Bigger and Better: Galaxy Note 7

By M. Moran
The release of the newest addition to Samsung’s large sized smartphone family, the Galaxy Note 7, will be available in the U.S. market as of August 19. The timing could not have been better for Samsung, as ad spots for the phone are going to be running during the 2016 summer olympics in Rio…an event which should have significant viewership. While the new phone seems to be “packed” with new features, we plan here to comment only on the most impressive ones, and for balance mention a few items that could have a downside.

Nice Display Screen
It is the largest of the Note series smartphones produced to date. Many reviewers have spoken well of the new Note and its 5.7 ” screen which makes use of a wrap-around display, something currently unique to both Samsung and LG.
Water Resistance
As anyone who has lost a phone to water damage can tell you, the water resistant nature of the new Note elevates its desirability, something that Samsung’s main competitor Apple hasn’t yet debuted. While water resistant is good, and will definitely solve some problems it may in the process actually create some new ones. The reason is that many people don’t actually have a good grasp of the difference between water resistant and water proof. Those same people may not be as careful to keep their phone dry as the normally would and inadvertently end up exposing their phone to more water than they should. We suggest looking further into the difference between the two definitions for your own reference…in other words it probably not a good idea go swimming with your Note 7 in your pocket.

Iris Scanner
Another innovative and unique feature of the Note 7 is the built-in iris scanner. This allows the phone to be unlocked with a simple widening of the eye, instead of using a fingerprint, passcode, or pattern. Will it be used, will it work well or be subject to misfires, or is it somewhat gimmicky? These are answers that will only become apparent in time.

Massive Memory…But is it Worth it?
Although the superior screen, and the 64 GB base memory with the current ability to expand to 256 GB is remarkable (supposedly able to expand to 2 TB when that is available…which honestly won’t happen until the phone is obsolete), certain downsides could give some pause to reconsider the $849.00 purchase. Here is the short list: the non-removable battery, Samsung overcrowding the software with preloaded OS specific apps including two different browsers, the strong possibility of either losing the stylus or it getting stuck in the port due to dust or small grains of sand. These negative elements could wind up being detractions for many users.

Summary
Overall, The new phone appears to have a super solid build despite the minimal negatives. Samsung lovers will undoubtedly appreciate the new qualities and features the Note 7 has to offer, even if the purchase price is at the very top of the smartphone food chain. Lastly, we should mention that it will fit very nicely into our large smartphone mount.

Our favorites: The top 3 New and Useful Features of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

By M. Georgevich

This update on the Samsung Galaxy S7 comes straight from the Samsung newsroom. As expected, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge provide a suite of new features that should make the devices more convenient to use. What follows here in our opinion are the top 3 most useful new features in the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in order of importance.

Display Scaling

One of the new customizable settings is the DPI (Dots Per Inch) option. This allows users to choose between the default standard or a condensed display. Condensing the display shrinks controls, icons, and texts, but allows the visibility of more content on the screen at one time, making for easier multi-tasking

Customizable App Shortcuts on Lock Screen

To further maximize easy use, two apps can be saved in the lower corners to be accessed from the lock screen on both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Whichever apps you favor the most, whether they are built-in apps like the camera, the dial pad, photo gallery, or even third-party apps including Facebook and Instagram, the newly launched Galaxy models can now accommodate you with fast access.

Multiple Lock Screen Images

Do you remember the days when you had to pick only one photo for your lock screen? Another feature making its debut is a clean looking lock screen, free of a time and date display and other information that can occlude the view of a nice lock screen wallpaper display. Samsung owners will now be able to select multiple images from their gallery to vary the look of the lock screen each time it appears. This new feature allows up to 30 different chosen images to be displayed as alternating lock screen wallpaper. Each time your phone is locked, the lock screen changes to one of the previously saved photos.

Long pressing the display while the lock screen is on makes the time and other information on the display disappear leaving only the wallpaper image–thus allowing your lock screen image to be displayed without interference from any other on-screen information. To make these things visible, one simply presses down on the screen until they appear. Another long press hides them again, leaving you with only your background photo.

In our opinion, the latest versions of Samsung phones come loaded with features reminiscent of an old DVD remote control. There are plenty of buttons to press but odds are you will only ever use 3 or 4 of them regularly. The question then becomes how many will you actually use?

Whether you have chosen a Galaxy 7 for the upgraded hardware functions or the software features reviewed above, one thing is certain: if you are using your phone while driving, for safety and utility it should be secured in the best mounting system available. The Maxx Mount adjustable grip mounting system is the most innovative and sturdiest available. We believe as many have observed that it is simply the best mobile mount on the market. Our large smartphone size (AM-LSP) firmly holds both of the new galaxy 7 phones either with or without a case.

 

Press release: Maxx Mount smartphone automobile mount product review by Vault Feed

By Maxx Mount

Maxx-iPhone-mount

Maxx Mount shown with retail packaging

The Maxx Mount standard smartphone size automobile mount was featured in a product review published October 20, 2013 in the popular tech blog named vaultfeed.com. We are pleased to report that our product was favorably reviewed and received a 4.6 star score out of a possible 5 star rating.

In the write up, reviewer of record Josh Boram, summarizes his findings at the end of the article by saying: ”It is hard for product manufacturers to offer products that are both affordable and durable at the same time, however Maxx Mount has achieved this balance and created what I consider to be the best mount available today.  In my opinion no other mount offers the same flexibility, usability, and affordability as the Maxx Mount does.”

We humbly appreciate the positive comments, and will continue striving to develop and offer innovate solutions for the mobile device mounting market. Click the following link to be redirected to the vault feed site and catch the review for yourself: Maxx Mount review at Vaultfeed.com