to do the right thing, then head over to powerbygen and get yours ordered today. I am sure you can explain $25 some how right?

Source: Gen via AndroidCommunity

The Motorola Droid Bionic can be added to the list of soak tests, as a new update is rolling out to its testers. The Droid Razr, the Motorola Photon 4G and the Motorola Atrix 4G, have already been doing their “soak testing”, so the Bionic will not be left out of these reindeer games. Here are the changes we can expect:

• Remove VCast Music preload
• Add Amazon MP3 app preload
• Motorola Terms and Conditions screen automatically enables data collection/location details
• Google security patch to block access to change Home panel icons
• After factory reset, location consent screen shown on activation screen
• Change “Terms and Condition” screen title to “Motorola Terms of Service”

Some bloatware getting removed thankfully, but Motorola is putting there name on the terms of conditions. Interesting stuff, but at least Droid Bionic users will be happy to know that their phone is getting an update.

Source: Droid-Life

Some slightly disappointing news for device users that want faster processors and that want AT&T’s Galaxy Note. Looks like the anticipated device will be rocking not the Exynos processor, but a Snapdragon processor. Snapdragons generally get slower benchmarks so I would say it is a little bit of a let down, but it will still be rockin’.

This information comes from a Qualcomm tweet that said, “Galaxy Note is one of over 340 Snapdragoned-powered devices”. I am sure Qualcomm was proud to send that tweet, yet many of their followers sighed quietly to themselves. Check out the benchmark results from GLBenchmark for comparisons between the two processors.

Galaxy Note with Exynos
GLBenchmark 2.1 Egypt High: 2827 Frames (25.0 Fps)
GLBenchmark 2.1 Egypt Standard: 3012 Frames (26.7 Fps)

Galaxy Note with Snapdragon
GLBenchmark 2.1 Egypt High : 1014 Frames (9.0 Fps)
GLBenchmark 2.1 Egypt Standard : 2425 Frames (21.5 Fps)

Exynos definitely has a little more horse power than Snapdragon. Will this affect your decision on getting the Galaxy Note?

Source: Galaxy Tabs

Via Samsung Canada, thanks Jeff

Since there seems to be some confusion on the part of it being for Canada ONLY, here is the quick look at the Eligibility Rules. Take special note about the part that says “Contest is open to legal residents of Canada“

ELIGIBILITY:
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest is open to legal residents of Canada
excluding residents of Quebec who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of
residence (or, if under the age of majority, have the consent of their parent or legal guardian to
participate in the Contest), except employees or agents (and those with whom they are domiciled)
and affiliates of Contest Sponsor and its advertising and promotion agencies.
CONTEST PERIOD:
Contest begins on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) and ends on Monday, February 13,
2012 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) (the “Contest Period”)

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE GALAXY NEXUS WHITE

Samsung’s latest Android device coming to UK shores 13th February

6th February 2012, London, UK – Samsung has today confirmed the availability of a white variant of the Galaxy Nexus in the UK. The first smartphone to feature Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Galaxy Nexus White can be bought in a range of stores across the country from 13th February.

Simon Stanford, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division said: “After much speculation, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Galaxy Nexus White which follows the great reception the phone has received since it was launched back in November. One of the things we at Samsung pride ourselves on is the choice we offer customers, and we’ve enjoyed huge success to date by introducing white variants of our most popular models to our product portfolio.”

The Galaxy Nexus™ White offers customers all the features found in the original Galaxy Nexus, from the 4.65” HD Super AMOLED display which boasts a market-leading resolution of 720p (1280×720), to the 5 megapixel camera and super-fast 1.2GHz dual core processor and HSPA+ connectivity so owners can connect to and browse the internet quickly and easily when they’re out and about.

As the first smartphone to run on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Galaxy Nexus White offers customers an entirely new look and feel, including a redesigned user interface with improved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support and a full web browsing experience. In addition to a rounded slim design, the Galaxy Nexus White also introduces new innovations such as ‘Face Unlock’, which uses facial recognition to unlock the phone. Whilst integration with Google+™ means owners can easily stay in touch with friends and family and talk over Google+ Messenger.