October Recap

Nexus 7

The month of October was pretty interesting for the mobile world. A lot of things were announced, and launched. Google announced their new updates to the Nexus line which included an updated Nexus 7 with more storage, and brand new Nexus 4, and Nexus 10. The Nexus 7 will now come in 16 GB for $199 and 32 GB for $249. The new 16 gig version will be replacing the old 8 gb one. They also gave it HSPA+ functionality on T-Mobile. It will retain the same quad-core Tegra 3 processor, and 1280 x 800 7 inch display. 

Nexus 4

The new Nexus 4 was announced and will be launching November 13th. It is going to be a real powerhouse coming with a 4.7 inch 1280 x 768 IPS HD display. It will be powered by a Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, and 2GB of RAM to ensure it runs buttery smooth.. And as with any nexus device it will launch with Android 4.2. Now if you think all this will break the bank, here is where it gets really good. The 8GB version will start at $299 unlocked contract free with the 16GB flavor coming in at $349.

Nexus 10

Let us not forget about the brand new Samsung made Nexus 10. It will start at $399 for the 16 GB version. Front and center you notice the large 10 inch screen with an amazing 2500 x 1600 resolution. Making it the highest resolution tablet on the market right now. Throw in a dual-core A15 processor with 2GB of RAM, and Android 4.2, and you've got another impressive Nexus device.

Galaxy Note 2

Samsung also released their long awaited Galaxy Note 2 on T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular, and announced it will be releasing on Verizon, and AT&T sometime in November. While it was a bit disappointing to see a scattered release, for many the phone is more than worth it. Featuring a 5.5 inch Super Amoled 720p display, it is great for content consuming, and creation with improved functionality of the S pen. Powering it is a quad-core Exynos processor and 2 GB of RAM. They also upped the battery size to 3,100 mah allowing for you to use LTE without worry of the phone dying too quickly. With improved S pen functionality 16GB of internal storage plus a micro SD card this device is coming with a premium price. Across all the carriers this is going to be a $300+ phone with a 2 year contract extension.

Surface tablet

On non Android related news Windows 8 released this month along with Microsoft's new Surface tablet featuring Windows 8 RT. The first ever Microsoft made tablet is a daring endeavor, but they have certainly put their all into it. You quickly notice the premium design and materials used in making the device. It's impressive and demands your attention with a built in kickstand and the new Vapor MG casing. Under the hood its running the new Windows RT OS which is limited to only using the new apps from Windows store and is unable to run legacy programs. It will be running a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and 2GB of RAM. It starts at $499 for the 32GB version. However what really makes it special is it's new touch type cover which functions as a touch keyboard and track pad when open. But this amazing new accessory will run you an additional $129 if purchased separately. The Surface Pro will be coming with a few months running Windows 8 Pro, and using an intel processor. However details are still a bit scarce on this one.

iPad with Retina Display

Apple wasn't about to let Google and Microsoft steal all the thunder and announced the fourth generation iPad with retina display which will be replacing the new iPad (third gen). The fourth iPad will be available in both wifi only and LTE versions on Spint, AT&T, and Verizon. Apple will stick with the same pricing plan they've used on previous models with the 16GB Wi-Fi only version starting at $499, and $629 for LTE. It will feature a dual-core A6X custom processor with quad-core graphics chip. It will launch with iOS 6, a front facing 1.2 MP facetime HD camera, and iSight 5MP camera on the back. Both are capable of HD video with the facetime camera capable of 720p and the iSight camera doing full 1080p. Like the new iPhone 5 will also come with a lightning connector. However, not everyone was happy to hear this unusual announcement from Apple phasing out their new iPad a little over six months after releasing it. Many people felt they were getting a raw deal from Apple which normally only releases one update to their product lines every year.

iPad Mini

Rounding out important Apple news, the long rumored, almost mythical iPad Mini was finally made a reality alongside the new iPad. Featuring a 7.9 inch 1024 x 768 display and dual-core A5 processor. It will also come with LTE connectivity on the same three carriers as the other iPad. It will have the new lightning port and start at $329 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version. However, at that price point I'm not sure why anyone would buy it over the Nexus 7 which is $130 cheaper and offers better specs on almost all fronts.




This just about sums up all the important announces and releases that happened throughout the month of October. There's definitely a lot to be excited for, and this will be a very choice filled holiday shopping season. Choice is always good for the consumer, even if it makes deciding that much harder.