A few months ago we introduced you to the Lg G2, the latest in smartphone technology. At the time we were using a “global unit” which we were given by LG for reviewing purposes. This unit was available to us without the benefit of actual cell provider service. We have since acquired a fully functioning device with T-Mobile service for a more accurate assessment of the functions and abilities of the device. We have had the device for a few weeks now and are more in love with it now then when we wrote our first review. Here is an update on some key functions and how we use them every day:
Knock On: Anyone who has seen me out and about with the device has likely witness my incessant knocking. The Knock on feature allows you to unlock the phone without having to pick it up. This come in especially handy when out to dinner, or sneaking in a little facebook at a meeting. Just a quick light tap on the screen and you are right back where you left off before your screen faded to black. I use this the most when I’m cooking from a recipe app, I can see what the next step is and I don’t have to get food all over the phone.
Q-Slide: The Q slide function allows you to use apps simultaneously. I didn’t think I would have a reason to use this but it really comes in handy; especially when my editor wants a quick answer on my availability. I usually keep the calendar, email and text messaging on-screen together so I can answer his messages, look at the calendar, add or subtract events, and review forwarded emails about forthcoming posts and reviews.
Battery Life: The battery life is awesome! Most mornings I get out of the house around 8am, by 4pm my old phone would be clinging to the last bit of life and requiring a charge before heading to any events. With the G2 I can use the phone all day long without having to hunt for an outlet or usb port. On a typical day I use facebook, instagram, email and text messaging frequently. I also play several different games which run in the background and provide me with push messages and random updates. With all these apps working in unison the G2 is still charged enough for taking photos or recording audio at events.
Streaming Video and Audio: One of the biggest gripes I had with my other phone was its inability to stream video. The G2 on Wi-Fi and the 4g network rarely needs any additional buffering. It is the most seamless way to watch videos online. My other phone had trouble viewing makeup tutorials on YouTube but with the G2 I can watch an entire movie with no hiccups! I also love to listen to Pandora Radio and the G2 lets me do that with no issues.
Guest Mode: This truly came in handy when people first saw me with the device. When you get a new toy everyone wants to play with it which would be fine if play didn’t turn into snooping. To let others play around with the phone and get a feel for it I put it on guest mode with limited apps. In guest mode I limited the visibility to basic functions and apps which allowed me to keep my business to myself and outside the view of prying eyes.
Sharing: What good is a great camera if you can’t share the images with loved ones? This phone makes sharing photos easy and fast. When i go out some pictures are great for the site and others for my own personal use. The G2 lets me send multiple photos quickly over the 4g network, without having to reduce the size and quality.
As smartphones go the Lg G2 is hands down one of the very best in the market. It is easy to operate, functional and personable. Everyday with the device you discover new tricks and tweaks to personalize your experience. The LG G2 is available on all the major carriers: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. The price for a unit without service ranges from $524 to $603. Luckily most carriers offer a special deal with a commitment that’s reduces the price significantly. You can get the Lg G2 for $99 down! Trust us if you are on the market for a new cell this is the one you want.
-Desha Winborne