Technology, Gadget, Computers

Latest news and reviews about technology

Mar
23

By admin

Disney Snags Lucasfilm for 4.05B – What’s On the Horizon, Really

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This is old tech news, but in case you missed it: Disney has your childhood memories on lock. Seriously — they bought Marvel, now they’ve bought Lucasfilm. A few people are still a bit confused on how this will affect things, but we wanted to clear up a few things.

The reality is that it takes money to keep these staples of childhood alive and well. Why not release the brand to someone who can really bring it to life? Sometimes it just doesn’t pay to have a lot of empty intellectual properly just hanging around.

The Disney-Lucasfilm deal is huge — 4.05 billion dollars, to be exact. A lot of geeks are assuming the worst will come out of this deal but we don’t think so at all.

Disney has indicated that they are going to make sequels to the Star Wars series. The first will be delivered in 2015 — though with obviously Hollywood slowdowns, who knows if that will actually happen.

It’s apparently a great day for charity as well, as George Lucas plans to donate much of it to charity once everything closes. The deal is to be distributed in terms of cash as well as Disney shares.

Star Wars is a franchise that is definitely not going to go anywhere. Securing the rights to the empire is definitely a strong move on Disney’s side of things. They have the distribution channels to really bring good things to the table. They have plenty of TV, theme parks, and everything else in between.

So relax, Star Wars fans. The deal just got greenlighted on December 5th. It’s going to be all about getting things together for some real big stuff to actually happen. Don’t give up — just stay tuned and watch!

Mar
11

By admin

Cloud Computing and You – The Revolution at Your Door

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Cloud computing is something that’s been around for a while, but more and more people are becoming aware of it at a level that makes sense for their lives. Consider Amazon’s S3 data storage system, or even the Cloud Kindle Reader. Everything is about the cloud, a central location for all of your files to go. Cloud computing doesn’t have to be a trend you miss out on, however.

It’s all about thinking about your needs. For example, if you don’t have a way to back up your files normally, you definitely want to look at going with cloud-based data backup. This eliminates the need for expensive backup software that still relies on everything to be set up properly on your need. That just wouldn’t make sense in the grand scheme of things. You are much better off thinking about as cloud based solution that allows you to pull down your files from just about anywhere.

Another point that you want to think about is the security that’s used on the other end of the service. Proper encryption is going to be a must. There are always going to be some files that you might not be comfortable with putting in the cloud. Anything that has your personal financial information on it shouldn’t be in the cloud. There have been cases of data breaches, but thankfully they are becoming rarer and rarer over time.

The future of cloud computing is pretty bright. Think over what you need to accomplish, and then find a cloud based service that can make that happen. Good luck!

Feb
14

By admin

R4 – making your life easier

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People of all ages, especially youngsters, sometimes have an obsession for electronic games and enjoy adding gadgets to their computers or gaming machines to provide electrifying graphics and sounds which enhances the amusement. The hottest innovation for flash cartridge technology of a DSi is an adaptor which functions using a micro SDHC, with massive storage capacity of around 32 gigabytes and can be used to watch blockbuster films, play your favourite music, look at family pictures and read e-books of your choice. The R4 does exactly this and is easy to use as it sustains HC memory cards and supports various accessories which enhance the performance of the device in order for you to have hassle free and smooth functioning, as well as being really compact in size. It will also make your machine perform to the best of its ability and will offer optimum performance, increase its desirability tenfold while transforming your games machine into a wonderful multimedia system.

All of the added usage may drain valuable battery output, so make sure you have an adequate power source to ensure longevity of playing games or any other functions. Searching online will assist you in buying wisely from a reputable source and if you stick to a recognised brand you will be rewarded with both quality and a nifty little R4 high performance adapter. The question of price is of course very important and you will be surprised to find this gadget is very reasonably priced and is affordable to almost everyone. With this adapter being able to store masses of information and if, for instance, you are going to purchase a new or used car, there are many websites available which offer car finance packages. Finding a great car deal does not have to be difficult and with the help of the extra storage on an R4 to view the many car loan sites, you will find that even if your past credit rating is poor or you have no credit history, your individual circumstances will be taken into consideration.

You can apply online to make an appointment with a friendly consultant who will help you to choose the right deal for you at the lowest rate possible based on your personal requirements whether you wish to buy a new or used vehicle. Sometimes on offer are no quibble guarantees and often cash back if you apply online as an internet customer. The R4 really comes into its’ own if you work from home or are an everyday user, perhaps your laptop or PC is being repaired and you are left high and dry without a multi media device, you can simply plug this adaptor into your DS or DS lite and you are up and running again. It is essential to make sure any adaptors or batteries you buy are up to your requirements and it is advisable to seek the help of R4 consultants who will be able to advise you of the best purchases.

Jan
8

By admin

Reviewing the hottest tablets on the market

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With the overwhelming success of earlier models, several major companies recently launched new-and-improved tablets. Consumers are constantly looking for more ways to stay connected, and tablets are a perfect hybrid of mobility and functionality.

Even major Internet service providers recognize this movement, and have ensured their networks are compatible with the newest tablets. Check out www.ClearHighSpeedInternet.net for an example of such a focus on on-the-go Internet.

Now, without further ado, here is a look at some of the hottest tablets on the market today:

iPad with Retina Display
Price: $499.99- $829.99


Specs: 9.7″ Display (Retina); 1080p HD video; 16GB, 32GB, or 64 GB options; Available with or without cellular data option.

The Scoop: As the name suggests, the graphics are simply stunning. Incredibly easy to sync with other Apple devices. With Apple, you know the creative applications – video, photo, music, etc. – will be outstanding. Extremely functional for both business and personal use.

The Downside: It’s going to cost you. If you want the biggest, baddest version, be prepared to open your wallet.

iPad mini
Price: $329.99 – $659.99


Specs: 7.9″ Display (LED-backlit); 1080p HD video; 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB options; Available with or without cellular data option.

The Scoop: As you can see, the iPad mini is very similar to the iPad with Retina Display. The differences, of course, are the size and type of the display. Still, it is an exceptionally functional, versatile tablet.

The Downside: Once again, you should be ready to pay top dollar for such a quality device. Is it worth paying so much for a device that’s several inches smaller than the average tablet? That’s for you to decide.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Price: $499.99 – $549.99


Specs: 10.1″ Display; Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS; 16GB or 32 GB options;

The Scoop: Wonderful for both business and recreational use; the S pen is a nice touch, giving it a more business/academic feel to it. Good display, great speed.

The Downside: Unlike Apple’s newest tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 does not have a cellular data option. Therefore, your Internet usage will be limited to normal wireless networks. Read More

Dec
28

By admin

The New Holiday Shopping Tips for Tech Fans

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The holiday season is in full swing, and we’re all counting down to Black Friday. Of course, if you’re not in the US, then Black Friday really isn’t the discount spree that matters to you. Still, many retailers are doing a lot of sales during this time of year because they know something basic: when people are in a mood to buy, they’re going to buy. They might not buy from you, but they are certainly buying from someone else. Gearing up for Christmas is very important, so if you’re thinking about getting some tech goodies for your friends and family, you need to make sure that you’re shopping effectively.

Avoiding returns and shipping costs is the name of the game. Returns tie up your money and slow you down from shopping, so avoiding returns is critical.

The best way to get your shopping is done is as follows:

First and foremost, you need to think about all of the technical gadgets you have planned to buy. Do they really match up with what the recipient of your gift honestly needs? If your granny isn’t good with touchscreen cell phones, there’s no reason to buy her an HTC Evo 4G, you know what we mean? She’s going to be grateful that you bought her something, but you’re buying her something more complicated than what she wants to use. When we give gifts, we want to give gifts that actually work out in our favor. We want to make sure that we can find something that actually handle their needs quite well. Ideally, you should be listening to them all year round to really make sure that they are using good tech and it’s fitting their lives.

Of course, if you really want to give someone a touchscreen, then you can always think about who would really get a kick out of it.

Comparison shopping is honestly the name of the game now. If you’re only going to one site above all others without looking to see if it’s the lowest price, then you’re paying more. That’s just the way it is. The first site you land on generally has a higher price than others. Now, if you’re getting some whiz bang bonus, then it’s okay.

Look at free shipping deals — if you’re going to shop, bundle all of your purchases up as much as possible so that you don’t have to spend money on shipping. Believe it or not, shipping can really be pretty expensive when you have a lot of items. Retailers online have realized that people get really worked up about shipping, which means that they can offer deals to get more people interested.

Check out coupon deal sites in order to make sure that you’ve really squeezed all of the discounts out that you can. It’s possible to get some really good deals as long as you’re looking for them. Why not start shopping today?

The longer you wait to begin your holiday shopping, the more stressed out that you’re going to be. It’s better to make sure that you really are looking into just about anything and everything that you can, in order to not only save money, but give your friends and family exactly what they’re looking for this holiday season!

Sep
7

By admin

Discover the Latest Car Technologies

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Since the inception of cars, we’ve come a long way in which we greatly evolved. Cars have lately become much more than a mere mode of transportation. Because people started travelling more and more, specialists and car designers tried to improve modern cars by creating unique technologies that would enhance their properties and features. Much more attention is being paid to safety, passengers comfort, convenience and emission control.

From features like rain sensor wipers, automatic dimming or rear view mirrors and automatically turning headlines for a better visibility to display screens, latest car technology is continually improving.

However, that’s not all. There are many interesting and unique features out there that hit the headlines recently. The following are considered the most important car technologies in recent years.

- Economy mode: car manufacturers have decided to come up with something similar to the power saving option most appliance possess today. The economy mode is able to help you save more fuel by switching off features like light, radio or air-conditioner, when they are not required.

- Navigation system: one of the best features by now, being used in several parts of the world.

Brands like BMW or Toyota have already started to implement this feature to their new models. A modern navigation system is composed of an LCD found on the dashboard that functions as a map. More recent systems also have a voice feature built-in, guiding you step by step and giving you verbal direction on what route to follow in order to get to the destination as fast as you can. The navigation system can be easily connected to your PDA or Smartphone, enhancing the guiding process.

- Run-flat tires: engineers thought about creating a better version of today’s tires, a version that would allow drivers to continue their journey, even if one of their tires has been deflated.

Car Technologies
This feature could prove extremely useful, especially if you’re late on an important meeting or you have to go to the hospital because one of your kids had an accident. A run-flat tire allows you to go for another 100-150 miles at a maximum speed of 120 mph.

- Self-parking: another advanced feature that gives you the peace of mind you won’t need to spend precious time parking. If your car has this feature, all you need to do is to is to get off the vehicle a few seconds before it needs to be parked, and then press a button and the car will be automatically parked. This feature is extremely convenient, especially in those tight parking spaces.

- Electrical power supply: this 40-volt electrical system helps you use various electrical devices and is a very practical technology.

- Programmable vehicles: probably one of the most beneficial car technologies lately.

With this feature, you can change the mode in which you want to drive your car. For example, you can choose between sporty, urban or luxury drives, just to name a few. This will enhance new features and will change the interior of your car, according to the mode selected.

Apr
30

By admin

The End of Unlimited Data – And What to Do About It

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Unlimited data has been like manna straight from heaven, especially if you’re a super geek that loves to be on the go with your smartphone. However, it’s obvious that all of the major carriers are starting to bring the party to a halt. It doesn’t make them as much money — let them tell it. Unfortunately, us mere mortals are pretty much going to have to either look for an unlimited plan that seems like it’s going to be here to stay (as is the case with Sprint’s Simply Everything plan), or you’re going to need to try to make do with the new quotas.

Not sure how to do that? Don’t worry, we have things pretty much covered for you!

First and foremost, you should understand that most of the data crunch is coming on the 3G or 4G side of things. This means that you should switch over to Wi-Fi instead. We’re living in a Wi-Fi playground — even restaurants that never though to have Wi-Fi are now starting to have Wi-Fi. This is a pretty big deal as you can imagine, because you’ll be able to use your data for free and avoid those pesky data overcharges.

Using a server-assisted web browser like Opera could help you avoid pulling down too much data, because this is a browser that uses server-side preprocessing to reduce the load. That might sound a little too tech, but it’s really straightforward; instead of your smartphone doing all of the heavy lifting, the server in question will pick up some of the slack.

Video is something that tends to really be a data hog. If you’re going to be connected to YouTube and other video sites, but you might not realize that looking at YouTube could be eating your data link alive. That’s because many times these videos are sent to your phone in high quality. That means that you will have to make sure that you select lower quality videos. They’re not going to be as sharp, but hey — you also get to avoid those heavy overages! If you must watch in high quality, make sure that your phone is on Wi-Fi first. Your cell phone bill will thank you later!

Email is also problematic as well. Our phones tend to pull down quite a bit of data in the background. If you have your phone set to constantly check email, you could be in for a big surprise when you either have overages or get throttled down to barely-passable speeds. It’s completely up to you, but we think that there’s really no need to fetch email every 5 minutes. Adjusting this setting might not make a huge difference per fetch, but over time it could really save you a lot of data.

Software updates are in the same category — don’t have your phone pull them down. The updates can be pretty big, and who wants to waste their quota on that? See if you can get it from a computer if they’re too big, or you might even want to try to wait until you can connect to Wi-Fi.

Overall, there are plenty of things that you can do to manage your data consumption. In a post-unlimited data world, you might want to put these tips into practice!

Apr
18

By admin

Web Hosting Is Truly One of the Finest Technologies Around!

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If you’re trying to think about where to go for website hosting, don’t worry – you are actually in good company. You just need to make sure that you do your research before you settle into a website hosting company. Is it all about the price? Not really. You will need to think about the type of hosting that’s offered and whether or not it meets your goals. And if you want to build a website that lasts for a long time, you definitely, have a lot of business ideas that need to be taken care of quickly. You don’t want to find yourself being unable to tend to things over the long term.

A solid web hosting company will always be there for you to host your files for the world to see. That’s the whole point of getting web hosting. Whether you have something important to say, or just want to stay in touch with family you will want to make sure that you go with a very reliable hosting company that you can.

As mentioned before, it’s not just about features or even price — it’s about scalability. If you work at building a website, your visitor numbers will grow over time. Instead of giving that up, you will need to make sure that you are thinking about how to make it even bigger. There’s nothing more exciting than knowing that your message is catching on. Even if you don’t really want to get too big, you probably just want to be reliable. A website host that is truly in the business of providing top notch service is going to be able to let you reach either goal that matters to you.

What features matter most in website hosting? Well, bandwidth is going to be one of the top things to look for. Unlimited bandwidth is great, but you will still need to ensure that you have a reasonable assumption of the server’s capabilities. If you’re going to be on shared hosting, then you have to realize that you will need to share resources with other sites on that server. This means that if you expect to get heavy traffic, it’s going to be better to go with a VPS host or even a full out dedicated server to handle the load.

You definitely have a lot of options when it comes to website hosting, but if you want to know of a good host that can handle your needs quickly, we recommend 34sp.com — check them out today!

Apr
17

By admin

Compare Car Insurance on the Go with the MoneySupermarket Car Insurance App

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For people in the UK, using MoneySupermarket to compare the cost of car insurance is second nature, but in the past it has been necessary to head online from a laptop or desktop computer to get the job done.

You may have attempted to use its site from your smart phone or tablet but without touchscreen optimisation it is tough to complete the process of getting car-insurance quotes without encountering some frustration.

Thankfully, Money Supermarket is well aware of this and as a result it has launched its first ever car-insurance price-comparison application for a range of portable gadgets.

There are iterations of the app available for Android and iPhone, with iPad compatibility recently added in a much-needed update.

Perhaps the most important thing to emphasise about this comparison app is that it is the first-ever free app for the car-insurance market on smart phones.

The only way that using the service could cost you money is if you do not have an adequate monthly data allowance with your network provider.

Since you can use it over Wi-Fi networks, which are widely available at home or when you are out and about, comparing car insurance while on the move has never been easier.

There are big savings to be made by those who choose to use the app on their smart phone or tablet, with average customers saving around £374.93.

The process of creating an account when you first launch the app is painless and best of all is the fact that it is only necessary to carry this out once, as the app will save your information should you wish to compare prices again at a later date.

Each version of the app gives you control over the same comparison features, whether you have an Android phone or an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad.

However, the interface has been modified to make sure that it is in keeping with whichever platform you happen to have, because consistency of look and feel is important to many users.

Because the quotes are tailored to your specific needs, you will be able to see just how much you are going to pay each month or year and you can even call insurance companies from within the app itself if you have a smart phone.

Quote retrieval can be performed from the app or via your PC, so you can get quotes while on the move and then consider them in more detail once you are settled in front of your computer.

The rising cost of car insurance does not necessarily mean that you need to pay more, particularly if you can compare different quotes from your portable device thanks to this new app.

Apr
9

By admin

The iPhone – A Powerful Business Tool

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One of the more consistent criticisms of the iPhone is that it is not a worthwhile business tool – that it lacks the power and the software to really add value to the business man or woman who wants to include their mobile phone as part of their business activities.

But this is a criticism that has become outdated – and yet people still peddle it as truth.  Let us look at just why the accusation that the iPhone is no use as a business tool is one that is incorrect and why you should start looking for best iphone deals today!

The iPhone as a business tool

One of the major reasons for the popularity of this ‘fact’ is that the iPhone DID used to have a technological handicap when it comes to being used for business.  It lacked the processing speed to run multiple applications, or complex ones.  But the most recent upgrade – the iPhone 3GS, has changed that by dramatically improving the hardware.

Another issue was that the old, generation 1 iPhone lacked real web capabilities.  The reliance on WAP protocols meant that it was underpowered when it came to using cross internet software that required high bandwidth.  This has again been solved in recent upgrades.

Equally important to the rise of the iPhone as a business tool has been the gradual development of business essential applications.  The iPhone has developed from a web platform for those who want to play around to one capable of running software that can have a huge benefit to business users.

Applications including

* Accessing email servers for emails in real time
* Interacting with a companies database for contact management
* Running spreadsheets
* Providing a Pdf reader to allow reports to be read on the move

And much more besides.  It provides a mobile platform that allows users to access their business needs whilst on the move – important for many different types of business people.

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