Archive for April, 2014

By April 30, 2014 Read More →

Acer announce the Acer Aspire V 11 and E 11

P1010103Amongst a slew of new laptop’s Acer have added to their road map are a couple of interesting little 11″ Windows 8 machines. The Acer Aspire E 11 and V 11 are distinctively designed laptops with a very small footprint.

Powered by an Intel Pentium with the option of up to 8gb of memory and various storage options too from 320gb all the way up to 1tb. Unlike the smaller Aspire E 11 the V manages 2 extra hours of battery life at 7 hours and a full touchscreen experience.

The V11 has a rather distinguishing rear end curve to distinguish it from the rest and operates without a fan.

The E11 and V 11 have been priced at $269.99, no UK pricing has been made available.

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Posted in: Laptops, News, Tablets
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By April 30, 2014 Read More →

Acer Liquid Jade and Leap coming soon

Screenshot 2014-04-29 at 14.06.21 Today at and international Press conference Acer announced they would be release a new phone fairly soon with a bundled goodie, a smart wearable. The Liquid Jade looks to be one of the thinest phones on the market, we actually had a little hands on with the phone that Acer did not reveal a release date for. The Jade is to have Gorilla Glass for protection and no straight edges meaning the device is entirely curved. Two colours were on display with several more being planned.

 

Bundled with the Liquid Jade is the Liquid Leap, a wearable that promises to show fitness information alongside notifications sent from your phone smartphone. There was no confirmation if the smartwatch would be compatible with other devices, or sold separately.

 

 

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Looking around the Jade:

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By April 29, 2014 Read More →

Acer Aspire Switch 10 revealed

P1010063The star of Acer’s global press conference today was the launch of the Acer Apsire Switch 10, a Windows 8.1 tablet  with clip on keyboard. The most exciting aspect of this is the “Snap hinge,” this would really feels durable without being overly heavy. Others have tried this in the past however Acer looks to have nailed it with the combination of two exposed clips and some heavy magnets that hold everything snugly together.

In addition to this Acer are also bragging of the 10″ display featuring a “Zero Air Gap” meaning there is no gap between the display and the protective plastic over the top allowing for a better viewing angle and less glare from sunlight. Running on an Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM performance seemed pretty snappy. You have the choice of 32 or 64GB of storage.

Like many multi-positional devices before it, the Switch 10 can switch into four typical forms, laptop, tablet, tent and stand.

 

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The Snap hinge mechanism is interesting as it sits at a perfect right angle, as you tilt further back the keyboard rises and tilts toward to making a more natural typing position.

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Undeneath the machine is not affected by the hinge as the mechanism is contained within the profile of the Switch 10.

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The bottom of the tablet has two holes for the clips and some connections for the keyboard input. The magnets are not visible.

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The clips are fairly simple and are angled to help guide the tablet into a lock position. The magnets tend to do all the work.

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The rear of the device benefits front the positioning of the hinge. A nice unbroken line gives the Switch a more elegent look instead of the clumsy visible hinges on most other devices.

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Elsewhere the tablet has some decent specs for the proposed £299

  • Screen 10.1″ HD 13666×768
  • Intel Atom Z3745
  • 2GB Ram
  • Intel HD Graphics
  • 32/64gb storage options
  • 2mp front facing camera

The tablet as a wealth of connections on either side.

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By April 29, 2014 Read More →

More Pixels and More Mobile Than Ever!

shutterstock_176319386In graphics, pixels are everything. More pixels give us sharper images and make the images on a screen look more lifelike.

Here’s a refresher about pixels: the word itself stands for picture element, and a pixel is a single point within a graphic image. On colour monitors, each pixel consists of three dots in the primary colors (red, blue, green) making colour images a bit fuzzy. High-definition display screens pack pixels very tightly, until you can no longer see individual ones, providing sharper images and less blur.

Pixels are key to display qualities. People want high-quality display monitors. More than ever, they want them on their mobile devices as well.

People Watch More Video on Tablets

It makes sense to crank up tablet display quality. More people are watching video on tablets, according to Broadcast, which reported this more than doubled between June 2012 and 2013. In 2013, the British video provider Ooyala found that more than one-quarter of all video were viewed on a mobile device by the close of 2013. People now watch long-form video content (video running for at least 10 minutes) equally on tablets and laptops, and 53% of all tablet use is spent watching video.

Video stream is replacing television. Across the pond, Mashable says that it’s the Millenial generation (those who reached adulthood around 2000) who are watching video online. Thirty-four percent prefer viewing this way, rather than traditional television. Ten percent of this group doesn’t even watch broadcast TV at all, instead accessing the networks’ streams. (British TV also offers online streaming.) Forty-four percent said they like watching on mobile devices because it lets them decide when, and where, to watch a show.

Why are tablets popular for watching videos?

Television still offers the best high-definition quality, but tablets are fast catching up. Why are they popular? Marketing Pilgrim say’s it because they are mobile. With a tablet, you can watch video anywhere. It also allows people to browse for programs and apparently fosters intimacy, too: Business Intelligence reports that more people stream TV and video on their tablets in the bedroom than watch live TV there.

Lightweight, 4G tablets should appeal to Millenials everywhere. The latest ones feature 1920 x 1200 pixel displays ( 323 pixels per inch, or PPI) on 7-inch screens, (the standard is 1280 X 800) and weigh around 300g (.66 lbs) with 4G technology. Nexus 7, offered by T-mobile, Google, and Asus, offer these specs. Plenty of other larger and heavier tablets also have these speeds and resolutions.

4G Service Providers

4G is available everywhere although service is still spotty outside of major cities. The number of 4G services offered in the UK tripled in 2013 when Vodaphone and O2 invaded EE’s territory; EE, however, has the largest 4G network. Tesco and Three Mobile have joined since then. Check here to see if you have 4G coverage in your postcode.

Posted in: Editorial
By April 28, 2014 Read More →

The Mobile Tech Addicts Show 27-04-14

vlcsnap-2014-04-14-17h44m50s213Tracyandmatt.co.uk present this quick look at the technology news for the last week.  Gareth Myles comments on some of the more interesting stories including Baldur’s Gate, HP Leap technology, Google and HTC making a tablet and more!

By April 27, 2014 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy S5 unboxing video

samsung-galaxy-s5-vs-apple-iphone-5sAt the moment there is a strong battle between the flagship Android smartphones from both Samsung and HTC. We’ve already discussed the HTC One (M8) a lot on the site but this weekend we’ve finally managed to get hold of the Samsung Galaxy S5. 

The Samsung Galaxy phones have always been popular with the S3 and S4 versions selling at both incredible speed and volume. This latest Galaxy S5 builds upon the previous versions and brings a 5.1″ Full HD AMOLED Screen, Quad-core 2.5GHz CPU, 2GB RAM and either 16 or 32GB of on board storage. If the on board storage isn’t enough for you then you can also add up to another 128GB with a microSD memory card.

Samsung have added other features such as a fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor to mention a few. 

Samsung have been more conventional than HTC with their camera. Here you’ll find a 16 mega-pixel camera with phase detection autofocus. Rather different to HTC’s 4.1 Ultrapixel approach.

As ever, I’m starting off here with an unboxing and hardware tour as well as a look at the UI and OS features.

 

 

Samsung Galaxy S5 specification:

  • 2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
  • 3G Network: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
  • 4G Network: LTE (market dependent)
  • Micro-SIM
  • Dimensions: 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm (5.59 x 2.85 x 0.32 in)
  • Weight: 145 g (5.11 oz)
  • Fingerprint sensor (PayPal certified)
  • IP67 certified – Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
  • Display: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.1 inches (~432 ppi pixel density)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • TouchWiz UI
  • 3.5mm jack
  • microSD, up to 128 GB
  • Internal Storage:  16/32 GB storage
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Bluetooth: v4.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE
  • NFC
  • Infrared port
  • microUSB v3.0 (MHL 2), USB On-the-go, USB Host
  • Primary Camera:  16 MP, 5312 x 2988 pixels, phase detection autofocus, LED flash, 1/2.6” sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization, HDR, 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, HDR, video stabilization
  • Secondary Camera: 2 MP, 1080p@30fps, dual video call
  • OS: Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801
  • CPU: Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
  • GPU: Adreno 330
  • Sensors
    • Accelerometer
    • gyro
    • proximity
    • compass
    • barometer
    • gesture
    • heart rate
  • GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS
  • TV-out (via MHL 2 A/V link)
  • Battery: Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery
By April 26, 2014 Read More →

Five Reasons to Buy the HTC One (M8)

HTC M8The recently released HTC One M8 is already garnering attention in the smart phone industry, once again serving as a reliable alternative to the steeply priced more famous brands.

And although there are some concerns about the new HTC One, like its questionable quality of the camera or the not always perfect screen color reproduction, there are plenty of things to like about it as well, which should make the new HTC a popular choice once again.

Here are some of the best features of the new M8 that help it to hold ground in the very competitive smart phone market:

1.       BoomSound Speakers

The HTC One Boomsound Speakers are one of the hallmarks of the phone, separating it from the competition as the hands down best speaker system in any smart phone.

And since speakers play such a big role in the smart phone when watching videos, listening to music or gaming, this is definitely a big plus even over the big guns like Apple and Samsung.

2.       Camera Features

As mentioned before, the quality of the camera could sure use an improvement, but it still has plenty of terrific features that compensate.

The Duo Camera function allows for some unmatched editing features, and the Ufocus feature allows editing the focus of pictures that were already taken.

3.       Durable Construction and Design

The MTC One has always been renowned for its beautiful designs, and the new M8 is no different. The reliableand sturdy construction is yet another reason many people decide to go with the MTC.

4.       Battery Life

Unlike many other alternative smart phone brands, the TMC One M8 is showing great longevity in its battery life, lasting up to 48 hours with active usage, and even more in power saving mode.

5.       Motion Launch Gestures

We can’t leave the M8 without talking about its new groundbreaking Motion Launch Gestures feature – it’s a very convenient unlock feature that allows users to enter directly into the pre-determined features while unlocking.

Although for now it only allows the pre-set functions, hopefully with future updates custom apps will be available to launch with the system.

Author Bio

Christy Root is a contributing author for Prepaymania. She is one of the renowned technological products reviewer and voice for must buy gadgets. Christy has been quoted in various online and offline technology publications. To know more about her, follow her on Google+

Posted in: Editorial, Phones
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By April 25, 2014 Read More →

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast 225: Now with chunks

Podcast-Logo.jpgGareth, Matt and Phil get together to chat about the latest mobile phone, tablet and chromebook news in the UK.

This week we discuss the OnePlus and whether or not it will really be a $1 superphone or will even materialise at any price. We discuss Nokia’s name change and un-change as well as Gareth’s look at the Xperia Z1 compact.

Featuring Gareth, Matt and Phil 

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By April 24, 2014 Read More →

Online Gaming Technology Trends For 2014

indexLike virtually all aspects of daily life, modern technology has redefined recreation by enabling the creation of online gaming venues. eCasino platforms afford easy access to the best of all possible worlds.  Besides obvious perks of convenience and privacy, odds of hitting bigger jackpots at Euro Palace casino are much higher and more frequent.

Other fringe benefits begin even before the first spin or draw is taken with hefty sign-on bonuses worth up to thousands of dollars. Moreover, constant entry into free-play tournaments and games are standing orders of every day at eCasinos.

Of course, very well is never good enough for e-vendors.  Instead, they constantly view to gain the lead with improved editions and entirely new additions to existing product lines.

Below is a sneak preview of five major online gaming technology trends for 2014.

Fiber Internet

Popular expert consensus holds that fiber Internet technology will set a new standard of true high speed online gaming in 2014 and 2015.  Fiber optic accessibility transmits data via light rays so fast it turns copper DSL cables dinosaur relics of a distant past.  Even better news is no need for special devices or apps to access exponential speed.  This capability could also allow web-based games that are 100% guaranteed for fairness and fast-paced play.

Second Screen

Recent close of 2013 4Q commenced the opening season of Second Screen technology.  Its main attraction is full access to advanced functions without distraction of disrupted play.  Instead of constant mouse clicking to switch HD maps and inventory lists, players could access those items via interactive second screens.

eSports

Variously called “competitive online gaming,” eSports technology has recently gained tremendous popularity.  Its growing visibility is most often given credit to a global focus that brings gamers across the world entering their w88 login for going into direct contact for virtual combat.  Many commentators express firm belief in eSports as the next format of multi-casino online tournaments with huge cash prizes. Platforms like slot gacor maxwin offer a diverse range of games and betting options for those seeking excitement beyond eSports competitions.

Virtual Reality

Largely driven by enormous popularity of Facebook’s recently acquired Oculus Rift platform, virtual reality is likely to make a long-awaited appearance by year’s end.  VR players don specially designed goggles to get an overall effect of direct participation from perspectives inside the game. This means saying goodbye to screens as barriers to final frontier of online gaming with physical presence from remote distances.

Augmented Reality

A very close second runner-up and relative of VR, augmented reality allows solitary interaction with customized interfaces to suit players’ wildest imaginations.  This surreal experience is enabled by artificial intelligence for truly interactive engagement by manipulating integrated electronic controls.  Combined with exponentially enhanced motion sensing technology, net effects like pushing virtual buttons or being dealt real cards by live dealers could be possible.

Final observations of 2014 online gaming innovations

Regardless of whether players use a desktop PC, laptop, Smartphone, iPad or tablet for remote access to hot gaming action, one reality cannot be denied.  Great things lie just ahead that make it very worthwhile to keep close tabs with vigilant watch of virtual gaming venues.  After all, if early birds get the biggest worms, it’s a safe bet that newest players get the best perks.

Posted in: Editorial
By April 24, 2014 Read More →

Is the OnePlus really a $1 smartphone?

oneplus-one-announcement-02-970x646-cGoogle’s Nexus does not seem to the only modestly priced powerhouse on the market. OnePlus have launched the inexpensive One, a $300 high end phone with some killer features.  OnePlus will be available at some point between April and the end of June in America, UK, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Taiwan. The is no exact release date however review samples have made their way to various outfits.

Most interestingly the OnePlus will run Android, but it’ll be a custom version of the popular CyanogenMod. Running on the new Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB of RAM and a 3100mAh non-removable battery will be inside the device.

Other specs include a 13-megapixel, six-element, f/2.0 Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor. Image stabilization and slow-motion recording at 720p will be standard, and a fast 0.3s shutter speed is promised. The camera also shoots video in 4K (Ultra HD), and selfie fans will welcome a 5-megapixel front camera fitted above the screen.

What’s that about $1? Their website brags that you might be able to acquire the device for as little $1, however there is a timer counting down. 

Posted in: News, Phones
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