For those of us who have grown up using Microsoft’s Windows operating system the start button that was always located on the bottom left side of the screen has had a significant value and we were so accustomed of using it that when Microsoft removed it in Windows 8 the biggest criticisms it received from its long time users was absence of it. It looks like Microsoft took the complains seriously as TheVerge now reports that the Redmond-based software giant is planning on bringing it back in the upcoming Windows 8.1 update.
Although the button is returning to the Windows it will not function as it did in the previous versions in which it used to open a drop up menu known as the Start Menu. Instead the start button in Windows 8.1 will simple launch the start screen of Windows 8 where users can access their apps through tiles.
The button Microsoft is adding in Windows 8.1 is similar to the one which is found on the Charm Bar right now (the bar that appears when you point the cursor to the top-right corner of your screen). Windows 8.1 is considered to be a major update for Windows 8 as Microsoft is also expected to introduce more changes to the popular OS. It is also expected that Microsoft will finally allow users to boot directly to the desktop instead of the start screen. This feature will be available as an option in the Control Panel. Although Microsoft has plans of adding this feature they are still not ready to ship it with Windows 8.1 and will reportedly add it in the updates scheduled for further dates.
It is important to note here that Pokki, which was a replacement for the Start Menu for Windows 8 users was downloaded 1.5 million times. There are many other similar softwares as well that also received overwhelming number of downloads. This obviously indicates that Microsoft is listening to the market and changing the things users are not finding themselves comfortable with from Windows 8 – which is a welcoming step from the software giant.
While Microsoft Corp. has officially confirmed that it plans to update a bunch of its services and programs with a set of new features and capabilities collectively known as “Blue”, the company has never revealed anything beyond that. Meanwhile, unofficial sources have discovered that Blue updates will not turn Windows 8 into Windows 9, but the version will be officially called 8.1.
Windows 8.1 is rumored to be just around the bend, with a code-name of "Blue."
A screenshot allegedly made on a system running Windows operating system version 6.3 build 9375 (newer than the one that recently leaked onto the Internet) clearly points to Windows 8 top-level branding and Windows 8.1-branded refresh. According to renowned Microsoft experts Mary Jo Foley and Paul Thurrot, the Windows 8 with Blue updates are indeed called Windows 8.1. Given that Windows 8 is a product that Microsoft will sell for years to come, the company will continue to advertise Windows 8 brand, even though the OS itself will get better over time, just like it always did.
Microsoft is now expected to release Windows 8.1 to manufacturing sometimes in August, 2013, which will give PC makers plenty of time to prep their all-new PCs for the holiday season, reports ZDnet. Moreover, given the fact that Intel Corp. wants to limit initial availability of its fourth-gen Core i-series “Haswell” chips this summer due to an USB 3.0 erratum, launching the refreshed OS this Fall seems to be a nice coincident for both companies.
Since Blue includes updates for numerous operating systems, services and devices that Microsoft has to offer, it is logical to expect them to land to Windows RT and Windows Phone platforms as well. The Blue update for Windows RT will be referred to as “Windows RT 8.1”, according to ZDnet.
While the full picture of Blue updates remains generally unclear, the enhancements of Windows 8.1 over Windows 8 have already been published:
some of the Enhancements features as follows:
New split-screen App options.
Improved modern UI PC settings.
New tile sizes.
New search interface.
Enhanced SkyDrive.
Internet Explorer 11.
Swipe up from Start Screen to access list of apps.
More personalization options.
Picture frame mode.
New gestures.
New App: Calculator.
New App: Alarm.
New App: Sound Recorder.
New App: Movie Moments(video editing application).
A few weeks ago we revealed that we were seeking Explorers to help us shape the future of Glass. To do that, we asked people across Google+ and Twitter to tell us what they would do #ifihadglass . We could never have imagined such an enthusiastic response! There were so many creative, diverse, and (sometimes) crazy applications. We’ve certainly learned a lot through this whole process and it’s inspiring to hear how much passion there is for Glass.
Now for the really exciting bit... we know you’ve all been waiting patiently, which is why we’re pleased to announce that the results are in. Over the next few days we’ll be sending out invitations to our Explorer Program through Google+ and Twitter. So, keep a lookout for tweets and G+ posts from @projectglass and +Project Glass to see if you’ve been invited.
We also want to call out that we received great applications from businesses. At the moment, our Explorer Program is only for individuals. However, we are working on connecting with businesses in other ways.
We’re thrilled to be expanding the Explorer Program and we cannot wait to meet our new Explorers.
The new Desktop HDD is the first desktop hard drive from Seagate with the new naming scheme.
(Credit: Seagate)
Seagate announced today the shipment of its 4TB Desktop HDD 3.5-inch internal hard drive for general consumers. While this is not the first 4TB hard drive on the market, the company says it's the first that uses the 1TB-per-platter design. Basically, on the inside, the Desktop HDD comes with four platters (disks), each offering 1TB of storage space.
The Desktop HDD is also the first desktop internal drive from Seagate that uses the new streamlined naming convention. Seagate's consumer-grade hard drives were formerly called Barracuda. Earlier this year, the company also shipped the first hybrid drive of the same naming scheme, the Laptop Thin SSHD.
The new Desktop HDD comes with 64MB of cache memory and supports the latest SATA 3 (6Gbps) standard. It also works with previous versions of SATA, including SATA 2 (3Gbps) and SATA (1.5Gbps). Unlike the previous Barracuda drives that spun at 7,200rpm, the new Desktop HDD spins at only 5,900rpm and consumes about 35 percent less energy. Seagate says that the drive will still offer fast performance with the sustained writing speed of about 145MBps.
According to Seagate, the new drive is designed for both desktop computers and external storage solutions, such as NAS servers or external hard drives. Generally, hard drives of 2TB or larger require a modern operating system (Windows 7 or later) and UEFI BIOS to work, but the Desktop HDD comes with DiskWizard software that allows it to work with Windows XP. To use it as a boot drive, however, UEFI BIOS is needed.
To put things in perspective, 4TB is equivalent to about 500 hours of HD video, 1 million MP3 songs, or 800,000 digital photos. The 4TB Desktop HDD is about 800,000 times larger in capacity than the first desktop hard drive Seagate introduced back in 1979, but the physical size has remained about the same.
The 4TB Desktop HDD is available now and costs about $190, which is much lower than its competitors.
Our Samsung Galaxy S4 release date, price and specs article will be updated regularly with the latest information as we have it, so check back often
It's official and it's now here, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been revealed in New York. Although many of the features had been leaked in the weeks leading up to the event, the launch was still a time for Samsung to show-off its latest handset, while no doubt making sure that Apple's got its work cut-out with the iPhone 5S.
Here we'll take a look at the phone's new features and outline its key specifications, as well as rounding up the current UK prices. For a more in-depth look, check out our Samsung Galaxy Specs article.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 DESIGN
With the Galaxy S3 proving to be such a success, Samsung hasn't strayed too far from that design with the Galaxy S4. The rounded edges and lozenge-shaped home button at the bottom of the phone are all instantly recognisable.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is thinner and lighter than the Samsung Galaxy S3
While the S3 looked and felt, well, quite plasticy, the Samsung S4 looks that much nicer and more like the high-end phone that it should be. It has a polycarbonate case, but it's now slimmer (7.9mm) and lighter (130g) than its predecessor.
Two versions of the phone will be available: Black Mist and White Frost. It's hard to pass judgement on the phone until we've seen it in the flesh, but in the shots we've seen it certainly looks like a step up from the Samsung Galaxy S3.
Available in black or white, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is instantly recognisable
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 SCREEN
As expected, the Galaxy S4 has a 5in Full HD (1,920x1,080) Super AMOLED screen. That's a stunning 441ppi, making this one of the highest-density phones that we've seen. The HTC One manages slightly more at 468ppi, thanks to its slightly-smaller 4.7in Full HD screen. On balance, though, you're going to find it hard to tell the difference or spot individual pixels on either screen.
There was no mention of the Green PHOLED technology, which was rumoured to be making its first appearance here. However, we've been impressed with Samsung's Super AMOLED technology before and it's always been power efficient, helping to save battery life.
As expected, the screen can be operated just by hovering your finger over it, giving rise to two new features. Air View lets you hover over content, such as an email or photo, to preview it without having to open it. Air Gesture, lets you change tracks, scroll through a web page or answer a call with the wave of your hand. We haven't had chance to try the system out yet, but this should make fine-control of the touchscreen operating system that little bit easier.
Air View and Air Gesture let you operate the touchscreen without touching it
Gorilla Glass 3 helps make the phone durable, although we'd still recommend a screen protector or case if you're going to keep your phone in a pocket with sharp items, such as keys.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 CAMERAS
Cameras are an important part of any smartphone, with many people preferring them to compact cameras. From the specifications, Samsung hasn't let us down with the Galaxy S4 camera, with a 13-megapixel rear camera, complete with Flash and a high-speed shutter mode. At the front is a 2-megapixel camera.
The 13-megapixel rear camera certainly has impressive specifications, but the front camera can be used to control the phone
Now, two cameras on a smartphone is hardly something new, but with Dual Camera you can operate both of them at the same time. It feels a little gimmicky to us, but the idea is that you can film yourself with the front camera and then superimpose yourself on the footage from the rear camera. The examples we've seen look a little twee and we're not sure that most people want their faces to appear surrounded by a postage stamp border over the footage they're recording.
You can superimpose yourself as a floating stamp in videos, if you like that kind of thing
The front camera also serves a purpose in controlling the phone with Smart Pause. This technology knows when you're looking at the screen so it can, for example, pause a video when you turn your head and look away. As soon as you look back, the video continues. It's a neat way of using the cameras for more than just still images and video.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 PROCESSOR
We were expecting the Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 5 processor in the phone and that's an option, with a 1.6GHz model. However, a 1.9GHz Quad-Core version of the phone will also be sold, depending on where you live in the world. Samsung hasn't specified yet which version we'll get in the UK, although we would expect to get the Octa-Core model.
The company tweeted a rendering of the new chip, which is also rumoured to power the new Galaxy Note 3 phone/tablet, from its @SamsungExynos Twitter account, so whetting the appetites of Samsung fans everywhere.
The new chip's eight-core design is based on ARM's big.LITTLE architecture. This means that there are four powerful Cortex-A15 cores for the phone's most power-hungry functions, and four lower-power Cortex-A7 models to take care of simpler tasks. When the phone isn't needed to do anything fancy, the more powerful cores shut down, extending battery life.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 BATTERY
Speaking of battery life, the new handset will use a 2,600mAh battery. That's 500mAh bigger than the one in the S3 and should be big enough to cope with the slightly-enlarged screen, and the greater demands of 4G, while still running all day.
The battery is also removable, so you can carry a charged spare if you're going to be out for a long time. It also means that a failing battery can easily be replaced.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 4G AND WIRELESS
You can't make a modern phone and not support the latest wireless standards, so the Samsung Galaxy S4 has full support for 4G LTE networks. Global 4G support has been promised, supporting download speeds of 100Mbit/s and uploads of 50Mbit/s. Full 3G and 2.5G support is, of course, also present.
For use at home there's also better Wi-Fi support, with the new 802.11ac standard supported. We've seen this networking standard deliver speeds well over 200Mbit/s, so using super-fast broadband speeds on your phone at home is going to easy.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 NFC
NFC makes an appearance, so the phone will be compatible with Google Wallet, so you can pay for goods in compatible shops using just your phone. It will also support Visa's payWave, widening the choice and range of places that you can shop in.
In addition, Samsung showed some other ways that NFC can be used. One of the most different was Group Play. By tapping your Samsung Galaxy S4 to another one, you can share music and pictures. Samsung has also promised that the technology will support multi-player gaming and it's opening up the SDK to encourage other companies to develop for it.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 STORAGE
No great surprises on the storage front, with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models announced. However, it's good to see that there's still a microSD card slot, so you can add up to 64GB of storage. Depending on the prices, it may even work out cheaper to buy a lower-capacity model and then upgrade it when you need to with a memory card.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 S HEALTH
With fitness accessories apps being big business, Samsung clearly doesn't want to miss out and has launched S Health with the Galaxy S4. Using your phone a variety of accessories, you'll be able to measure your weight and health.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 OTHER FEATURES
If all of that wasn't enough, the Galaxy S4 also has an IR transmitter, which you can use to control your home entertainment kit via the WatchOn app. There's also S Voice Drive, which puts up a simpler interface for when you're driving and recognises voice prompts. Finally, when you're abroad the translation services let you type in a message and have the phone read it out in a different language; the spoken reply is then converted back into your language on the screen.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 RELEASE DATE
Samsung has promised to have the phone out by the end of April. Exact launch dates will depend on the country, but we expect the UK to be one of the first on the list. We'll bring you updated information as and when it becomes available.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 PRICE AND UK NETWORKS
The good news is that you won't be short of choice when it comes to buying the Samsung Galaxy S4. Two of the major UK networks have confirmed that they will be carrying the new phone - no great surprise, when you consider the huge success of the Galaxy S3 and the amount of hype that has been building up to the launch of the S4.
As you'd hope considering the Galaxy S4's LTE capability, it will be available on the UK's only 4G network - EE - and Three has also thrown its hat into the ring.
Vodafone and O2 have yet to say either way, but we find it hard to believe that they will pass up the chance to stock this year's potential biggest seller.
Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but we can take a fair stab at expected prices. We'd imagine that launch prices will be the same as for the S3 when it launched back in May - a wallet-busting £499. Once again though the tough competition from Google's own Nexus 4 device may force Samsung to lower its price in order to compete - unless of course the hardware specification is a big step forward.
On contract you're likely to be looking at £30-40 a month minimum, and considerably more with a 4G service such as EE. This will be an expensive handset, though probably still a little less than the iPhone 5 costs.
The Sony Xperia Z is the latest entry in the Japanese company’s burgeoning range of Android smart phones and comes with the kind of specifications that dedicated mobile geeks stay up all night dreaming of. There’s a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13.1-megapixel camera, 4G cellular connectivityand 16GB of built-in storage, which can be augmented using microSD cards.
All of that lovely cutting-edge tech is protected by case design which will survive a dip in water of a depth of up to 1 metre for thirty minutes. And it's dustproof as well.
The Sony Xperia Z is available on a monthly contract with prices starting at around £26. If you’d rather pick one up SIM-free then you’re looking at handing over a good £450.
If you’re keen to take advantage of the phone’s 4G power, bear in mind that the only network provider in the UK to support the service currently is EE, and it’s yet not known if it’ll be offering the Xperia Z on a monthly contract.
1. Should I buy the Sony Xperia Z?
The Xperia Z is the first big Android phone launch of 2013, and marks Sony’s entry into the rapidly-expanding quad-core battlefield. It’s also something of a monster, thanks to its gigantic 5-inch 1080p “Reality” display. If you balked at the size of the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S3, then the dimensions of this blower are likely to cause your hands considerable pain.
Assuming you don’t have the little paws of bear cub, there’s an awful lot to like here. The 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon CPU is blisteringly fast, and features such as HDMI-out and NFC support ensure that the Xperia Z is at the cutting-edge of mobile technology. The lack of Android 4.2 is somewhat disappointing, but Sony is keen to stress that the phone will be upgraded this latest version shortly after release, so it’s not as big an issue as you might imagine.
With the Samsung Galaxy S4 on the horizon, Sony is making a very bold move by launching this phone now, but unless the S4 is capable of making your morning coffee and taking the dog for a walk then I doubt the Xperia Z is going to be totally outclassed. If you’re in the market for a new phone right now and are comfortable with a screen size that's almost tablet-like in its proportions, then this is a recommended purchase -- although it’s worth considering the Nexus 4, which is available SIM-free for around £200 less.
2. Design and Display
The Xperia Z marks a drastic departure for Sony’s designers -- gone are the curved edges and rounded corners which defined the likes of the Xperia T and Xperia Arc S. Instead, we’ve been gifted a slab of tech which looks eerily like the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey (if you’ve got the black version, at least).
It’s a massive stylistic change for Sony, but one I can fully get behind. The Xperia Z looks imposing and beautiful at the same time, and is sure to get the pulses racing of gadget fiends and casual users alike.
In a move which imitates the iPhone 4S and Nexus 4, the Xperia Z is clad in shatterproof glass front and back, giving it a glossy appearance which makes it look seriously snazzy -- but it also means it attracts fingerprints like nobody’s business. At just 7.9mm in thickness, it’s also extremely svelte. Weighing in at 146g, it’s not the lightest phone on the market, but it’s unlikely to strain your trouser pocket either. Around the edges of the phone you’ll discover additional strips of glossy plastic, which further enhance this handsome aesthetic.
At just 7.9mm thickness, the Xperia Z is almost as thin as the iPhone 5
You’ll also find yourself inspecting each corner for ports and openings -- which are all covered by flaps in order to facilitate the Xperia Z’s ability to withstand dust and water ingress. The phone will happily take a swim at depths up to 1m, for thirty minutes at a time, which essentially means if you drop it down the loo but retrieve it swiftly, there will be no harm done -- aside from the indignity of having to shove your hand down a filthy toilet, of course.
All of the phone’s ports are covered by panels to ensure it maintains its waterproof prowess
The Xperia Z’s 5-inch 1,920x1,080-pixel 'Reality Display' pops with colour and vibrancy, and packs a pixel density of 443ppi -- leaving theiPhone 5's 326ppi panel eating dust. If rumours are to be believed, it should also be impressive enough to go toe-to-toe with the Galaxy S4’s display.
The Xperia Z’s 1080p screen is just beautiful, offering incredible clarity and definition.
This 1080p screen has the kind of clarity you’d normally expect from your television. It’s impossible to discern individual pixels, and high-res images look stunning. Sadly though, some of the app icons on Android haven’t been designed with that kind of resolution in mind, and end up looking a bit blurry and ill-defined. This complaint can hardly be levelled at Sony though. Apart from a very slight issue with viewing angles, the Xperia Z’s screen is a winner.
3. Processing power and software
It’s taken Sony a while to get there, but the company has finally joined the quad-core club with this flagship phone. Inside that skinny case beats a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro chip, backed by a roomy 2GB of RAM. This makes it one of the fastest Android phones around, and the usual gamut of benchmark tests reveal some truly fearsome power. Antutu Benchmark gives the phone a score of 20,031, pulverising the Samsung Galaxy S3’s 12,467, while Quadrant Standard awards the phone a 7,995, which trumps the HTC One X’s rating of 4,904.
In GLBenchmark 2.5.1’s Egypt HD on-screen test, the Xperia Z clocks a score of 3,399 at 30 frames per second, and Vellamo -- which tests web performance -- rates the phone at 2,185, beating both the Galaxy S3 (1,580) and the HTC One X (1,625).
Finally, there’s the Epic Citadel benchmark, in which the Xperia Z earns a rating of 56.6 frames per second on the high performance test and 55.7 on the high quality test. This is one seriously powerful blower, and no mistake.
The 5-inch screen means a big chassis,
which could cause problems for those of you with small hands.
All of this raw power means that Sony’s quad-core beast makes short work of most Android applications and games, but surprisingly there are still brief moments of slowdown and stutter. If I was reviewing this phone six months ago then I’d be willing to put this down to Android’s traditional performance issues, but since the Nexus 4 arrived and proved that Google’s OS can run as smooth as silk, I’m less inclined to let it slide. Hopefully a software update can rectify the occasional pauses.
The phone comes with Android 4.1 on board, although Sony is adamant that a 4.2 update will be pushed out soon after launch. Sony’s own skin sits on top of Google’s OS, and offers a series of exclusive embellishments. The lock screen is particularly fetching. It imitates the look of a set of window blinds, and moving your finger over the surface of the screen causes the blinds to ripple and bend. You can also access your music player and camera from the lock screen, although the camera app doesn’t fire up anywhere near as quickly as the one on the Nexus 4.
The Xperia Z’s lockscreen imitates the look of window blinds, reacting realistically to your touches and swipes.
Sony has toned down its custom widgets on this phone, and the pointless Timescape social aggregator has thankfully been removed entirely. The Small Apps system which premiered with the Xperia T has been retained, and allows you to launch things like voice recorders and calculators from the Android multi-tasking menu. More of these apps can be installed from the Google Play market, and although the number available is still quite limited, they’re moving in the right direction.
4. NFC and connectivity
NFC has been part of Android since the Nexus S launched in 2010, but aside from Android Beam and the ability to automate elements of your phone’s functionality with special NFC tags, few hardware manufacturers have been able to fully exploit its power. Thankfully, it would appear that Sony is taking the tech very seriously indeed with the Xperia Z.
NFC allows the device to communicate with other Sony products, such as the latest range of Bravia televisions. Just by touching the phone to the TV, you can mirror the screen to show off your monstrous 13.1-megapixel snaps.
The bundled dock allows you to charge the phone and use it as a music player or night stand.
This kind of connectivity feels like the future, and it’s encouraging to see Sony adopting such a forward-thinking approach. Of course, you’ll have to invest in an expensive telly to take advantage of it, but knowing such a feat is possible could influence your purchasing choice next time you’re in the audiovisual section of your local electronics retailer -- a fact which Sony really should be exploiting with more enthusiasm.
The Xperia Z comes with support for 4G connectivity, which means its ready for the future of mobile. Sadly, only one network in the UK is offering this speedy service, so unless you’re already using EE and don’t mind buying the phone SIM-free, you’re not going to be able to take advantage of those blistering data transfer speeds just yet. This of course could change as 2013 rolls onwards -- expect to see other providers offering 4G in the not-too-distant future.
5. Camera and video recording
Sony’s no stranger to putting silly megapixel counts on its mobile phone cameras and the Xperia Z is no exception -- it offers an incredible 13.1 megapixels of imaging goodness. All the pixels in the world don’t mean a jot if the actual camera is a duffer, but mercifully that isn’t the case here. Sony’s latest phone produces some wonderful images, providing lush shots regardless of lighting conditions.
The camera on this blower is noth to be sniffed at (click image to enlarge).
The usual selection of options are present and correct, including image stabilisation and HDR. You can also use 'Superior Auto' and allow the phone itself to select the correct scene for the snap you’re taking. HDR is also available during video recording, which results in some gorgeous footage -- although like HDR stills, you should be prepared for some almost unreal, otherworldly results.
6. Battery life and storage
With a bright 5-inch screen and quad-core CPU it’s understandable that the Xperia Z is quite a hog when it comes to battery life. If you’re using the phone a lot and the screen is on a high brightness level, you’ll only get around four to five hours.
Sony is clearly aware of this and has introduced Stamina Mode, which completely disables all mobile data activity when your screen powers down. When engaged at night, Stamina Mode is aggressive enough to ensure that battery consumption is as meagre as possible -- during our test, we noticed that the battery level hardly dropped at all during the wee hours.
Like the Nexus 4, the Xperia Z has a glossy back panel which attracts fingerprints
Of course, losing all connection to the outside world isn’t going to make the Xperia Z particularly useful in the daytime, which is why Sony has also factored in customisation options. You can add exceptions to Stamina Mode to allow certain apps to maintain a mobile data connection when it is engaged. While it’s true that the same level of power management can be achieved with apps such as Tasker andLocale, it’s encouraging to see Sony take such a proactive approach.
7.Conclusion
Sony’s previous Xperia devices have always been a little lacking in some way, but with the Xperia Z, it feels like it's finally found its stride. Aside from the lack of Android 4.2 -- which won’t be an issue for very long, according to Sony -- this blower is packed full of good stuff.
The quad-core processor is a monster, the 1080p screen is pin-sharp and the waterproof design will help the phone find favour with butter-fingered mobile users who are prone to accidentally dropping their expensive devices into random pools of liquid.
With the Xperia Z, Sony has fired the first shot in the smart phone war of 2013, and while we’re sure that Samsung’s reply -- which should come in the shape of the hugely-anticipated Galaxy S4 -- will be equally impressive, this is one of the best Android devices money can buy right now.
BlackBerry has completely reinvented itself with a brand-new operating system and two killer-looking new phones. Here's what you need to know about them.
BlackBerry Z10 in White The white Z10 will be a Verizon exclusive--all the other carriers will get a black version. BlackBerry
There's a big BlackBerry event going on this morning--maybe the biggest BlackBerry event ever--and it's the company's last-ditch effort to keep from being plowed over in the smartphone game by Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Here's what you need to know.
1. BlackBerry is now called BlackBerry. The company used to be called Research in Motion, or RIM, which most people did not know and was confusing. Now it's BlackBerry.
2.There are two new phones, running one new operating system. The operating system is called BlackBerry 10, and it's completely new--has basically nothing in common with any old BlackBerry system besides a few features (BBM is still around). The first phone, probably the flagship, is the Z10, an all-touchscreen device with a 4.2-inch, very high-resolution screen (at 356 pixels-per-inch, it should have the clarity of the iPhone or any high-end Android phone), a dual-core processor, and all the sensors you'd expect. It'll have 16GB of storage built-in, though you can expand that with a microSD card, and it'll be available on all of the four major networks (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile) for $199. Interestingly, it has only one button, a power/hold trigger on the top of the phone--you navigate with taps and gestures rather than buttons.
The other phone is the Q10, which looks more like a typical BlackBerry--meaning, it has a hardware keyboard. We don't know much about it, really; we know it also has a dual-core processor, that the screen is a 3.1-inch AMOLED (which should give it nice vivid colors), that the keyboard is the widest BlackBerry keyboard ever, that the battery is the biggest BlackBerry battery ever, and that it has 4G. That's about it!
3. BlackBerry 10 is completely new, making BlackBerry the latest in a long line of historically strong companies to completely toss out their smartphone platform in order to compete with iOS and Android (see: Palm, Microsoft). And it looks pretty nice! It has a few key ideas that inform the way you use the phones. The first is gestures. There's no home button at all: you swipe up from the bottom to access your "home screen," such as it is. That'll give you access to your eight most recently used apps, your favorite apps, and a list of all apps.
BlackBerry 10 also groups all of your messages together. And that means alllllll of your messages. Like, email, sure, but all of your email accounts, plus text messages, plus BlackBerry Messages, plus Twitter and Facebook and Foursquare and lord knows what else. It's an interesting idea, having a completely unified inbox--I imagine whether that's a better system will depend on the particular user. It's called BlackBerry Hub.
4. TimeShift is this new camera thing BlackBerry is very excited about. It's basically a burst mode: instead of taking one picture, the camera will take a whole bunch of pictures, and then you can pick which frame is the best/most flattering shot. Samsung has about 16 different apps that do variations of this, but the interface (a little ring that you scroll around) seems nice.
5. It has lots of apps! BlackBerry says it'll have 70,000 at launch, but the dirty secret about big numbers like that is that 99.9% of all apps are garbage that nobody uses. That said, BlackBerry does have some key ones lined up: Facebook, Twitter, Angry Birds, Rdio, Foursquare, LinkedIn, Evernote, that kind of thing. But it doesn't have Instagram or Snapchat or Vine, and its game selection will probably be limited.
So, we're optimistic about BlackBerry 10, because any competition is good competition, and first reactions to the Z10 seem very positive. We'll hopefully get a review unit soon so we can really dive into the hardware and software and see how it is to use on a daily basis.
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The week began with the announcement of Sony Xperia Tablet Z , which with 6.9mm thickness wins the title of thinnest tablet in the world, while the Full HD display and quad-core processor will definitely be good lure for those looking to buy a good Android tablet.
Let’s look below at a first hands-on from the website DigInfo :
Sony Xperia Tablet Z
• Display 10.1 “Full HD (1920 x 1200) Mobile Bravia Engine
• Processor quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 1.5GHz
• Memory RAM 2GB
• Storage 32GB (not available slot microSD)
• Camera 8.1MP Exmor R CMOS
• Front camera (unknown sensor, probably 2MP)
• WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, LTE option
• Sound system Virtual Surround S-Force
• Operating System Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Battery 6000mAh
• Dimensions 266 x 172 x 6.9mm
• Weight 495gr
• Waterproof
General Info:
Sony Xperia Tablet Z has officially launched. Product is equipped with 10.1-inch screen, runs on Android 4.1 and provides the typical design features of the Xperia line.It’s also world’s most lightweight tablet at 495 grams.
Machine configuration includes: processor APQ804 4 core Qualcomm 1.5GHz speed, 2GB RAM, 32GB memory, screen resolution 1920 x 1200 (using the Mobile Bravia Engine 2 technology), the camera follows Exmor 8.1megapixel, NFC connection and LTE (radio MDM9215M), microSD memory card expansion, audio technology “S-Force” of Sony. All packed in a device that is only 6.9mm thick, so the demonstrated superiority over his Xperia Tablet S as well as the form Toshiba Excite hit 10LE for a while.
As such, Sony is the manufacturer owns the thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet. Moreover, Tablet Z is also resistant to water and dust resistant. Use 6000mAh battery, which is smaller than the 6690 battery of Excite 10 LE. Price and on the shelves of the product has not been revealed, but Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a desirable product.
During 2012 companies like Apple , with the iPhone 5 -, Samsung, with its Galaxy S III - and Google with the Nexus 4 , among others, have led the market and disputed the privilege of being the best smartphone and this year gets underway, not to be outdone, launched new products, so the market during 2013 will be more diverse than ever and the options will increase greatly. Now I suggest you check out some of the most anticipated smartphones of 2013 .
T-Mobile Sidekick 4G
The smartphone T-Mobile Sidekick is a product that has been around for a while , almost cult, with a strong base of loyal fans of this line. Formerly produced by the company Danger, after this was acquired by Microsoft in 2008 it was thought that not going to see a new model of the Sidekick, until the company T-Mobile recently announced the launch of the new version of T-Mobile Sidekick 4G with HSPA + and Android support.
Nokia Lumia 9xx
After the previous success the company Nokia launch the Lumia 920 (located betweenthe best phones of 2012 ) in the month of November, which includes the operating systemWindows Phone 8 , however some criticism arose regarding the size and the weight of the smartphone, so the company is already working on the development of its successor will be lighter and thinner and made of aluminum instead of polycarbonate.
Samsung Galaxy Note III
The company Samsung pioneered the market for “ phablets ”(devices that are a hybrid of a smartphone and a tablet) with the Galaxy Note . Initially it was considered that this device was too great, but eventually their sales were so good that Samsung already plans to launch the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note II .
Samsung Galaxy S IV
And continuing with the brand Samsung , one of the strongest in the market, could not be left out line smartphone Galaxy has been one of the greatest sensations in recent years. The successor to the Samsung Galaxy S III , which was called the “murderer’s iPhone” and that became the best selling smartphone to beat the iPhone 4S precisely, is expected to be released in April 2013.
Apple iPhone 5S
While the launch of the latest iPhone is still young, one of the most anticipated releases for 2013 is the next version of the iPhone 5, tentatively called iPhone 5S . Anyway, there is nothing true about this smartphone, but as usual, and there are many speculations and rumors around the web about the next Apple’s flagship product, among others, that the 5S iPhone will come around June or July and versions to be released in various colors and with different screen sizes.
what do you think , Which of these smartphones is the most expected smartphone of this 2013?
It was published online in the first image of the Samsung Galaxy S4 which is the new smartphone with Android heart of the next generation to which the South Korean manufacturer should remove the veil in the coming months.We have got the picture from reliable sources, that have expressed close to Samsung.
The design of the alleged Galaxy S IV bears a striking resemblance to that of the Galaxy S III but unlike the latter the display takes up a larger share of the device: the edges appear to be even more reduced and it is not even present physical Home button that has so far characterized the series. The above is replaced by a digital button, as now happens in many tablet.
The panel seems to be slightly increased compared to the current generation of smartphones. According to rumors it will be of 4.99-inch Super AMOLED with Full HD resolution , 1920 × 1080 pixels.The rest of the hardware specifications as we speak of the presence of a CPU Quad-core Exynos 5450 2.0 GHz, a GPU Mali T658, 2 GB of RAM and a kit of two integrated cameras, a rear with 13 megapixel camera and a 2 megapixel front which would ensure a good quality video .The operating system should be Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean.
Picture of the alleged leaked Samsung Galaxy S4:
Clearly Samsung has not yet confirmed the development of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and before the official presentation of the device so all the leaked information are to be taken with a grain of salt. However, the leaked image looks pretty real and it is possible that the new smartphone is right in this photo.
SamMobile received new information about Samsung’s new upcoming Note device the GT-N5100. At the first place the Samsung GT-N5100 will come in 2 versions GT-N5100 3G / Wi-Fi version and the GT-N5110 Wi-Fi only version. The name of GT-N5100 will be the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0. SamMobile website reveals that the company will unveil at MWC 2013 the Galaxy Note 8.0 and lists of the technical characteristics, put it in the same category in which we can see the iPad Mini !
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100/N5110)
•Display 8.0 “Super Clear LCD (1280 x 800) with S-Pen
•Processor Quad-core Samsung Exynos 1.6GHz 4 412
•Memory RAM 2GB
•Storage 16GB/32GB (expansion with microSD)
•5MP Camera
•1.3MP front camera
•WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, 3G option
•Operating System Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Since late last year, “blockbuster” Samsung has received a lot of attention of fans. Technology and the press have the opportunity to stir and curious about phones expected to “shake” the throne of the Apple iPhone. However, Samsung was very quiet in sharing the news about this phone model.
Not long ago, panicky that Samsung will launch the Galaxy S IV at the event of Mobile World Conference (MWC) 2013 in February.
However, Asia Economic News said Samsung will hold a press conference itself on 22/3 to the United States to announce the fourth Galaxy S phone. It seems more reasonable of the Asia Economic News by Galaxy S IV deserves one separate press conference to announce rather than at the MWC.
According to the master, Samsung Galaxy S IV owns Full HD 1080p screen size of 4.99 inches, a processor Exynos 5 Octa 8 cores at 1.8 GHz and a rear 13 megapixel camera. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S IV support 4G LTE connectivity, 2GB of RAM, a microSD card slot and runs on Android OS 4.2.1 Jelly Bean.
Every time Apple introduced a new iOS device it allow me to add in the bag including iPad original. Will soon appear any rival who claimed to be an strong competitor?Is there Any authentic iPhone Killer or An iPad killer ?
But always will be a mirage, a bluff . No player ever made ??shadow iPad or any smartphone have anywhere near the individual success of iPhone and, hell, almost everyone calls iPads instead of Android tablets .
Until now is the Nexus 7 . The Google Nexus 7 has surpassed iPad sales in Japan , during last Christmas.
In a follow-up in more than 2,400 stores across the country, concluded that the tablet from Google had gained 44.4% market share in the segment, while the iPad was by 40.1 % .
And why should this unexpected success? Because it is unexpected, and a while.
For possibly it is the price because the price of the Nexus 7 almost $ 100 cheaper in Japan than the iPad mini .
Yes, it is possible that the shortage of iPad mini in some stores during the period may have something to do, but make no mistake, the price is the biggest asset. Thus it was conceived at launch and that is working.
In Spain, the difference is even more poignant because a Nexus 7 16GB Wi-Fi costs € 199, while amini iPad with similar characteristics to reach the 329 €.
Perhaps the success of the Nexus 7 in Japan is an anecdote or perhaps the seed end of the hegemony of the iPad .
But hey, that does not matter, right? Because what matters are the benefits …
Robotics continues to make great strides and with it the hope from man to build mechanical copies of itself. The latest comes from Switzerland, notably from the University of Zurich at the AI Lab was in fact built Roboy , one of the world's most advanced humanoid robot. Roboy finally see the light since the early months of 2013, with a presentation during the event "Robots on Tour" to illustrate the quality of the project coordinated by Professor Rolf Pfeifer.
Humanoid Robot Replicated the Physical Human Aspects
The main feature that stands out from the rest Roboy humanoid robots built to date in the laboratories of universities around the world is its ability to replicate the physical aspects of human beings in a surprising way. every movement is in fact coordinated by artificial versions of tendons, joints , bones and muscles , allowing a flexibility and dexterity in some ways comparable to that of humans. Roboy, in short, wants to be in all respects similar to its creators, copying the physical structure in every aspect.
The size of the robot are currently equal to those of a child of four years, but the team of researchers who are dealing with the IA Lab of development they hope to make further progress in this direction. Meanwhile, the project hopes to raise more funds to continue its evolution, as evidenced by the ability to make a donation in exchange for sponsorship of different parts of the robot during the upcoming performances.
When Humanoid Robot available
Roboy short, once completed will be considered without a doubt one of the most advanced humanoid robot in the world, thanks to the excellent work done in the laboratories of the University of Zurich. His debut could then lead the way for the arrival of new robots in this category, making reality more and more like science-fiction movies that long affect the collective imagination and gives hope for a future where robots and men can collaborate one alongside the other.
Current human life is coloured by a lot of advanced technology products. Not the product stand out and make their own mark but now there are a lot of outstanding products and put human life to the next "level".Mashable site recently summarized the five outstanding advanced technology products in 2012 on the technology, design, usability and features. Here are 5 products.
1.Google Glass
Google Glass - personal computers of the future.This product seems to bring technology from the future closer to humans than ever before.Although only a trial version but what Google Glass has pleased a lot of people and promises a new era of technology soon. Google Glass is considered the first high-tech equipment in the world can wear.
2.AR.Drone 2.0
The Parrot AR Drone is produced by more and more used for diverse purposes.Although originally designed as a device to "entertain" those who own iPad tablet. However AR.Drone has quickly become a multi-technology equipment used in geological observation, exploration, research and even track. This aircraft has also recently appeared in the game Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 as a weapon. The controls are simple iPad makes the aircraft more attractive than ever.
3.Microsoft Surface
Microsoft unveiled Surface table computer and many people are skeptical about the fate of this tablet.This year may be said to be a special year when Microsoft launched the new Windows operating system is accompanied by the Surface table computer user is doing a lot of surprises. Luxury design with keyboard Touch Cover makes Microsoft Surface more power to compete in the tablet market is monopolized by the iPad and Android products.
4.Samsung Galaxy Note II
Galaxy Note II was ranked by property S-Pen pen with several interesting features.Samsung to produce phones with huge screens and they continue to produce other smartphones with screen ... super great. With a larger 5.5-inch screen, the Galaxy Note II became a hybrid device between smartphones and tablets. Most special and makes Galaxy Note II on the list This is the S-Pen pen Samsungdeveloped for Note II makes this product stand out from all the other products on the market.
5.Lytro
Lytro is changing form of photography in the future.It seems all too familiar with the camera "small but martial". This weird camera recorded the whole range of light around objects were taken which allows the user to change the focus point, change some colors on images and even change the angle. Now standing for a long time to choose the angle, focus or find beautiful frames will disappear with the appearance of Lytro. Lytro currently is a pioneer in camera capture revolution of the 21st century.
