At the 2012 International CTIA Wireless Conference in New Orleans, Black Enterprise presented its first ever “Best in Show Awards†to nine device and software manufacturers. Check out some of the winners chosen by our tech advisory board.
Most Accessible Storage/File Sharing App:
In addition to the standard cloud storage and file sharing tools, Box.com gives users the ability to leave comments, assign tasks, and receive alerts when a document has been edited. First 5GB are free; Business plans start at $15/user/month. www.box.com
Most Accessible Storage Device:
Western Digital’s My Passport portable hard drives range from 500 GB to 2 TB; are available in five colors: white, black, silver, blue, and red; and provide SmartWare automatic backup software and WD Security for password protection and hardware encryption. Prices range from $119.99 for 500 GB to $249.99 for 2 TB; www.wdc.com
Smartest Mobile Phone:
The Samsung Galaxy S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED
Screen and S Beam technology that lets a user transfer pictures, music, videos, and more from one Galaxy S III to another when the phones are placed back-to-back. Price TBA; www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3
Most Dynamic Mobile App:
No cash, no problem. The free PayAnywhere credit card reader and app can turn a smartphone into a mobile cash register. Merchants pay 2.69% per swiped transaction or 3.49% + $0.19 per keyed transaction. http://payanywhere.com
Most Inventive Tablet/Reader:
In addition to the newest version of the Android Honeycomb operating system for tablets, the NoitAvonne Loop Tablet 10-inch has a mini-USB, mini-HDMI, a SIM card slot, and up to 64 GB Memory. Price TBA; www.noitavonne.com.