Category Archives: Computers

Accessories, Games

Best Gaming Keyboards of 2024: Top Picks and Buying Guide

If you’re a PC gamer, you know how important it is to have a good gaming keyboard. A gaming keyboard can make or break your gaming experience, whether you’re playing FPS, MOBA, RPG, or any other genre. A gaming keyboard can offer you faster response time, better accuracy, more comfort, and more customization options than a regular keyboard.

But with so many gaming keyboards on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? What features should you look for? What are the best gaming keyboards in 2024?

In this post, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll review some of the best gaming keyboards in 2024 based on their performance, design, features, and price. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right gaming keyboard for your gaming style and preferences. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Here are our top picks for the best gaming keyboards in 2024:

1. Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog gaming keyboard

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is one of the most innovative and advanced gaming keyboards in 2023. It features Razer’s proprietary analog optical switches, which use light to register keystrokes and allow you to adjust the actuation point from 1.5mm to 3.6mm. This means you can customize how sensitive and responsive your keys are, depending on the game you’re playing or your personal preference.

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog also boasts a sleek and durable aluminum frame, a detachable wrist rest, a multi-function digital dial, dedicated media keys, and a USB passthrough port. It also supports Razer Chroma RGB lighting, which lets you sync your keyboard with other Razer devices and compatible games for a stunning visual effect.

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and comes with a braided USB-C cable. It’s not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it if you want a cutting-edge gaming keyboard that offers unparalleled customization and performance.

2. Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Wireless

Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless gaming keyboard

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless is the best wireless gaming keyboard we’ve tested, offering high-performance wireless connectivity with LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting and programmable G-keys. The G915 Lightspeed Wireless uses Logitech’s proprietary Lightspeed technology, which delivers a fast and reliable wireless connection with ultra-low latency and no interference. You can also connect it to multiple devices via Bluetooth or USB dongle and switch between them with a push of a button.

The G915 Lightspeed Wireless has a slim and elegant design that looks great on any desk. It has a full-size layout with dedicated media controls and a volume wheel for convenience. It also has five programmable G-keys that you can use to assign macros or shortcuts for your favorite games or apps. The keyboard has per-key RGB lighting that you can customize with 16.8 million colors and sync with other Logitech devices.

The G915 Lightspeed Wireless uses Logitech’s GL switches, which are low-profile mechanical switches that offer a similar feel and sound as standard mechanical switches but with less travel distance and height. You can choose between three types of GL switches: linear, tactile, or clicky, depending on your preference. The switches are also very durable and rated for 70 million keystrokes.

The G915 Lightspeed Wireless has an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with full RGB lighting on, or up to 135 hours with no lighting. You can easily recharge it via USB-C cable when it runs low. The keyboard also has an auto-sleep mode that conserves power when not in use.

The only drawback of the G915 Lightspeed Wireless is that it’s very expensive compared to other wireless gaming keyboards. It also doesn’t come with a wrist rest or a USB passthrough port.

3. Corsair K100 RGB Optical

Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Corsair K100 RGB Optical is one of the most feature-packed and premium gaming keyboards in 2023. It features Corsair’s exclusive optical-mechanical switches, which use infrared light to register keystrokes faster and more accurately than traditional mechanical switches. It also has an impressive polling rate of up to 4000Hz, which means it can communicate with your PC four times faster than standard keyboards.

The Corsair K100 RGB Optical also has a robust and elegant aluminum frame, a detachable palm rest, a six-zone RGB light edge, dedicated media keys, and an iCUE control wheel that can be used for various functions like volume control or zooming in games. It also supports Corsair iCUE software, which lets you customize your keyboard’s lighting effects, macros, profiles, and more.

The Corsair K100 RGB Optical is compatible with Windows only, and comes with two braided USB cables. It’s quite expensive for a gaming keyboard, but it’s worth every penny if you want a top-of-the-line gaming keyboard that offers superb performance and functionality.

4. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 gaming keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is our favorite gaming keyboard overall, thanks to its innovative adjustable pre-travel distance feature. This feature allows you to customize the sensitivity of each key, from 0.4mm to 3.6mm, or even assign two different inputs depending on how far down you press the key. This gives you unprecedented control and versatility over your gaming experience, letting you adjust your keyboard to suit different games and playstyles.

The Apex Pro TKL (2023) also has a sleek and durable aluminum frame, per-key RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors, and a detachable magnetic wrist rest for comfort. It has a tenkeyless design that saves space on your desk and makes it easier to carry around. It also comes with a small OLED screen that displays useful information like game stats, Discord notifications, or Spotify tracks. You can also use it to adjust settings like brightness, volume, or pre-travel distance without exiting your game.

The Apex Pro TKL (2023) uses SteelSeries’ proprietary OmniPoint switches, which are linear optical switches that use light instead of metal contacts to register keystrokes. This makes them faster and more responsive than traditional mechanical switches, as well as more durable and less prone to wear and tear. The switches are also very quiet and smooth to type on, making them suitable for both gaming and typing.

The only downside of the Apex Pro TKL (2023) is that it’s quite expensive compared to other gaming keyboards. However, we think it’s worth the investment if you want a premium keyboard that offers unparalleled customization and performance.

5. HyperX Alloy Origins Core

HyperX Alloy Origins Core gaming keyboard

HyperX Alloy Origins Core – Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100.
If you’re looking for a more affordable gaming keyboard that still delivers excellent performance and features, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a great option. This keyboard is a tenkeyless (TKL) model, which means that it doesn’t have a numpad. This saves some space on your desk and allows for more room for your mouse movements. The HyperX Alloy Origins Core uses HyperX’s own mechanical switches, which are available in three variants: red (linear), aqua (tactile), and blue (clicky). The switches have a lifespan of 80 million keystrokes and are rated for 45 grams of actuation force. The HyperX Alloy Origins Core also has a solid aluminum body, a detachable USB-C cable, onboard memory for three profiles, and dynamic RGB lighting with per-key customization.

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core costs $89.99 on HyperX’s website, which makes it a great value for money. It offers high-quality performance and features without breaking the bank.

6. Corsair K55 RGB Pro

CORSAIR K55 RGB PRO gaming keyboard

Corsair K55 RGB Pro – Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a decent gaming keyboard, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro is a good choice. This keyboard is not mechanical, but rather uses membrane switches that are quiet and responsive. The Corsair K55 RGB Pro has six dedicated macro keys that can be programmed with Corsair’s iCUE software, as well as dedicated media keys and volume control. It also has zone-based RGB lighting with five preset modes and 16.8 million colors to choose from. The Corsair K55 RGB Pro also comes with a detachable palm rest that provides extra comfort during long gaming sessions.

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro costs $49.99 on Corsair’s website, which makes it one of the cheapest gaming keyboards on the market. It may not have the same feel and speed as a mechanical keyboard, but it still offers decent performance and features for casual gamers.

How To choose Your Keyboard

Whether you are just getting started with gaming keyboards or you have some questions, we will guide you through some of the key factors to consider when buying new keys in 2024.

What are the benefits of a gaming keyboard?

A gaming keyboard is designed specifically for gamers, with features that enhance your gaming experience. Some of the benefits of a gaming keyboard are:

  • Faster and more responsive keys: Gaming keyboards often use mechanical switches, which offer a higher actuation point, shorter travel distance, and more tactile feedback than membrane or rubber dome switches. This means that you can press the keys faster and more accurately, giving you an edge in competitive games.
  • Customizable lighting: Gaming keyboards usually have RGB backlighting, which allows you to customize the color and brightness of each key. You can also create different lighting profiles for different games or moods, or sync the lighting with your other gaming peripherals.
  • Dedicated macro keys: Gaming keyboards may have extra keys that you can program to perform specific functions or commands in games. For example, you can assign a macro key to switch weapons, heal yourself, or chat with your teammates. This can save you time and improve your efficiency in game.
  • Ergonomic design: Gaming keyboards are often designed to provide more comfort and support for your wrists and hands. They may have features such as wrist rests, palm rests, adjustable height and angle, or split layouts. These can help reduce fatigue and prevent injuries from long hours of gaming.

What are the types of gaming keyboards?

Gaming keyboards can be classified into different types based on their size, layout, and switch type. Here are some of the most common types of gaming keyboards:

  • Full-size keyboards: These are the standard keyboards that have 104 keys, including a number pad, function keys, arrow keys, and navigation keys. They offer the most functionality and compatibility with games and software, but they also take up more space on your desk.
  • Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards: These are keyboards that have 87 keys, omitting the number pad. They are more compact and portable than full-size keyboards, and they also free up more space for your mouse movement. However, they may not be suitable for games or tasks that require frequent use of the number pad.
  • 60% keyboards: These are keyboards that have 61 keys, omitting the number pad, function keys, arrow keys, and navigation keys. They are the smallest and lightest type of gaming keyboards, ideal for minimalist setups or traveling gamers. However, they also sacrifice a lot of functionality and convenience, as you have to use combination keys or software to access some of the missing keys.
  • Switch type: The switch type refers to the mechanism that registers each key press on a keyboard. There are three main types of switches: mechanical, membrane, and optical.
  • Mechanical switches: These are switches that use a spring and a metal contact to register each key press. They offer the best performance and durability among all switch types, as well as a variety of options for different preferences. Mechanical switches can be further categorized into linear (smooth and consistent), tactile (with a bump), and clicky (with a bump and a sound) switches.
  • Membrane switches: These are switches that use a rubber dome and an electrical circuit to register each key press. They are cheaper and quieter than mechanical switches, but they also have lower responsiveness and durability. Membrane switches usually have a mushy feel and require more force to press.
  • Optical switches: These are switches that use a light beam and a sensor to register each key press. They are similar to mechanical switches in terms of performance and feel, but they have some advantages such as faster actuation speed, longer lifespan, and resistance to dust and water.

How to choose the best gaming keyboard for your needs?

Choosing the best gaming keyboard for your needs depends on several factors such as your budget, preference, game genre, setup space, and compatibility. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

  • Budget: Gaming keyboards vary widely in price depending on their features and quality. You can find decent gaming keyboards for under $50, but you may have to compromise on some aspects such as switch type, lighting options, or build quality. On the other hand, you can also find premium gaming keyboards for over $200, but you may not need all the bells and whistles they offer.
  • Game genre: Different types of games may require different types of keyboards. For example, if you play fast-paced shooters or competitive games, you may want a keyboard with high responsiveness, anti-ghosting, and N-key rollover features. These ensure that your keystrokes are registered accurately and quickly without any delay or interference. Some examples are the SteelSeries Apex Pro, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, and the Razer Huntsman Analog. On the other hand, if you play RPGs or strategy games that involve a lot of commands and shortcuts, you may want a keyboard with macro keys, media controls, and programmable software. These allow you to customize your keyboard to suit your playstyle and preferences. Some examples are the Logitech G915 Lightspeed, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT, and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro.
  • Setup space: Another factor to consider is how much space you have on your desk or gaming area. If you have a large and spacious setup, you can opt for a full-sized keyboard with extra features and accessories. However, if you have a small and compact setup, you may want to go for a TKL or 60% keyboard that takes up less room and is easier to transport. You may also want to look for a wireless keyboard that eliminates cable clutter and offers more flexibility and mobility. Some examples are the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed, and the Anne Pro 2.
  • Compatibility: Finally, you should check if your gaming keyboard is compatible with your PC or console. Most gaming keyboards are designed for Windows PCs and have USB connections. However, some may also work with Macs or Linux systems with minor adjustments or limitations. Some may also support Bluetooth or wireless dongles that can connect to other devices such as smartphones or tablets. Some may even have dedicated modes or switches that can optimize them for PS4 or Xbox One consoles. You should always check the product specifications and reviews before buying a gaming keyboard to ensure that it works well with your gaming platform.

These are some of the main factors that you should consider when choosing the best gaming keyboard for your needs. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. The best gaming keyboard for you depends on your personal taste and preference. The most important thing is to find a keyboard that suits your style and enhances your gaming experience.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Accessories, Computers

Best External Drives of 2024: Top Picks and How to Decide

External portable drives are a great way to store and backup your data, especially if you need to carry it around with you. They are also useful for transferring files between different devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and consoles. However, not all external portable drives are created equal. Some are faster, more durable, more secure, or more stylish than others. In this blog post, we will review 7 of the best external portable drives that you can buy in 2024, based on their performance, features, design, and price.

Samsung T7 Touch

SAMSUNG T7 Touch portable SSD

If you are looking for a fast and secure portable SSD, you might want to check out the Samsung T7 Touch. This device offers impressive transfer speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s for read and write, respectively, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and PCIe NVMe technology. It also features a fingerprint scanner and AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access. You can unlock the SSD with a touch of your finger or with a password.

The Samsung T7 Touch has a sleek and durable design, with a metal body that can withstand drops of up to 2 meters. It also has an LED square that shows the status of the SSD at a glance. The device comes in two colors: black and silver, and three capacities: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. You can use the Samsung Portable SSD software to set up your security options and get firmware updates.

The Samsung T7 Touch is a great option for anyone who needs a portable SSD that combines speed, security and style. It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Android devices, and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can find more details about the Samsung T7 Touch on its official website or on various online reviews.

Samsung T7 Touch Specifications

User Manual: [PDF]: https://bit.ly/40Y0REV

WD My Passport

Western Digital My Passport External Drive

The WD My Passport is a reliable and affordable external HDD that offers ample storage space of up to 5 TB. It has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface that delivers speeds of up to 140 MB/s for both read and write. It also comes with WD Backup software that lets you schedule automatic backups of your files to the drive or to the cloud. The My Passport has a stylish and colorful design that matches your personality. It also has password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your data secure. The My Passport is compatible with Windows and Mac computers.

Crucial X8 Portable SSD 

Crucial X8 SSD

If you are looking for a fast and reliable external storage solution, you might want to consider the Crucial X8 Portable SSD USB 3.2 SSD. This device offers up to 4TB of storage capacity and delivers up to 1050 MB/s of read speed, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and NVMe technology. The Crucial X8 is also durable and shock-resistant, drop proof up to 7.5 feet, extreme-temperature, shock and vibration proof with a sleek and elegant design that fits in your pocket. Whether you need to store your photos, videos, games, or documents, the Crucial X8 can handle it with ease and security.

The Crucial X8 supports Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One.

SanDisk Extreme Pro

SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is a rugged and durable external SSD that offers blazing-fast speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s for both read and write. It has a USB-C interface that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for maximum performance. It also has an IP55 rating that makes it resistant to water, dust, and shocks. The Extreme Pro has a solid aluminum core that dissipates heat and protects your data from high temperatures. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for compatibility with various devices. The Extreme Pro is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities.

It also features a durable design that can withstand shocks, vibrations and extreme temperatures.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Specs

User Manual: [PDF]: https://bit.ly/3UcUBGC

LaCie Rugged SSD

LaCie Rugged Mini SSD

If you are looking for a portable hard drive that can withstand harsh conditions and offer fast data transfer speeds, you might want to check out the LaCie Rugged SSD. This drive is part of the LaCie Rugged family, which has been trusted by creative professionals since 2005 for capturing and transporting data in the field.

The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD USB 3.2 Type-C has a durable design that can resist drops, rain, dust, and crushes. It also has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. The drive has a capacity of up to 4 TB of storage space and uses a solid state drive (SSD) technology, which means it has no moving parts and can deliver faster performance than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). The drive can reach speeds of up to 1050MB/s, which is ideal for editing and transferring high-resolution photos and videos in 4K.

The LaCie Rugged SSD has a versatile connectivity that works with USB4, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 devices. It comes with a USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can plug it into any computer or tablet. You can even use it with your iPad to expand its storage capacity. The drive also supports Seagate Secure technology, which encrypts your data with AES-256 encryption to protect it from unauthorized access.

G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD

G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD

If you are looking for a fast, reliable and durable external storage device, you might want to consider the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. This is a solid state drive (SSD) that offers high performance, portability and protection for your data. Here are some of the features and benefits of this device:

  • It has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface that supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is twice as fast as USB 3.1 Gen 1. This means you can quickly access, edit and backup your files without any lag or delay.
  • It has a shock-resistant design that can withstand drops up to 3 meters and a crush-proof rating of up to 1000 pounds. This means you can take it anywhere without worrying about damaging it or losing your data.
  • It has an IP67 rating that makes it water and dust resistant. This means you can use it in various environments and conditions without compromising its functionality or performance.
  • It has a sleek and compact design that weighs only 0.19 pounds and measures 3.74 x 1.97 x 0.57 inches. This means you can easily fit it in your pocket, backpack or laptop bag and carry it with you wherever you go.
  • It has a capacity of up to 2 TB that can store thousands of photos, videos, music and documents. This means you can have all your important files with you at all times and free up space on your internal drive.

The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C supports speeds of up to 1050MB/s Read and 1000MB/s Write, and is compatible with Windows / Mac operating systems and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions.

If you are interested in buying this device, you can find it on Amazon for $299.95 for the 1 TB version and $499.95 for the 2 TB version. You can also check out the official website of G-Technology for more information and reviews.

How To Buy a Portable External Drive

How do you choose the best portable external drive for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:

Capacity

The capacity of a portable external drive is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), and it determines how much data you can store on it. The more capacity you have, the more files you can store. However, more capacity also means higher price and heavier weight. You should choose a capacity that suits your needs and budget. For example, if you only need to store some documents and photos, a 500 GB drive might be enough. But if you need to store large videos or games, you might need a 2 TB drive or more.

Speed

The speed of a portable external drive is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabits per second (Gbps), and it determines how fast you can transfer data to and from it. The faster the speed, the less time you have to wait for your files to copy or load. However, faster speed also means higher price and more power consumption. You should choose a speed that matches your computer’s ports and your usage. For example, if you have a USB 3.0 port on your computer, you should get a USB 3.0 drive that can transfer data at up to 5 Gbps. But if you have an older USB 2.0 port, you should get a USB 2.0 drive that can transfer data at up to 480 Mbps.

Durability:

The durability of a portable external drive is measured by its shock resistance and water resistance, and it determines how well it can withstand physical damage or environmental hazards. The more durable a drive is, the more likely it is to survive drops, bumps, spills, or extreme temperatures. However, more durability also means higher price and bulkier design. You should choose a durability that matches your lifestyle and expectations. For example, if you travel frequently or work in harsh conditions, you should get a rugged drive that can resist shocks and water. But if you use your drive mostly at home or in the office, you might not need such a high level of protection.

Design

The design of a portable external drive is measured by its size, weight, shape, color, and style, and it determines how easy it is to carry and use. The smaller and lighter a drive is, the more convenient it is to transport and store. The shape, color, and style of a drive are also important for aesthetic reasons and personal preference. You should choose a design that appeals to you and fits your needs. For example, if you want a sleek and stylish drive that matches your laptop, you might choose a slim and metallic drive. But if you want a fun and colorful drive that stands out from the crowd, you might choose a round and bright drive.

These are some of the main factors to consider when buying a portable external drive. Of course, there are other features that might interest you as well, such as encryption, backup software, warranty, or customer service. You should compare different models and brands of portable external drives based on these factors and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Accessories, Video

Best Webcams of 2024: Top Models and Buying Advice

Webcams are essential devices for many people who work, study, or socialize online. Whether you need a webcam for video conferencing, streaming, gaming, or recording, you want a device that can deliver high-quality video and audio, as well as features that suit your needs and preferences. In this article, we will review some of the best webcams that are expected to hit the market in 2024, based on their specifications, performance, design, and price.

Logitech Brio 500

Logitech Brio 500 4K Webcam

This is the successor of the popular Logitech Brio 4K, which is one of the best webcams for 2022.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest high-quality webcam that can capture stunning 4K video, you might want to check out the Logitech Brio 500. This webcam is one of the best on the market, offering a range of features that make it ideal for video conferencing, streaming, or recording.

The Logitech Brio 500 has a premium glass lens that can deliver crisp and clear images in any lighting condition. It also has a wide 90-degree field of view that can capture more of your surroundings. You can adjust the zoom, pan, and tilt of the camera using the Logitech Camera Settings app. The webcam also supports Windows Hello facial recognition, which allows you to log in to your device with just a glance.

One of the most impressive features of the Logitech Brio 500 is its ability to record and stream in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. This means you can enjoy ultra-high-definition video that looks realistic and lifelike. You can also choose to record or stream in lower resolutions, such as 1080p or 720p, at higher frame rates, such as 60 or 90 fps. The webcam also has HDR technology that can enhance the contrast and color of your video.

The Logitech Brio 500 also has a built-in dual microphone system that can capture natural and clear audio. The microphones have noise-canceling technology that can filter out background noise and focus on your voice. You can also use an external microphone if you prefer.

The Logitech Brio 500 is compatible with most popular video platforms and applications, such as Zoom, Skype, OBS, XSplit, and more. It works with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and Linux operating systems. It connects to your device via a USB 3.0 cable that supports data transfer and power delivery.

The Logitech Brio 500 is a webcam that can elevate your video experience to the next level. It is easy to set up and use, and it offers amazing performance and quality. If you are interested in buying this webcam, you can find it on Amazon for $199.99.

Microsoft Modern Webcam

Microsoft Modern Webcam

This is a new webcam from Microsoft that aims to provide a simple and affordable solution for video calls. The Microsoft Modern Webcam has a sleek and minimalist design that can be attached to any monitor or laptop. It offers 1080p resolution at 30 fps, with True Look technology that enhances color, brightness, and skin tone. It also has a noise-canceling microphone and a physical shutter for privacy. The Microsoft Modern Webcam is compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS, and works with Skype, Teams, Zoom, and other apps. It is expected to cost around $70.

Insta360 Link

Insta360 Link Webcam

If you are looking for a webcam that can do more than just capture your face, you might want to check out the Insta360 Link. This is a new AI-powered 4K webcam that offers a range of features and modes to enhance your video calls, live streams and presentations.

The Insta360 Link is not your typical webcam. It has a gimbal head that can rotate and tilt to capture different angles and perspectives. It also uses Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) to focus faster and more accurately than other webcams, and auto exposure to keep the video natural and balanced.

One of the most innovative features of the Insta360 Link is its AI technology that can automatically adjust the video according to your needs. For example, you can use the DeskView mode to show your tabletop when you are presenting something during a video call. The webcam will zoom in and out to fit your workspace and keep it in focus.

Another mode that is useful for online classes and work presentations is the Whiteboard mode. This mode can enhance your whiteboard or any other flat surface by squaring it off and making it clearer for your audience. You can also use the Overhead mode to capture a bird’s-eye view of your activity, such as unboxing a product, playing piano or sketching a floor plan.

If you are into live streaming or social media, you will appreciate the Portrait mode of the Insta360 Link. This mode allows you to shoot in 9:16 aspect ratio by rotating the gimbal head, which is ideal for mobile phone viewing. You can also use the webcam with universal accessories, thanks to its built-in 1/4″ mounting point.

The Insta360 Link is a versatile and powerful webcam that can help you communicate better than ever. It is compatible with Windows and Mac computers, and supports various video platforms such as Zoom, Skype, OBS, YouTube and Facebook. You can buy it from the official website for $299.99.

Elgato Facecam Pro

Elgato Facecam Pro Webcam

This is the successor of the popular Elgato Facecam – 1080p60.

If you are looking for a new high-quality webcam for your streaming or video conferencing needs, you might want to check out the Elgato Facecam Pro 4K. This webcam offers a stunning 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, with a wide-angle lens and a Sony Starvis sensor that delivers crisp and clear images in any lighting condition. The Elgato Facecam Pro 4K also features a built-in microphone with noise cancellation, a privacy shutter, and a flexible stand that can be mounted on any monitor or tripod. You can also customize your settings and preferences using the Elgato Camera Hub software, which lets you adjust the exposure, white balance, zoom, and more. The Elgato Facecam Pro 4K is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and works with popular apps like OBS Studio, Zoom, Skype, and Discord. Whether you are a professional streamer, a casual gamer, or a remote worker, the Elgato Facecam Pro 4K can help you elevate your online presence and communication. The Facecam Pro is listed online for $299.99.

These are some of the best webcams for 2024 that you can look forward to buying. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose from these options or explore other models that may suit you better. Webcams are not only useful devices but also fun gadgets that can enhance your online experience.

How to choose a webcam

Here are some tips and factors to consider when buying a webcam:

  1. Resolution: The resolution of a webcam refers to the number of pixels that it can capture and display. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the image quality. However, higher resolution also means more bandwidth and storage requirements, so you need to balance your needs and resources. The standard resolution for webcams is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), which is suitable for most purposes. However, if you want to stream or record in 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) or higher, you will need a more powerful webcam and computer.
  2. Frame rate: The frame rate of a webcam refers to the number of frames that it can capture and display per second. The higher the frame rate, the smoother and more realistic the motion quality. However, higher frame rate also means more bandwidth and processing power requirements, so you need to balance your needs and resources. The standard frame rate for webcams is 30 fps (frames per second), which is sufficient for most purposes. However, if you want to stream or record fast-paced or action-packed scenes, you may want to opt for a webcam that can support 60 fps or higher.
  3. Autofocus: Autofocus is a feature that allows the webcam to automatically adjust its focus based on the distance and movement of the subject. This is useful for ensuring that you always appear sharp and clear on the screen, without having to manually adjust the focus. However, autofocus can also cause some problems, such as losing focus when there are multiple subjects or objects in the frame, or when there is low light or glare. Therefore, you may want to look for a webcam that has an option to turn off autofocus and use manual focus instead.
  4. Microphone: A microphone is a device that captures and transmits sound. Most webcams have built-in microphones, which are convenient and cost-effective. However, built-in microphones may not have the best sound quality or noise cancellation features, which can affect your audio clarity and quality. Therefore, you may want to consider using an external microphone or headset instead of relying on your webcam’s microphone.
  5. Lighting: Lighting is a key factor that affects the image quality of your webcam. Poor lighting can result in dark, grainy, or washed-out images, which can reduce your visibility and professionalism. Therefore, you should always try to use natural or artificial lighting sources that are bright and even, and avoid backlighting or direct sunlight that can cause glare or shadows. You can also use a ring light or a lamp that attaches to your webcam or monitor to enhance your lighting.
  6. Compatibility: Compatibility refers to the ability of your webcam to work with your computer and software. You should always check the specifications and requirements of your webcam before buying it, and make sure that it is compatible with your operating system, processor, memory, graphics card, USB port, and internet connection. You should also check if your webcam supports the software or platform that you intend to use it for, such as Zoom, Skype, OBS Studio, Twitch, YouTube, etc.
  7. Price: Price is another important factor that affects your choice of a webcam. Webcams vary in price depending on their features and quality. You should always set a budget and compare different models and brands before making a purchase decision. You should also look for discounts, deals, coupons, or reviews that can help you save money and get the best value for your money.

These are some of the tips and factors that can help you choose a webcam in 2024. We hope that this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Laptops

8 Best Gaming Laptops of 2024: Top Expert Choice

If you’re looking for a new gaming laptop in 2024, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available on the market. There are laptops for every budget, preference, and performance level, from thin and light ultrabooks to powerful desktop replacements. But how do you choose the best gaming laptop for your needs?

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 8 incredible gaming laptops that you can buy right now. These laptops have been tested and reviewed by experts and users alike, and they offer a great balance of performance, features, design, battery life, and value. Whether you want to play the latest AAA titles at high settings, stream your gameplay to your fans, or enjoy some casual gaming on the go, there’s a laptop for you on this list.

Here are the 8 best gaming laptops for 2024:

1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is our top pick for the best gaming laptop overall. It combines an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, delivering outstanding performance in a sleek and portable chassis. The 15.6-inch QHD display has a 165Hz refresh rate and supports adaptive sync technology, ensuring smooth and immersive gameplay. The laptop also has a spacious keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, a responsive touchpad with integrated fingerprint scanner, and an impressive array of ports and connectivity options. The battery life is also impressive for a gaming laptop, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is not only a great gaming laptop but also an excellent daily driver that can handle productivity tasks with ease. It’s one of the most versatile and well-rounded laptops on this list.

2. Asus TUF Dash F15

Asus Tuf Dash F15

The Asus TUF Dash F15 is another great option for gamers who want a thin and light laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. It features an Intel Core i7-11375H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU that can handle most games at high settings on its 15.6-inch FHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate.

The TUF Dash F15 is also built to last, with a military-grade durability rating that can withstand drops, shocks, vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures. It has a simple but sturdy design with an RGB backlit keyboard and plenty of ports for connectivity. The battery life is decent as well, lasting up to six hours on average use.

The main downside of this laptop is its loud fan noise under heavy load, which might annoy some users or require headphones to drown out. But if you don’t mind that trade-off, you’ll get an excellent gaming laptop that’s easy to carry around.

3. Razer Blade 14

Razer Blade 14

The Razer Blade 14 is one of the best thin and light gaming laptops on the market today. It weighs just 3.92 pounds and measures only 0.66 inches thick but packs a punch with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. The 14-inch QHD display has a stunning resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a fast refresh rate of 165Hz, making it ideal for gaming as well as content creation. The laptop also has an RGB backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting technology, a precision glass touchpad with Windows Precision drivers, and THX Spatial Audio speakers for immersive sound quality.

The Razer Blade 14 is not only powerful but also stylish and durable thanks to its CNC-machined aluminum chassis that comes in black or mercury white colors. The battery life is decent for its size class but could be better compared to some competitors.

4. MSI Stealth GS77

MSI Stealth GS77

The MSI Stealth GS77 is one of the best desktop replacement laptops on this list thanks to its massive screen size and powerful hardware components. It features an Intel Core i9-12900H processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU that can handle any game at ultra settings without breaking a sweat. The laptop has a huge 17-inch FHD display that boasts a stunning resolution of
1920 x1080 pixels and a rapid refresh rate of up to 360Hz, offering unparalleled smoothness and clarity. The keyboard hasper-key RGB lighting and a SteelSeries Engine3 software that allows you to customize your settings and macros. The laptop also has Dynaudio Duo Wave speakers with Nahimic3 sound enhancement technology for rich and audio quality.

The MSI Stealth GS77 is not very portable due to its large size and weight but it offers desktop-level performance in a laptop form factor. It’s one of the best gaming laptops for you if you want the ultimate power and immersion.

5. Alienware m18 (2023)

Alienware M18 Gaming Laptop

If you want to go big or go home, then look no further than the Alienware m18. This monstrous machine has an eye-catching design with customizable RGB lighting and an ergonomic keyboard with mechanical switches. The specs are equally impressive: this laptop boasts a stunning 18-inch display with either a QHD resolution and a blazing-fast 480Hz refresh rate or a UHD resolution and a smooth 165Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel processors and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, which can deliver unparalleled performance in any game or application.

The Alienware m18 was released in Q1 2023 with a starting price of $2,899.

6. MSI Cyborg 15 (2023)

MSI Cyborg 15 gaming laptop

The MSI Cyborg 15 is one of the most unique gaming laptops of CES 2023, with its futuristic design inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics. This laptop has a metal chassis with angular edges, a hexagonal grille, and RGB lighting effects. The hardware is also top-notch: this laptop features an Intel Core i7-12800H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, which can handle most games at high settings. The display is also impressive: this laptop has a FHD panel with a remarkable 300Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+ technology.

7. Lenovo Legion Pro

Lenovo Legion Pro Gaming Laptop

The Lenovo Legion Pro is one of the best gaming laptops for professionals who need a balance between work and play. This laptop has a sleek and sturdy design, with a magnesium-alloy body and a hinge that allows for different modes of use. The performance is also superb: this laptop comes with an Intel Core i9-11900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Max-Q GPU, which can run demanding games and applications smoothly. The display is also gorgeous: this laptop offers a QHD panel with a high-quality Dolby Vision certification and a fast 240Hz refresh rate.

8. MSI GT77 Titan (2023)

MSI Titan GT77 Gaming Laptop

The MSI GT77 Titan (2023) is one of the most powerful gaming laptops of the year, with its desktop-grade components and features. This behemoth has an Intel Core i9-12900K processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 or dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cards with 16GB of VRAM each. It has a 17.3-inch 4K display with 240Hz refresh rate, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, and the laptop also has a mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, a dual-fan cooling system, and a 2TB SSD. The MSI GT77 Titan 2023 laptop is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy the latest titles at ultra-high settings and smooth frame rates. It boasts a dual-fan cooling system with 11 heat pipes and four exhaust vents, keeping the laptop cool and quiet under heavy load. The laptop has a thin and light chassis made of aluminum alloy, weighing only 4.5 kg and measuring 33.5 mm in thickness. The laptop also has a variety of ports and connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, Ethernet, audio jack, SD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The laptop has a 99.9 Wh battery that can last up to 8 hours on a single charge.

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These are just some of the best gaming laptops of 2024 that I recommend. There are many more options out there, depending on your preferences, needs, and budget. But no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these amazing machines. They will give you an immersive, smooth, and fun gaming experience, while also being versatile, reliable, and stylish.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful. If you did, please share it with your friends
and fellow gamers. And if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
I’d love to hear from you.

Happy gaming!

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Laptops, None

How to Buy a Gaming Laptop: Best Guide for 2024

The world of gaming laptops is constantly evolving, with new models released every year. Buying a gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. Most gaming laptops are designed to run high-performance games and applications. They usually have powerful processors, graphics cards, memory, storage, cooling systems and displays. However, not all gaming laptops are created equal. There are many factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop in 2024. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to buy a gaming laptop that meets your specifications and budget.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

The first step in buying a gaming laptop is to determine your budget. Gaming laptops can range from $500 to $5000, so it’s important to know how much you are willing to spend. The budget you set will determine the quality and specifications of the laptop you can get.

For budget-conscious gamers, there are many great gaming laptops available for under $1000. These laptops typically have lower-end graphics cards and processors, but they can still handle most games at lower settings. For those with a higher budget, there are high-end gaming laptops available with top-of-the-line processors and graphics cards that can handle even the most demanding games at the highest settings.

Gaming Laptop

Step 2: Determine Your Requirements

The next step is to determine your requirements. What games do you want to play? What is the level of graphics you want to achieve? How important is portability to you? These are all important questions to ask yourself when buying a gaming laptop.

If you are a casual gamer and want to play games such as Minecraft or League of Legends, then a laptop with a mid-range graphics card and processor will suffice. If you are a more serious gamer and want to play games such as Call of Duty or Battlefield, then a laptop with a high-end graphics card and processor is required.

Portability is also an important consideration. If you plan on traveling frequently with your laptop, then a lightweight and portable laptop is ideal. However, if you plan on using your laptop mainly at home, then a larger, more powerful laptop with better cooling options may be a better choice.

Step 3: Research and Compare Laptops

Once you have determined your budget and requirements, it’s time to research and compare laptops. There are many great resources available online that can help you find the perfect gaming laptop for your needs.

When researching gaming laptops, it’s important to pay attention to the specifications. Look for laptops with powerful processors, high-end graphics cards, and ample amounts of RAM. You should also look for laptops with high-quality displays and good cooling options to prevent overheating.

When comparing laptops, it’s important to compare apples to apples. Don’t compare a laptop with a low-end graphics card to one with a high-end graphics card, as the performance will be vastly different. Compare laptops with similar specifications to get a better idea of which laptop is the best choice for your needs.

Things you should be checking:

Performance: The performance of a gaming laptop depends largely on its hardware components. You should look for a gaming laptop that has at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD storage and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of VRAM. These specifications will allow you to run most games at medium to high settings and resolutions.

Display: The display is one of the most important aspects of a gaming laptop as it affects your visual experience and immersion. You should look for a gaming laptop that has at least a 15-inch screen with full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and IPS technology for wide viewing angles and accurate colors. You can also opt for higher resolutions such as QHD (2560 x 1440) or UHD (3840 x 2160) if you want more details and clarity. However, keep in mind that higher resolutions will require more graphics power and battery life.

Battery life: Gaming laptops are notorious for having short battery life due to their high-performance components. You should look for a gaming laptop that has at least a 60 Wh battery capacity and supports fast charging technology. You can also adjust your power settings, brightness level and background apps to extend your battery life.

Portability: Gaming laptops are usually heavier and bulkier than regular laptops due to their cooling systems and hardware components. You should look for a gaming laptop that weighs less than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) and has a thickness of less than an inch (2.5 cm) if you plan to carry it around frequently.

Design: Gaming laptops often have flashy designs with RGB lighting, angular shapes and aggressive logos. You should look for a gaming laptop that suits your personal style and preference. You can also customize your gaming laptop with stickers, skins or decals.

Features: Gaming laptops may have additional features that enhance your gaming experience such as backlit keyboards, speakers, webcams, microphones, touchpads or fingerprint scanners. You should look for a gaming laptop that has the features that you need or want.

Step 4: Check Reviews

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential gaming laptops, it’s time to check reviews. Reviews can give you a better idea of the performance and reliability of the laptop you are considering.

When reading reviews, it’s important to look for common issues. If multiple reviews mention the same issue, then it’s likely a problem with the laptop. Conversely, if multiple reviews praise a certain aspect of the laptop, then it’s likely a strength of the laptop.

It’s also important to read reviews from multiple sources. Don’t rely on just one review to make your decision, as different reviewers may have different opinions and experiences with the laptop.

Step 5: Consider the Brand and Warranty

The brand and warranty are also important considerations when buying a gaming laptop. Look for brands with a good reputation for building high-quality gaming laptops, such as Asus, MSI, or Dell. These brands typically have better build quality, better customer support, and longer warranties.

When considering the warranty, look for a warranty that covers all aspects of the laptop, including the battery and screen

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These are some of the main factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop in 2024. You should also do some research online or offline before making your final decision.

Computers

Apple Announces New MacBook Pros With M2 Pro and M2 Max Processors, adds Mac Mini with the M2 and M2 Pro to the Lineup

The M2 Pro and M2 Max processors are the latest additions to Apple’s lineup of laptop processors. They are designed to be faster and more efficient than their predecessors, and they offer improved performance and battery life.

The new MacBook Pro laptops are now available for your orders with the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors, making them the fastest and most powerful laptops Apple has ever made. They offer improved performance, faster loading times, and longer battery life (22 hours of battery life per charge). Buyers who wish to grab the latest Macs can add up to 96GB of RAM (up to 64GB of memory with the M1 Max chip), and get an upgraded HDMI 2.1 port with support for an 8K external display (e.g  one external display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, or 4K resolution at 240Hz.), faster Wi-Fi 6E, and so much more.

The notebooks can be configured with up to 8TB of SSD storage, which is unchanged from the previous generation. With the new processors, the M2 Pro and M2 Max, the MacBook Pros are capable of running multiple powerful applications simultaneously, with no noticeable lag or slowdown. The 8TB of SSD storage ensures that users have plenty of space to store large files and applications. The improved performance, faster loading times, and longer battery life make the laptops ideal for professional users.

You can also choose between 10-core or 12-core CPU, that will add up to 20% faster performance than the M1 Pro chip, along with a pack of three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3, six-speaker sound system and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera at the front.

Apple store has already updated its page with the latest and greatest models. The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are listed at $1,999 for the basic configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and at $2,499 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Apple has also announced the new generation of Mac Mini computers with the M2 and M2 Pro chips, with a starting price of $599 (or $499 for education package), and is available to order today, with availability starting Tuesday, January 24th.

The new Mac Minis offer the M2 chip, as well as 8GB of RAM for the basic model, along with 256GB of storage. they house an HDMI port, with a gigabit ethernet connection, a headphone jack, two USB-A ports and two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports as well.

The M2 Pro on the other hand comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a set of four Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of two in the entry-level model.

Meet the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini | Apple

Computers, Tech

10 Things You Can Do with ChatGPT That Will Blow Your Mind

ChatGPT is a conversational language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT-3 (Generative Pretrained Transformer 3) architecture, which is a state-of-the-art natural language processing model that has been trained on a massive amount of data.

The ChatGPT model is specifically designed to generate human-like responses to text inputs, making it useful for applications such as chatbots and virtual assistants. Unlike some other language models, ChatGPT is able to maintain context and coherence across multiple turns in a conversation, allowing it to generate more natural and coherent responses.

One of the key features of ChatGPT is its ability to generate responses in a variety of different styles and tones. For example, it can generate responses that are formal and polite, casual and friendly, or even sarcastic and humorous. This makes it well-suited for use in a wide range of applications, from customer service and support to social media and entertainment.

In addition to its ability to generate human-like responses, ChatGPT also has the ability to generate responses in a variety of different languages. This makes it useful for applications that require multi-lingual support, such as virtual assistants for global companies or chatbots that need to support multiple languages.

Overall, ChatGPT is a powerful and versatile conversational language model that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with machines. Its ability to generate natural and coherent responses, in a variety of styles and languages, makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications.

Here are 10 ideas of what you can all do with the AI engine:

  1. Generate human-like text in real-time, allowing you to have natural-sounding conversations with the assistant.
  2. Translate text into multiple languages, allowing you to communicate with people who speak different languages.
  3. Summarize long pieces of text, allowing you to quickly get the main points of an article or document.
  4. Generate new ideas and content based on your input, allowing you to come up with creative solutions to problems.
  5. Answer questions on a wide range of topics, giving you access to vast amounts of information without having to do extensive research.
  6. Provide personalized responses based on the context of the conversation, allowing you to have more natural and engaging interactions.
  7. Understand and interpret complex instructions and requests, making it easier for you to get things done.
  8. Learn from your interactions and improve over time, becoming more helpful and efficient the more you use it.
  9. Help with tasks such as scheduling, organization, and time management, freeing up your time to focus on other things.
  10. Serve as a companion and offer support and guidance when you need it, providing a sense of connection and companionship.
Computers, Tech

5 Areas to Manage as a Tech Company Selling Their Flagship Product

A company that is known through its flagship product has a huge responsibility to manage the production and sale of this product efficiently. Companies can expand to offer other products but not without the consistent revenue created by a company’s cash cow of a product. Maximizing revenue from the product should be the primary goal while balancing the product’s quality simultaneously. A company that continually relies on the newest releases of their flagship product for annual revenue need loyal customers. Consumers that have had issues with iPhones could swear them off for the Android equivalent. One mistake or glitch can lead a customer to go elsewhere so quality should never be low priority.

Inventory Management is Imperative

Inventory management needs to be closely monitored as running out of a certain piece of a product can halt production indefinitely until the parts come in. Manufacturers need to have a software that helps with this as it can be easy to overlook a certain part of inventory if numerous parts are needed per product made. Multiple channels to find the same part can be essential especially if one partner runs out of parts unexpectedly on a regular basis. Doing an IC search can help list out parts as well as companies that produce these parts around the world.

Customer Service Needs to be a Focus

Customer retention needs to be as high as possible when it comes to a flagship product. Different generations of a product can span over decades allowing a company to be profitable over considerable amounts of time. John Deere tractors and lawnmowers are a great example of products that are used for a lifetime. Entire families use the same brand lawnmower especially if they live on a large piece of land or a farm. Being able to quell the concerns of an customer that is upset can salvage a relationship that leads to multiple future purchases. Addressing the concerns of the customer will also give the product another chance in their minds if sent a new model. Social media is a platform where people can voice their complaints in a public way so others can see. Failure to respond to these complaints looks like lack of care for the customer. Saving a relationship with a customer by offering a discount or replacement is well-worth the time/new product.

Offers to Purchase The Rights of the Product

A smaller company might be approached by a tech giant to purchase the rights to the product. The Oculus Rift is a great example of a product that helped a small company be absorbed by Facebook for an immense payout. Offers might come pouring in depending on the popularity of the product as well as what kind of patent it may or may not have. Partnerships should not always be rejected as the right partner can take the sales of the product to new heights. Keeping a record of all of these offers as well as expiration dates of the offers need to be handled. The ultimate decision to sell the rights to the could be up to a committee of investors so gathering these offers in an organized way is essential.

Improvements/Updated Versions

Improving a product is going to happen with time as materials improve to become lighter or more eco-friendly. The tough aspect to manager during the improvement of a product is not to change the product too much. Losing the integrity of the original product can lose customers that thought the original product was practical. Slowly rolling changes out over time can help sell more products as everyone wants the best version of a product they use consistently. Feedback from customers can be the perfect way to prioritize updates to the product as this data can easily be gathered from reviews across the internet. Market research over time can be a huge help as well as seeing the way consumers are thinking in terms of a product over time is valuable information. Seeing the trends of consumers can allow a company to update a product in a way to appeal to the current owners and potential buyers.

Client Managers Meeting Face to Face with Large Accounts

A tech product that is sold in retail store across the country truly has expanded its reach into the daily shopping experience. The account manager that deals with large accounts like that of Walmart need to meet with their point of contact face to face a few times a year. A product being on the shelves of this retail giant is far more valuable than visiting this client weekly if need be. Client managers should build rapport with clients as well as take them out to dinner/entertain them. The point of contact for a large client will not leave a business relationship they are happy with as long as it continues to be mutually beneficial. A tech company selling their flagship product in all major retailers is a recipe for success but the competition to do so is intense.

Selling a flagship product needs to be done carefully as tarnishing the name of the company or product can spell doom for a business. Take the time to focus on manageable details to help increase the likelihood for success!

Computers, New

How AI is Changing the Future of Job Market

What else captures the imagination than artificial intelligence?

In the past, the very idea of human-manufactured intelligence stood as an allegory from anything from the pitfalls of mankind itself to the dangers of playing god. Today, however, AI is very much a reality and perhaps shows how well early science-fiction writing predicted a future of digital intelligence. What remains is a tremendous responsibility on the shoulders of us humans to create intelligent, yet ethical, technology – but not everyone sees it that way. 

In the wrong hands, AI capabilities become an incredible weapon to fuel social unrest, political instability, support propaganda of authoritarian regimes, and even build an autonomous battlefield. In China alone there are over 200 million active surveillance cameras – nearly four times more than in the US. Utilized by the Chinese police along with high-tech facial recognition eyewear, law enforcement is able to scan the faces of every citizen, picking our criminals and gathering enormous amounts of data along the way. In some ways, AI seems to understand us better than we understand ourselves, for better or for worse, and while our lives may not always be on the line, our data sure is. AI phishing tools for hackers can hyper-target specific victims and quickly sift through datasets identifying the most vulnerable victims. Customized malicious links, nearly indiscernible from authentic links, can be generated in the blink of an eye targeted to individuals or entire databases. 

Dr. Fei-Fei Li, director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab described a hope and noble intentions for AI – “Whether breakthrough occurs in Silicon Valley, Beijing, or anywhere else, it has the potential to make everyone’s life better for the entire world.” Where some leaders would see AI as a tool of mass control, this isn’t a sentiment shared by every forward-thinker. In 2017, Google built a project known as PAIR, or People + AI Research, with the simple yet deeply complex goal of building an AI that treats everyone equally. Tackling our own human biases, prejudices, and problematic thinking, this project begins with the good that evaluate and improve on the datasets that train AI itself, taking it right to the source. 

From any perspective, it’s clear to see how powerful AI is. Early in 2018, Amazon opened its completely cashier-less grocery store that is still a successful operation today. A living example of AI in service industries and a small glimpse into a possible future of full automation, more and more service jobs may be on the chopping block in the coming years. By the mid 2030s, artificial intelligence and automation is predicted to hit 38%, potentially eliminating many US jobs. Industries like manufacturing, retail and construction are at the forefront of being hit the hardest.  All told, millions of jobs could be lost to the cold hand o robotics but it’s what needs to happen in the meantime to reach this reality. Whilst 37% of people are concerned about automation cramping their positions at work, 73% of people say that technology will never replace the human mind, further reminding us that AI is only possible and will only go as far as we allow it to.

An automated future doesn’t necessarily mean more robots – if done right, it could mean more humanity. What does the future of AI look like to you? Detailed in this infographic are the current capabilities of automation, both for good and evil, and what responsibilities we all have to ensure that this technology works with us and not against us. 

 

noodle.ai---the-dark-side-vs-a-force-for-good-b-2

Computers, General, Mobile

11 Important Cyber Security Tips That Will Help Seniors Protect Themselves From Hackers

With the increasing impact of the digital world, an AgeUK study shows that senior citizens are making use of emerging technologies – in fact the number of over 75s using the internet in particular has doubled in the last five years.

Seniors are not only using the internet, but the majority of seniors also own smart phones, online shop and 50% of internet users aged 65-75 have a social media account. The main ways seniors tend to use the internet is to keep in touch with family abroad, for general browsing and for entertainment purposes.

Although seeing the older generation taking advantage of the latest trends and technologies shows the positive impact of these innovations on people of all ages, there are also many potential threats they need to be aware of when using the internet. Only 32% of seniors surveyed claimed they were confident using the internet safely, and 25% of over 75s stated that technology made them feel vulnerable. Seniors particularly need to be aware of how to use the internet safely as they appear to have a lack of confidence and awareness, making them prime targets for cyber criminals. 1 in 5 seniors also don’t have anti-virus software installed on their devices leaving them vulnerable.

This infographic created by Focus Training introduces simple yet effective ways seniors can safely use the internet and protect themselves from potential cyber attacks.

 

Computers

6 Big Data Solutions That Empower Amazon Cloud Services

From the past 12 years, Amazon cloud services are offering prominent data and cloud computing solutions to companies that deal with large data. They assure accessibility to big data solutions to their customers for computing and analyzing data. AWS web services offer a wide range of efficiently distinguished tools that extends all the cloud computing need from the framework required for computing big data to analytics used for understanding those data. Additionally, AWS web services offer other actions and tools for managing big data. Let’s have a glance at some of the features of the most popular big data solutions offered by AWS. We will focus on the benefits of AWS for big data. An adequate understanding of the approach of AWS towards big data will leave an impact on the business of big data solutions in the future.

In this post, we discuss 6 big data solutions that are expected to boostl the Amazon web services in India.

Framework: The foremost crucial step in working with any data is to process it. To accomplish this, AWS offers managed and distributed frameworks for quick, cost-effective, and simple processing of copious data. The fact that AWS web services offer pay-as-you-go approach to the users that assists them to run a variety of frameworks as per their needs to process the data.

Storage and Databases: A substantial number of databases is required to store and process big data. It is crucial to prefer a scalable storage option in order to maintain the variations in cost-effectiveness. AWS web hosting services offer several database and storage options to meet the needs of the business’ data with all the flexibility to maintain broad capabilities of big data.

Intelligence: Big data is quintessentially present in the business intelligence of the gained data. Furthermore, the BI offers feasible insights to businesses to radically transform their landscapes. AWS web services platform provides the access to Amazon QuickSight (AQS) to its patrons. AQS serves as a business intelligence solution for big data, supporting business calculations, their market valuations, and rich visuals.

Data Warehousing: Another very prominent solution offered by Amazon cloud services is Amazon Redshift, a data warehouse to entirely organize, process, and manipulate the business data. Compared to the traditional data warehouse, Redshift is less expensive, easier to maintain and analyze a large amount of data. Users can obtain rapid responses by running queries on structured data using Redshift.

Serverless Compute: Handling servers is a thing of past. Nowadays, big data server compute is taken care by AWS Lambda, where the users are charged for when the code is running and compute is being utilized. This service is highly cost-effective and scalable when working with a vast amount of data.

Analytics: Big data analytics is a system involved in examining and processing the diverse and large amount of data. The big data analytical tool offered by AWS web services is used to concurrently load and process large data. The real-time analytical tools possess effective services, such as loading streaming data into AWS, running analytical queries and scaling them instantly. These tools also build custom apps directly in AWS to provide processed data.

Among all the options for big data solution, AWS web hosting is absolutely leading the charge as a big data solution provider. The most legitimate part of Amazon cloud services is that it comes down to the needs of the individual business and the kind of big data the business is working with.

Computers, Hardware

By Rethinking One Button Huawei MateBook Disrupts the Entire Laptop Market

 

In today’s computer market, it’s hard to disrupt an entire industry. Laptops may get faster, the visuals will get sharper, but at its core, the product is the same.

That was until two days ago, when Huawei shook up the laptop market. On Tuesday, the Chinese tech company launched their new MateBook series and changed everything. Huawei did it with one simple design change- the power button!

For years, the industry viewed the power button as serving one function. Within the limited real estate of a laptop, why is there one button for power and another for finger scanner?

Ever think of that? Me either.

Well, that’s what Huawei was thinking when they launched their MateBook.

A post shared by Huawei Mobile (@huaweimobile) on

A few years ago, I would have expected that Apple might have attempted such a bold redesign. With their eyes laser focused on beating Apple and Microsoft, Huawei simply disrupted the laptop market. They merged two functions and upgraded the power button.

Simple and convenient.

Clearly, this new power button/ finger scanner isn’t where Huawei stopped. All of the other aspects of MateBook X’s hardware are similarly impressive.

In their product launch, Huawei boldly showed who their competition in the laptop market is. Apple. In fact, the MateBook X and MacBook are so similar that Endgaget could barely distinguish between the two.
Huawei took them to task and clearly stated their position.

The MateBook X comes in rose gold.

Sound familiar?

In typical Huawei fashion, they focused on the user. What do all laptops users want? A powerful device, that’s simple and has a long lasting battery.

So, that’s exactly what Huawei created in the MateBook.

The MateBook X is a 13-inch Windows 10 ultra-portable is designed as a  traditional aluminum clamshell, instead of the original MateBook 2-in-1 configuration. Customers can choose from either an Intel “Kaby Lake” Core i5 or i7 processors instead of the less powerful Core m series. The MateBook visuals are super strong too by offering a 3:2 aspect ratio at 2K resolution with a 4.4mm bezel, which is pushing the bezel to the max.

Storage

The Huawei MateBook comes in either 256GB or 512GB SSD options. Sure, the RAM could be a point of contention since the laptop will only come in either 4GB or 8GB options.  I’m rather certain that most laptop users will be forgiving considering that the device is so light, thin, and portable. Honestly, to the average user, 8GB will suffice.

Battery

At the launch event, Huawei claimed that the MateBook can run 1080p video for 10 hours on a single charge. That’s serious.

It’s also not surprising.

Huawei has been improving battery life on all of their devices, like their Mate 9. In my review of this AI infused device,  the phone lasts almost an entire day.

Once again, like their phones, the Huawei MateBook X has a unibody aluminum design, which is optimal design for making the laptop super thin and super light.
At its thickest point, the Huawei MateBook X measures 0.49 inches- thinner than the MacBook (0.52 inches) and the MBP (0.59 inches). In terms of weight, once again, Huawei out-designed the competition by scaling down the MateBook X to only weighs 2.31 pounds compared to the MacBook Pro’s 3.02 pounds.

Photo Credit: Huawei

Untouchable?

With all of these impressive improvements and features, there’s some talk about the MateBook X not coming with a touchscreen. Personally, I don’t think it will deter users. When asked, Huawei responded that “they wanted to put their best foot forward…” I think that most users are still acclimating to the touch screen feature on a laptop. Keep the laptop simple. Don’t confuse the user.

Fanless?

Under the hood, the Huawei MateBook X is going fanless. That should insure that customers won’t worry about their device overheating.

Sound

In their ongoing focus on outperforming their competition, Huawei announced their partnership with Dolby. The MateBook comes with Dolby Atmos Sound inside. While many devices have Dolby Atmos software, Huawei is the first to integrate both software and hardware solutions. By placing the speakers above the keyboard and including software that optimizes the quality of the sound for movies and music, the MateBook will give users a true listening experience that offers quality both via headphones and speakers.

A post shared by Huawei Mobile (@huaweimobile) on

Ports

The MateBook went minimal on the ports. With only two USB C slots, one for power one for everything else, this may be an issue. Hopefully, most users will appreciate the dock offering HDMI, USB A, USB C and VGA that comes with the MateBook. A microSD card reader could have been a valuable addition.

Huawei’s first real attempt in launching a sleek, powerful, practical laptop seems to be a solid competitor in the market. With the MateBook series, Huawei is clearly boasting their ambitions to play with the big boys in the laptop market.

tablets

The Top 3 Best Tablets on the Market

 

When you’re ready to dish out some money for a new tablet, you obviously want to buy the best there is on the market. So, when time comes to buy, what should you look for? What are the best new models you can buy today? These are a few of the best tablets you can find on the market today, if you are ready to buy right now.

Amazon Fire 
With a 1.3 GHZ processor, a 7” screen, and excellent picture resolution (1024*600 pixels) you won’t find many tablets at this smaller screen size which has such excellent colour contrast and resolution. Add in the very light weight of only 11 ounces and you can literally carry this thing around without even feeling it in a bag. The 8 GB built in storage, and Amazon OS are fast, and allows for added storage if you need it. Excellent touch screen, easy to use features, and a small, sleek, elegant design, make this a must have tablet, especially for such a low-price point in comparison to other top manufacturer names in the marketplace.

Surface Pro 4  
This Microsoft tablet is another great option. It is sleek, has the unique kick stand design, detachable keyboard, lighted keys, and a very cool looking exterior. It features a larger screen size at 12.3” you can use it like a laptop, eliminating the need to own two devices. The 2.3 processor speed is extremely fast, so you won’t experience lag time or slow speeds, even if you are down or uploading, watching, or playing games, on the device. 1920×1200-pixel resolution also means sharper images, better depth perception, and great color disparity on screen. A bit pricey, but considering it can be a tablet as well as a laptop in one, it is a bundle and a great bargain.


iPad Pro 7
Apple has done it again. If you love large screen sizes, the 9.8” design is truly a great size you won’t find with many competitors on the market today. With the iOS operating system, you won’t be disappointed with speed, ability to browse the web, or do nearly anything (work or play) on this device. It is very responsive, has built in safety fingers (like fingerprint technology), and the 2048×1536-pixel resolution, makes it the very best, and provides the best screen resolution and image quality, regardless of what you plan on using the iPad to do. It is very thin, it is very light, and it comes from the most trusted developer in Apple.

A true must have device, but do consider the high price tag if you are comparing this with other Android based devices which are much cheaper in the price spectrum. The  iPad Pro7 can be very expensive depending on the model you go for. Luckily catalogue companies have started to provide different payment plans like buy now pay later, pay weekly, pay monthly. Over the past few years buying tablets on finance has become more and more popular due to the price of the product.

No matter what you are looking for when it comes to buying a new tablet, you have hundreds of options out there. For the budget shopper, for the high-end shopper, and for those who are in between, these are three great models to consider, which will offer great resolution, speeds, and quality, for the price point you can spend when purchasing a new tablet.

Computers, software

The History of Microsoft Windows [Infographic]

 

Are you a PC or a Mac user? Either way, you can’t really deny the success that Windows have had over the years – being the world’s number one operating system for PC users, but success aside, are you aware of all the things Windows have gone through since the launch of their very first operating system?

Thankfully, an infographic has been released by Best STL which manages to detail the rich and ground-breaking journey that the Windows platform has gone through in its 30 year lifetime.

Windows 1 was launched in 1985 – a year after the very first Apple Macintosh computer was released. Primarily run on MS-DOS installations, which allowed pre-existing MS-DOS software and new graphical programs to be run. The reception of the operating system was met with mixed responses from critics, but that was not to stop the company from moving forward in realising the power that Windows had.

Three years later and Windows 2 was released. This marked an important occasion for the company as it was the first system that featured Microsoft Word & Microsoft Excel –essential software that is still widely used today.

In 1990, Windows 3 was released & was the most comparable version to the Apple software, with graphical advancements that made it the most successful version of Windows thus far. It was also the first version to be pre-installed on hard drives by PC-compatible manufacturers, allowing consumers to have the system on their PC straight out of the box.

The success of Windows heightened with the releases of Windows 1995 and 1998 as more and more people started owning computers in their homes. Alongside the release of Internet Explorer, this meant there was more demand for a PC than ever before.

The most popular version of Windows probably still stands at 2001’s release of Windows XP. According to an article in 2009, it was reported as “still having nearly 59 per cent market share” and there is still demand for updates today. Even after the releases of Vista, 7, 8 and 9.

It’ll be interesting to see what Windows 10 brings when it is released at the end of July. Will it be a Windows 98 or XP type release or will it make just as much of an impact as the Millennial Edition or Windows 8 did? Have a look at the infographic below.

History-of-Microoft-Windows

Computers

HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX – Budget Notebook with The Latest-gen Intel Core-i Processor

hp_pavilion_15_b_laptop

HP recently launched its new Pavilion series laptop, the Pavilion 15-ab028TX in India. The company is aiming the latest Pavilion notebook at the users who need impressive performance at a budget price tag. The notebook utilises the latest-gen Intel Core i series processor and runs Windows 8.1 out of the box.

If you are looking to purchase your next budget notebook with the latest-gen Intel Core-i3 processor, the HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX is a nice choice. So let’s take a look on what else the latest HP Pavilion series laptop offers.

HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX: budget laptop with the fifth-gen Intel Core i3 processor

Design

The HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX laptop offers a decent design. The notebook offers a slim 25.1mm waistline, and weighs just 2.2 kilograms, making it a portable device that suits perfect for the users who travel a lot. The laptop comes with a full size island-style keyboard along with the brand’s Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support.

Display and OS

The HP Pavilion 15 comes with a 15.6-inch display bearing a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which delivers an impressive media experience. The device also has a layer of anti-glare coating on the display, which puts less strain eyes, allowing it to be continuously used for several hours. On the software front, the notebook comes with the 64-bit Windows 8.1 operating system along with the company’s suite of applications for productivity.

Processor, RAM, and storage

The notebook is powered by the latest fifth-gen Intel Core i3-5010U processor that runs at the clock speed of 2.1GHz. To make sure the laptop offer lag-free user experience with solid performance, the brand has aided the CPU with a whopping 16GB of RAM. The laptop offers solid one terabyte of hard disk drive, so users don’t run out of space to store anything they want.

Gaming, graphics, and multimedia

The latest-generation Intel Core i3 series processor of the HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX is further supported by an AMD Radeon R7 M360 graphics processor with 2GB of dedicated memory. The notebook offers an immersive gaming experience. Overall, for graphics and gaming, the Pavilion 15 offers decent experience for a budget. As for the multi-media, the notebook creates an ideal gaming and media-viewing environment via its Bang & Olufsen technology-powered stereo speakers. It also comes with an HP TrueVision web-camera for video calling.

Connectivity and battery life

In terms of connectivity, the HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX laptop packs in a punch. The notebook offers an Ethernet port, two high-speed USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and a multi-format SD card reader. To offer long lasting usage, the HP Pavilion 15 offers a 4-cell battery.

Conclusion

After looking at the features above, you now have idea that the HP Pavilion 15-ab028TX is one of the best budget notebook with the latest-gen Intel Core-i processor for $645 (Rs. 41,000). The laptop offers a massive display with anti-glare coating, dedicated graphics processing unit, solid internal memory, and runs the latest OS. The notebook will also get a Windows 10 upgrade for free as soon as the new OS becomes commercially available later this year. Overall, it is an impressive Windows machine for both gaming and professional computing at a budget price tag.

tablets

ASUS Intros ZenPad S 8.0 Android Lollipop Tablet Series

Asus-ZenPad_S-8.0-Android-tablet

Computex 2015 — ASUS has officially rolled out a new line of super stylish Lollipop tablets, also known as the ZenPad series. The slates on stake which are said to replace the previous range of MemoPad variants include the ASUS ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C) and ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA) models, both of which to be available in 7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch versions and are aimed at the low-end and the premium tablet market.

The first out of the two is the Asus ZenPad S 8.0 slab, a premium product for the high-end user with a sharp 2,048 x 1,536 (324 ppi) IPS display, as well as Intel’s 64-bit Atom Z3580 chip processor, 4GB of RAM and your choice of either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.

Measuring in at only 6.6mm thin, the ZenPad S 8.0 tablet runs on an Android Lollipop 5.0 OS and is coming with an 8MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, one USB Type C connector on the side and a 15.2Wh battery, capable of up to 12 hours of continuous work.

Asus-ZenPad-8-Android-tablet

The second model, the ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380C, which provides a good entry-level consumer-business experience tablet with an Atom X3 (SoFIA) quad-core processor and Mali 450MP4 GPU is offering either 1 or 2 gigabytes of RAM under the hood, as well as your choice of either 8 or 16 gigabytes of internal storage. In addition to the standard 1280×800 pixel display on top, you’re getting a 5MP rear camera behind, together with an Android Lollipop 5 OS and an optional Audio Cover cradle for adding 5.1 surround sound for your tablet. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth, and the optional dual 4G LTE network support.

Pricing and availability still remain undisclosed at the moment.

software, tablets

Microsoft Apps to Come Preloaded On LG, Sony, Other Android Tablets

microsoft-powerpoint-in-android-tablet

Microsoft is one of these tech-oriented giant companies that seem to know a thing or two about software distribution across the pond. But what about apps? Glad you asked, because there’s something going on around the business of this corp these days – strategic wise, of course. Based on the details shared, the Windows maker announced that it has officially partnered with more than 20 Android tablet makers, among them are also big leaders like LG and Sony, to bundle its apps on future tablet versions or updates. Some of the apps which are due to come pre-loaded inside include the popular video messaging app Skype, as well as Bing, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook Word, Excel, and a variety some others. A sort of an Office Suite, if you will. The purpose of this move is likely to create a cross-platform functionality for its apps. Whether this is an indication that Microsoft is giving up on its own platform or not, I have no idea, but time will surely tell.

[Microsoft Blog]

tablets

Samsung’s iPad Killer The Galaxy Tab S2 To Launch Next Month

ipad-tablet-samsung-mobile

Samsung is going all-force with its Galaxy Tab tablet lineup. At this point, it would be safe to assume we’re all too familiar with the wildly successful Tab S series, right? I mean, seriously who hasn’t heard about it, especially if you’re into the tech and gadget worlds.

And Sammy has definitely put an honorable effort to create a nice, functional user-friendly slate that can be truly compared against the iPad. However, it doesn’t seem to have been enough. As it looks, the company still tries to improve it in a yearly basis.

The latest word on the street is that the S. Korean corp. is planning to announce their awesomely designed Galaxy Tab S2 next month. The new series, which will probably consist of 8-inch and 9.7-inch screen-sized slabs, is rumored to be much thinner (only 5.4mm) than the 6.4-mm iPad Air 2, and with a similar resolution screen at 2,048 x 1,536.

Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S2-Tablet

What’s inside, you may ask? According to the leaked information, the Galaxy Tab S2 devices are said to be running under Samsung’s latest 64-bit Exynos processor, as well as 3GB of RAM and up to 32GB of internal storage with a microSD slot supporting up to 128GB.

There’s also an Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS installed, along with an 8 megapixel main rear camera and a 2.1 megapixel shooter upfront. Battery wise, the 8-inch model will have a 3,580 mAh battery unit, while the 9.7-inch comes in with a bigger 5,870 mAh pack.

Same as previous Galaxy S lineup, Samsung is expected to launch four versions of the Tab S2, including both WiFi and Cat. 6 LTE-enabled models of the slates.

In all, this seems like a great upgrade, and while pricing and release dates are sketchy at the moment, we would definitely love to see them sometime next month.

 

[via nowhereelse]

Accessories, Internet

New ‘Star Wars’ Emoji Available on Twitter

star_wars_the_force_awakens_BB-8_droid

At a recent kick-off celebration of Disney’s next big Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Anaheim, California, director and producer J.J. Abrams (who happened to wear a shiny stainless-still Apple watch on his wrist) officially unveiled to a welcoming crowd of Star Wars fans, a cute rolling droid, called the BB-8.

Meanwhile, as you plainly can see above, Twitter has added three custom Star Wars emoji shortcuts to your keyboard and such.

The new episode, which will be coming out on the big screen in time for the Christmas holidays of 2015, is making quite a buzz these days as the film’s second official trailer video has landed. Yeah, that’s they’re way to keep in touch with the fans and make them all feel enthused and excited.

[youtube id=”ngElkyQ6Rhs”]

via polygon
Accessories, Mobile

This Cool Hydra Self Healing Case Can Cure Your Iphone 6 and 6 Plus From Scratches

Hydra-case-self-healing

There’s no shortage of options for finding a quality case for your iphone 6 plus. With a phone this big, finding a case that doesn’t interfere with design and sleek nature is critical. Especially with iPhone.

Apple is always improving their phones to be more attractive, lighter and functional. A protective case should not make them any bigger, heavier or disrupt the style associated to iPhones. InnerExile clearly understands these needs by creating a super sweet Hydra iPhone 6 Plus case.

It’s slim, stylish and self- healing.

What’s that last phrase? Self-healing. Yup you read it right. An iPhone case that magically erases the nicks and dings right off.

Let’s back up a bit.

It’s the first time I’m reviewing an iPhone case and the InnerExile is the perfect start. Since the 6 plus is my third Iphone, I’m familiar with the cases, skins and other protective options for Apple phones. I’ve actually never heard of innerexile but, honestly, I’m impressed.

Of course, what piqued my interest is the “self-healing” feature that erases all of the small scuffs. When I was introduced to the concept, I was weary of it. Even after watching their video, I questioned this feature.

How could a phone case just cause these common scratches wipe away?

Well I can honestly tell you it does. No joke.

Here’s the full review.

The Basics

The innerexile hydra looks like any standard Iphone 6 plus case that protects only the back of the phone. A simple plastic case that comes in three colors- transparent, pink or black (featured in the review). At 8.2mm, the case doesn’t interrupt the iPhone’s overall weight or design. The case clips right on and sits snug around the iPhone without causing any discomfort.

Unlike other cases, the primary function buttons are left fully open enabling easy access to these buttons and simple assembly/disassembly.

The innerexile Self-Healing case is only for the back of the phone so additional protection is necessary for the big Iphone 6 plus screen. Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of cases that only protect the back of my iPhones because back-only cases scratch easily. Well innerexile just took care of that problem.

Self- Healing Feature

As I said, I didn’t believe that this can actually happen. It’s like watching Tomorrow Never Dies, when the tires on Bond’s super stylish BMW get magically re-inflated thanks to Q who installed this amazing, almost unrealistic, feature.

Well, it’s no James Bond movie. It’s real. And it’s on your iPhone 6 plus case. What looks like a simple plastic case, the hydra is actually coated with a patented coat that causes basic scratches to disappear. Sure, a hacksaw, dagger or knife may pierce the case but for those every-day bruises (keys, coins), the hydra makes them vanish.

InnerExile boasts the cases super power by putting it under a bronze brush scratch test 1kg along with some serious bending in the lab.

Hydra_self-healing-case-Test

So is the Hydra case really resilient?

To be 100% sure. I tested the case with two common objects – keys and safety pins. Then I rubbed some steel wool on it as an extra precaution. In all three scenarios (with serious trying), I could see the scratches fade away almost instantly.

Check out this video notice anything?

 

Me either.

The mark from the key remains but is definitely not permeable. No protrusion or diminishing of the case.

Conclusion

Overall, the innerexile hydra iPhone 6 / 6 plus case is basic in style but outdoes any of the more common plastic cases with its self-healing feature. So, while I can’t figure out the science behind the self- healing case, I’ll just pretend that in some way I’m James Bond with Q protecting my iPhone 6 plus.

[youtube id=”wHPdVyN6wYY”]

tablets

Dell Unveils the Venue 10 7000 Tablet

dell-venue-10-7000-android-tablet

Following on from the initial success of the Venue 8 7000 tablet, one of the best mid-range Android machines available right now, Dell has announced a brand new, bigger iteration of the very same device, the Venue 10 7000.

Claimed to be designed to impress with stunning features, the 10.5-inch paper-thin model has been apparently restructured to increase max performance. Under the lid of  Venue 10’s aluminum body you’ll get to find 2GB of DDR RAM, as well as a 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor. There’s also that fabulous 8-megapixel rear camera shooter (supporting Intel’s RealSense3D technology), alongside a 2MP front-facing camera, as well as a 7,000mAh battery pack, delivering up to 15 hours of continuous usage.

dell-venue-10-7000-tablet-front

The screen on this a business-focused Android Lollipop platform device is of an OLED display with a pixel resolution of 2,560×1,600. In addition, you’ll find inside a microSD card slot expansion, supporting cards up to 512GB of external memory. This space is naturally of an extra accommodation to your choice of either 16GB or 32GB storage capacities the tablet is offering you outside of the box.

The Venue 10 is due out later this month, with prices starting at $499 for the 16GB version without the optional Bluetooth keyboard, and up to $629 with the very same keyboard included (offering five different angle positions: laptop, slate, stand, tent or clamshell modes). The company doesn’t mention the prices for the 32GB configuration In the US, at least not now.

[youtube id=”7UodJohNLL8″]

[Dell]

 

Video is courtesy of ubergizmodotcom
Accessories

Apple Watch Review Roundup: It’s a Good and Promising Product, But You Don’t Necessarily Need One Yet

1 Comment

apple-watch-front

So Apple Watch pre-orders officially start this Friday, but is the watch truly worth the overall excitement? Well, it pretty much depends on who you ask, what’s your budget and what exactly you are looking for.

judging by its looks and feel, the Apple Watch could potentially be a good and promising hardware timepiece. With a great set of wonderful features like the beautiful 38/42mm Force Touch display on top, heart rate sensor, Glances, Notifications, GPS, Siri, strong S1 chip, Music, Workout, Faces and Accelerometer, Apple’s new smartwatch device definitely makes some impressive steps towards the future.

That been said, the device still seems to suffer from some early release bugs, which means it does not work exceptionally well for those who have been lucky enough to check it out.

Basically that is the time the reviews for the watch are starting to roll in and for now, they appear to be very positive but the product is still in early phase of development. Below we have posted some review quotes from some notable media and technology publications.

 

MASHABLE:

I didn’t expect to like the Apple Watch. But I didn’t expect to dislike it either. I feared my reaction would be meh. That would’ve been a shame because I believe in wearables and have been pulling for a breakout star.

The Apple Watch is that breakout star. It’s gorgeous, smart, fun, extensible, expensive (a plus if you want to telegraph luxury and excellence) and an object of true desire.

Apple Watch does as much, maybe more, than competing smartwatches, but it doesn’t demand that you pay attention to it. It also succeeded in its most important task: Getting me to keep my iPhone in my pocket. That’s a pretty impressive feat.

Is my life better because of it? It’s too soon to tell. But what I do know is that I thoroughly enjoy wearing it.
 
[youtube id=”JOK03KS_USg”]

THE VERGE:

There’s no question that the Apple Watch is the most capable smartwatch available today. It is one of the most ambitious products I’ve ever seen; it wants to do and change so much about how we interact with technology. But that ambition robs it of focus: it can do tiny bits of everything, instead of a few things extraordinarily well. For all of its technological marvel, the Apple Watch is still a smartwatch, and it’s not clear that anyone’s yet figured out what smartwatches are actually for.
 
[youtube id=”noZAqbn92gM”]

CNET:

You don’t need an Apple Watch. In many ways, it’s a toy: an amazing little do-it-all, a clever invention, a possibly time-saving companion, a wrist-worn assistant. It’s also mostly a phone accessory for now.

In the months and years to come, that may change: with Apple’s assortment of iPads, Macs, Apple TV and who knows what else to come, the watch could end up being a remote and accessory to many things. Maybe it’ll be the key to unlock a world of smart appliances, cars, and connected places. In that type of world, a smartwatch could end up feeling utterly essential.

But the Apple Watch will need better battery life, too. Making it through a day isn’t enough: it needs to last through the night, and another day, and another. The Pebble became my favorite smartwatch because its multiday battery made it feel more like a regular watch. The Apple Watch’s battery life was sacrificed to achieve its superior software, features, and functions.

RECODE:

The Apple Watch’s battery life is not nearly as long-lasting as some other wearable devices, but it’s better than I expected.

Apple has promised that the battery will last 18 hours per charge with normal use. It hasn’t yet died on me during the day, or even late at night. My iPhone actually conked out before the Watch did; this happened to Bonnie, too.

Some people have already decided they’re getting Apple Watch on the day it comes out. Because they love Apple. Because they like new things and being the first to buy them. Because there has been so much hype around this product.

Others may want it because it offers a fluidity that other smartwatches don’t — if you’re already tied to Apple software like iMessage, iTunes, Siri and Health. Watch is the seemingly inevitable extension.

But Apple Watch is not a cure-all, and it’s likely not a timepiece you will pass down to your grandkids. It is a well-designed piece of technology that will go through a series of software updates, until one day, years from now, when the lithium ion battery can no longer hold much of a charge and it won’t seem as valuable to you.

The New York Times:

The Apple Watch is far from perfect, and, starting at $350 and going all the way up to $17,000, it isn’t cheap. Though it looks quite smart, with a selection of stylish leather and metallic bands that make for a sharp departure from most wearable devices, the Apple Watch works like a first-generation device, with all the limitations and flaws you’d expect of brand-new technology.

What’s more, unlike previous breakthrough Apple products, the Watch’s software requires a learning curve that may deter some people. There’s a good chance it will not work perfectly for most consumers right out of the box, because it is best after you fiddle with various software settings to personalize use. Indeed, to a degree unusual for a new Apple device, the Watch is not suited for tech novices. It is designed for people who are inundated with notifications coming in through their phones, and for those who care to think about, and want to try to manage, the way the digital world intrudes on their lives.

Still, even if it’s not yet for everyone, Apple is on to something with the device. The Watch is just useful enough to prove that the tech industry’s fixation on computers that people can wear may soon bear fruit.

What’s most thrilling about the Apple Watch, unlike other smartwatches I’ve tried, is the way it invests a user with a general sense of empowerment. If Google brought all of the world’s digital information to our computers, and the iPhone brought it to us everywhere, the Watch builds the digital world directly into your skin. It takes some time getting used to, but once it clicks, this is a power you can’t live without.
 

 

The Wall Street Journal:

I’ve found the Apple Watch isn’t a replacement for the iPhone, but it’s the right screen for many important things. I only look at it in blips, for rarely more than five seconds. It shows me the weather with one finger swipe. It gets physical, gently tapping my wrist when something important needs my attention and lighting up when I lift my arm to look. It nudges when I’ve been sitting too long.

With the Apple Watch, smartwatches finally make sense. The measure of their success shouldn’t be how well they suck you in, but how efficiently they help you get things done. Living on your arm is part of that efficiency—as a convenient display, but also a way to measure your heart rate or pay at a cash register. This is a big idea about how we use technology, the kind of idea we expect from Apple.

For now, the Apple Watch is for pioneers. I won’t pay the $1,000 it would cost for the model I tested, only to see a significant improvement roll in before too long. But I plan to pay $400 for the 42mm Sport version once it’s on sale. That’s worth paying for a front-row seat for what’s next in tech.
 

 

BLOOMBERG:

The watch is not life-changing. It is, however, excellent. Apple will sell millions of these devices, and many people will love and obsess over them. It is a wonderful component of a big ecosystem that the company has carefully built over many years. It is more seamless and simple than any of its counterparts in the marketplace. It is, without question, the best smartwatch in the world.

So Apple has succeeded in its first big task with its watch. It made something that lives up to the company’s reputation as an innovator and raised the bar for a whole new class of devices. Its second task—making me feel that I need this thing on my wrist every day—well, I’m not quite sure it’s there yet. It’s still another screen, another distraction, another way to disconnect, as much as it is the opposite. The Apple Watch is cool, it’s beautiful, it’s powerful, and it’s easy to use. But it’s not essential. Not yet.
 
[youtube id=”SaC00homOiA”]

DARING FIREBALL:

After more than a week of daily use, Apple Watch has more than alleviated any concerns I had about getting through a day on a single charge. I noted the remaining charge when I went to bed each night. It was usually still in the 30s or 40s. Once it was still over 50 percent charged. Once, it was down to 27. And one day — last Thursday — it was all the way down to 5 percent. But that day was an exception — I used the watch for an extraordinary amount of testing, nothing at all resembling typical usage. I’m surprised the watch had any remaining charge at all that day. I never once charged the watch other than while I slept.

I’ve worn a watch every day since I was in 7th grade, almost 30 years ago. I’m used to being able to see the time with just a glance whenever there is sufficient light. Apple Watch is somewhat frustrating in this regard. Even when Wrist Raise detection works perfectly, it takes a moment for the watch face to appear. There’s an inherent tiny amount of lag that isn’t there with a regular watch.

tablets

Microsoft Announces a $499 Surface 3 Tablet With Full Windows Operating System

Microsoft-Surface-3-tablet

While the Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft’s best hybrid Tablet/PC to date, the company today announced the launch of a new Surface 3 device, which one can easily describe as a lighter, thinner, and less-expensive iteration of the great Surface Pro 3.

Given that the Pro 3 lineup ranges between $800 to $2,000, Microsoft has apparently decided to adjust the pricing model with the new Surface series, so that it would be more affordable for new consumers as possible, but there is still a lot of stuff here. The new tablet, which boasts a gorgeous 10.8-inch display at 1,920 x 1,080 screen resolution is offered with your choice of either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, but the higher the storage capacity, the more you’ll pay.

Therefore, a 64GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM will run you up to $499, while a 4GB RAM model and 128GB storage will set you back for $599, only a hundred dollars more.

Moreover, the slate is powered by a new quad-core 1.6GHz Atom x7 processor under the hood, alongside an 8MP camera on the back and a 3.5MP shooter on the front. The Surface also includes a multitude of ports, it sports a full-sized USB 3.0, plus a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card expansion, a microUSB charging port, and a 3.5mm headphone socket for audio. A 4G LTE network support is optional.

There’s also a three-position kickstand at the back, but you can find these tablets even more expensive with the optional 3-designed Type Cover keyboard bundle (+$129) which converts the slabs into a full-fledged laptop form factor, running under a full Windows 8.1 OS.  In addition to that, you can add in another $49 if you want to add a bit of color to your tablet with a Surface pen.

Microsoft-Surface-3-Type-Cover

As for the goodies, Microsoft is giving away, for a very limited time, a year of free subscription to Office 365 including a full version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote, as well as 1 TB of Microsoft’s OneDrive online storage service.

The Surface 3 is due out on May 5, so stay tuned for exciting news to come!

Hit the Play and watch the video

[youtube id=”vPto6XpRq-U”]

[Microsoft]

Accessories, Applications

First Apple Watch Apps Start Showing Up On iTunes

apple-watch-apps

The Apple watch may not be available till April 24th, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to own one. Well, not exactly the watch itself but more like some of the third-party apps people can expect to use on the watch. As some of you may have noticed, a few selected apps which have been specifically designed to be used on the Cupertino smartwatch, are starting to hit Apple’s own App Store today. Among these new applications, you can find some of the most popular ones such as Twitter, WeChat, Expedia, Things, Target, Dark Sky and numerous others, all of which are now available for download to your iPhone.

Mind you, there is no clear option to be able to use the apps with a smartwatch functionality, other than your daily regular use – that option will only be valid for those who’ve had a previous matching sync (between the watch and their phones) like journalists, for example, who have tested the watch before; the rest of us will have to wait patiently.

More of these apps are expected to roll out as we draw closer to the official release of the watch.

[via Cult of Mac]

 

 

Accessories, Events

Live Blog: Apple’s ‘Spring Forward’ Watch Event

apple-watch

It’s Apple‘s Watch “Spring Forward” day, today. At nearly 10 AM PT the Cupertino giant will be taking the wraps off of its high-end fashionable wristband smartwatch, and I take it that we will be able to finally get more details about its specs, release date, battery life and also the pricing.

Apple will be hosting the event at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, California with the main purpose of debuting its innovative smartwatch device, but one thing we are fairly sure of, we’re in for some big surprises. Perhaps a 12-inch Macbook Air Retina-display computer in line or even more interesting and never previously released details that we should know about the watch.

This way or another, we will be here to discuss the details live, so BOOKMARK this post, and come join us to the Apple event as soon as it officially happens.

tablets

Huawei Intros Giant 7-Inch MediaPad X2 Phablet

huawei-mediapad-x2-gold-phablet

It was just a year ago when Huawei announced the release of the 7-inch MediaPad X1 tablet, which was until recently considered to be the lightest in the world. Today at WMC 2015, the company introduced an updated version of this giant Android Phablet with some various changes and upgrades all over the place to make it a better machine all-round.

The 7-Inch device that goes by the typical name of MediaPad x2, is said to arrive with a sturdy aluminum casing on board, featuring a 64-bit ultra octa-core chipset inside, as well as a 1200 x 1920 HD IPS display on top (323 ppi) and a Mali-T628 GPU for the graphics. Measuring in at a mere 7.18mm and tipping the scales at 239g, this beautiful slab will also be offering 2GB of RAM along with a 802.11ac WiFi connectivity, and 16GB of internal storage. Well, at least that’s what you’re getting in the X2 Silver version, while the premium Gold is offering 3GB of RAM and up to 32GB of internal storage.

Both models will also include an Android 5.0 Lollipop for the OS, alongside a massive 5,000 mAh Li-Polymer battery, as well as a 13-megapixel (f/2.4) rear camera and 5-megapixel (f/2.2) shooter up front.

Pricing and availability are yet to be determined, but they are expected to be around the same range of the previous model.

[youtube id=”LtmkLZF8ViE”]

 

Video courtesy of  Android Authority
tablets

Lenovo Introduces Tab 2 A10, A8 Budget Friendly Android Tablets

Lenovo-tab-2-a10-android-tablet

At World Mobile Congress 2015, Lenovo has unveiled a new line of friendly low-budget tablets, dubbed the A10 and the A8 , with both names to indicate sizes. The two slates which will set you back for sub $200 sport an upgrade over previous models in that they both include a MediaTek 64-bit Quad-core processor, as well as Dolby Atmos sound technology and multi-speaker soundbar on for maximum audio experience.

As expected, Lenovo’s Tab 2 A10 tablet is the biggest model that the company offers in this series, measuring only 8.9mm thin and about 509 grams in weight, while featuring a 10.1-inch Full HD IPS display on the top. Out of the box, the A10 is planned to run on Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS but the company promises it will be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop some time later. Other than that, it ships with a dual-band WiFi, along with up to ten hours of 7,200 mAh battery, and a 8-megapixel camera shooter on the back.

Technical specs:

  • 10.1-inch Full HD IPS LCD display (1920×1200 resolution).
  • Wifi: 1.5GHz quad core 64-bit MediaTek MT8165 processor
  • LTE: 1.5GHz quad core 64-bit MediaTek MT8732 processor
  • 16GB of internal storage, MicroSD  (expandable up to 32GB).
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 8MP rear-facing camera, 5MP front-facing camera
  • OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Sound: Dolby ATMOS 3D Surrond Sound
  • Size: 171 x 247 x 8.9mm, 509g

lenovo-tab-2-a8-tablet

The Tab 2 A8 tablet which packs an 8-inch HD IPS display, is basically designed identically like the bigger a10, with just a few discrepancies like a smaller amount of real estate on the screen and lower resolution, as well as a smaller battery packinside, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and a dual SIM card slot expansion for those who’ll buy the international version. Besides that, they are pretty much the same.

The Tab 2 A10 and Tab 2 A8  will hit the market this coming April for $199 and $129, respectively, while the A10 model is said to be available in Pearl White and Midnight Blue and the A8 flavor should be out to the market in colors such as Pearl White, Ebony, Midnight Blue and Neon Pink.

Technical specs:

  • 8-inch Full HD IPS LCD display (1280×800 resolution).
  • Wifi: 1.3GHz quad core MediaTek MT8161 processor
  • LTE: 1.3GHz quad core MediaTek MT8735 processor
  • 8GB/16GB of internal storage, MicroSD  (expandable up to 32GB).
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera
  • OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Sound: Dolby ATMOS Surrond Sound
Accessories, General

Apple Invitations to March 9 ‘Spring Forward’ Event are Out

2 Comments

Apple-Watch-Event

Apple iWatch “Spring forward” event officially announced and due to take place on March 9 at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, California, starting at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. “Spring forward” – That’s the tagline on the invitations Apple has sent out for the special event, and you all probably know what that means, right? For those who haven’t made the connection, the “Spring” title has a double meaning, as it can easily be taken as being about the season that is following winter and preceding summer, and March 9 is when the daylight savings time starts Stateside, and also the spring as what mechanical watches tend to have.

So clearly it is a watch-related event, or perhaps just the highlight of it, while the Cupertino company might have plans to unveil a 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display along with some other goodies inside. Moreover, we’re still curious about the battery life of the upcoming watches and official pricing as well as additional interesting info.

Stay tuned for more updates to come.

tablets

Sony’s Next-Gen Xperia Z4 Tablet Unveiled (Update: Now Official)

Sony-Xperia-Z4-tablet

What’s that, Sony‘s brand new Xperia Z4 tablet leaked? Yeah, that definitely looks like it. Oops! It’s not that the company was intentionally leaking the next-generation of its high-end Android tablet a few days ahead of MWC 2015, that’s not the case this time, but the new one looks impressive and immediately more professional than the Xperia Z3 Compact, right?

While the image has already been pulled by Sony from Xperia Lounge, it does hint at the impending launch of the tablet, on March 3rd, and that it is likely to include a high-res 2K resolution display, as well as the “latest ultra fast processor” inside – whatever that means. Additionally, Sony describes the slim-looking tablet, which is expected to run under Android 5.0 Lollipop OS, as a lightweight premium device that features an “industry-leading battery performance.” Uh Oh, that sounds REALLY cool.

Unfortunately that’s all we can share about it for now, as they’ve yet to announce size, specifications, pricing, availability or anything else important to know, but we’ll be sure to bring you the updates very soon.

sony-xperia-z4-tablet-black

Update: At MWC 2015 in Barcelona, Sony has officially introduced its latest and greatest flagship tablet device, the Xperia Z4. The 6.1mm super-slim slate is housing a beautiful 10.1-inch 2K resolution display, tucked with a Snapdragon 810 processor under the hood as well as your choice of either Wi-Fi or LTE variants, packing at least 32GB of integrated memory. Out of the box, the Xperia Z4 slab is likely to run the latest edition of Android Lollipop operating system, and there’s an optional keyboard dock that literally turns the tablet into an hybrid laptop/tablet machine. There’s still no word on pricing, but the two will launch globally starting June 2015.  

 

[Xperia Blog]

Computers, General, Mobile

This Chart Shows Apple’s Premium Pricing Strategy and Product Differentiation

Apple has been on an incredible run, with shares value hitting world record high of $710 billion. Apple has become the first ever company to be valued at this value range, mostly because of that it is often associated with luxurious products and services which rank high on great quality, durability and Innovation.

Below is a chart showing how Apple is using the pricing strategy to sell the company’s products and the range they offer for each and every one of them.

apple-pricing-strategy-chart

 

 

[Via businessinsider]

tablets

Dell Launches Two New Venue Tablets, The Venue 10 and Venue 10 Pro

Dell-venue-10-tablet

We know you haven’t quite recovered from Dell’s super slim Venue 8 7000 tablet introduction which took place at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, but nonetheless, we’re still very excited to break the news that the electronic giant is about to add two 10-inch Android/Windows tablets to its burgeoning Venue lineup.

The two expected slates, the Venue 10, which packs an Android Lollipop platform under the hood, and the Venue 10 Pro, which runs the Windows 8 version, are said to include a pressure-sensitive Wacom pen performance technology, as well as configurable screens and a plastic chassis covering the top (either in blue or black flavors). There’s also a keyboard dock, which connects underneath in the portrait orientation, with both models to house a quad-core Intel Atom processor onboard, along with a SIM card slot for optional LTE network, full-sized/micro-USB ports, a microSD card reader, 10 hours battery, and activity alert light signal, designed for teachers to know when the kids are using the internet.

 

Dell-venue-10-pro-tablet-2

In terms of pricing and availability, the new Venue tablets will come with a $299 price tag each, while adding the keypad dock will result in an extra $50 ($349), and the stylus touchscreen pen isn’t for free either. But it still seems like a very good price after all.

The tablets will ship early next month.

Computers, Hardware

Raspberry Pi 2 Receives a Huge Hardware Boost, Windows 10, Still Costs $35

For those who have never heard the name before, the Raspberry Pi is a small sized computer that runs Linux and sells for only $35. Over the last couple of years the device has been a great success and exceeded all expectations, with a whopping 4.5 million Pi boards units sold to date. And despite a relatively short existence the Raspberry Pi has already come a long way. One of the most obvious uses of the Raspberry Pi is as a super tiny portable computer, but the practical and effective uses of the Raspberry Pi know no bounds.

Earlier today Raspberry pi announced their new model the “Raspberry Pi 2”. They have improved the hardware / specs substantially (from the Model B+ ) and optimized the platform to work better with a wide variety of open-source apps, including WebKit, LibreOffice, Scratch, Pixman, XBMC/Kodi, libav and PyPy.

Looking at the board and the inside of the new P2, the CPU is now a Broadcom 900MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7, while the RAM has been doubled to a full 1GB LPDDR2 courtesy of the guys over at Micron. And while the overall look is more or less the same, the Foundation says the new model is roughly six times more powerful than previous Rasp Pi hardware.

In some other great news, we hear that the Raspberry P2 will run Windows 10 out of the box – FREE of charge. According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the group has been working closely with Microsoft for the last six months to bring Windows 10 to the new Pi2 model.

The Raspberry Pi 2 is now available at the same competitive, low price $35 dollars from Element 14 and RS Components.

[Raspberry Pi]

Accessories, tablets

Report: Apple’s Rumored 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Will Launch With a Special stylus Pen

Apple-iPad-Stylus-Pen

Apple’s rumored 12.9-inch “iPad Pro” is said to be released sometime in early 2015, with word on the street that a line of bigger screens is already in the works for at least one year or so. Now we’re learning from various sources close to the matter that the Cupertino giant is planning to extend the new breed of tablets with some new engaging features to enhance their work performance. One of the features worth noting is the handy stylus pen. Apple Insider reports that Apple might consider adding this tool to its upcoming lineup, while basing their info on a quote from Ming-Chi Kuo, a well reputed Apple analyst at KGI Securities, who has come to the conclusion by conducting his own research and observations of the company, along with the fact that Apple already filed for some patents of a stylus pen before.

To his words, “given that it’s more precise than a person’s fingers, a stylus can be more convenient to use than the combination of keyboard and mouse in some cases.” And “therefore, we believe Apple’s stylus will improve the user experience of 12.9-inch iPad.”

Apple-iPad-Stylus-Pen

 

That makes a lot of sense, considering the fact there are plenty of apps that actually require a stylus these days, either for painting and drawing or simply because your handwriting sucks. And what’s better than a bigger iPad tablet to help you improve your skillset and creativity, eh?

Moreover, according to Kuo’s report, the first edition of the stylus will not require any hardware modifications to the iPad itself, however, future iterations of the pen, which are likely to include support for 3D handwriting technology, might do.

If rumors are true, then Tim Cook is clearly going against Steve Jobs’ wishes (who stated in the past that “if you see a stylus, they blew it”). However, it also means that the company is slowly getting into its full stride again after the sudden departure of its late co-founder.

Naturally we are all just speculating out of our geeky minds here but yeah, I think that time has come for Apple to finally release a stylus product as it adds functionality and features that were missing from the iPad.

 

 

[Image Credit, Flickr, Elmastudio]
CES, tablets

Dell’s Super Slim Venue 8 7000 Tablet Now Officially Available For $400

2 Comments

dell-venue8-7000-tablet

We’ve already got the chance to see Dell’s ultra thin Venue 8 7000 slate when it was first unveiled back in September but now, at CES 2015 the 8.4-inch slab, powered by a 2.3GHz Intel Atom quad-core processor, is finally set to make a debut. And while not as cheap as some other mid-range Android devices available on  the market right now, it is reassuring to know that your money is going to be well spent and not wasted on some ordinary specs. In that concern, the Venue 8 7000 device is well equipped with a stunning QHD 2,560 x 1,600 OLED edge-to-edge display, alongside Intel’s state-of-the-art Real Sense Snapshot 3D camera. That’s right, the tablet houses an in-depth rear 8MP camera at the bottom as well as duo 720p stereoscopic sensors atop. The Venue 7000 is definitely one of the first tablets to incorporate Intel’s latest 3D technology, hence the reason it arouses a lot of curiosity among the geeksters around the world.

Measuring in only 6mm thin (thinner than the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3) the Venue 8 7000 is said to include 2GB of RAM under the lid, along with your choice of WiFi or LTE connectivity options, an Android 4.4 KitKat for the OS and an internal memory of 16GB which can be further expanded via a microSDXC memory card.

The Dell Venue 8 7000 is now available on Dell’s website both in the US and in Canada for $399.99 and will complete global release in different countries like Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, India, Germany, and the UK by early 2015.

[youtube id=”A8HGZWZXQGg”]

 

Video courtesy of Liliputing
CES, Computers, tablets

Toshiba Introduces The 12.5-inch Portege Z20t Hybrid Tablet

 

At CES 2015, Toshiba has officially introduced a possible 12.5-inch rival to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet. The giant device, that will be released under the name Portege Z20t is actually serving as a hybrid machine between a PC and a tablet and is claimed to be powerful enough to deliver any project you’d be working on, even the most difficult ones.

The Portege Z20t which will go on sale this January, comes equipped with a low-power Intel Core M processor below the surface, as well as a 1,920 x 1,080 screen resolution on top of the slab and an optional Wacom-based digitizer, which enables up to 2,048 levels of pressure-sensitive pen input. As with many other handhelds available on the market these days, the screen is covered with an anti-glare protection layer to minimize glare and un-wanted reflections.

Measuring in only 0.35 inch thick and 1.6 pounds, the Z20t also includes a pair of cameras, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, Micro-USB hub, Micro-HDMI output, Ethernet, RGB, microSD slot expansion and two internal USB 3.0 ports. As for power, the Portege Z20t is said to provide up to 9 hours of battery life when you work with the tablet as a standalone device, and up to 17.5 hours of continuous work with the keyboard docking station attached.

Toshiba will offer the Portege Z20t with options for either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB and 512GB of SSD storage variants. Price wise, the slate will start at a whopping $1,399 for the basic entry-level unit plus a keyboard, but without the optional Wacom pen support. If you wanna try adding the pen, prices will jump all the way up to 1,899.

 

Video courtesy of Liliputing
Accessories, Mobile

Video: Unboxing 1.54-inch ZGPAX S28 Mobile Bluetooth Smartwatch

ZGPAX-S28-Mobile-Smartwatch

The ZGPAX S28 Bluetooth Smart Watch Phone has just arrived to my door a few days ago with a package that includes a 450mAh battery, good for up to 3 days of continuous work, as well as a beautiful 1.54-inch 240×240 pixels capacitive touch screen on top. The watch is powered by an MTK6260 processor under the lid and will be easily syncing with your handhelds, sending ’em push notifications,  or incoming phone calls and messages (as long as you have an Android device). The watch also includes an FM stereo support, along with an MP3 player, Voice recorder, Pedometer, Sleep Monitor, Looking Phone features, Anti lost, Sedentary reminder, SMS, MMS and group messages, Calculator, Email, schedule, memos and so much more. The S28 can also be used as a standalone mobile device, both for dialing and answering without the need of a smartphone sitting close. The watch is now available on the web for $75 MSRP.

Hit the play and check out the video

[youtube id=”nduIRhNAhOQ”]

Computers, General

The History Of Internet Copyright Rules And Why You Should Care About It [Infographic]

copyright-law

You know how it is when you want to download a photo for your website or this wonderful song that you have heard on the radio, and you kinda wondering if they’re copyright protected and where exactly does the borderline go.

As you all probably know, the internet is a dark place when it comes to copyright issues, but the history tells us it has widely changed over the years and helped to further shape copyright law into what it is today. However, the more things changed, the more they’ve managed to remain the same, only just that bit more complex (and restrictive).

A lot of people are just not familiar with the laws or how the Internet works when it comes to copyright laws, and this infographic sketch shows us how it started, right from the very beginning.

While the Internet offers us the ultimate freedom to go and access almost anywhere and download almost anything we want, a copyright Infringement should be taken-in immediately as a possible risk factor.

Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of copyright infringement? What do you think about it?

internet-copyright-law-why-it-is-important

tablets

Acer Takes the Wraps Off of 12-inch Aspire Switch Tablet

acer-aspire-switch-12-tablet

All these talks about Apple having a 12-inch iPad device launching next year have brought the market into some interesting new highs, with Microsoft’s 12-inch Surface Pro 3 tablet already out around the globe, Lenovo announcing the 13.3-inch Yoga tablet Pro 2 model and Acer to intro the 12-inch Aspire Switch slab.

The later is actually a 12.5-inch (1920×1080) hybrid machine which is more of a combination of a basic laptop and a tablet sitting on top. The keyboard in here is obviously detachable, which makes it as an easy going tablet on-the-go, and the operating system is of a Microsoft Windows 8.1 breed.

Under the 12-inch swivel screen, which is only a tad bigger and sharper than the company’s own Iconia Tab 10 slate, you’ll also find Intel’s low-power Core M processor at 800MHz when in tablet form and up to 2.6GHz in a PC mode. In addition, you have a choice of either 60GB or 120GB of solid-state storage, tucked with a micro-HDMI video output, and a USB 3.0 port. The battery inside is good for up to 8 hours of continuous video work.

the 12-inch switch is claimed to be five devices in one with various uses and different modes of transform.

The Switch will be available in North America in early 2015, with no pricing details disclosed. The tablet will arrive in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia sometime before the end of this year, with prices expected to start around the 649 Euros.

Events, tablets

Apple Announces the iPad Air 2, Retina iPad Mini 3 With Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor

2 Comments

Apple today has officially announced its latest and greatest version of the iPad tablet. The newly named iPad Air 2, which was tagged by Apple’s Phil Schiller as “the world’s thinnest tablet,” is only 6.1mm thick and about 18% thinner than the original iPad Air.

Apple says that it has sold 225 million iPads to date, and the next generation is likely to add a whole lot more to the inconceivable numbers which, by the way, are already bigger than the PC sales all together. Going back to the iPad air 2, that has the same 9.7-inch display form factor as previous models (2048 x 1536 pixel resolution), only with a new A8X processor, which Apple says is 40 percent faster, has about 3 billion transistors and bags about 2.5x faster graphics performance than the previous iPad Air.

The camera on the iPad air 2 is also getting an upgrade in the form of a 8-megapixel iSight shooter with 1.12 micron pixels, f2.4 aperture and a whole new image processor on board. You can basically take 43mp panorama images with it and shoot some beautiful timelapse footage as well as Slow Motion videos and more. In addition, Apple will offer some cool editing software like the Replay and the Pixelmator. Moreover, the new tablet includes the M8 coprocesor that will track your motion whenever you go, as well as a better battery life with up to 10 hour per day. Apple says the iPad Air 2 has faster data transfer rate on Wi-Fi thanks to the new 802.11AC with MIMO support. And finally, the latest addition – An integrated TouchID fingerprints sensor that will work exactly the same as it does on the iPhone.

Apple-Tim-Cook-iPad-Air-2

The iPad Air will be available in silver, space grey and gold flavor options in the following storage/pricing configurations: 16GB ($499), 64GB ($599) and 128GB ($699). The cellular/LTE version adds $130 to those prices. Apple is also reducing the prices of some of its previous lineups with the iPad mini, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air first generation to start at $249, and go up to $299 and $399, respectively. All of the new iPads will be shipping with iOS 8.1, while pre-orders to start tomorrow and the shipping to begin by the end of next week.

 

Apple-iPad-Mini-3-Tablet

Apple has also revealed the iPad Mini 3. The third generation of the 7.9-inch tablet appears to remain pretty much the same from the outside look with the single exception of a new Touch ID sensor. Yes, the smaller Retina tablet device will also be housing the Apple fingerprint ID security scanner on the bottom, along with a 5-megapixel iSight camera and with the same A7 processor inside. While a relatively modest upgrade, you cannot help but appreciate the company’s efforts to provide all the users with the latest and greatest technology available. The Mini 3 will come with your choice of silver, space gray, and gold color options with pre-orders starting tomorrow (and shipping next week), at $399 for the 16GB version, $499 for 64GB and $599 for 128GB.

Apple-iPad-Air-2-Tablet

Here’s the full video of the event: http://bit.ly/1vA9ROJ

Events, tablets

Live Blog: Apple iPads Event

apple-event-october-2014

We have reached the day where Apple is expected to announce a new line of iPad tablets, including a second-gen of the iPad Air, the iPad Mini 3 and hopefully an Apple TV media device.  Follow our LIVE feed and the latest news as it happens over here

General, tablets

The Apple Store Is Down

Appl-Store-Down

And here we go again..  the Apple store is officially down. You know how it goes in a day like this where the Cupertino giant is unveiling new iPads and possibly new Macs, OS X Yosemite and an Apple TV. The event itself is expected to take place at this time of the day around the world:

US: 10am PT / 1pm ET
UK / EU: 6pm UK / 7pm CET
INDIA: 11.30pm IST

You can watch the Live Feed in here: http://www.apple.com/live or simply follow our coverage over at @niron, or in our blogging area which will likely go up very soon.

tablets

Apple Reveals iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 Ahead of Official event

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Apple-Screenshot-iPad-air-2-iPad-Mini-3

Oops! Look what we have in here. Looks like Apple has officially unveiled its upcoming new line of tablets, which is due to be announced tomorrow. Though, of course, we’re not sure whether this is an intentional glitch (to draw some attention away from Google’s multiple announcements), or an unintentional mistake, the company released a few more details about the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 through iPad User Guide for iOS 8 within iBooks.

And while there’s not much to tell from the image, the visuals look both impressive and about the same as the previous versions, which is a good thing, when you come to think about it. As expected, the new devices will finally get a TouchID sensor, letting users unlock the tablet with their fingerprints ID, authorize app store potential purchases, and hopefully (hopefully) work with the company’s upcoming Apple Pay mobile payments system.

Price and availability are yet to be determined.

Update: Apple just pulled the screenshots from the iOS 8 guide.

[iTunes]

tablets

Google Introduces The 8.9-Inch Nexus 9 Android Lollipop Tablet

Google-Nexus-9-Android-Lollipop-tablet

We knew it was coming and now Google has finally shared details with its upcoming tablet, the Nexus 9. Slated to arrive in stores on November 3 (with pre-orders to start on October 17), the 8.9-inch 2048 x 1440 super HD slab, which was built in partnership with HTC, features a relatively small and portable device, made of a brushed aluminum all-metal body. The slate, which is set to cost about $399 for the 16GB packing version and $479 for the 32GB model is said to arrive with 2GB of RAM, as well as an Nvidia Tegra K1 chip, and a 8-megapixel rear camera shooter plus a 1.6-megapixel camera up front. The Nexus 9 will also include an optional 32GB 4G LTE variant, which will brandish a price point of $599 when it’s officially released.

The Nexus 9 is powered by Google’s latest edition of Android, also know as the Android Lollipop version 5. In addition to that, the Mountain View-based internet giant will also be offering a nice keyboard folio that magnetically attaches to the back of the tablet, and can easily fold into two different angles. The Nexus 9 will have a black, white or gold choice of colors.

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[Google]

tablets

Lenovo Announces Windows, Android Line of Tablets, Featuring Yoga Tablet 2 Pro and Yoga Tablet 2 Slates

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Lenovo-Yoga-Tablet-2

Chinese computer giant Lenovo has already introduced their Yoga line of swivel tablets sometime around October last year. They allow you to use them regularly in multiple positions, either like a long standing screen, or simply as a proper laptop keyboard surface. The slates which have been widely pushed by actor Ashton Kutcher, present a new concept of tablet design, thanks to the clean and modern lines of the frame, as well as the long wide kickstand which makes for a comfortable reading or media viewing experience.

Today, Lenovo introduced two new Yoga Tablet models, with some rather interesting and more updated hardware specs.

What’s new in the Yoga is a number of add-on features being introduced this year. It’s not just the size of the screen that’s changed, with the outgoing Yoga tablets packing 10.1-inch displays Max in 1,280 x 800 pixels, and the new models cramming high-definition 1,900×1,200-pixel-resolution screens, the quality of the chips has also been improved and the overall design received a more sleek and contemporary look than anywhere before.

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro

The Yoga tablet Pro 2 is the larger of the options in the series. It packs a whopping 13.3-inch display, featuring 2560 x 1440 screen resolution. Impressive, isn’t it? Along with the giant screen, we’re also looking at a fourth-generation Intel Atom processor under the hood, as well as 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot , allowing up to 64GB capacity, and a micro USB OTG port. The tablet runs under Google’s Android 4.4 KitKat OS, with an option to pick up Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 as the main controlling platform.

The real kicker? It has a beautiful integrated pico projector inside the kickstand. Yes, you’ve heard that right, a 16:9 built-in projector featuring 40-50 lumens and good for up to 50-inch image on any blank home-theater surface. Apart from that it sports 8-watt speakers plus a JBL subwoofer for great sounding audio experience. It is estimated that the battery on this device will last approximately 15 hours.

As far as pricing goes, the 13-inch model starts at $499 (32GB version), while the smaller iterations (8- and 10-inch models) will start at $249 and $299, respectively, with a retail version to be available at the end of  October.

Lenovo-YOGA-Tablet-2-Pro-projector

Yoga Tablet 2

Lenovo is offering the Yoga tablet 2 in 8-inch and 10-inch models, both with your choice of Android or Windows 8.1 platforms on board. The screens boast Full-HD 1920×1080 resolution, supporting 1080p formats natively. Both are said to feature Intel Atom processors on board, alongside a dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity and optional 4G for blazing internet speeds. Photography wise, you’re getting an 8 megapixel rear camera, as well as a 1.6 megapixel shooter up on the front, with a battery that can deliver up to 18 hours of continuous work.

In terms of capacities, the Windows version is claimed to house 32GB of internal storage with optional microSD slot expansion, while the Android version has only 16GB to store your data, music, photos, and videos.

As for the prices, Lenovo is widely competitive with their new line of Yoga Tablet 2, starting at $249.99 and $299.99 for the 8-inch and 10-inch Android models respectively, while the 8-inch Windows version will cost $299.99 (available in November) and the 10-incher at $399.99 (available in late October).

Hit the Play and watch the videos

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Events, Hardware, tablets

CONFIRMED: Apple to Hold an Event on October 16

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Apple has started sending out invites for a media event on October 16, which will be held at the company’s Cupertino headquarters, and is widely thought to be the launch of the next-gen iPad Air as well as a new line of Macs. The invites suggest a colorful teaser with some cropped lines of the Apple Logo and the upper leaf alongside a simple line that vaguely says:  “It’s been way too long.”

What does it mean? It is yet to be determined, but besides the new hardware, the company is also expected to be launching its latest Mac OS X update, dubbed OS X Yosemite, and may also debut Apple Pay, its mobile payment solution for users.

As always, we will continue to update as much as it takes.

tablets

LEAKED: Here’s What Apple’s Next iPad Air 2 Might Look Like

1 Comment

If you’re in the market for a new tablet, what will you be going for? In case you are looking to nab a brand new iPad, mind you that Apple is rumored to launch the second-generation of its popular iPad air next week, on October 16. The next iPad may include a fingerprint scanner in its home button and the company is expected to bring its latest and greatest Touch ID sensor technology to the new line of tablets, along with a slimmer chassis (0.5mm thinner than previous model) and probably a new faster processor and with a Gold cover option.

That’s what we have heard so far from the rumored specs, and today, we are finally obtaining confirmation to those words, thanks to a bunch of new and pretty reliable photos, published by the Vietnamese blog Tinhte.vn. This isn’t the website’s first attempt to post what they are claiming to be Apple’s next iPad, which, as mentioned, appears to include a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and redesigned speaker grills, but with a proven track record, what could go wrong?

So what do you guys think so far, does it look like the real thing?  Are you planning to get the new iPad Air for yourself, or is the iPad mini with Retina display a more attractive option?

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tablets

HP Unveils Stream 7 and Stream 8 Budget Windows Tablets

HP-stream-7-windows-tablet

Today, HP has launched a bunch of new Windows tablets, at the entry-level price range. The two, dubbed the Stream 7 and stream 8, are said to offer a year-long subscription to Microsoft’s Office 365 Personal package, plus a very generous 1TB OneDrive storage, as well as 60 minutes of free Skype calls. The smaller model, the 7-inch HP Stream 7 tablet, which will be due on November for only $99, is powered by an Intel Atom quad-core processor (Atom Z3735G) under the lid, paired with a 1280 x 800 pixel display on top with 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of solid state storage. We’re also looking at a pair of integrated stereo speakers on board alongside an optional 4G LTE network connectivity, and a standard microUSB hosting port. The bigger flavor, the 8-inch HP Stream 8, is much like the 7-incher, with a similar interface and the same capacity and internal processor. It comes with an extra inch for the real-estate surface and a $150 price tag and with the same guaranteed delivery date for ground shipping, starting  sometime this November.

Hit the Play to watch the video

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video courtesy of Liliputing

tablets

Amazon To Release New 6″ and 7″ Fire HD Entry-Level Tablets

Kindle-Fire-HD-6-HD-7-tablets

Budget tablet market begins to hot up, and no one seems to know that better than Amazon. The U.S e-commerce giant today announced two entry-level models for its Fire tablet line, making them the perfect purchase for holiday goers. The new series includes the Fire HD 6 (six-inches diagonal ) and Fire HD 7 (seven-inches diagonal), with both tablets featuring 1280 x 800 resolution displays, as well as 252 ppi and 216 ppi pixel densities respectively.

Amazon Vice President Peter Larsen said  the company is aiming at broadening their target audience but without compromising on quality in any way. “If you get down to those low price points, you start to trade stuff off,” he said. “We hear about it from customers all the time.”

Amazon-Fire-HD-7

The two Fire HDs are expected to run under Amazon’s own Fire OS 4 Sangria platform, paired with similar 1.5GHz quad-core processors under the lid (delivering three times much faster graphics processing than previous models) and with Dolby Digital Plus audio, as well as dual camera i.e. both rear and front facing camera for photography and video calls.

The HD 6 price will start at ONLY $99, while the HD 7 is priced as much as last year’s Fire HD model, at $139. Both are said to be available in five different colors, including black, white, fuchsia, cobalt blue and yellow, with shipping to begin in October and pre-orders to start today.

Hit the Play to watch the video

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Video courtesy of PCMag

tablets

Dell To Unveil World Thinnest Tablet

dell-venue-8-7000-series_tablet

Dell, one of the well-known manufacturer of electronic and tech devices, announced a brand new 8.4-inch tablet at the Intel Developer Forum today in San Francisco, California. Inspired by the iPad success, tablet makers have been battling to produce thinner devices. Dell is obviously one of the leading candidates for the highly prestigious accolade, and with its recent revelation, the Venue 8 7000, the company is aiming to set the new standards.

At only 6mm thick, the new slab, which will run on an Intel Atom Z3500 Moorefield chip, is supposed to be the world’s thinnest tablet ever made. So thin, that when you hold it to the light, you are able to see your hand through it (just kidding). As said, It sports an 8.4-inch 2560 x 1600 pixel edge-to-edge OLED display on top of the surface, tucked with 16GB of internal storage, plus an 8 megapixel camera on the back with a 2 megapixel front shooter. Dell is also setting the line with Intel’s latest technology, known as the RealSense 3D platform. It basically capable of turning any map into an in-depth 3D look in a snap.

More over, the rectangular 7000 model is also expected to pack  2 or 3GB of RAM, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and 4G LTE type, plus micro-USB 2.0 ports, and an Android KitKat for the operating system.

If you want to hold out for the Venue 8 7000 it should be available by the 2014 holiday season, with prices yet to be announced.

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Video courtesy of mobilegeeks.de

IFA, tablets

Samsung Intros 8-inch Waterproof Galaxy Tab Active

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You didn’t really think we’d have a European electronic show without a new Samsung gadget, did you? The Korean giant announced Thursday morning a new Android tablet at the annual IFA 2014 press event. This isn’t your regular tablet that just has a touch interface like all the rest you can buy these days. It is an 8-inch, ruggedized slab iteration of the Galaxy Tab, with a water and dust resistant proof around, which aims to lure enterprise users away from Apple iPads. The new slate, that comes pre-loaded with Samsung’s Knox security program is being described as a tablet with a tougher C-Pen stylus attachment and a protected cover which can withstand against a 1.2 meter drop. It packs a 1.2GHz quad-core processor under the hood, along with 1.5GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1280×800 LCD display, 16GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot expansion (up to 64GB),

the slate which goes by the name Galaxy Tab Active, also includes a 3.1 megapixel rear camera to bring out the photographer in you, as well as a front-facing 1.2 megapixel camera that’s perfect for Skype calls with colleagues and friends.

Price and availability are yet to be determined.

Samsung adds that:

The Galaxy Tab Active represents Samsung’s commitment to meeting customer needs. In order to learn what business leaders wanted from a mobile device for optimal performance and efficiency, Samsung engaged in a series of advisory group workshops with Fortune 500 companies. The top companies across vertical markets, such as retail, logistics and transportation participated, providing valuable feedback that went directly into the development of the Galaxy Tab Active.

 Hit the Play to watch the video

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Video courtesy of CNET