Microsoft, Google unveil more new mobile devices

Last week the tech world was introduced to a handful of new mobile devices including the iPad mini, fourth generation iPad and Surface Tablet RT. This week, while many eyes are on the potential destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, Microsoft and Google are grabbing some headlines of their own by introducing new devices.

The Google announcement came with more anticipation, especially since the company issued a statement over the weekend that the Frankenstorm – better known as Hurricane Sandy – would force the press event in New York City to be cancelled. The company instead released the information on their website.

Smartphones and tablets were on the docket for Google. The company introduced the Nexus 4 phone, Nexus 10 tablet and refreshed the Nexus 7 tablet. On top of that they also introduced the next version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It is not a complete overhaul, but instead adds some features like a new keyboard, wireless video streaming services, a 360-degree photo feature and a Google Now service.

“People increasingly have more than one device, and they switch between them many times a day. Nexus – Google’s hardware line for Android devices – gets rid of the hassle,” Google’s Senior Vice President of Android, Andy Rubin. “Just sign in with your Google Account and everything is there ready to go, whatever device you’re using: photos, emails, contacts, bookmarks, even your entertainment on Google Play.”

Microsoft, on the other hand, unveiled the Windows 8 phone operating system at a press event in San Francisco. The company showed off a number of new and upgraded features like a redesigned home screen, long-term application plans, Data Sense, Internet Explorer 10 and Wallet/NFC support.

Companies in Ohio that are looking to increase their mobile device presense strategies would be wise to partner with an IT consulting firm.

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