@MotorolaUS Moto Z2 Force Edition held one of the hottest parties in NYC this summer! #HelloMotoWorld #TechThursday

THIS IS NOT A COMPENSATED POST

I have attended some really fun events this summer, and if you already follow our social you have probably seen live tweets from many of the events I had a chance to attend this summer, those are the best way to get news out fast, but I also like to take the time to recap events fully when I can.

Now that summer is winding down and Fall is nearly here I can't really say I am winding down as September brings New York Fashion Week Insanity and of course a ton of tourism boards that hit NYC around the same time as NYFW events are happening to complicate my already insane schedule just a bit more.

I did tell you my event recaps aren't quite coming to you in the order I actually attended the events.

Oddly enough one of the hottest events of the summer, one can that came with a very secretive event invite that didn't reveal much (which of course makes Editors speculate even more), was actually held for a Phone!

Not just any phone, but the launch of the Motorola Moto Z2 Force Edition. That day I had two amazing events to choose from that just happened to overlap a bit but for the most part were going on at the same time. A very 'New York Predicament' to be in I assure you.

Now I have to preface this post by telling you that for the most part this is NOT a product review, I have requested a review unit but have not received one, so I can only speak on the actual feature demos I did get to see while at the event. (Being the gadget geek I am I don't give my seal of approval to any gadget I haven't put through its paces personally for OVER 30 days. Don't you just love that when electronics opt to break down it's always that day right after they are already off warranty?)

That being said, back to the hot party!

Above: Beverages of all kinds were flowing!

Appetizers were also in full effect, but getting a picture of them wasn't happening, hungry New Yorkers were pouncing on those apps so fast I couldn't nab one single shot!

Above: You know I live for my DJ shots. As #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ it's become my job to nab a shot of the DJ at every event, and it's a double perk for me when the DJ is female! DJ Vashtie kept the vibe flowing with great tunes in such a super wide range of genres and styles that I almost thought it was ME spinning for a minute. YAS!!!!

Above: oh, and did I mention the drinks were flowing?

This was everyone's favorite bartender, she had this knack for recommending really cool cocktail selections based on what I can only call your drink pattern, she'd get to know it and make spot on recommendations for cool drinks I hadn't actually already tried yet, and for a New York City gal that alone is pretty rare.

Above: The most impactful demo of the night, and the one no one could get enough of, DJ Va$htie at the #HelloMotoWorld launch party showcasing Motorola's new Moto Z2 Force Edition - it really is SHATTERPROOF-  July 25, 2017 in New York City. Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America. This is the one shot of the night you will see here that isn't mine.

The PR rep also did this demo for me, they encouraged me to try it for myself, but as badly as I need a new phone right now, I could not stand the idea of purposely chucking a brand new phone on the floor!

Above: Nabbed a shot of the PR rep showing us the moto mod moto gamepad console module which is compatible with any phone in the Moto Z family.

Above: moto style shell + wireless charging which is also compatible with any phone in the Moto Z family and requires a compatible wireless charging pad which is sold separately.

Above: And 'the mod de resistance' the one I really need them to send me so I can actually test it and try it out the HASSELBAD TRUE ZOOM MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY X10 - 10X Optical Zoom and Xenon Flash and (inserts my best tim the toolman taylor grunts here) shoots in RAW format! ME NEED AND ME WANTEEEeeeeeEEEEE!

If this lives up to it's hype and I can actually stop lugging heavy camera equipment everywhere it would be worth it's weight in GOLD for me! This is a feature I did not get to test personally or see in action.

I am super curious how this mod compares to the SONY Cybershot DSC-QX10 cell phone attachment I reviewed awhile back, if you missed that post, check it out HERE.

MY TAKE:

I did try to reach out to Motorola before this went live as I would have preferred for this to be a real review, like when I covered the Global Launch of the LG G2, (if you missed that, you can check out that post HERE), they did send me the phone to put through it's paces, and that phone was honestly one of my favorite smartphones to date. It replaced a Palm Treo that I was sad to part with.

I haven't tried any of the Moto Z series phones personally, but I do like the idea of the mods that serve so many purposes, obviously the ones that pique my interest include the HASSELBAD I am an avid photographer and of course in that realm the moto 360 mod to capture immersive Ultra HD Video, JBL Soundboost 2 (tunes are my life), and the offgrid PowerPack as well. and I am sure the gamepad console mod would keep the niece and nephew units happy and score me cool auntie vibes when they are over! There is even a moto insta share projector to project and stream movies, photos and shows!

Notables:

Are you inventor at heart? Would you like to design your own Moto Mod? - Learn more and take the challenge HERE (there are 10 lucky developers already pitching their ideas in Chicago to Motorola and they are on the look out for MORE!)

There are a number of summer deals to be had, you can check them all out HERE

https://www.motorola.com/us/specials

I am hoping I can twist Motorola's arm on a review unit and of course nab an extra for you guys so I can host a giveaway and give one lucky reader the chance to win a Moto Z of their very own.

READERS SOUND OFF: Are you currently in the market for a new phone? If so, which brands are you considering and why? Do you currently own a smartphone you LOVE? Please tell me what it is as I am definitely in the market for a new phone myself!

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FTC Disclosure: This was a private event for Media, Editors and Influencers, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. This is NOT a sponsored post as I have not received product nor were there gift bags. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

#ad @ZactMobile + @BestBuyMobile Specialty Stores are making 4G Contract Free & Affordable! #SmartPhone #WOLFBlogger

ad#: This is a Sponsored Post brought to you by Best Buy and Zact Mobile

As a Life/Career Coach and Social Media Consultant I spend a great deal of time on the phone. I spend the bulk of the day on an old school 'land line'. I'm one of the few people I know who has actually always been contract free on my mobile phone. Much like my workouts, I need variety with everything, and I know that I will change devices whether it's because I'm evaluating a device or I just want something with stronger functionality than the device I am currently using. Throughout the years contract free has become increasingly more difficult to get my hands on or did not offer the data coverage I required.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Blogger Breakfast in New York City hosted by Techlicious and Zact Mobile (at the invitation of our friends at Best Buy!) where I had the chance to learn about their services and why Zact Mobile is by far the best solution for those considering purchasing a Smartphone for their young one this holiday season! While there are many mixed opinions and feelings on how young a child should be allowed to have a cell phone, the one thing that is certain is that there is a strong sense of safety knowing that your child has access to 911 and emergency services wherever they may find themselves!

And as someone who hates contracts (of any kind especialy cellular, and cable!), after testing my Zact Mobile plan and Samsung Galaxy SIII close to a full month now I can tell you if you want the ease of a no hassle contract, and the reliability of 4G, then look no further! Visit a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store where you can actually test devices and get any questions you may have about Zact answered by their exclusive retail partner! (You can also nab it online directly HERE)

ABOUT ZACT MOBILE/BENEFITS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zact Mobile works off the Sprint Cellular and Data Network

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Provides Customers with Nationwide Coverage

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - à la carte service that lets users pick their voice, text and data plans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You only pay for what you use, can re-adjust your plan at anytime during the month, that means butterflies that there are NO OVERAGES!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You Get MONEY BACK and are given money back toward your next month's bill if you don't use all of your service

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The average bill with Zact is $22 per month

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Plans start at $3.49 per month with a $4.99 monthly line fee

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zact plans are 'shareable', multiple users can share the same pool of talk, text and data

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Parents can set allowances on the amount of talk, text and data used on the device, set curfews for usage and set allowed or blocked contacts and control just which apps your child has access to


Check out the Video:

ABOUT THE DEVICE/Samsung Galaxy SIII:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smart Stay - the screen maintains a bright display as long you are a looking at it

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Social Tag - keeps track of your loved ones, a glance at your friends' photos will show you their current Social Networking Status

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Direct Call - If you are sending a text message but decide to call instead simply lift the phone to your ear and it will dial your friend's number automatically

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - S Voice - Responds to YOU - tell the phone to wake up, answer an incoming call or take a photo

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smart Alert - If you have been away from the phone or it was on the charger for awhile, it will give you a vibrating nudge to let you know you have a message or missed call

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - S Beam - Place two Samsung Galaxy SIII's back-to-back and you can transfer pictures, music, videos and more! (So with the Zact being an amazing family share mobile plan, couple the plan with this device that you can pick up your nearest Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store and it's the perfect device and plan for a big family, especially one that is always on the go!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buddy Photo Share - the phone recognizes your friend's faces and it can share photos with them instantly.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Allshare Cast - You can beam photos or videos or even the game you are playing on the big screen TV while your phone doubles as the controller

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AllShare Play - share documents and multimedia even when you are away from your computer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 4.8 HD Super AMOLED high definition display

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pop up play - do two things at once watch HD Videos as you email or text

How to get them both:

With 414 stores nationwide a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store is literally as close as your local mall or neighborhood shopping center! They focus on mobile devices, so if the latest tablet or smartphone is on your radar for this holiday season, checking them out in store allows you to get a true feel for the device. The staff is highly trained and they are NON-COMISSIONED so their focus is helping you determine which device and plan is right for YOU and your needs!

BEST PART: At a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store they offer a complimentary 'Walk Out Working' program. They will set up and activate your new phone, as well as transfer your contacts and data. It doesn't get easier than this my friends!

MY TAKE:

As you guys probably know I've had a lot of devices that don't play nice with wi-fi or the device was smart, but my plan was not, this is the first time in a long time where both my plan and device have been able to keep up with me! I don't like being locked into any plan, I have never done it and now with Zact Mobile I will never have to, I will literally only pay for what I actually use. I avoid texting like the plague and love that I can opt out of it completely or pick the lowest amount of texts, it's data that I need most on a mobile device as they come along with me to events where I need to sometimes live tweet or blog. While as you guys now I am NOT a mom, I am an Aunt and a former Special Education Teacher, I have dealt with tons of young adults and teens and I do think that Zact Mobile is an amazing family plan! In fact, while my sister butterfly is a super hard sell, I'm thinking this plan might turn her around on getting niece and nephew butterflies their own smartphone. I love the safety factor of them always being able to reach family when they need us.

I had of course tried to activate my new device online, but there was a bit of a complication with my number transfer (I had just got a new batch of cards so I needed to transfer my number, so what? Don't Judge Me! LOL) so I did actually experience Zact's Customer Service, and they were phenomenal! In fact I had emailed them, but being the impatient one that I am, I decided to call shortly after sending the email, the rep that answered was actually the person answering my email so he immediately referred to me by name before I even gave it actually, Color me impressed! Now that's service!

I haven't completed the first full month yet (almost there though!), so I don't know yet how my actual usage will compare to what I think I use per month, and I am interested to find out how my bill will actually average out and will keep you guys posted of course!

Don't forget to let Best Buy Mobile, Zact Mobile and Samsung know that you saw them featured here on Ascending Butterfly! Who knows, maybe we can get them to come back and do something fun for my lovely butterflies!

Butterfly are you purchasing a smartphone for anyone on your list this year?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! Ascending Butterfly was provided with a Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone and 4-month Zact Mobile Service Plan for editorial consideration. This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy and Zact Mobile. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.