Verizon Wireless has recently released a new HTC smartphone and a new PC tablet from Motorola Mobility. The phone, the HTC Rezound, was released in stores this past fall on Nov. 14, while the Xyboard tablet came out on Dec. 9.
Both the Rezound and the Xyboard run on Verizon’s newest 4G LTE network. The company guarantees that it is up to 10 times faster than its previous 3G network, making it more efficient for their customers’ needs.
While the new network is not currently available within the Elizabethtown area, other areas in Pennsylvania are starting to experience the newest technology. These areas include Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Scranton and the Lehigh Valley. The network is currently expanding to reach out to even more locations in the nation.
The HTC Rezound is a full touchscreen device that uses the latest Android operating system. An important component to the phone is the quick access to calling, messaging and other customizable shortcuts right from the lockscreen. This allows faster and more efficient use of the phone.
Through a partnership between Verizon and Beats by Dr. Dre, the HTC Rezound is the first smartphone available in the United States that uses the newest Beats Audio Technology. It gives customers a better listening experience when utilizing the phone’s music and other multimedia capabilities. The sound quality is amplified by the lightweight Beats headphones included in the purchase of the phone.
The Droid Xyboard by Motorola is the newest tablet PC from Verizon. Two sizes are available: one with a 10.1 inch screen and another at 8.2 inches. The Xyboard 10.1 comes in a 16 GB, a 32 GB and a 64 GB model, while the Xyboard 8.2 is available in 16 GB and 32 GB.
The Xyboard has the typical Android interface, containing different panels for shortcuts and widgets that are customizable by the user. The tablet also has quick access to Google search bar and the App Drawer at the top of each panel, allowing easy use of the device.
The Google Play Store hosts several apps that allow the Xyboard to be utilized for increased productivity. New apps such as StudyDroid and CoursePro are especially useful for students who wish to use their tablet to help with their schoolwork. StudyDroid is a study tool used to create mobile flashcards right on your device. CoursePro is an app used to organize classes, homework and grades. These are just some of the resources available to owners of tablet PCs.
Rebecca Chan, sophomore early childhood education major at Elizabethtown College, has noted the advantages to having a tablet PC on campus. “Honestly, it would be great because it is smaller to carry than a laptop. Plus it has Internet access, and you can also use it as a GPS. It’s really neat,” Chan said.
Another resource that Verizon offers device owners is Verizon Wireless workshops. These workshops are free and feature Verizon experts who can teach customers how to use their device to its greatest potential. This includes setting up email accounts and giving app suggestions to fit the customers’ needs.
Potential customers may go to the Verizon website to check out current pricing and see how the HTC Rezound and the Droid Xyboard will work with their existing Verizon plan.
