First Impressions of the iPhone 4, Part II

We’ll have a more in-depth review of Apple’s iPhone 4 soon but we’ve spent enough time today and in the past to touch on a couple very important details. At first glance, the screen and industrial design make the iPhone 4 stand out from previous generations. Looks aren’t everything or maybe they are.

(More on Techland: Unboxing the iPhone 4)

When Steve Jobs introduced the “retina display” at WWDC, a lot of folks including myself were skeptical of its actual capabilities until we were given a hands-on session right after the Jobs’ keynote. I was impressed weeks ago and I’m even more impressed now. The amount of pixels that Apple managed to cram into such a small space is ridiculously amazing. Just look at the following comparison and it’s obvious to the naked eye how much better the iPhone 4 display is. Folks can argue about Apple’s somewhat outlandish claims that the display goes beyond what the human eye can digest but there’s no denying it’s beauty.

I’ll be perfectly honest, I wasn’t a big fan of the new design when images of the iPhone 4 first leaked. I actually thought it was downright ugly but after seeing it a few weeks back and now, I can’t help but appreciate what Jony Ive and his team have managed to accomplish with this iteration. Sure, it feels a big awkward in hand compared to the 3GS and 3G models because it no longer has a tapered back but it feels so damn good after a few minutes. The weight is perfect. I love the industrial design. The glass back, super high-res display and steel band leave me speechless. I just want to look at it all day long.

I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not fanboy because I’ve never actually been a fan of the iPhone until now. My first gen iPhone literally sat in my desk drawer for an entire year. This is the iPhone that we’ve all been waiting for since day one. It has all the bells and whistles and then some. Because this particular unit is not my own, I can’t attest to call quality because it’s linked to someone else’s account and I’ll reserve judgment on the cameras until later in the day once I have my review unit.

(More on Techland: Hands-on with the iPhone 4)

The 12 Best Android Widgets for 2012

With all due respect to smartphone apps, sometimes you don’t want to open a new program just to get some quick info or perform a minor task. That’s where Android widgets come in handy, bringing the functionality of those apps right to the phone’s home screen. But not all widgets are wonderful. Some are glorified app launchers, while others are downright ugly. Here are the 12 best widgets that no discerning Android user should be without.

Review: Soulo Converts iPad into Karaoke Machine

Karaoke lovers typically fall into two categories: Those who enjoy it, and those whose arms have to be twisted to get up and sing in public. Enter Soulo, a software and microphone kit that can turn an iPad or other Apple device into a karaoke machine. It gives you instant karaoke in the privacy of your own home, or wherever you carry your Apple gadgets. That’s the idea, anyway.