Celebrities are pretty fond of setting trends, from the color of their cars, their hairstyles, outfits, and even how they tie their shoelaces! However, the trends they set do not end there. They also love wearing different kinds of luxury watches. What others may not realize is that the watches these celebrities wear may even cost more then their cars.
So, here are the top ten celebrities who wear the most expensive watches.
The fundamental need of the day, watch has now a day’s added a perfect style to match up your ultimate unique personality. The several different brands are being working really hard to come up the customer’s demands to manufacture a watch with a difference. What is more surprising is that they are manufacturing their exclusive collection in their own terms making some of the most amazing watches in the world that will surely allow you stand out among the crowd of thousands.
Here’s an infographic by Give and Take will be highlighting some of the most amazing watches made till date.
Tablets are initially made for adults but are now being identified as a modern approach to educate children. Innovative techniques in teaching include cheap tablets for kids that will both enhance children’s attention span and memory retention. With that, emerging cheap tablets for kids have evolved from simple interface to the advanced kind where different apps are available for download. There are many kinds of cheap tablets for kids, but there are some that tops the market not just for their function but for their reliability as well.
The infographic below, compiled and created by BellanBeau compiles information of the “Top 10 Tables for Kids.”
Sophisticated laptops, HD television sets, high technology tabs are the visible traits of our new age cosmopolitan society. We are a smart bunch, and take everything seriously, from car keys, to sling bags to even mobile covers. Gone are the days when a mobile used to be just a communicating device. We have stepped into the era of Smartphone’s that surely needs to be carried smartly! Apart from teaming it up well with our dress code, we also need to dress our Smartphone’s smart and chic. The modern day designer Smartphone bags, covers and cases not only do the needful, but also offer us choices galore!
Here is an infographic bought to you by Secret Vintage Collection, will help you find all such exciting smart bags available in market.
Formatting a hard drive is a common method when it comes to recycling or reusing the hard drive of a computer. It is a method which most people undertake while selling off or reusing their computers. Also, formatting is something which helps liberating the device off all the viruses and malicious programs. It greatly enhances the security and improves the speed of the machine as well. Just as there are these pros which come associated with hard drive formatting, there are a few cons also.
When you choose to format hard drive, you remove all the data from it by using the extensive delete option using a certain program or software. Just as there are software applications available for the formatting process, there are also a few programs which can undo what you’ve deleted. Yes, once a hard drive has been formatted, data stored on it previously can be easily recovered using some specific data recovery programs.
Apart from hard drive formatting, there are a few other methods also which can be used to erase a hard drive. These methods make data on the hard drives irrecoverable. Some of the popular and secure data destruction methods are:
Of these three methods, hard drive shredding is the most common one which people resort to. It offers better security and guarantee that the data on the drives will not be recovered by any means. Also, a lot of people choose firms which help them in disposing off and shredding the hard drives.
A hard drive shredder is used in the process. This shredder is actually a mechanical gadget which makes the hard drive irrecoverable. It involves slicing down of every track on each platter of the drive. Just as the name suggests, shredding is all about destroying the hard drive physically so that it cannot be re-used.
For business enterprises, rather than choosing to format hard drive, going in for a service like shredding or wiping which leaves bleak chances of data recovery is the best thing to do. In order to keep important data, passwords and financial details from falling into the wrong hands, getting one’s hard drive shred is the best thing.
Instead of choosing to format your hard drive, get yours shredded from an efficient service provider like Secure Data Destruction Solutions. You’ll be able to find various services which will help you keep your data safe. Also it’ll safeguard your reputation as a business entity.
By Chariahs
One way that many people use to express their creativity, is through photography. With photography, you can use a camera to capture moments in life through ways that many people have never imagined. Lenses and filters change what we see with our eyes and make it seem like another world. Anyone can practice photography, especially, if you use the tips in this article.
In conclusion, photography is one way that people use to express their creativity. Photography allows you to use cameras to turn life into unimaginable views. New worlds can be created with simple lenses and filters. If you use the tips from this article, then you can dive into the world of photography.
Editor’s note: I am a mother of a 6 year old bubbly girl who happens to be the most important person in my life. My passion includes writing articles, blogging, photography, technology, and others.
Image: 123RF
By Chariahs
Millions of people are using desktop computers right now. They may be using them at work or at home, but they’re running all the time somewhere. This is probably something you know a little about, but it wouldn’t hurt you to learn some things about desktop computers. Here are some tips to think over.
If you are going to be doing some upgrades to your desktop computer be sure to ground yourself before you begin working on your computer. A simple jolt of static electricity can be more than enough to fry your motherboard. If you do not ground yourself, you will be putting your whole system at risk.
Consider the disk burning capabilities of any desktop computers that you are looking at. Consider whether you plan to just watch media or to make your own CDs and DVDs. If you plan on doing the latter, make sure sure the computer that you want supports it. Not all desktops come with these capabilities.
If you are concerned with your computer’s speed, then start things off with a boot check. Head to the “start” menu and then run “ms config.” Look at which programs automatically start with the machine. Disable anything you don’t use. This will speed up your system.
Be very careful to check on the versions of software in any new desktop you buy, unless you want to be constantly updating it or replacing the operating system completely. Many good deals can be had on desktops that contain nearly obsolete software, which can complicate use later on. Make sure what you buy will be compatible online and for other purposes.
If you favor a certain brand of desktop news, do your research on it and stay current with upcoming releases. The last thing you want to do is buy a new computer from the brand only to have a new release that you want come out not too long after it. Staying current, doing research, and waiting can land you some great deals with certain brands of desktops.
For the best deal when buying a new desktop computer, shop during and after back to school time or just before Christmas. These are the times when computer companies offer great deals on many of their best selling computers. Computer companies will also offer bundles of desktops and printers that can save you extra money.
What will you be using your computer for? It is important to buy a computer that fits your needs. If you will be using your computer to play games, what you need from your computer will be different from what you will need if you are planning on using the computer to write papers for school.
As you now know, desktop computers can be easy to work with. You just have to know a little bit of information before you start. Take the things that were gone over here into account the next time you think that you are going to be working with a desktop computer.
Editor’s note: I am a mother of a 6 year old bubbly girl who happens to be the most important person in my life. My passion includes photography, technology, and others.
Buying a new laptop is never easy, especially when you are confronted with a sea of options. Other than the basic functioning of a laptop, most of us don’t know squat of what’s going on inside the laptop. It is not just the budget or the general look of the laptop that should matter, but even the model, RAM and its specifications should make a difference. Here are a few basic points that you need to look into when buying a laptop.
Start off by knowing exactly what purpose your laptop is going to serve. If you are just going to use it for general purposes then you will not need a laptop as powerful as the one that is used by graphic designers. Knowing your requirements will help narrow down your search, which in turn will make the choice easy.
The average screen size of a laptop is 12.1 to 14.4 inches. But, if you tend to travel a lot then it is a good idea to get your hands on smaller notebooks. Their average screen size is 10 inches and they are easy to carry; they are also lighter and far cheaper. However, if your work requires you to stay put in a place then regular laptops make more sense for you. Regular laptops have better speed and power.
Working on a laptop that has a battery which keeps draining can be painful. That’s why it is important to put your cash in a system that gives good battery backup. For instance, if you have your eyes on a 15 inch laptop then make sure it gives at least 4 hours’ power conveyance and for a portable notebook, it should be minimum 6 hours. Really powerful laptops can give you battery life anywhere between 10 to 20 hours.
You will have two options in display — the cheap dual scan display and the improved TFT displays. If your work does not involve you to use more than Word and Excel, then go for the cheaper one. And for visual graphics, the improved TFT displays make better sense.
Ever tried working on a laptop that takes ages to download a page and works at a snail’s pace? It’s a nightmare! The speed of your laptop basically depends on the processor. The better the processor, the faster your laptop will work. Even if it pushes your budget a bit too much, make sure to buy a laptop with a good processor.
Memory is the most important thing to consider when buying a laptop. Even the cheapest of laptops these days comes with 1 GB RAM. So, don’t settle for anything less and buy a laptop with 4 GB minimum, as it will enable you to run multiple applications without slowing down the system.
Never underestimate the importance of the keyboard when buying a laptop. It can make or break the deal. If you tend to do a lot of typing, run your fingers on the keyboard to see the comfort level. And in case you have pets around your home, make sure you buy a keyboard with keys placed close together or else your pet can easily pluck them out.
Don’t just believe everything the manufacturer claims. It is wise to check reviews online first before you make your choice. And before you discard your old laptop, give it for servicing first; you will manage to get a better resale value.
Image: The Next Web
Take a look at the top rumors about Samsung Galaxy S5 according to major blogs Samsung Galaxy will be released in this month
Since Samsung Galaxy S4 there has been a lot of buzz about Samsung Galaxy S5
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is old news. Sure, it’s a great smartphone — as you’ll see in our in–depth review — but now all eyes are firmly locked on the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Now that we’re almost certain to be seeing the phone during MWC 2014, all eyes are on what’s actually going to emerge from behind Samsung’s veil of secrecy — the good news for you, dear reader, is that we’ve trawled the web, examined all the rumors, and refined them to bring you a pretty good idea about what’s going to emerge.
In terms of the name we’d be very surprised if Samsung was to deviate from the highly lucrative Galaxy S prefix which has seen the Korean firm squeeze every last drop of money out of the brand with numerous handset spin offs of its top products.
Expect it to arrive as the Samsung Galaxy S5 — nothing else.
Cut to the chase
What is it? The sequel to the Galaxy S4 — and Samsung needs it to be amazing
When is it out? An earlier–than–expected MWC 2014 launch is on the cards
What will it cost? The Galaxy S5 will cost around £550 / $650 / AU$700
If you’re one of those interneteers that likes to skim read things in the hope someone will go through all the rumors and create a video render with them all thrown in together, well, you’re in luck.
All the big smartphone manufacturers are relatively entrenched in annual product cycles now, which means we can usually predict when they will launch their headlining products.
Early rumors pegged Samsung as bringing the Galaxy S5 launch forward to February after the S4 failed to sell as many as predicted — this could also be due to the company being reportedly told to scale down its launches and make Android more of a star of the phone by Google.
And now that looks relatively certain after Samsung sent out a teasing invite for its “Unpacked 5” event on February 24 — and it’s that “5” which has caught everyone’s attention — that means the Galaxy S5, right? RIGHT?
Don’t panic about reports that 99 per cent of malware targets Android devices‚ but do take precautions to ensure your device is secure
BY STUART DREDGE
LONDON: Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones, by far, and it’s also the most open, in terms of how much you can customise your device — replacing its default keyboard, for example — as well as the approval process for developers to release new apps for it.
This openness is a boon for the tech–savvy Android user, because pretty much anything on their device that they don’t like can be swapped out for something better.
Android’s status as the world’s most popular smartphone OS means it has hundreds of millions of users who aren’t so clued–in on security.
Cisco’s annual security report claimed in January that 99 per cent of all malware in 2013 targeted Android devices, while security firm Kaspersky Lab suggested a similar figure of 98 per cent in December last year. “Android ticks all the boxes for cyber criminals — it’s a widely used OS that is easy to use for both app developers and malware authors alike,” said Kaspersky’s senior virus analyst Christian Funk, at a time when his company was detecting 315,000 new malicious files every day.
So, does Android have a big security problem? This is a question that is complicated by the fact that many of the companies warning about Android malware are also selling apps and services that promise to protect against it. But keeping your data safe on an Android device can be more about taking common–sense steps to minimise your risks.
With that in mind, here are five tips for ensuring that your Android device is safe:
Using the Google Play Store to download apps already makes you among the more secure tiers of Android users — many dodgy apps are distributed through third–party.
Android app stores rather than the official ones. Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds, Clash of Clans… fake versions of these regularly appear, so if something sets off warning bells (Candy Crush Saga 2, anyone?) it’s worth googling its title and checking its developer’s website to see if it’s a fake.
Security on Android isn’t just about the apps that you install on your phone. As with any device — Android or otherwise — be on your guard for phishing, sites that try to get you to enter personal data and/or credit card details. Text messages and emails can all be phishing methods, and just because you’re on your phone doesn’t make them less dangerous.
Have you got your device’s lock–screen settings sorted, so that if it gets stolen, the thief can’t access your apps and data? Google’s default settings will see you fair, but there are some third–party apps that take interesting and unusual spins on unlocking the phone.
Picture Password Lockscreen, for example, gets you to unlock your phone by drawing points, lines and circles on any image you like.
If you’d still like to take the extra step of installing anti–virus software — or if you’re thinking of putting it on the device of someone else — a number of options are available from the big names of the security world. AVAST Software’s Mobile Security & Antivirus, Bitdefender’s Mobile Security & Antivirus, Lookout Security & Antivirus, Kaspersky Internet Security, Trend Micro’s Mobile Security & Antivirus, Norton Security antivirus and McAfee Antivirus & Security all have four–star–plus ratings on Google play.
You can follow many of the steps above, but can your children if they’re using your device, or have their own Android tablet and/or smartphone? A number of companies are trying to help with this challenge too, with parental control software capable of ensuring children don’t install apps that they shouldn’t, or compromise data on a shared device. Kids Place, Famigo, MMGuardian and Norton Family are four of the most popular examples, with varying features to control what apps are installed, what sites are being visited, and to set time limits on usage — and in some cases, add time as a reward for good behaviour.
Written by Ezra Melino
The future is evidently now, and many of those neat-o gizmos you ogled over in the cartoons and movies are quickly becoming a reality. Although floating cars are still a ways away, smartwatches are here and they are big, bold and busting out quite a few unexpected stops. A true standout among a small, elite crowd is the newly revisited and remodeled Pebble Steel, a striking and highly capable smartwatch that’s surprisingly affordable (averaging around $249.99) and amply professional in appearance. A popular, fashion-oriented and well-polished product indeed, the new Pebble Steel has much more on its mind than just the time of day.
Residing on the upper tier of functionality and flare, the Pebble Steel smartwatch has been quickly making a name for itself during its short lifespan, already outclassing its predecessor, the original Pebble, which in only twelve months of availability secured a home on well over 300,000 wrists. The Pebble is successfully laying claim to an expanding smartwatch kingdom, and it seems that the new Steel version is about to put a fork in the remaining competition. At least for the time being.
So what does competition the smartwatch competition look like? Over the past few months and merging into the fresh horizon of the New Year, the world has witnessed quite a few smartwatch offerings blossom forth from titanic companies like Qualcomm, Sony and Samsung. These corporations have been producing small armadas of these time-telling trumpets of the future hoping to claim a fixed foothold in the digital race, especially while the marketing soil is still fresh and untrodden. But what makes the Pebble Steel so special?
Think of the Pebble as the forerunner to beat in this competition. Most of the smartwatch contenders are using it as the archetype with which to base their specs off of, particularly concerning sophisticated electronics like a fully colorized touch-screen, as well as overall design and fashion appeal. But even the Pebble Steel itself is seeking to out-do its older brother with a sleek new design that orients itself more to a jewelry item than a semi-kitschy sports watch or athletic accessory.
Thoughtfully adorned in matte black or brushed stainless steel, the overall aesthetic of the Pebble Steel, with its unique analog watch-face, carefully cajoles onlookers into viewing it as a sincerely legitimate wristwatch and not simply a crude novelty.
The Pebble Steel has upped the ante concerning digital display with a clearer, more compact feeling screen and an e-paper display that’s covered by durable Corning Gorilla Glass 2. The backlight and accelerometer are the same as the first model, and it’s still waterproof up to five atmospheres, but the Steel version offers new tri-colored LED lighting in its screen-face that illuminates when charging. It’s claimed that newer Pebble models will be able to utilize the LED for alert configurations.
The Steel’s screen has also received a bit of a facelift in that it’s now more squared-off and less curved, providing a much more compactable impression and feel for the wearer. Even the Pebble Steel’s buttons are smaller and easier to use. Many things, however, have been kept the same, especially in regards to the inner workings of the device. The Pebble Steel still utilizes the MagSafe-like contact charging system, although the original Pebble’s charger will not work with the Steel, and vise-versa. However, all Pebble apps are still applicable in both cases.
A downside to the Pebble Steel is ironically the stainless steel itself. The new version is somewhat heavier (weighing approximately 99 grams) than the original, which was made of plastic and weighing-in at roughly 38 grams. On a day-to-day basis this extra weight would not likely pose a problem, but if you plan on taking a jog or exercising with the Steel attached to your wrist it may prove to be a bit uncomfortable.
The battery-life for the Pebble Steel model is successfully rated at approximately five to seven days, and the available application memory to the device is fairly roomy leaving twice as much space for apps and watch-faces. Unfortunately, however, this extra memory is still locked and users/wearers will need to accept using a still impressive eight apps and watch-faces at a time.
So what’s the bottom line? The new Pebble Steel smartwatch certainly has an upscale disposition, and it opens to a blossoming world of fun, useful Pebble-based apps. However, this watch is a bit heavy and may be a bit too “masculine” for some female purchasers. Ultimately it’ll require an in-person test to decide whether this new gadget will be right for you or if you’d rather hold your horses for the next futuristic offerings that may be waiting just around the corner.
About The Author: Ezra Melino is an all-around-geek turned serious blogger out of North Carolina who not-so-secretly relishes an in-print love affair with everything from technology and multimedia entertainment to film and the hopper. He has written for and managed multiple tech blogs that are devoted to exploring new technological developments all around the world.
A nice overview about the development of 4G cell phones. Look over the different stages and the progress Technology has made!
Smartphones just keep getting smarter, and 4G cell phones are the smartest there is – so far.
However, the journey of the 4G cell phone was a long and tedious one.
In the beginning, the ‘cell phone’ was almost the same with the walkie-talkie or CB radio with its limited number of frequencies; they only differ in that the former allowed two users to speak simultaneously, while the latter required one to be cut off before the other could get a word in.
Then the first generation, or the 1G, analog technology was introduced during the 1970s. Using devices such as advanced mobile phone systems (AMPs), Nordic mobile telephone (NMT) and total access communication systems (TACS), it could now handle more than 359 simultaneous voice exchanges, with its speed peaking at 14.4 kbps. Wireless phones were used for transmitting voice calls only.
A decade later, analog was transformed into digital in the introduction of the 2G technology, which uses the global system for mobile communication (GSM). Aside from GSM, the other systems used were digital AMPS, code-division multiple access (CDMA) and Personal Digital communication (PDC). With a throughput of 9.6 to 14.4 kbps, 2G cell phones allowed multiple users on a single channel and were used for digital transmissions of both voice calls and data, in the forms of fax data short message sending.
Additional services supported by 2G included wireless application protocol (WAP), voicemail and voicemail notification services, mobile location service, cell broadcasting and the option to move from one mobile phone service provider to another while retaining your old number.
2.5G technology relied on the use of general packet data radio services (GPRS), an ‘upgrade’ of GSM. This upgrade included the support for sending graphics-heavy data faster via e-mail, marking the stirrings of early multimedia services and streaming. A few cell phone models also provided for web browsing.
Using the 2.5G platform, the third generation, or 3G, was developed. Multimedia support was further enhanced, allowing the transmission of video, audio, and applications, as well as better streaming quality. At its peak, it can reach up to 3.1 Mbps and thus able to sustain very high data rates. Its higher bandwidth – from 384 Kbps to 2Mbps – also supported video conferencing. Portability across different device types such as PDAs and telephones was now possible. Its air interface, the Enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) was said to be able to cover wireless interfaces across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
3.5G followed, concentrating on faster speeds to support the ever-increasing data needs of users. From 3.1 Mbps offered by 3G, 3.5G offered 14.4 Mbps peak speed.
Then came 4G.
Speed was further increased for 4G, designed to keep up with the very high data access demand used by various services. Dubbed as the fastest among the standards developed over the past years, it was said to be able to reach 100Mbps on mobile and 1 Gbps when stationary.
When it comes to videos and audio, high-definition (HD) streaming was supported, and more 4G cell phone models were made with HD capabilities to accommodate them.
From the trend over the decades, it is not a far-fetched possibility that 5G is just around the corner, waiting to pounce. For sure, it would offer even faster or extremely high speeds for the users and let them use available bandwidth more efficiently.
Technology – communications technology included – is a continuous work in progress. Something faster, cooler and more packed with features will likely to be developed in the future, but at the moment, 4G cell phones are the smartest phones out there.
An amateur photographer should not be intimidated by the bewildering collection of specification and details of digital cameras, here are ten things to look for to buy a digital camera.
By Ernie Delgado
Professional photographers know exactly what they're looking for when they purchase a digital camera. Years of experience and fine tuning digital cameras every day makes the choice clear for them. For the rest of us, a new camera purchase can be a daunting experience. I know when I first got into digital cameras the technology seemed a little intimidating- but it doesn't have to be. Here's a short guide with ten things to look for when, as an amateur photographer, you're ready to replace that antique sitting on the top shelf of the closet.
1. Resolution – When digital cameras first came out, it was all about the megapixels. There was a wide variety of sizes (and prices) available- however, now most of even the smallest digital cameras are 5 megapixels, which is more than adequate for your typical 4x6 vacation photos and the occasional 8x10. The time to go larger is when you want to regularly create larger pictures- or you want to be able to zoom in on areas of specific detail and print those. The compromise you must make for those larger pictures is more space used on your memory card, so if you get a higher megapixel camera, make sure to pick some extra cards.
2. Exposure control – For most amateurs, aperture size and shutter speeds are a mystery. What should I use when? The manufacturers have addressed this with scene preset modes. Picking the correct mode allows you to select the proper settings of, for example, a close-up by simply clicking ‘Macro Mode' instead of manually configuring the camera. If you're interested in digital cameras as a hobby, manual configuration options are something you should look for.
3. Zooms – There are two types of zoom available, optical zoom and digital. The one you should really pay attention to is optical zoom- pictures using optical zoom are sharper. Also understand that when the camera is using the higher magnification settings, it will be more vulnerable to shaking, so you may want to pick up a tripod if you'll be using that zoom most of the time.
4. Size – Take a little time to think about what you're going to be using your camera for. There's always a trade-off between size and functionality- here's a quick summary:
5. Weight – Hand in hand with size is camera weight. Generally speaking, more features equals more weight, so think carefully about what you really need. A small, light camera with fewer features is a better choice if you want to take it everywhere and get lots of pictures, as opposed to a heavy monster you dread having to lug and only use once in a while.
6. Batteries – Basically batteries come in two formats, proprietary battery packs, and then there are cameras that accept AA batteries. If you get a camera with the proprietary pack, it's worth it to purchase another one as backup, because invariably you'll want to take a picture and the battery will die. I recommend getting a camera that allows you to use AA batteries- if you need to buy a set in pinch you can, and you also have the flexibility of buying rechargeables and using them again and again.
7. Speed – When you are ready to purchase, be sure to check out the lag on button press. If you want to photograph things in motion (kids, pets, sports, etc) it can be very frustrating to try to snap that perfect picture and have the image captured 5 seconds later after the moment has passed. Some cameras offer continuous shutter mode, which allows you to snap pictures in sequence. For most amateurs 5 frames per second is adequate.
8. Manual Focus – part of the beauty of digital cameras is most of them take care of focusing for you. In some situations you may want the ability to manually focus to bring out detail.
9. Low Light Modes – Some cameras have auxiliary lights to help focus or even night vision mode. If you're going to be taking pictures at night, it's worth the money to add this to your checklist.
10. Accessories – Most people focus exclusively on the camera, and the accessories are an afterthought. Depending on where you buy your camera, you may be able to get a package deal that includes things you would have to buy anyway, like a case, memory cards, extra batteries and the like. If you buy your camera in a camera store don't be afraid to negotiate, many will give you a better price or throw in extras like photography lessons.
When you buy a digital camera there's no need to be intimidated, just do some research online and have an idea of what you want to do with your camera, create a list of important points, and then buy with confidence.
About the Author
Ernie Delgado is an avid amateur photographer. His hobby is at Digital Camera.
Image: Digital Trends
The similarities are in many ways as exciting as differences between them
By Ken Subedi
Recently Apple launched the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C, and announced the retirement of iPhone 5. No doubt, you can still buy the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, but Apple releasing two brand new iPhones at the same time is a first. So a question whirls arises regarding the difference between iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.
To find out real differences we compared the specifications of both. The iPhone 5C comes in five different colours: green, white, blue, pink, and yellow wheres the iPhone 5S comes in four different colours, gold, silver, space and gray.
Both smartphones will start with iOS7, and can be upgraded for free to all new versions of Apple’s OS. One of the areas iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S look too similar is the screen. Both have four inch widescreen multi-touch display, with a 1136x640-pixel resolution that make for a pixel density of 326ppi.
Both phones have built-in, non-swappable lithium-ion batteries. As per the company, both batteries will give backup for the same time. The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will last for up to 250 and 10 hours on standby and talk time. Web surfing is eight hours on 3G, and 10 hours on LTE and Wi-Fi. Apple declares 10 hours for video playback and 40 hours audio playback, for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.
Both iPhone 5C and 5S have a front-facing (FaceTime) and a rear-facing (iSight) camera. The modus operandi of the specifications is as follows.
Having eight megapixel sensors, iPhone 5C iSight camera comes with ƒ/2.4 aperture and LED flash. With video stabilisation it supports 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps and 3x zoom in it. The same phone’s FaceTime Camera takes 1.2Mp photos at a resolution of 1280x960 offering up to 720p HD video recording.
On the other side, the iPhone 5S iSight camera has eight Mp sensor, listing it as eight megapixels with 1.5µ pixels. It has aperture of ƒ/2.2 and a true-tone flash. The video capabilities and the FaceTime Camera are like that of iPhone 5C.
The first smartphone to have 64-bit is iPhone 5S. With 64-bit architecture it comes with a brand new A7 chip. Apple also has M7 coprocessor that means it possesses uncountable apps that uses motion-tracking, for example fitness apps.
On the other hand, iPhone 5C comes with an A6 chip which makes the difference. It can be called as the iPhone 5 with a new appearance. Well, we can’t fairly comment on the level of performance it makes. But one thing is sure that if iPhone 5C’s performance is like that of iPhone 5 it be less valued as a smartphone. We hope that iPhone 5S is an improvement. However, Apple does not talk about the RAM it has put into its new smartphones.
Another marker that makes them different is storage. The iPhone 5C comes in 16 GB and 32 GB ambience, but the iPhone 5S agrees all and goes up to 64 GB. The iphone 5S’s dimensions is 123.8x58.6x7.6mm and weighs 132g.
The similarities between the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S are in many ways as exciting as differences between them. The battery life, display and software offered by them are more or less the same. But the iphone 5S is faster with a better camera and some additional features.
The writer is associated with Braindigit IT solutions and can be reached at kengb1@gmail.com.
After the unexpected drop of the long-time Apple iOS executive Scott Forstall, people have been keeping on what the next version of the iOS will bring. Now under senior vice presidents Craig Federighi and JonyIve, the iOS has changed a lot. The newest installment to the iOS family, the iOS 7 brings a whole lot of change in terms of functionality and design. The iOS is much whiter and with more flat look and the icons have a more 2D feel to it than its predecessor, iOS 6, with its glasslike smooth icons. The iOS 7 brings a lot to the table than any of its previous updates. And although there have been numerous complaints about the battery life and installation problems, iOS 7 still proves a worthy foe to its mobile OS competitors.
Apple has decided to drop most of its older generation phones like the iPhone 3GS and iOS 7 and only supports iPhones 4 and above. Although there have been numerous complaints about the performance of iOS 7 or iPhone 4s, there seems to be no problems with iPhone 4S and above. The first thing iOS 7 users will notice is the new feel to the iOS 7, unlike any other iOS. Apple has decided to get rid of its old flux-glass icons and have reverted to more basic, color-prioritized flat icons. The applications have lost most of textures and now provide a basic streamlined design. No more of the notepad feel to the Notes app and no more of the rich black leather or the brown wood textures. This flat user-interface feel more like a mobile app and makes it easier for the user to concentrate on the more important buttons and content of an app. The latest version of the iOS has been known for its Android and Windows 7 Phone-type features, like the Android-styled control center or the Windows Phone animations. There are plenty of features on the iOS 7 that you won’t find on any of its competitors.
Turning on your phone will introduce you to a more Android Ice Scream Sandwich-type of lock screen that seems to have done away with the thick bars and the realistic slider. Now you are greeted by a simple text and two bars on the top and bottom that encourage you to pull down the notification center or the control center, again a feature previously seen on Android devices. But no matter how different you expect the iOS 7 to be, the general feel and usability of the iOS remains the same. It’s the same page-by-page application icons, and the much loved widget feature of the Android system still seems to be absent although multitasking has been improved greatly with the Web OS-style app switcher. The recent applications that have been running around show up next to each other and dismissing them is as simple as swiping them up or down.
Another visual upgrade on the iOS 7 is the more prominent User Interface (UI) animations that had been much simpler and transparent than the ones on iOS 7. Unlocking the phone prompts a swooping effect of the application icons. Opening up a folder icon or the application switcher prompts a zoom-in and zoom-out effect and even the screen’s off and on animations have been beautified with a slight fadeout and fade-in. The notification icon on the top of the phone also seems to have undergone some serious redesign. The signal bar seems to be the most prominent with dots instead of bars that puts the whole mobile design into question because of the fact that bars have turned into a universal language for network. Can Apple change it to dots is yet to be seen.
The iOS 7 also brings a lot of new features, like the Control Center that provides quick access to frequently used settings. It’s in stark contrast to its predecessors when every setting had to be changed from the setting app. Or the new tabbed notification center that makes it easier to browse notifications by type, or the new translucent feel to all of these features. There are colors everywhere now, even in places where it becomes more of a nuisance rather than an addition to design. The new design to the iOS design also calls for new application design. Most of the applications on the AppStore are built for iOS 6 and that slight hiccup on switching from a more modern design to the old would call for a light inconvenience. Most of the proprietary software that comes designed by Apple possesses the streamlined feel of the OS but many third-party applications still need a facelift.
The performance of the new OS seems smooth and quick on the newer A5 and A6 processors but on older phones like the iPhone 4, which sports an A4, the OS can seem quite slow and sludgy. The OS also creates new opportunities for sluggishness with more prominent animations that can be easily noticed if it stutters. Another problem that the iOS 7 brings is the quick depletion of the battery life. The iOS 7 seems to be notorious for hogging the CPU and cutting down on battery life.
But all in all, the iOS 7 seems to bring a lot of new features and clean new UI design to the table. No doubt that it poses a big threat for its competitors but the new iOS also seems to spark up some love and hate relationship with its users. Some users seem to love the new flat look of the iOS 7 whereas others seem to prefer the more professional look of the iOS 6. The iOS has definitely changed, but for the better or the worse is yet to be seen.
Prajesh Sjb Rana, the writer of this post is República The Week’s much loved tech guru.
As we move towards a more technological future, the idea of big screen seems to entice us more and more. First, phones started boasting big touch screens, and the next big thing in technology turned out to be thin and portable tablet computers that boasted bigger screens with higher resolutions. These devices used the same mobile operating system as smartphones and ran the same kind of applications; but the larger screen area made it much easier and convenient to interact with. Nowadays, tablets have turned into an ordinary piece of technology that entices us all. And with the coming of Microsoft’s Windows 8 and its dynamic touch-screen support, tablet computing just turns out to be the next big thing in mobile computing.
With the huge commercial success of Apple’s iPad, many mobile and computer manufacturing companies jumped into this whole new market. There are many different tablets in the market to choose from nowadays, and settling for one might just be harder than you think.
•••Here, we review some of the better options that you can choose from.
To put it simply, the Amazon Kindle is an amazing tablets that offers some amazing specs. The Kindle weighs light on your wallet and yet offers the performance of a 1.5GHz Dual Core Processor. The Kindle Fire coming from a long line of e-book readers offers a stellar screen that feels warm and comfortable to look at while indulging in a book or watching a movie. The Fire also comes equipped with one of the best media libraries in the market while working within a highly comfortable user-interface. The tablets also offers a clean strong feel with a glossy smooth front and a nice matte finish on that back that offers a good grip to the tablet.
What works against this tablet is the connection to the Amazon store that feels a bit sluggish at times, and as a new contender to the mobile app store, it offers limited availability to applications.
It wasn’t long ago that Sony took out their amazing waterproof phone, the Sony Xperia Z. Now, further, Sony has equipped the same technology into a thin light tablet with the same name. The tablet comes with a beautiful Full-HD10.1 display that may not compete with many of the other tablets out there but Sony seems to make up for with their Bravia Engine that provides a crisp and colorful display. Just like the Sony Xperia Z, its Tablet counterpart is also resistant to water. The tablet is also a beauty to look at with the lightest and thinnest body on the tablet today and also comes with a wonderful keyboard.
The downside to this tablet would be the battery that gives average battery life while taking forever to charge.
In today’s technological age, kids love to play with cellphones or computers. And now, with the coming of tablet computers, these devices have turned into children’s favorites. But most of the tablets in the market are too expensive or either too fragile to be handled by children.
The FuhuNabi 2, however, is designed for use by children with a robust design protected by a durable rubber bumper that can handle a few drops. The tablet also comes with very easy to use parental controls and stellar hardware that runs on NvidiaTegra3 Processor, so kids can now enjoy running amok on their tablets, and the good part about this tablet is that it comes for good price.
The downside to this tablet would be the brightness of the screen that feels very dim.
Samsung first came up with the Note line of phones advertising their bigger screens and cellphone capabilities as a Phablet. Now Samsung has turned the Note into a full-fledged tablet that rivals Apple’s iPad Mini. If you happen to be looking for a small tablet that would be easy to lug around, then the Galaxy Note 8.0 is the device for you. It comes equipped with a state of the line Exynos 1.5GHz Quad-Core Processor. The Note also comes equipped with Samsung’s newer proprietary software like Smart Stay that allows the front facing camera to follow your eye movements that command the tablet accordingly. It also comes equipped with an IR blaster, like most Samsung Tablets, that allows you to interact with your television set directly from your tablet. Another amazing feature of the Note 8.0 is the S-Pen functionality that offers features like a Wacom Tablet that helps users to create digital art.
The main problem with this device would be the lack of a proper browser and the absence of a flash player.
The two variations of Google’s Nexus line of tablets, the 8 and the 10, are possibly two of the best tablet devices that you can find in the market today. The Nexus tablets are packed with powerful hardware like the Quad-core processors and a 12-core GPU. The two tablets are quite the performers that did not feel sluggish at all, no matter how hardware intensive games we threw at it. Built by Asus under Google’s own Nexus line of devices, the two tablets do not fail to impress. Google Nexus is also famous for boasting the highest resolution display on a tablet till date with 300 pixels per inch spread across a 10.1 display. Although the Nexus tablets have been criticized for the lack of an expandable memory slot that so many Android tablets in the market have to offer, but, overall, the Nexus Tablets are quite simply one of the best tablets available till date.
•••With the coming of tablets and the easy interface that they offer, many people are attracted to the idea of such easy connectivity. Tablets, no matter how advanced they may
have become or what powerful hardware they may be equipped with, the primary use of a tablet is limited to connectivity and mobile gaming. While tablets can handle more advanced applications, these applications have not been properly introduced into the mobile computing market.
For now, at least, the option on what a tablet can do seems to be limited. But the App market for tablets is growing and the use of tablet computers seems to be increasing.
PRAJESH SJB RANA, the writer of this post is República The Week’s much loved tech guru.