Last minute gift guide 2013

HOLIDAY 2013

TECH gift

GUIDE NEXT-GEN GAMING The most-coveted gaming gifts of the holiday season: the new PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Give them the right device to fit their tech lifestyle

PLUS

All the Latest Gear • iPhone 5S & 5C • Galaxy Gear Smartwatch • Nintendo’s newest games and devices • Gifts for the vintage gamer • And More!

DREAMING OF COLOR

Smartphones with personality

Gift

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North Georgia’s Largest Selection of Firearms

mass communication Step Up their Find the perfect-match phone photography for everyone game on your list

• Rare Firearms • Class 3 Dealer • Bulk Ammunition • Pawn • We Buy Gold • Accessories • Reloading

PLUS: • The Wii U gets a price drop • The new 2DS handheld

eye candy for • All the new games featuring their earS Nintendo’s cast of characters the next Generation the nextGame generation of Video consoles ofholiday Video game This season, it’s allconSoleS about the

PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Read up on all the high-tech featured these new gaming systems deliver

• Retro gaming consoles for the vintage gamer • The Amazing Technicolor

maSS Smartphone commUnication

PlUS:

H

platform perfection Platform Perfection

A new device is nice — as long as it plays nice with all their other devices. Here’s a guide to the latest Android an iOS devices to fit into their tech lifestyle PAGE 2 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

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PlayStation & Xbox: The NexT GeNeraTioN This holiday season, the most-desired devices are the new PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. But which console is right for your gamer? Read on for all the high-tech features packed into these new gaming systems As for peripherals, those hoping to save money by using previous versions of add-ons will meet disappointment: Neither system offers backward compaticompati bility on accessories.

The DualShock also has a touchpad for swiping motions and navigation, a speaker and a “Share” button that allow players to record gameplay, create video or screenshots and post them instantly online.

Hardware SpecS Spec

Up to four controllers can be connected to the PS4, and up to eight to the Xbox One.

Both consoles have a 500GB hard drive, 8GB of RAM and an 8-core CPU processor, so both produce very similar performance levels. However, early reviews gave the PS4 a lead in performance.

conTroller

By Taniesha RoBinson CTW Fea FeaTuRes

A

mong the billions of gifts Santa sifts through this holiday season may be millions of the latest eighth-generation video game consoles: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Sony’s PS4 teases innovative game portability and simple social sharing.

Microsoft’s Xbox One has the potential to replace your remote control.

Both consoles promise next-level gaming and entertainment experiences, but which would deliver in your household? Read on for a guide to all the features of these new super systems.

price TaG

A glaring difference in the standard console launch bundles comes in the form of price. The Xbox One, which launches in a special Day One Edition, retails for $499.99; the PlayStation 4 will be a full Benjamin Franklin less, at $399.99.

The Xbox One Day One bundle includes the console; a Kinect 2.0 sensor; commemorative controller, HDMI cable; and Xbox One Chat Headset. The PlayStation 4 will have a more spartan “bundle” — just the console and a controller.

The PS4’s controller, the DualShock 4, evolved more over its predecessor than the Xbox One controller did from the Xbox 360’s. Yet, Xbox fans will argue that Microsoft got it right the first time around. The DualShock 4 designers changed the back surface, analog buttons and triggers for better grip. “In addition to that, there have been all these great features added to it without compromising the basic feel of the DualShock,” according to Scott Rohde, PlayStation software product development head for Sony Worldwide Studios America.

The PlayStation Camera ($54) will enable a new tracking feature through a light bar at the head of the controller. “We can track the position of this controller with multiple folks in the room,” Rohde says in a promotional video. “It’s very easy for the PS4 to identify who’s who.” Xbox also got the hint and added this feature to its new controller.

Social experience

The “Share” button is a step forward for the PlayStation’s online social features, but Xbox One has reigned in this space with its online gaming platform, Xbox Live Gold.

“With the Xbox 360, [Microsoft] really nailed online,” says Brian Crecente, news editor for the video game website Polygon.

“Xbox Live is by far, on consoles, my favorite online experience, and I assume going into Xbox One that that’s not going to be something I have to worry about.”

Microsoft has taken it up a notch with advanced algorithms to match players based on skill level and more.

MoTion & Voice conTrol

The Xbox One can be turned on by simply saying “Xbox, on” or sitting down with the controller in hand. And that’s just the beginning of the buttonless control gamers have in the new system thanks to Kinect 2.0.

“The fact that it can do things like track room entry and motion, that it can see when you’re not paying attention, that it can tell what your heartbeat is, all of

Continued on Next Page

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013 — PAGE 3

Holiday TecHGiftGUide | 2013 Holiday TecHGiftGUide | 2013

Continued from Previous Page“If in real-time. that is fascinating,” Crecente says. someone really took advantage that“If inThe PS4 also is teasing the idea of real-time. that is fascinating,” Crecente of says. and made a really cool game, I’d love gaming through integration of itsof someone really took advantage of that remote The PS4 also is teasing the idea that.”

Vita device and a PlayStation cloud and made a really cool game, I’d love PSremote gaming through integration of its launching 2014.

The on-the-goSony confirms that the PlayStation service that.”

PS Vita device in and a PlayStation cloud gamer will be able to start game on his Camera will have voice control, facial on-the-goSony confirms that the PlayStation service launching in 2014.aThe recognition with facial its home gamerconsole will be and able continue to start a playing game onon his Camera willand haveinteraction voice control, the PS Vita on their way out the door. on DualShock 4. recognition and interaction with its home console and continue playing DualShock 4.

Mobile inTeGraTion The PS4 andinTeGraTion Xbox One will both Mobile

haveThe companion mobile PS4 and Xboxapps.

OneThe willXbox both SmartGlass app has been upgraded have companion mobile apps. Thewith Xbox faster speed, remote abilities with for SmartGlass app hascontrol been upgraded nongaming activities and unique gaming faster speed, remote control abilities for abilities. nongaming activities and unique gaming

Both conquer your the PS systems Vita on attempt their waytoout the door. living room with TV services, too.

Sony Both systems attempt to conquer your plans to room launchwith an online, paid TVtoo. service living TV services, Sony byplans the to endlaunch of 2013.

The Xbox One can an online, paid TV service run apps simultaneously with games, by the end of 2013. The Xbox One can movies and more.

Plus, it has one interface run apps simultaneously with games, – movies complete with motion and voice and more. Plus, it has one control interface – –that allows with control of normal TV control funccomplete motion and voice tions.

– that allows control of normal TV func-

“Game makers realize that there is a abilities. ubiquity to makers smartphones “This holiday, you’re going to have “Game realize and that tablets,” there is a tions.

Crecente says.

“Everybody seemingly people doing exactly whatgoing I’m doing,” ubiquity to smartphones and tablets,” “This holiday, you’re to have has one now, so they see that as an easy Crecente says.

“They’re going be standCrecente says. “Everybody seemingly people doing exactly what toI’m doing,” way extend experience.” there insays. front of the going consoles [atstandthe hastoone now, that so they see that as an easy ing Crecente “They’re to be store] – for the first time in a long time – For instance, both consoles’ mobile way to extend that experience.” ing there in front of the consoles [at the really, really deciding which console they experience will allow a players to go into store] – for the first time in a long time – For instance, both consoles’ mobile want.” “commander mode” in the game experience will allow a players to go into really, really deciding which console they “Battlefield 4” and direct in other ©CTW FeaTures “commander mode” theplayers game want.”

“Battlefield 4” and direct other players

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Nintendo: What’s New? Wii U: All Deluxe

The Deluxe Set of the G a m e Pa d - c o n t r o l l e d console features 32GB on-board flash memory and comes packaged with the “NintendoLand” game.

(Nintendo is phasing out the “basic” console, which had just 8GB of memory and did not come packaged with a game.)

Nintendo’s flagship system gets a new Zelda edition — and a price drop

I

f someone in your household has been clamoring for a Nintendo Wii U, the time to buy could not get much better.

Nintendo recently slashed $50 off the price of the Wii U Deluxe Set, which is now $299.99.

Nintendo also is releasreleas ing a new limited-edition Wii U Deluxe bundle with “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.” The Zelda bundle, also $299.99, includes a special GamePad adorned with gold lettering and symbols from the game; a digital download of “Hyrule Historia,” a book chronicling “The Legend of Zelda” series; and a digital download of the new high-def update of “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” originally published in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube.

Nintendo 3DS 2DS

The popular handheld gets a flat ‘upgrade’

N

intendo’s newest 3DS device is missing one big thing: 3D. But it’s still a 3DS at heart.

The new 2DS handheld, as the name suggests, features only 2D graphics.

However, the device, which comes in a new slate form (versus the 3DS’ clamshell), is compatible with the entire library of 3DS games and keeps many of the main features of Nintendo’s popular line of portable systems: dual screens, gameplay controls and touchscreen features.

Designed as an affordable entry into the 3DS line, the $129.99 2DS is available in blue and red; matching carrying cases are $12.99.

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013 — PAGE 5

Holiday TecHGift GUide | 2013

Mario& Luigi& Link& DK& Wario.

All their Nintendo friends are back this holiday season in a huge lineup of new titles Mario & luigi dream Team 3DS — $39.99

Super Mario 3d World

Wii U — Price TBD

Mario Party island Tour

Wii U — Price TBD

Up to four players can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach or Toad in the first ever four-player Mario game set in a 3D environment.

donkey Kong country Tropical Freeze Wii U — Price TBD

Mario and Sonic and all their friends compete in events at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

New Super luigi U

Wii U — $29.99/$19.99 (download)

The legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Hd Wii U — Price TBD

DK and company work to take back Donkey Kong Island, which has been seized by Vikings.

The twin plumbers embark on another rescue adventure in this RPG, which takes place both in the real world and inside Luigi’s dreams.

Mario & Sonic at the Winter olympic Games

The classic GameCube title gets a 1080p update for the Wii U.

Game & Wario Wii U — $39.99

The legend of Zelda: a link Between Worlds

Finally, Luigi gets his own starring role in more than 80 new levels set in the world of “New Super Mario Bros. U.” In addition to the standalone disc, the game is available as a download expansion for owners of “New Super Mario Bros. U.”

3DS — Price TBD

3DS — Price TBD

The four-player gaming extravaganza makes its debut on the 3DS!

This new storyline is set in same world from Super Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.”

PAGE 6 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

Dubbed “GamePad Pandemonium,” all the games in this latest title in the “WarioWare” franchise are played exclusively on the Wii U GamePad.

‘Game and Wario’ for the Wii U

THE CUMMING PLAYHOUSE PROUDLY PRESENTS...

Gifts for the Vintage Gamer A retro console is a must-give for the old-school gaming aficionado SNES/NES RetroN 2 Gaming Console This two-in-one system plays back games for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

$44.99

Sega Genesis Classic Game Console If their Genesis games went missing, this console has 80 built-in games ready to go — and, of course, plays original Genesis cartridges (if they ever happen to find them).

$69.99

Atari Flashback 4 Game Console This retro take on the classic Atari 2600 has 75 built-in games — yes, including Pong! $59.99

DECEMBER SHOW SCHEDULE

Entertainment

White Christmas Irvin Berlin Now thru – Dec. 15, 2013 T,F,S 8PM and Sun Mat 3PM

The Forsyth Youth Orchestra Holiday Celebrations Concert Dec. 4, 2013 - Wed 8PM

Christmas Classics 2013 Dec. 17, 2013 - Tue 8PM

North Georgia Barber Shop Singers Christmas 2013

North Georgia

singers

Dec. 19, 2013 - Thu 8PM

Cumming Playhouse Singers Christmas Concert 2013 Dec. 20, 2013 - Fri 8PM

Sounds of Sawnee Christmas Concert 2013 Dec. 21, 2013 - Sat 8PM

The North Georgia Chamber Symphony Christmas Concert Dec. 22, 2013 - Sun 3PM

The Return, Beatles Tribute Band Dec. 31, 2013 - 2 Shows - 3PM and 8PM

For tickets and showtime information please visit our website playhousecumming.com The Cumming Playhouse 101 School Street Cumming, GA 30040 playhousecumming.com 770.781.9178 LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013 — PAGE 7 File: 2723_1_cummingPlayhouse120813_LMGift

Gift

Platform Preferences

A new device is nice — if it plays nice with all their other devices. Here’s a guide to all the must-have gadgets that run iOS and Android, the operating systems that power your loved ones’ techie lives

By TimoThy hy R. Schul SchulTe cTW TW Fea FeaTuReS

O

six years ago. The latest version, the 5S, expands on that, literally, with a new gold finish. But unlike the also-new iPhone 5C (see below), color is not the big news here.

ne device just doesn’t cut it anymore. Glance around your neighborhood coffee shop and you’ll see a person with a smartphone and a tablet and a laptop.

And who knows what devices they left at home that day?

Thankfully, the cloud has made managing all said devices a piece of cake — a simple sync and everything, data and documents, is up-to-date across all devices.

As long as they’re operating on the same system, of course.

Don’t fret — it’s easy to gift a device that fits into their preferred platform.

Here are the latest and greatest devices for Android, the world’s most popular mobile platform, and iOS, the software behind all of Apple’s i-must-have’s.

There are no misfit devices here. Just pick one, and it’ll fit into their tech lifestyle just fine.

THe PowerHoUse smarTPHone ios iPhone 5S

The iPhone has been the smartphone gold standard since Apple introduced it

The coolest feature — certainly the most you-livein-the-future feature, at least — is a fingerprint-identity sensor called Touch ID. Simply place a finger on the phone’s Home button and Touch ID unlocks the phone — no passcode required. It also works in lieu of password for in-phone purchases, such as iTunes.

The iPhone 5S also runs on the new A7 chip, the first smartphone processor to feature desktop computer-quality 64-bit architecture, which means apps respond faster and games are more lifelike, with no extra burden on the battery. Alongside the A7, a brand-new coprocessor called the M7 mines motion data from the iPhone’s accelerometer, gyroscope and compass for

PAGE 8 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

improved functionality in fitness and navigation apps.

The iPhone’s 8-megapixel iSight camera boasts a bevy of new features, including a dual-LED flash for truer toned pictures; a burst mode that captures 10 frames per second; slow-motion video; plus a squarephoto mode and filters (hello, Instagram!) for sharing on social networks.

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View and Air Gesture features allow users to answer the phone, browse photos or the web or change music, all while just gesturing at or hovering over the screen — no touch required.

The S4 is pretty smart when it comes to photos, too. The 13MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing camera work in tandem on the Dual Shot feature, which creates one photo from the still captured on each camera. Sound & Shot, another photo feature, captures audio alongside a photo, providing a soundtrack for the memory; Drama Shot captures a series of pictures of a moving object and merges them together into one photo.

The Galaxy S4 features a 5-inch, full high-def Super AMOLED display at 441 ppi (compare that to the iPhone’s 326) and flies on a 1.9GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM. From $199.99 (16GB) with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon

THe FUll-size TableT

And if the new gilded color doesn’t strike them, it’s still available in black (space gray) and white (silver).

From $199 (16GB) with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon From $649 (16GB) unlocked/no contract from T-Mobile

android Samsung Galaxy S4 If there’s a device worthy of being called a smarter smarterphone, it might be the Galaxy S4. Case in point: the phone’s Smart Pause feature. If a user is watching a video, for instance, and diverts away their attention, the Galaxy S4 detects it and automatically pauses the video. Upon looking back at the phone, the video resumes. Similarly, the Galaxy S4’s Air

ios iPad Air The iPad is the device that really heralded in the tablet era, and the new iPad Air takes it to a whole other level.

The iPad Air is thinner and lighter than before — just 1 pound and 7.5mm thick — all while retaining its 9.7-inch Retina display (2048x1536, 264 ppi). It features

Gift

| features 16GB of on-board memory, expandable to up to 64GB with a microSD card — not that it’s needed, though, as 50GB of Dropbox storage are free for two years ($100 value), for syncing photos and documents across all devices.

the new A7 chip (same as the iPhone 5S), making it faster and more responsive than previous iPads, all without sacrificing its impressive 10-hour battery life.

The Air’s iSight camera snaps 5MP photos and 1080p video, all of which can be immediately downloaded to a Mac via iCloud. Photos or any purchased iTunes content also can be beamed directly to an HDTV via the iPad Air’s Airplay feature (AppleTV required).

One of the most convenient aspects of iCloud is that it acts like a digital bookmark. Because digital purchases and bookmarks sync across all platforms, users can start reading something on their iPhone or Mac, then resume on the iPad in the exact spot they left off. Calendars, contacts and email also all automatically are kept up-to-the-minute.

From $499 (16GB) for Wi-Fi only and $629 (16GB) for network-ready from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon

android Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 The Samsung’s new full-size Android

$499.99 for Wi-Fi or network-ready with two-year contract from Verizon tablet adopts the Note naming convention from its line of super-big Android smartphones and, like those devices, utilizes Samsung’s S Pen stylus, which comes into play a many ways.

The Note 10.1 has a multiscreen mode, so users can read or watch videos on one side of the screen and take notes on the other. Students also can highlight and take notes in more than 150,000 textbooks. The Pen isn’t all about productivity, either. Users can easily personalize content — such as adding a note onto a photo — which they can easily send to friends and family via Samsung’s Allshare Play feature.

The Note is powered by 1.4Ghz quadcore processor and 2GB of RAM, and

THe small TableT ios iPad Mini with Retina Display

one-hand size. It’s just 7.5mm thick, just like the Air) and weighs less than threefourths of a pound. The Mini’s 7.9-inch display makes it all the more portable (depending on what type of jeans they wear, they could fit it into their back pocket). And, it does everything else just as well as its larger counterpart, from apps to games to shooting 5MP pics and 1080p high-def video and sharing it all via iCloud.

From $399 (16GB) for Wi-Fi only and $529 (16GB) for network-ready from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon

android Google Nexus 7

The iPad Mini with Retina Display takes all that’s great about the iPad Air and puts it in a more compact, can-fit-in-

Continued on Next Page

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Continued from Previous Page

Google’s Nexus 7 tablet, built by ASUS, is like a showcase for all that is Android and Google Apps.

To start, the 7-inch tablet is ultra portable (8.65mm thick, .64 pounds) and ultra sharp: it has a 1920x1200 high-def display (323 ppi) that is protected in scratch-resistant glass. It’s also ultra-powerful with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, so browsing in Chrome, watching videos in YouTube or working in Google Docs all is super speedy. And while its size screams personal device, it’s built to share with everyone under one roof, with customizable homescreens, wallpaper, apps and storage for each individual user.

From $229 (16GB) for Wi-Fi only and $349 (32GB) for 4G LTE-ready from T-Mobile

Droid namesakes, such as Kevlar unibody construction, a scratchproof Gorilla Glass screen, superfast 1.7GHx dualcore processor and 2GB of RAM, but its pocketfriendly size (4.3-inch HD display) and pocketbook-friendly price point make it make it all the more attractive.

downloads from the Google Play Store from their smartphone, tablet or laptop directly to the TV. It even can mirror the Chrome browser, turning their TV into a giant high-def monitor.

The Ultraportable command center

ios iPhone 5C

At long last, an iPhone for the masses!

Two things have long eluded the iPhone: an attractive entry point, and, well, some personality. Both arrive in the iPhone 5C. Starting at just $99 ($16GB), the 5C has all the great features of the iPhone 5 it replaces — A6 processor, 8MP camera, all those apps — in five candy-colored versions. Users can further customize and protect the steel-backed plastic body with one of six colored silicone cases ($29).

aesthetic with full Mac functionality.

Starting at $999

android Samsung Chromebook

ios Macbook Air

$99.99 with two-year contact, Verizon

THe sTreaminG device ios AppleTV No, Apple’s line of slim ‘n’ trim laptops don’t run iOS — at least not yet — but they’re still the best bet for Apple devotee who wants a sleek machine that is compatible with all their iDevices. The MacBook Air, available in 11- or 13-inch models, weigh in at less than 3 pounds and are just .68 inches thick, for a mobile-device AppleTV is the entertainment solution for the wire cutter on your list.

THe bUdGeT PHone

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Sometimes they just need a keyboard and a screen — and that’s where a Chromebook ($249.99) comes in. A minimalist ultrabook running Google’s Chrome OS, it comes loaded with all the leading Google products — Search, Gmail, Docs, YouTube — and 100GB worth of free storage on Google Drive (for two years). Think of it as a home base for all their Android operations. ©CTW Fea FeaT ures

The puck-like set-top “box” ($99) simply connects to a HDTV via an HDMI cable, then streams content via built-in apps like Netflix, HuluPlus and HBO GO or the user’s own iTunes library.

Their iPhones and iPads also can shoot content over via AirPlay, in addition to functioning as remote controls.

android Chromecast

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From $99 (16GB) with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon From $549 (16GB) unlocked/no-contract from T-Mobile

android Droid Mini The Droid Mini packs many of the same lust-worthy features of higher-end

Google Chromecast ($35) isn’t even really a device. It’s just a simple HDMI dongle that plugs into a TV. From there, Wi-Fi takes care of the rest, streaming Netflix content, YouTube videos and

PAGE 10 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

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Mass Communication Smartphones, just like us, are far from cookie-cutter.

Here’s a guide to the latest devices and how to match them up with everyone on your list who’s looking for an upgrade

By TimoThy hy R. Schul SchulTe cTW TW Fea FeaTuReS

The BesT Phones for The Person wiTh a Bad GriP

If you know someone — and we all do — whose phone’s most prominent feature is a cracked display, look to the latest lineup of Droid devices for their next phone. Each phone feature a Kevlar fiber unibody design with a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display and a water-repellent nano-coating, none of which will help them

hang onto their phone better but certainly will make it tougher to crack, scratch or drown. Here’s a closer look at each:

The BesT BaTTery Phone Droid Maxx

The Maxx’s 3500mh battery provides up to 48 hours of usage – an eternity in the smartphone world. A 5-inch high-def display, 10-megaxpixel camera, 1.7GHz dual-core processor and 32GB of memory

The new Droid family

PAGE 12 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

means its no slouch when it comes to everything else they’ve come to rely on from their smartphone.

processor and 2GB of RAM. And with a 5-inch HD display, the Ultra looks good from any angle.

$299.99 with two-year contract, Verizon

$199.99 with two-year contract, Verizon

The BesT sLim Phone Droid Ultra

The droid for noT a LoT of douGh

Just 7.18mm thick and 4.94 ounces, the Droid Ultra is the device for the person who likes to travel light. What it lacks in bulks it makes up for in blazing speed, thanks to a 1.7GHz dual-core

Droid Mini

The Mini packs the same guts as the Ultra – 1.7GHz dual-core process, 16GB memory, 2GB RAM, 10MP camera – but in a slightly smaller, slightly thicker package. And, no, it doesn’t have the eternal battery life of the Maxx, but it comes in at a much more attractive price point, making it a great entry Droid for

someone who’s just looking to step up their smartphone game. $99.99 with two-year contract, Verizon.

The BesT Camera Phone Nokia Lumia 1020

We’ve already mentioned it once in this guide, but it bears repeating: the Nokia Lumia 1020 is unrivaled in the smartphone-camera world. It features a 41MP camera sensor, Optical Image Stabilization and a super high-resolution zoom. Pure View Technology also

provides great performance in low-light settings. It’s basically a high-end camera with a Windows smartphone built in — not the other way around. $199.99 with two-year contract, AT&T

The BesT hUGe Phone Samsung Galaxy Note 3

There’s a reason LeBron James promotes Samsung’s Galaxy Note – it’s the device an NBA star’s hands will dwarf the least!

With a mammoth 5.7-inch, 1080p Full HD display and the guts to back it up – 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 3GB RAM – the Galaxy Note 3 is as close as it gets to a tablet while still functioning as a phone.

The S Pen stylus lets them hand-write notes and edit photos in new versions of the S Note and Easy Clip apps, but the accessory that will turn the most heads is the new Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

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Galaxy Gear

Galaxy Gear works in tandem with the Galaxy Note 3 via Bluetooth to run a multitude of apps directly on the device’s 1.63-inch, 320x320 Super AMOLED display. A built-in pedometer and fitness apps like RunTracker and MyFitnessPal aim to help track workouts and diet, and a built-in 1.9MP camera will integrate with lifestyle apps like Evernote and Vivino Wine Scanner, in addition to storing shots on the 4GB of onboard memory.

Galaxy Note 3: $299.99 with two-year contract, AT&T Galaxy Gear: $299.99 ©CTW FeaTUres

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013 — PAGE 13 2722_1_airComfort120813_LMGift

The Amazing Technicolor Smartphone Finally, phones gets more fun with the candy-colored Moto X and iPhone 5C

By TiMoThy R. SchulTe cTW FeaTuReS

Black. White. Navy or red, perhaps.

Smartphones historically have been more about function than they have fashion. Heck, fun even. But then came the Moto X and the iPhone 5C.

Moto X The Moto X sounds similar to some of the

Droid devices we mentioned: an Android smartphone with 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM, 10MP camera. But where the aforementioned Droids all share similar aesthetic, the Moto X, Motorola’s first big device since Google took over the mobiledevice maker, comes in more than 500 varieties. Using the MotoMaker, AT&T customers can select from 18 back colors, two different front colors and seven accent colors, in either 16GB or 32GB models ($199.99 and $299.99, respectively, with two-year contract). The Moto X, which features a Motorola Moto X

PAGE 14 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013

iPhone 5c

4.7-inch HD display, comes in two color options, woven black or woven white, on Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.

iPhone 5C Apple’s iPhone has maintained such a stark look in its lifetime that it actually was a BIG deal when the company introduced a white iPhone in 2011 – and it was just white!

So, that the new iPhone 5C comes in five colors – green,

blue, yellow, pink and, yes, white, all with a black front – certainly is cause for excitement. Unlike Apple’s line of colorful anodized aluminum iPods, the new 5C achieves its color in a steel-reinforced plastic frame (which doubles as the antenna). The 5C replaces the straight-up iPhone 5, keeping its A6 processor and 8MP iSight camera, but knocks $100 off the price tag. New 5C cases — in the same five colors plus black — add some fun, in addition to

protection, to the phone 16GB — $99 with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon 32GB — $199 with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon ©CTW FEATuRES

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013 — PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 — LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE— DECEMBER 2013