Mobile Fun Blog

Stream HD to your TV with the HDMI-to-MHL adaptor for the SGS2

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Otherwise known as, ‘just how many acronyms can you get into one blog title’?

A popular but little known feature of the Samsung Galaxy S was its ability to do video out from its 3.5mm jack, as long as you had the appropriate cable to go into the standard AV ports on the televion.

So it may come as a disappointment to some that Samsung have removed this feature in the phone’s successor, the otherwise extremely handsome Galaxy S2.  Instead, the Galaxy S2 is the first to combine USB and HDMI capabilities in one with their MHL port, meaning that you can charge, sync data and stream audio and video through the same port.

Many modern smartphones are too slim for a built-in HDMI port, and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) ports allow you to incorporate multiple functions in one port – as long as you have the right adapter.  So for Galaxy S2 TV output, you’ll need to acquire HDMI-to-MHL adaptor, and unfortunately these aren’t always cheap – not to mention that the release of the official Samsung Galaxy S2 MHL adapter is still quite a way off on the horizon.

A more cost-effective option is the BizLink MHL to HDMI adapter, which will be available over on the main site within the next fortnight – much earlier than the official cable.  The adapter lets you transform your phone’s MHL output into a Galaxy S2 HDMI out, allowing you to connect to your HDMI-ready TV with ease and stream media directly to it from your phone.

The BizLink also has a Micro USB port on the side of the adapter which lets you charge your phone at the same time – good news, since streaming media can be a bit of drain on your Galaxy S II battery power!

BizLink MHL to HDMI Adapter

Hold the phone – the official Galaxy S2 car holder just hit my desk!

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

There are a variety of Galaxy S II car holders floating around, including the very lovely Gripwise, which I blogged on earlier in the week.  But for some people, only the real McCoy will do – and here it is, on my desk today, the Genuine Samsung Galaxy S II Vehicle Dock.

Unboxing

I’ve been taking a look at it and it really does seem immensely sturdy, unlike some unofficial car holders, which just goes to show that you really do get what you pay for with something like this.  It’s also pretty stylish and good-looking, and you can attach it to either your dashboard or your windscreen, which means it shouldn’t block your view too much (safety first!)

It also has an in-built Galaxy S II charger, which personally I think is a must for car holders if you’re thinking of using your smartphone instead of a SatNav.  The sad fact is that smartphone batteries simply aren’t up to much – even the comparatively powerful Galaxy S II battery – and GPS will drain them like nobody’s business.  With a car charger included then you at least know you’re not suddenly going to run out of power half way through a long journey, leaving you stranded in the middle of Ashby-de-la-Zouche or similar.

Other Galaxy S II docks of the non-vehicular variety are also available over on the main site.

She shall have music wherever she goes – the Galaxy S2 Sound System dock

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

With one of the best smartphone screens available (800 x 480 screen resolution and exclusive Super AMOLED Plus technology), 1GB RAM to store media and 1.2Ghz dual-core processor for the fastest and most powerful performance ever, the Galaxy S II gives you a multimedia experience that’s as good as they come.  On the other hand, though, smartphone speakers just aren’t up to it if you want proper, room-filling sound – it doesn’t matter how good the phone is, playing music from it without headphones is always going to have that tinny edge.

Turn up the volume with the Galaxy S II Sound System!

That’s why the Samsung Galaxy S2 Sound Station is such a great idea – and such a simple one that we aren’t sure why there aren’t a dozen similar models floating around on the market.  It’s basically just a Galaxy S II dock that sits quietly and inconspicuously on your desk – until you plug the Galaxy S2 into it, whereupon it transforms into a positively rowdy Sound Station with high-quality Seine acoustic amplifier and stereo speaker.

It doesn’t need any external power source – it’s powered completely by the Galaxy S2 battery alone.  That makes it great for use outdoors, meaning you won’t need to trail extension leads out of the door and across the garden to enjoy some summery sounds along with your picnic or barbecue.  Perfect stuff for the sunshiney season!

The Sound System is available for preorder over the main website and will be in stock soon, along with a variety of other Galaxy S II accessories and Galaxy S II cases.

Turn your friends green with envy with the new ecoskin iPhone 4 covers

Friday, May 6th, 2011

We love the new Ecoskins by Anokimobi that we’ve just ordered in, which are a range of top quality smartphone covers made of eco-friendly recycled plastic and infused with special bacteria-resistant silver ions to keep your phone cleaner and safer.

The Ecoskin is available as an iPhone 4 skin, Nokia N8 skin or HTC Desire HD cover, protects your phone from scratches and bumps and comes in a great range of colours.

Here are three reasons why we’re excited about them:

They’re antibacterial
protecting you from all those bugs and germs that can make you ill.  Mobile phones are a breeding ground for bacteria – just think about everything you handle over the course of the day getting passed on to your phone.  Not only that, but phones often get handed around between people – to share a photo, for example, or to point out something interesting you’ve found on the internet.  So it’s not just the things you’ve touched that are getting all over your phone – it’s the things everyone else who touches your phone has touched, too!

According to a study by Which Magazine taken from a sample of phones, 14.7 million of the 63 million mobiles in the UK today could be potentially harmful to health due to bacterium levels on them.  Not to mention that… well, it’s just kind of gross!

So to protect against germs, Anokimob have added Biomaster to the material of the ecoskin.  Biomaster is a silver-based additive which is used for many medical devices, and is proven to decrease levels of bacteria by up to 99.9% – making it the perfect ingredient to help you keep your phone germ-free.

They’re eco-friendly
and made from 100% recycled, 100% recyclable high grade plastic.  Not only that, but the cardboard packaging is 95% recycled and the plastic tray frontage is 80% recycled.  Every effort has been made to make both the case and the packaging as environmentally friendly as possible – so that’s something to feel good about!

They’re made in the UK
by the same people who make components for Aston Martin, which means the fit of the case is superb, clinging to your phone’s every curve.  And because we don’t need to import them from a far off land, as with most mobile phone accessories, your carbon footprint is reduced.

Though Ecoskins cover most of your phone, there are cutouts to allow it to be charged whilst still in the case, and to allow access to all buttons and functions.  As Ecoskins do not protect the screen, you may wish to pair it with an antibacterial iPhone 4, Nokia N8 or HTC Desire HD screen protector to ensure full protection.

SIM free Samsung Galaxy S2 in stock from today

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

The very gorgeous SIM free Samsung Galaxy S2 – or the Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II, if you prefer to give it its slightly lengthier title, though I’m not sure why you would – flew onto our shelves yesterday, and has almost as rapidly started flying straight off them again.

The Galaxy S2 is one of the first smartphones to feature a powerful dual-core processor (others current and upcoming include the LG Optimus 2X and the Motorola Atrix), something which looks set to become the standard for modern smartphones.  It also boasts next-gen Bluetooth 3.0, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and NFC technology for contactless payments.  On the visual side, the Galaxy S2 has an 8MP camera with 1080p HD video recording capabilities, a separate 1.3MP front-facing camera for video-calling and a massive 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen to show your photos and media off on.

SIM free Samsung Galaxy S2 i91000

We also have a selection of snazzy Samsung i9100 accessories over on the main site, so click through to see Samsung Galaxy S2 cases from all your favourite brands – including Casemate’s popular Barely There series and official Samsung leather cases.

Dual-core devices:

SIM free Samsung i9100 | SIM free Motorola Atrix | SIM free LG Optimus 2X | SIM free HTC Sensation