Microsoft's new Nokia 215 is an internet ready phone available for $29

Please click on image to expand. The Nokia 215 is an internet ready phone with a battery that can last up to 29 days. The phone has been produced by Microsoft and is a Nokia enabled internet ready feature phone. The target market for the phone will be parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, places that don't have regular electricity. The Phone's apps would include built-in Facebook messenger, Twitter and a host of other Apps. These apps will not really need a 3G connection to be able to work. The phone's price is set at $29 and will be something affordable in their target market. The phone is also robust and stead and built to withstand a great deal of physical torture that comes with difficult terrains. The phone is good for first-time phone buyers as well as a secondary phone as the need might arise. It will be made available during the first quarter of 2015 and will come in single SIM and dual SIM versions. 

Xiaomi Arch the first duel-edged SmartPhone

Xiaomi Arch - Duel-edged SmartPhone

Samsung released their Galaxy Note Edge which has a single-side curved edge display. One of the common compliant from users about the device is that if you hold your phone in your right hand, the edge works well. If you hold it in your left, it actually degrades the experience of using the device. Xiaomi not to be outdone have announced a duel-edged device. The Xiaomi Arch will have two curved edges and will effectively take care of the problem being faced by the Galaxy note Edge. The edges according to the company will be used to display notifications, live updates and other important data. The device is still in concept and should be made available later this year.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge with single curved edge

Microsoft Plans To Launch A Smartwatch Within Weeks

Microsoft plans to launch a wearable device in the coming weeks and Forbes have reported that it's a wearable Smartwatch. It can passively track a wearer's heat rate and work across multiple mobile platforms. You can read more about it here. 

This Nikon D750 is a near perfect camera

The Nikon D750 will set you back $3,300 but if you're a professional and your work depended on it. This is a pretty good camera to have, Check it out here and read a review here. 

Google reveals Nexus 6 for $649, pre-orders begin on October 29th

Please click on image to expand. The Nexus 6 will be the first device to run on Android Lollipop 5.0. Check it out here. 6 hours of use from only 15 minutes of charging. 

What is Google Chromecast and how does it work

Google Chromecast is a dongle device -- connect it to your TV and then stream movies, music and more form your phone, Tablet or laptop. Once connected is seamlessly streams video content from your device to your TV. The way it works is that you plugin the device into the HDMI slot on your HDTV after which you can direct video content to your TV via Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop or PC. The device can be used with Android, iOS (iPhone and iPad), MAC or Windows PC. There is no need for a remote control and while your device is busy casting -- you can still use it for other things like sending email.

Chromecast works with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Music and soon Pandora. Chromecast is essentially Google's answer to Apple's AirPlay. You can use any device connected to the network. Which means you can start a video with one device and control it with another. It works very easy -- there is noting to learn to control the device. Simply plug-and-play and use your device to control the play, there is no need for a remote control.

Chromecast how to use and get started in 3 simple steps

1. Plug Chromecast into your HDTV

2. Connect it to WiFi

3. Send video content to your TV via your SmartPhone, tablet,laptop or PC.

Currently available in the US for $35.

Check out the video below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKG5HDyTW8o

HTC One Mini

The much rumored HTC One Mini has been unveiled, and will be available in select markets as early as August, 2013. Built on a similiar design as the HTC One - the HTC One Mini has but slightly lower specs. The HTC ONe Mini Specs include a 4.3 inch display and instead of 1080p resolution, it will have a 720p screen resolution. Being smaller the SmartPhone's processor is also a little slower. It comes with a dual-core 1.4 GHz processor, instead of the quad-core 1.7 GHz chip that the HTC One has. The Mini however comes with the same UltraPixel camera and HTC Sense User Interface. The phone runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

The HTC One Mini has connectivity features like 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and microUSB 2.0. The phone will be available globally by September. The phone also comes with HTC Boom Sound and dual frontal stereo speakers. The SmartPhone has been designed for easy one hand use, and is good for people who are on the go. It also comes with HTC BlinkFeed - what this is, is that HTC has over 1,400 content partners to bring content to the phone, news, sports movies etc. Each time you look at your phone's homescreen, content is updated automatically. HTC Zoe will craft an amazing 30 second slideshow of all your different photos for you to show off you pics and memories with family and friends.

Microsoft Surface Pro Launches 23rd May

The Microsoft Surface pro will be launched on 23rd May in the UK. There has been a delay in the US launch with Microsoft saying there has been an unexpected demand for the device. The device can be used as a laptop - remove the keyboard and use only the touchscreen. Well, not so much laptop as tabletop. You can attach the keyboard and use it as an ultrabook, also use the stylus as a mouse. The device is sleek and comes with great design. Very convenient and east to use and handle. The battery tends to heat-up and this is because of it's powerful processor. The OS as you might expect is the full version of Windows 8.

Microsoft Surface Pro Specs

Comes in two version 64 GB and 128 GB. 10.6" screen, Dual-Core, 4 GB RAM, i5 processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and both front and rear facing cameras. There is also a back-stand for the screen so your tablet doubles up as a laptop. The device is also good for games.

Check the review video below to know more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6em3gfJyENg

Sony Xperia ZR A Waterproof SmartPhone

Sony have just unveiled the all new Sony Xperia ZR - a SmartPhone to accommodate all your underwater shooting needs. By water they mean fresh water and therefore rivers, lakes and ponds and pools are OK. Don't jump into the ocean with it, as it might not survive. In fresh water you can capture photos or videos in full HD with the 13 megapixel fast capture camera. The phone is IP55 and IP58 compliant, so it can be submerged in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. In addition the Xperia ZR has a smart button which allows capturing photos and videos from a locked screen.

Sony Xperia ZR also comes with super-sharp 4.6” HD Reality Display for better viewing experience and OptiContrast which reduces reflections and provides fro clearer viewing. With the ZR's one-step sharing function, all your videos and photos can be shared through any NFC-enabled Sony devices, including speakers, headphones and TV. The device also comes with battery stamina mode - what this does it that by shutting down apps in the background, when the screen is locked, this increases battery life by about 4 times. Initially the Sony Xperia ZR will be available in black and white globally by Q3, 2013. The price is still not known.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDuYUlHc1r4

Samsung Galaxy S4 specs and new features

The new Samsung Galaxy S4 is out and comes with a lot of improved features and new tech, that needs to be appreciated. The size is the same as its predecessor the S3 or should we say the same height as the S3. It's a 5 inch handset and considerable thinner that the S3, weighing in at 130g. The S4 is still using a poly-carbonate chassis and comes in two colors for now - you get either 'Black Mist' or 'White Frost'. Samsung has promised more colors soon.

SGS4 Display
The SGS4 now get 1080p of display and on the 5" screen this is really impressive. The display also makes use of some amazing tech known as Adapt Display in full HD Super Amoled. What this does is that it intelligently adjusts the screens resolution to the media you're viewing. So if you're playing a game the screen resolution will be different, to when you're viewing photographs. The screen is also topped with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 - should help with it not getting scratched.



S4 processor
Comes with the octo-core 1.6GHz Exynos 5 processor - yes, it has an 8 core processor. Should be good for when your playing games and watching movies. The SmartPhone also has 2GB of Ram and so you can expect quiet a snappy and zippy phone.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Cameras.
The S4 has two cameras which is kind-of-standard with most SmartPhones these days. The rear camera is a 13 megapixel, and the front camera has 2 megapixels - with the promise of better video recording and broadcasting. For all your video chatting needs. Dual-recording is also possible so when you're shooting a video you can also take a picture. It also has Eraser Shot to wipe out noise from pictures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUynugn9AYs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LHv1FPd1Ec

Acer Aspira R7

Acer have made a huge announcement and it is pretty big news. They have a new device out called the 'Acer Aspira R7 - the first thing you notice is that it's a nice looking device. It's part laptop, part tablet, and part desktop. Yeah, that's right it can be used as a tablet or laptop or desktop. The reason behind all of this according to Acer is that while touchscreens are nice they are not suited to all purposes and can also be quite messy. Traditional devices are good but to be more human and suit all situations there is a little bit of physical flexibility that is needed. After all the device is to be used by humans and therefore if it can morph into the desired device, it makes things that much more easier to handle.

All this is made possible through something they called "Ezel" hinge. This hinge is really flexible and the screen can be moved around, flipped upside down or rotated. The video below will give you clear visuals and make things clearer. When it comes to its physical stats, here's what we know so far. It has a 15" display, 1080p display, choose between i5 and i7 processors. It's also up for pre-order now for $999. The backlit keys are smooth and colorful and the screen is easy to type on. Need to do a sketch you can always use a stylus and get your work done. So check out the video below for more and please leave a comment with what you think about the new R7. The keyboard has been moved upfront and the trackpad has been moved back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE_gIOeZloQ

How to activate Siri on iPad Mini

So you've got your new iPad Mini and now wondering how to have Siri. Siri is the voice based personal assistant from Apple. Who can learn all your needs and help you in finding new places. Sharing photos on Facebook and also send out Tweets. Siri is very useful and can be used for a host of things. The iPad 2 did not get Siri but the iPad Mini did -- bringing the voice based assistant with full Facebook and Twitter integration to iPad Mini users. So this is how to activate Siri on the iPad Mini.

How to activate Siri on the iPad Mini
All you need to do is to go to Settings > General > Siri. Repeat the process to turn Siri on or off.

How to ask Siri something?
Once Siri has been activated, hold down the home button and you should hear two quick beeps and see -- 'What can I help you with? The microphone icon will light up and you can then ask Siri anything. Whenever you want to talk to it tap the microphone icon and begin talking. With headphones press and hold the center button to talk to Siri. With Bluetooth press and hold the call button to bring up Siri.

How to let Siri know who you are?
Settings > General > Siri > My Info -- this way Siri can use all your information and useful when you want to know how ot get back home or best places to eat or dance nearby.

iPad Mini: All iPad features at a lesser price

This time it's official, Apple have just unveiled the iPad Mini -- a smaller version of its hugely popular iPad. The iPad Mini is definitely a little higher than the Android tablets available at that size. It comes with a 7.9 inch display and a whole lot of other features that iPad users have gotten used to. The iPad Mini has Facetime HD-Camera, iSight camera with 1080p HD video and ultrafast wireless. The price tag for the new iPad is $329 and is definitely placed a little higher that its rivals in that segment. There are a whole lot of Android tablets at that ranger that are a lot less cheaper -- the iPad Mini however does have all those Apps that can be downloaded from the Apple Appstore. The iPad Mini will be available for preorders starting Friday.

The release of the iPad Mini brings to end all those rumors that were floating around regarding the device. Now we know a whole lot more and from the videos below you get to see for yourself. Here are some of the feature highlights of the Mini. It has the same display as the iPad, 275,000 apps built for the iPad and not tweeked phone apps, 10 hour battery life, A5 Chip for faster performance and both Facetime and iSight cameras. Not to forget that the iPad Mini does come with Siri the virtual voice assistant.

http://youtu.be/qL0UlqpfuQc

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Built-in light

Image Credit: Amazon

The latest e-reader from Amazon the Kidle Paperwhite starts shipping globally from today. One of the special features of the Paperwhite, is its built-in light. Kind of similar to Barnes and Noble glowlight. Offering readers the ability to read in any kind of light situation either night or day. The light is evenly displaced within the screen and not directed at the reader's eyes. Illuminating and e-ink screen can be quiet a task which Amazon has almost reached perfection in.

The Paperwhite comes in two versions, a 3G version for $179 and a Wi-Fi version for $119. Each Paperwhite is capable of holding 1,100 books and can can last for more than 8 weeks on a single battery charge, this even with the light on. Now this is an impressive e-reader.

So, how good is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite's built-in light.
You will feel that the device glows when it is switched on. Unlike back-lit displays that project light out to a users' eyes. The Built-in lighting of the Paperwhite actually guides lights from above onto the whole screen. So the device has a glowing feel to it - this allows users to adjust the light to all reading conditions; sunny day at the beach or nighttime reading conditions. There is also no glare from the device when you turn it on, on a sunny day. Amazon achieved this by flattening out fiber optic cable into a sheet and nanoprinting to ensure even distribution and display of light. Thereby reducing eyestrain on the e-ink screen, as there is a balanced whiteness across the display. 
Read More: Official Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

An original post by

Sociolatte

Samsung Ad 'The Next Big Thing' [Video]

It seems Samsung is relentlessly pursuing Apple Fanboys -- going after the iPhone 5. just a few days ago Samsung ran a print ad called ' It doesn't take a genius'. The ad does a comparison between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy s III. Well the latest is a video called 'The next big thing is already here' - this time poking fun at the people waiting in line outside the Apple stores wiating to be the first to get their hands on the all new iPhone 5. The video cleverly shows how the Galaxy S 3 already has features that the iPhone 5 will be coming with and some features that have not yet come to the iPhone. For instance the large screen that the iPhone 5 is getting is already there on the S3, 4G LTE connectivity already available. Samsung also references the phone as 'GS3' bringing about the hip quotient. The biggest dog seems to be the guy who is waiting in line reserving a spot for his parents. This jibe at the iPhone 5 to show that the next big thing is already here and the iPhone 5 is already old before it comes out. So will the ad have an impact, let us know in the comments section below. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

iPad Mini - Rumors and features but no release date

Alleged iPad Mini device

The iPhone 5 has made a grand entrance and it's now time for new rumors and speculations to start circulating about other new devices from Apple. Enter the new iPad Mini rumors about the Mini have been circulating on the internet for about a year now - we had first written about the iPad Mini rumor a year ago. The same story has now been picking up speed and heat. Could there really be an iPad Mini out there. There is every possibility that Apple could indeed be working on an iPad Mini. If they make such a device available it would benefit a large segment of the market globally. Especially considering its cheap price and affordability to people globally, not to mention the usefulness of such a device in poorer countries.

So how did the latest rumors of the purportedly new device begin again?
A week ago the french blog Nowhereelse posted pictures of the rumored device. Sparking fresh rumors of the iPad Mini - the latest images from Chinese blog BoLoPad have just added more fuel to the fire. Already installed by the blog mactokara. We have attached an image from BoLoPad and you can see for yourself the 7.85 inch iPad Mini. Features that are seen include - rear/front facing camera, two speaker ports at the bottom, home button at the bottom. There is also no way of finding out if the iPad Mini will have Retina Display or whether it will be using the A6 or A5 processor. Or how much RAM or Storage the device will have or can it be used on cellular networks.
Via BoLoPad

An original post by

Sociolatte

Does the iPhone 5 come with Laser Keyboard, Holographic Display

So does the iPhone 5 come with a laser keyboard and holographic images. Fox 5 New York news apparently got something wrong when their reporter, went down to the Apple store on 5th avenue -- lovingly called 'The Cube'. The iPhone 5 comes out only on Friday and while interviewing people waiting in line, said something that was totally not true. That the iPhone 5 will come with a laser keyboard and holographic images. Promoting many users to called the iPhone 5 laser keyboard, fake. As it is not real real, the same goes with Holographic display which is not real. While doing the interview she says the new phone is sleeker and a laser keyboard and holographic images. While saying this a concept video found on YouTube which is more than a year old is played. The video shows the phone with laser keyboard and holographic display.This however was a concept video and the real iPhone 5 does not come with laser keyboard and holographic display. Check the videos below and spot the blunder for yourself.

The Video from Fox saying the iPhone 5 comes with a laser keyboard and holographic display

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6668cxupH98

 

The fan video of the concept iPhone 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzsBwnv_dAg

Tabeo Tablet for kids from Toys R Us

Tabeo tablet for Kids

In the middle of the tablet wars comes a new one with a major difference. A tablet that is aimed at kids - a nice Toys R Us hopes to carve for itself. The tablet also comes with 50 pre-loaded games, books and educational apps, and is now available for pre-order. The gadget will be go on sale on Sept 21, 2012. Don't get the wrong idea thinking that this is for kids and might come with limited capability. This is not so and although the Tabeo does have a lot of parental controls, it does have all functionality normally associated with a tablet like the iPad or Amazon Kindle fire. 

Tabeo Specs:
It has a 7' screen
Front facing camera
HDMI output for kids to showoff all their photos and videos on their TV
1.0 Ghz for faster gaming
6,000 free apps available at the Tabeo store
WIFI and full internet support including flash
4 GB Storage and a micro SDHC card slot for expansion
Cost: $150

The product will not have store pick-up however and will be shipped to your address. Will be available for shipping across the US. Kids can use the tablet to play games and capture video and have all the fun associated with a tablet for grownups. It does have enough parental controls to ensure safety and security.
Tabeo Tablet for kids from Toys R us - check it out now. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Samsung Galaxy S3 Social tag

The Samsung Galaxy S III comes with a feature called Social tag. Once this is synced with all your contacts, tapping on a contact will allow you to find out their SNS Status. SNS status stands for or means Social Networking Status. So using the Social tag feature of your Galaxy S3 you can check out a friends' Facebook profile with a simply tap on that contact. according to Samsung this is how it works - using its Face recognition feature the Samsung Galaxy S3 has the capability to instantly recognize identify and properly tag people in your photos, as long as you have added them as contacts. These contacts have to have a profile picture attached or you could add one. With Social Share you can instantly share the pictures with your S3 contacts recognized in your photos.



Adding Social tag to contacts as Facebook connections.
If you have synced your contacts with Facebook - you can check by opening the Contacts App and see if your contacts have a Facebook symbol next to their entry. if you see someone who does not have the Facebook contact added you can then tap on contact and go to 'Connections' and from there link them to a Social network contact.

Using Social tag on the S3
So once you have linked your friends as Social contacts, you can go to your photos and start using Social tag. Go to your photos and click on your friends face and match them to your contacts. The S3's Face recognition software will then be able to automatically recognize friends faces in your photos. After which all you need to do is click on the relevant button below your friends photo and you can mail them the photo, call them, tag them or check out their Facebook profile instantly. be sure you have Social tag switched on in your settings menu for this to work.

Check out the video below from the Vodafone teach team about Social tag on the S3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGDyiZ0hRJw

Where to buy the Google Nexus 7

The Google Nexus 7 has already started shipping and is now available for pre-order in the US, Uk, Canada and Australia. many of the pre-orders done when it was first launched have already started shipping and the 7-inch quad-core tablet is in the hands of many geeks. If you order the tablet in the Google Play store you do get $25 of credit to spend on your favorite apps. The device has been made for Google Play and therefore is called AOA Alive on Arrival. As soon as you get it it is up and ready. Being a 7" tablet it is just bigger than your smartphone and small that the larger iPad - making carrying around the device that much more easier. Google has used Asus to make their home-branded tablet and the Google Nexus 7 can also be found in Asus stores in the countries of launch. The device is available for both 8 Gb and 16 GB.


So how to buy the Google Nexus 7
1. You can get your Google Nexus 7 at the Google Play Store. Click on the shop now link if you live in the US, Uk, Canada or Australia. Other countries would need to wait a few more months before the device is available for purchase. 


I want to buy the Google Nexus from a Physical store in the US
GameStop
B&H
Office Depot
Staples 
Kmart
MobileCity
Sam’s Club
Curry PC World Store 


List of stores where the Google Nexus 7 is available in Australia

Harvey Norman
JB Hi Fi
Dick Smith
Bing Lee
The Good Guys
Retravision
Radio Rentals
Officeworks
EB Games
Costco
BSR


List of stores in the UK where the Google Nexus 7 is available
Ebuyer


List of stores in Canada where the Google Nexus 7 is available
Staples.ca


If you can't wait and need one now you can try Craigslist or eBay there is sure to be someone trying to make a profit on the device. If you have bough the Jelly Bean device please leave a comment with your feedback on the Google Nexus 7. I am sure the list of stores above is not extensive enough. Please leave the name of stores where the device is available in your area.