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You are here: Home / 2016 / Archives for February 2016

Archives for February 2016

Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

02/24/2016 By Hakan Can

Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 case

Two days ago at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Catalonia Spain, the folks at Samsung Mobile introduced what is arguably the greatest mobile phone created thus far–the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 caseWithin a day, and by no means a coincidence, nearly a dozen case manufacturers followed suit and introduced new products of their own for use with Samsung Mobile’s latest creations. Of these, we at Beantown have our favorites, and among them, comes the latest from Trident Case. So without further adieu, we’d like to introduce to you, the newest 3 Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 case designs.

Updated Dec 2016. As part of Trident Case’s holiday campaign, everything site wide is 40% off, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

Three New Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 Case Models

Yesterday, Trident Case introduced 3 models for the Samsung Galaxy S7: Aegis Pro, Kraken AMS, and Krios. Each model is geared toward a different user.

The Krios dual case is aimed at those who like a clean, clear looking mobile phone. It takes a minimalist design approach to protection, which is just fine for many of us.

The Aegis Pro series case is geared towards those who want (and likely need) some ruggedness when it comes to case protection. It also adds some color in the palm of your hand.

The Kraken AMS series case is for those who need heavy-duty protection for their mobile phone. It’s ideal for those who work in rugged environments as well as those in the trades (construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.)

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The Heavy-Duty, Military-Tested Kraken A.M.S.

The Kraken AMS case line has been around since August 2013 when it was first introduced for roughly 40 mobile products. Since then, it’s been available for an additional 40 products and now, it makes its way onto the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. This is the toughest case Trident Case manufacturers. Need proof? Just look at the military standards the Kraken AMS case has passed:

  • Drop (Mil-STD-810F, Method 516.5) – 26 drops onto concrete from 4 feet.
  • Vibration (Mil-STD-810F, Method 514.5) from 20-2000Hz across 3 different axes for a total of 18 hours.
  • Dust (Mil-STD-810F, Method 510.4) – blow dust for 3 hours at 29 ft/sec.
  • Sand (Mil-STD-810F, Method 510.4) – blow sand for 3 hours at 59 ft/sec.
  • Rain (Mil-STD-810F, Method 506.4) – 7.9 inches per hour of rain at 40 mph wind velocity for 1 hour.

(Information provided by Trident Case via independent testing.)

If you’ve got one of these cases on your Apple iPhone 6/6s or Samsung Galaxy S6, then you know how sturdy and reliable this case is. And if you’re looking for accessories for the Kraken AMS series, look no further than here. There are more accessories for this series than you can shake a stick at.

Right now, there have been no announcements for an antimicrobial version, like there was for the Samsung Galaxy S V. If you readers recall, there was no such antimicrobial case for the Samsung Galaxy S6. It’s anyone’s guess right now if we’ll see such a case for the Galaxy S7.

[envira-gallery id="4037"]

Features of the Kraken AMS Case include the following:

  • Drop protection of 4′ per MIL-Standard.
  • Hardened bio-enhanced Polycarbonate shell construction.
  • Shock-absorbing Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) interior construction.
  • Dust and moisture filters via waterproof meshing.
  • Power and audio ports protection.
  • Belt clip/holster provided.
  • Built-in screen protector.
  • Removable aluminum media stand.
  • Optional interchangeable accessories.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Kraken AMS Series™ cases are available now. They come in 2 unique color sets: black/red/grey and white/blue/grey, and list for $49.99.

Read:   Trident Introduces Two New Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Cases

The Stylish and Durable Aegis Pro

The Aegis case line has been around since August 2013 when it was first introduced for no less than 100 mobile products. This is one heck of a product launch. It’s like throwing your first party and having all your friends and their friends show up. It wasn’t until September 2015, when we, the consumer, were introduced to the first Aegis Pro case. Although there are some 200 models now in the Aegis line, the Aegis Pro line exists for only five mobile phones: the Apple 6/6S, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge.

The construction of this Aegis Pro case is very much like that for Apple’s iPhone 6/6S. The ruggedness is intact. The Military standards for drop and vibrations are intact. The polycarbonate and a thermoplastic elastomer construction are intact. The same goes for when comparing this Aegis Pro case against the one for the Galaxy S6.

[envira-gallery id="4034"]

Features of the Aegis Pro Case include the following:

  • Drop protection of 4′ per MIL-Standard.
  • Hardened bio-enhanced Polycarbonate shell construction.
  • Shock-absorbing Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) interior construction.
  • Textured and padded interior.
  • Dust and moisture filters via waterproof meshing.
  • Power and audio ports protection.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Aegis Pro Series™ cases are available now. They come in 3 unique colors: black, bubblegum pink, and classic blue, and list for $29.99. The blue and pink versions are softer, less colorful than those offered for the Galaxy S6.

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The Completely Transparent Dual Case Krios

The Krios case line has been around since November 2014 when it was first introduced for the Apple iPhone 6. It wasn’t until 5 months later in March 2015, when we, the consumer, started to see clear versions of the Krios case. Back in March 2015, these Krios Gel cases were designed for the Samsung Note 5, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Twenty models later, it’s February 2016 and three more Krios models are introduced, one each for the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and the LG G5.

When comparing this new Krios Dual case against the Gel case, you’ll notice similarities like the thin, lightweight design, and the use of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material. You’ll also notice differences such as the smooth surface on the Krios Dual case whereas each Gel case has a textured interior grip, as well as a slight increase in price with the new Trident Galaxy S7 case.

[envira-gallery id="4020"]

Features of the Krios Dual Case include the following:

  • Impact-resistant outer body.
  • Clear, hardened bio-enhanced polycarbonate body.
  • Clear Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) shock-absorbing edges.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Lightweight protection.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Krios Series™ Dual case is available now. It lists for $19.99.

Read:   Trident Case Introduces Two New LG G5 Cases

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen above, Trident Case has a bit of everything to offer to all.

If Trident Case’s offering match your needs, you may want to order a case today. As mentioned above, they’re offering 40% off sitewide, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

To see the latest on the Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 case lines, click here. Feel free to follow Trident Case on Twitter and Facebook as well as this blog on Twitter and Facebook.

All photos and video are courtesy and property of PR PhotoNews/Samsung Mobile/Trident Case.

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Filed Under: Case Protection Tagged With: Aegis Pro, Galaxy S7, Kraken AMS, Krios, Samsung Mobile, Trident Case 12/05/2016

Togetherness Season 1 Release Date Announced For Blu-ray/DVD

02/10/2016 By Hakan Can

Togetherness Season 1 release date

HBO’s Togetherness Season 1 Release Date is Set for February

Available on retail shelves and online everywhere this winter comes HBO’s Togetherness Season 1. Togetherness Season 1 release date is set for February 16, 2016, for Blu-ray™ (with Digital HD) and DVD boxed sets. Pricing has been set at $34.98 and $26.95, respectively for the 8-episode Blu-ray™ and DVD boxed sets. You can pre-order either now from the HBO Home Entertainment Store on the links above or from Amazon.com.

Read:   HBO Premieres Vinyl Episode 1 To Boston Audience

Togetherness Season 1 release dateCreated by Jay and Mark Duplass and Steve Zissis, this series about those at-and-around mid-life “follows four adults living under one roof struggling to keep their relationships and dreams alive as they approach the age of forty.”

According to the HBO press release, “In Togetherness, Brett (Mark Duplass) is a straitlaced sound designer trying to rediscover himself while his wife Michelle (Melanie Lynskey) is eager to rekindle her passion for romance and life. Their lives are shaken up with the arrival of Michelle’s sister Tina (Amanda Peet), who comes to stay with them as she desperately tries to find a husband and get her bouncy-castle business off the ground, and Brett’s best friend Alex (Steve Zissis), who decides to give his stalled acting career one last try. Blending laughter and pathos, Togetherness shows the tragically comedic struggle to follow personal dreams while still remaining good friends, siblings, and spouses to each other.”

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Now, if this isn’t good enough, we’re giving away one (1) copy of Season 1 on DVD, in partnership with HBO.

The cast of Togetherness includes the following series regulars:

  • Mark Duplass as Brett Pierson
  • Melanie Lynskey as Michelle Pierson
  • Alex Pappas as Steve Zissis
  • Amanda Peet as Tina Morris
  • Peter Gallagher as Larry
  • John Ortiz as David
  • and Abby Ryder Fortson as Sophie Pierson

Included in the Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray™ boxed sets are the following features:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Behind-the-scenes interviews with Amanda Peet and Sete Zissis
  • Format: DVD / Blu-ray™ with Digital HD
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Number of Discs: 2
  • Run Time: 240 Minutes
  • Region: A
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
  • Studio: HBO Home Video
  • DVD Release Date: February 16, 2016

Togetherness Season 1 is currently available on HBO GO and HBO NOW. Catch up on all the approaching-mid-life-crisis drama just in time for the Season 2 premiere set for 10:30 PM, February 21st.

All photos and videos are the courtesy and property of HBO Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Digital HD, Duplass Brothers, DVD, HBO, Togetherness 02/11/2016

HBO Premieres Vinyl Episode 1 To Boston Audience

02/03/2016 By Hakan Can

HBO Vinyl Episode 1

Boston Gets A First Look At HBO Vinyl Episode 1

Last night, about a couple of hundred of us here in Boston were treated to something wonderful, courtesy of HBO. We had the pleasure of seeing HBO’s latest series Vinyl: Episode 1 on the big screen, nearly 2 weeks before it airs on cable. What a treat this was. And what an expensive show this must have been to produce.

This forthcoming series is the brainchild of Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger. The story has been in his head for 40 years. As having lived and indulged in the 1970s music industry in New York City, he would certainly be an authority on it. He may even be The Authority.

The series focuses on the life of Richie Finestra played by Bobby Cannavale. He’s the executive in charge of American Century Records, having created it from nothing. Although his ability to play or write music is weak, he’s got two great ears for it. Furthermore, he knows what he’s talking about. His music industry knowledge is second to none.

HBO Vinyl Episode 1The series is set in anything-goes 1973 NYC. Thanks to plenty of non-linear storytelling, we get to see how Richie got his start while bartending in the mid-1960s, working his way up at the Rondeley Records label, and then creating and running American Century.

We’re shown the seedy, dirty side of the 1970s record business as well. The payola machine is on full display, as are how the record labels screw the retailers. (I wish someone would walk into my office and hand me 5 Grand.) There’s even the silent, Italian mob connection. After all, there was money to be made in the 70s music industry.

HBO’s Vinyl brings we the viewer, a wide-array of music, amazing 70s wardrobe by costume designer John Dunn, plenty of foul language, prolific drug use, ethnic insults (primarily towards Germans), and some sex, mixed with more drugs, of course.

Off Screen

HBO’s Vinyl brings us two heavy hitters in the film/television business. First there’s Martin Scorsese, co-creator and executive producer of the series. Moreover, and unknown to me until the conclusion of the first episode, he directed it. When was the last time you saw his name attached to directing anything for television?

The second heavy hitter is Terence Winter, head writer of HBO’s The Sopranos. He’s the series showrunner. And he and his team of writers do an amazing job. Don’t be surprised when you hear his name announced during next year’s Emmy nominations.

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On Screen

The cast is made up of a handful of long-established actors and many others you may or may not recognize. You’ve got series lead Bobby Cannavale, followed by an almost unrecognizable Ray Romano, J.C. MacKenzie and P.J. Byrne at American Century.

There are a few stand-out performances in Episode 1 worth noting, along with plenty of great ad-libbed lines. How do I know about the latter? Well, P.J. Byrne told me while we chatted in Boston after the screening. I won’t spoil any of his character’s lines. I’ll just say I often whispered “Shut up, shut up …” when his character Scott Levitt spoke.

By the time this season is halfway through, there will probably be plenty of award talk. For one, Bobby Cannavale crushes it as Richie Finestra. The executive producers couldn’t have cast anyone better. It just wouldn’t be the same show without him.

There are three other performances to make note of.  The first stand-out performance goes to the “f***ing sandwich girl” played by Juno Temple. Her character, Jamie Vine, is actually an A&R assistant at American Century trying to move up the corporate ranks.

The second stand-out performance goes to Ato Essandoh who plays blues singer and guitarist Lester Grimes. Just terrific.

Rounding out the three is comedian Andrew Clay. You heard me correctly, “Dice.” He portrays radio station owner Frank “Buck” Rogers. While not spoiling anything, I will say his scenes are Amazing and Unforgettable! Casting him was a bold choice, but HBO hit a grand slam doing so. Trust me on this.

And regarding “Buck” Rogers, I’ll leave you with one thought: “Donnie F***ing Osmond!”

Smaller shoutouts go to James Jagger, Mick’s son, who plays The Nasty Bits frontman Kip Stevens, and Christopher Moser, who portrays Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant. [Tweet “HBO’s Vinyl Episode 1 is nothing short of terrific! The entire team involved created a masterpiece #VinylHBO”]

Having seen the pilot episode on the big screen, I can definitively say this series is larger-than-life. It’s worthy of the big screen. With the theater experience comes great sound. Music defines this series, and you hear plenty of it. The diversity of sound is from beginning to end.

If you’re an audiophile and/or happen to have a home theater, you are in for a treat. You’re going to love each episode’s soundtrack! If you don’t have a great soundbar or speaker system, now is the time you make the investment. Otherwise, be prepared to lower the volume on your television. Once you watch Vinyl Episode 1, you’ll say you should have taken this writer’s advice.

Additionally, every episode of Vinyl comes with a new soundtrack, which you can find at www.vinylcuts.nyc.

Final Thoughts on Vinyl

HBO’s Vinyl Episode 1 is nothing short of terrific! The entire team involved created a masterpiece, a higher gold standard for cable television, outdoing all of HBO’s previous endeavors. It’s more captivating than Boardwalk Empire and yes, even The Sopranos. I believe you’ll come to agree.

This HBO series has legs beyond its first season. And I for one, want to see the Vinyl keep spinning.

You can follow HBO’s Vinyl on social media here on facebook and Twitter.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: Episode 1, HBO, Vinyl 02/06/2016

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