Wednesday, April 29, 2015

HTC Mobiles


HTC
High-Tech Computer Corporation – Taiwanese Manufacturer of Smartphones

The HTC Company which was earlier High-Tech Computer Corporation is a manufacturer of smartphones as well as tablet. It was founded in 1997 and began initially as an original design manufacturer and original equipment manufacturer, designing and developing devices like mobile phones, touchscreen phone as well as PDAs, based on Windows Mobile OS and Brew MP to market to mobile network operators who preferred to pay a contract manufacturer for the purpose of customized products. After its initial development in smartphones which was focused on Windows Mobile it branched out its focus to devices based on the Android in 2009 and towards 2010 to Windows Phone. From 2011, HTC released and marketed its HTC Mobiles under the HTC brand and ranked 98th of the top brand on Interbrand’s Best Global Brands according to the 2011 report.

Founding Member for Open Handset Alliance 

HTC is the founding member for the Open Handset Alliance which is a group of handset manufacturers as well as mobile network operators devoted to the creation of the Android mobile device platform. The HTC dream is marketed by T-Mobile in several countries as the T-Mobile G1 or Era G1, which is the first phone to use the Android mobile device platform on the market. There are various devices, price points together with operating system to choose from their array of collection. The company is endeavouring in updates, to fit the requirements of the customers. It has been reveal from a report published that HTC is working to develop its own mobile operating system to compete with Apple’s iOS. For fast web surfing as well as seamless gaming, HTC has introduced a powerful quad core in its phone and the design set is simple though unique and smart. For good user experience, one could choose from the various options available.

Some Options Available 

Some worth mentioning include:

Android Jelly Bean – If one prefers HTC and is interested in a supersized screen to the likes of the Galaxy Note 3 and Xperia Z Ultra, the One Max is the preferred option. It comprises of a full HD, with a 5.9 inch display with good screen space to offer, together with a 1.7GHz quad-core process, 2GB of RAM of internal storage, 4MP Ultrapixel rear camera and Android Jelly Bean. One Max tends to be big and heavy.

Windows Phone 8–The HTC 8S seems to be attractive, a highly portable Windows Phone handset, a package which is instinctive with style and substance. Besides this, it is fast and slick for a mid-range phone with an edge over some of the top end Windows Phone 8 handsets especially with the inclusion of a micro SD card slot. The battery is average and web browsing could be a bit slow. It does not tend to stand out much in the apps or media department. Overall it is a decent handset.

Android Ice-Cream Sandwich – The lowest HTC range of models is the HTC Desire C which seems a little out of place since the Desire range was once the jewel in the HTC crown. The selling price of the HTC Desire C is the low cost and hence the 600 MHz processor could be overlooked or the HVGA 3.5 inch screen. Looking at the device, the HTC Desire C could pass off as a high end device.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2015


Apple WWDC 2015
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference - WWDC 2015 would be starting on June 8 and the company would be showing some new exciting products at that time. Some of the highlights expected from rumours circulating are from Mac, iPad and iPhone hardware to new updated versions of iOS and Mac OS X. WWDC is one of the highlights of Apple’s annual calendar and is a huge annual get-together for the company’s software partners. It is one of those occasions where Apple unveils a range of updated products, usually new versions of iOS and OS X, besides new hardware which includes new Macs and probably new iPads.

Apple had issued an invitation on April 14 with the announcement of hosting WWDC 2015 representing the 26th year of the annual conference from 8 to 12 June at San Francisco’s Moscone West.The location is not a surprise since Apple has been always been conducting WWDCs there for a long time.

Rumours with regards to this event had been circulating after WWDC 2014 closed its door with a suggestion that WWDC 2015 would be held on those dates. Apple had sent out invitation to WWDC which had a shape in the middle that was identical to an Apple TV. Inside the shape was inscribed `the epicentre of change’.

AppleTV – Central Hub Connected to HomeKit

This fits well with the rumours about the Apple TV which indicate that the Apple TV would be a central hub of everything connected to HomeKit, an Apple’s API which would be controlling the entire gadget all in the house. It is to be seen why Apple would need the Apple TV in controlling the devices in the home. But this equation has been missed out last June since Apple’s introduction of its HomeKit solution at the WWDC 2014 and the same has not really been launched to the public.

There are more interesting things coming up with regards to the Apple TV if one cares about the rumours circulating. It is said that Apple TV App Store would not only open up the Apple TV to iOS apps but also games and it is to be seen how games developers could translate their iOS games for TV screen where the control mechanism is the biggest issue.

However, this will be a popular addition to Apple’s box without any doubt. Apple it is said would be planning a subscription service, offering streaming TV shows from various sources. One of the issue of the Apple TV presently is that if one wants to watch a specific show, they would have to locate which of the Apple TV channel would be showing it. Apple would be resolving this, providing one place to search for the content and one place to stream it from.

Featuring 100 + Technical Session/1,000 Apple Engineers….

An announcement in Apple’s email informed that `at WWDC, Apple’s renowned developer community would be coming together to learn about the future of iOS and OS X, helping them continue to create the most innovative apps in the world. WWDC would be featuring more than 100 technical sessions over 1,000 Apple engineers, hand-on labs to help developers integrate new technologies and fine-tune their apps and the Apple Design Awards which showcase the best new apps in the last year’.

Philip Schiller, Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing has commented saying `we’ve got incredible new technology for iOS and OS X to share with developers at WWDC and around the world. We can’t wait to see the next generation of apps they create’.Individuals could check out ways to get hold of the tickets for the forthcoming event. Developers can apply for tickets for the WWDC event and millions worldwide would be able to watch the sessions streamed live.

Students/Participating Member – STEM – Avail WWDC Scholarships

Students as well as members of participating STEM organizations across the world could avail the WWDC Scholarships. Those interested in attending WWDC 2015 may also face disappointment. As in 2012, all the 5,000 WWDC tickets were sold out within two hours of its release which came as a surprise to the developers who had no indication regarding it, from the company.

This resulted in disappointment for those who were looking forward to it especially since Apple had decided that 5.30am PDT was an ideal time to release them. Several developers had been there only to find out that the ticket had been sold out. Applying for tickets can be done via the WWDC website.

 Apple state that it will let the applicants know if they have been randomly nominated by April 20 at 5 pm PDT. To register one’s interest, the need to sign in with the developer account with submission of information is essential. If one is a current member of the iOS Developer Program, iOS Developer Enterprise Program or Mac Developer Program, they are eligible to apply for the same. If selected randomly, the default credit/debit card connected with one’s Apple ID would get automatically charged $1599 on April 20th.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know


Apple_Watch
Details on Apple Watch Before Sale – April 24

At its recent `Spring Forward event’Apple had put the watch on display once again and provided some details on the Apple Watch before going on sale on April 24. The Apple Watch has three editions which vary in material and luxury such as the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition.

While Apple Watch is of stainless steel with a shiny chrome or a space black finish, its touchscreen is shielded with sapphire crystal which could be scratch resistant than the Gorilla Glass that Apple had used in iPhones. The prices range from $549 and $1,099 subject to purchase of the 38mm or 42mm case and the band.

The Apple Watch Sport comes with an anodized aluminum case, much lighter than stainless steel, in a silver or space gray and the face is of Ion-X glass, designed to be hard and rugged than the sapphire and is the lightest of the three editions. This makes it an apt exercise choice and is also the cheapest at $349 for 38mm version while 42mm model is priced at $399.

The Apple Watch Edition on the other hand is a luxury with an 18-karat gold casing in rose or yellow, is heavy and has a fancy leather box which doubles as a charging cradle. It also costs as an entry level car varying between $10,000 to $17,000 based on size and the choice of the band.

Each Edition in Two Sizes

Each edition has come in two sizes which was not envisaged with any Android Wear watches and these are available in heights of 38 and 42 mm around 1.5 and 1.65 inches resp. Apple has declared six bands which will be easy to mix and match with any band with any watch if the band and the watch tend to be of the same size.

The Sports Band comes as the default on the Apple Watch Sport and for working out, the sweat resistant elastomer sports band has a black, white, blue, pink and lime green shade with different colours having different weight where black is the lightest. Apple Watch and Watch Edition owners are provided with three leather straps together with two metal straps to choose from and the leather loop is styled to be soft and comfortable having adjustable hidden magnetic closure where one can just wrap the same around the wrist and the straps stay stuck together and remain closed. It comes in stone, light brown and bright blue.

Pre-Orders to Begin on April 10

The Leather Modern strap is available in pink, brown and midnight blue having two piece magnetic closures with refined texture while the Classic Buckle strap comes in a black leather strap which closes with a stainless steel buckle like the traditional watches seen. The Link Bracelet band is fashioned of stainless steel which closes with a butterfly clasp.

Apple had built-in release button on some of the links in order to remove links easily to customize the fit rather than having to take it to a jeweller or the repair shop. This comes with regular stainless steel tone or in space black. The Milanese Loop band comes with myriad tiny, interlocking loops which resembles chain mail though it seems to be much modern and the stainless steel mesh is magnetic enabling to adjust it to more size than the Link Bracelet.

Apple Watch would be shipped on April 24, though pre- orders tend to start on April 10 and on the same day Apple Stores also intend having Watches on hand for trial to get an idea on which combination of case and band to choose from. Users could also check out on the guide in picking the best choice on Apple Watch.

iPhone Essential to Pair with Apple Watch

The requirement of an iPhone to pair with the Apple Watch is essentialthough it does not need to be a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus and an iPhone 5, 5s or 5c could serve the purpose.The Watch according to Apple has a couple of different sensors which include a gyroscope as well as an accelerometer together with a custom sensor which utilises visible light and infrared LEDs with photodiodes on the back of the device in order to define the heart rate. Moreover, it can also talk to the iPhone’s GPS as well as Wi-Fi in figuring out location and other details. The accelerometer enables the watch to count the steps and generalize the distance on its own or on the GPS in the paired iPhone for tracing the accurate route and this data is useful for two of the apps, Activity and Workout, included by Apple on the watch. Apple Watch’s big invention is the dial which sticks out at the side known as the Digital Crown which acts more like the iPod’s clickwheel wherein one can turn the crown to scroll a list or zoom in and out of a map. On pressing, the Crown returns back to the watch’s home screen similar to the Home button on the iPhone.

Asus Laptop for Professional Users


Asus
AsusTek Computer also known as Asus is one of the renowned producer as well as best seller of motherboards, tablet PCs, desktops, laptops, servers and mobile phones. Besides these, it also develops components for several other tech companies such as Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard. The name is derived from the last four letters of Pegasus and in Greek mythology representing inspiration of art and learning, is the winged horse.

Asus symbolizes creative spirit, strength, purity represented by this agile and real mythical being which rises to new height of quality as well as innovation with each product it launches in the market. Asus Laptops are considered to be the most reliable laptops with value for money and users could rely on the hardware of Asus laptop for durability as well as performance which could be very beneficial for professional users.

Their laptops also offer a combination of the updated technology which could be used for business as well as home users. They offer a choice of budget laptops to suit the budget of any individual and most of their laptops are competitively priced with stylish design together with additional functions which are also long lasting and users could determine the longevity of an Asus laptop depending on the level and the price range.

Streamlined/Sleek Look Laptops

Asus provides a more streamlined together with sleek look in its line of heavy as well as large laptops which are appropriate for professional users. Business laptops such as ASUS PU500 are excellent for people who tend to work at office or those who constantly access their work documents while on the go. It provides great productivity in work, since it offers value together with quality process in daily computing.

An Asus laptop also specializes in gaming laptops too which provides remarkable specs together with perfect ergonomics, with assurance of having all the tools for a good competition and an ASUS G750 is an apt choice which give the best gaming experience. The ASUS Zenbook Prime, an upgrade from the brand’s first Ultrabook, is UX31A comes with a 3rd-gen Intel Core processor together with a rich and bright 1080p IPS display together with wide viewing angles. With the combination of a fast Core i5 processor, SonicMaster-powered speakers as well as a Windows 8 operating system, the ASUS S56CA-DH51is remarkable to multimedia user.

Focus on Enterprise/Governmental/Organizational Users

With regards to a touch screen feature one could consider ASUS Q200 as a reliable choice. The ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD-DB71is also another addition to the Ultrabook collection of Asus together with the UX32VD feature having Nvidia graphics which could be very useful for gamers. Similar to other Ultrabook, this laptop that have the Windows 8 OS comprises of a lightweight construction as well as a remarkable 1980x1080 display.

Asus makes good laptops which are budget friendly and extra reliable customized for SMBs delivering uncompromising durability, together with security as well as business focused user experience, thereby simplifying work and boosting reliability. These laptops have been designed with their focus on enterprise, governmental and organizational users in need of complete managed IT environment offering great endurance for enhanced productivity together with business class security as well as manageability.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Here's What You Can Do On the Apple Watch without Your iphone


Apple_Watch
Apple Watch – An iPhone Accessory

The Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory, though there are a few things which the apple Watch can do without the iPhone in case one tends to leave the phone either at home or in the car and go mobile with the iPhone 5 to iPhone 6 Plus. A few features have been discovered in the Apple Watch though there are only a limited number of things the Apple Watch can do without an iPhone. The storage capacity of Apple Watch is 6.2GB of which 2GB could be used to store music.

User can sync music with Apple Watch through the iPhone and Apple Watch app and no Mac or iTunes is needed, though the music should be on your phone in the music app or in iTunes in the Cloud.

 When the music is synced, the user can listen with a pair of Bluetooth headphone and in the Apple Watch Music app, one need to Force Press to select `Source’ as Apple Watch and once done, the music plays like it plays on an iPod. Apple has two built-in fitness apps known as Workout and Activity where both tend to work away without the aid of the iPhone.

Third Party Fitness App – Not Useful Away from iPhone 

One could measure the heart, activity tracks steps, active exercise and the time spent standing and workout enables timed exercise sessions which measures pace heart rate, distance as well as the calories burnt during the various activities and the only thing which cannot be done from the iPhone is tracking walk or run with GPS in which the iPhone is needed.

Third party fitness app cannot be used away from the iPhone and all third party app that are not developed by Apple need iPhone connection to operate. Once a credit card for Apple Pay to work on Apple Watch is set, it tends to keep working even when the iPhone is not connected and on a double click of the flat side button, you can tap to pay at any Apple Pay ready store.

If the watch is taken off the wrist one would need to enter a passcode to use it once again. Since Apple Pay does not utilise the actual credit card number, one can cancel it from the iPhone and deactivate the Apple Watch’s Apple pay function even when the watch is not active online.

Apple Watch - Small Photo Album App

The Apple Watch has a small photo album app which can store up to 500 photos from the phone library or iCloud and it is hard to see the images on small screen though it’s a good replacement for the wallet photo. Call scan also be made away from the phone and one can see recent caller and read sent texts. The user could also listen to voice mails.

 Apple Watch syncs visual voice mail, most of which could be played back on the watch even with Airplane mode turned on and also receive new messages without connecting the phone again and can browse missed connection. It is presumed that someday Apple Watch would use its Wi-Fi antenna in order to get data on its own or pair with other the other devices such as the Apple TV and Macs.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Photo iPad Scanning Dock : Gadget Review


Photo_iPad_Scanning_Dock
Technology is ever evolving in itself and most of the time it leads to invention new remarkable products. Scanning had always been the tedious task in the past where an individual had to use large bulky scanner to scan either photos or documents of importance.

Brookstone had developed a new iconic product which simplifies the scanning process wherein users can simply dock their tablet on its influential iConvert iPad compatible Scanner and convert the hard copies into soft copies with ease and grace. This scanner simply increases the advantages which can be gained from the iPad.

Features and Specification Of The Iconic Scanner Dock

This product seems to be carved to fulfill the needs of millions of iPad users. This is CIS sheet-fed type of scanner which can scan the papers and photos up to the size of 8.5”W X 14”L. It is highly compatible with its 30 pin connector and extremely lightweight at just 1.5 lb which makes it easier to carry around.

Scanner is apt at providing highly detailed and impressive quality pictures. Images scanned by this scanner offer the commanding of 300dpi which helps in capturing clear and crisp images in JPEG format. Most of the people are fond of recapturing the precious moments of life with scanner.

This scanner possesses a front feeder which can be adjusted from 2inches to 8 inches as per the size of the photos or documents. Scanner dock is firm and holds a strong grip on the iPad to keep it upright. To begin the scanning one is just required to plug into AC with the iPad USB power adapter.

Scanning Process Appears To Be Highly User Friendly

Some of the latest innovative gadgets increase the learning curve wherein users have to give some time in order to understand how it works. But Photo iPad Scanning Dock doesn’t trouble the user with the learning curve rather it lay down ways of the scanning process by providing step-by-step approach.

The instruction starts to appear in simple language once the tablet has been placed in the dock. The scanning process is relatively quite fast and it takes just 12 seconds to convert a photo into a high definition JPEG image.

More Reasons To Opt For This Scanner

Once the iPad is placed on the scanner, it starts charging the device which an added advantage. This means you can kill two birds at the same time-charge your iPad and scan the photos and documents as well. The scanning process is controlled via a free app and it requires iOS 4.3.5 Operating or later.

In order to use other apple devices like iPad4, iPad Mini and iPhones operating should be iOS 6 or later. Manufactures also provide a wide range of accessories to take care of the scanner in a professional manner.

Apart from the standard instruction booklet, a lens cleaner, roll cleaner, protective sleeve and calibration is provided. On top of all this one year limited warranty is given. It is an apt choice for those who wish to treasure their photos within a short while onto their iPads.

How to Avoid Burnout at Work


office
Even when you love your job, you can still feel burnout. The more you like your job, the harder and longer you’re willing to work, which can lead to burnout. Burnout is the physical and mental exhaustion you feel when work demands exceed your energy. It’s a common epidemic in workplaces today. Here’s how to beat burnout and make more out of your day.

1. Take breaks throughout the day. Achieving peak performance doesn’t mean working yourself into the ground. It means taking the opportunity to mentally refresh.

2. Unplug whenever possible, but especially at night. Before Blackberries became popular, most people left their work technology at work. You couldn’t take your work home with you, which meant you had more time to relax and refresh in the evening. If you need to go over documents at home, print them out with technology from http://www.konicaminolta.com.au/ home.

3. Engage in something interesting. During your non-work hours, schedule something interesting and restorative that you look forward to. That way, you won’t just be fighting the urge to work. Make a date with your spouse or setup plans to play racquetball with your friend. This is better than just relaxing during down time because it distracts you from constantly thinking about your job.

4. Take a long weekend. If you’re suffering from burnout, you may need a solid chunk of time off. You may not be able to take a two-week vacation, but a long weekend can do wonders for your energy. Three and four day weekends are ideal. Avoid the office and work completely. You’ll get more done in the days you do work.

5. Put focus on the meaning of your job. Why does your work matter to you? By finding a reason to do the work, you’ll barrel through it. When you don’t have work looming or you feel like you’ve had a productive few days, it’s easier to allow yourself the time off.

None of this is working? Figure out if what you’re dealing with is actually burnout, or if it’s something else. You may be dealing with something more serious if these solutions don’t work. Maybe the nature of your work is what’s zapping your energy. Maybe your manager isn’t giving you what you need to be successful. Whatever the problem is, take steps to solve it.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Apple Buys LinX


Linx
Apple Acquired Camera Technology Company - LinX

According to CNBC, Apple has acquired camera technology company LinX that develops camera sensors using multi-aperture imaging together with image processing tech to enhance the general performance in cameras inclusive of low light capture, colour fidelity and much more.

Apple has not confirmed the acquisition but has given its usual vague statement that it `buys smaller technology companies from time to time’, though the Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple has spent roughly $20bn at LinX that creates camera technology for smartphone, Ultrabook and tablet devices. The Israeli start-up’s hardware was focused at tablets as well as smartphones and could not provide the kinds of background defocus which is popular on low opening lenses paired with DSLRs though it could achieve improved low-light performance which is appropriate in taking pictures indoors or at night without the use of a flash.

The company’s plan could also comprise in putting the tech in use in its notebook and change the camera modules with improved performing parts while adhering to size constraints which could be very convenient in building devices like the MacBook for instance while at the same time, retain the picture quality. This could possibly push image quality and help trim down camera design.

LinX Cameras Revolutionize Mobile Photography

LinX states that `the image quality of mobile camera has reached a dead end. Device makers are striving to differentiate using imaging capabilities but the pixel size race has ended and next generation cameras do not reveal any dramatic improvements. LinX cameras revolutionize mobile photography and broaden the usability span and user experience, allowing us to leave our SLRs at home’.

LinX had launched in 2014, tiny multi-aperture cameras that were only half as tall as the average mobile camera though capable of snapping `striking colour images and high accuracy depth maps’ which means DSLR quality photos can now be taken on a small and lightweight device.

According to the company’s communication, one of LinX’s big specified hardware features is achieving selective focus post-capture and this is a popular choice in modern devices and one which Apple would find beneficial in its future devices.

However, the big gains of the multi aperture design for the iPhone maker would possibly be in producing best results with regards to low light HDR besides colour fidelity with general everyday picture shoots.

LinX to Build Up Apple’s Hold in Israel 

Apple hadunfailingly kept the camera at the forefront of mobile camera technology in the iPhone, taking pride in the images which looked much better than most of the other mobile devices prevailing in the market. LinX claims that their camera systems also tend to create better images in low light conditions as well as fast exposure time in standard indoor light.

Apple could utilise the same in its upcoming notebooks in providing better low light and general photography replacing the prevailing camera modules. Besides this, the company could now assist Apple in manufacturing thin cameras with the capabilities of taking improved pictures for the forthcoming iPhones. Till date, the company has been using Sony camera sensors for its smartphones.

Acquisition could strengthen Apple in Israel and the purchase of LinX could build up Apple’s hold in Israel, which according to the company CEO‘s visit in February is a main source of research and development for Apple beside the U.S.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Apple Releases iOS 8.3 with 300 New Emoji

Emoji
iOS 8.3 Software Update of 300 New Emoji

Apple has recently released new software update iOS 8.3for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, with the addition of over 300 new emoji characters together with a redesigned keyboard which means the emoji like the face, hands and bodies character for the first time, are in a range of six skin tone. The new keyboard features a scrolling UI to accommodate the variety of emoji available in the update. On tapping the desired emoji and holding down will provide the skin tone options.

Apple at first had unveiled the new emoji which was created in partnership with Unicode Consortium last in February and the skin tones are considered to have been modelled on the Fitzpatricks scale which is a recognized standard used by several dermatologists.

Unicode had stated last November that `people all over the world want to have emoji which reflect more human diversity especially for skin tone and the Unicode emoji characters for people and body part are meant to be generic yet following the precedents set by the original Japanese carrier images, they are often shown with a light skin tone instead of a more generic appearance like yellow/orange colour or a silhouette’.

EE’s WiFi Calling Features

The emoji which had been developed for use in Japanese SMS messages have become immensely popular for sending text, tweets as well as other messages with colourful icons that tend to depict a range of emotions, animals and food. Additional 32 new country flag emoji characters have also been included in the emoji range of collection.

Moreover, the latest update also provides iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s and 5c users to utilise EE’s WiFi Calling features which was broadcasted recently and once activated, the feature uses a WiFi connection to push voice calls as well as text to a user’s phone to evade weak or no mobile reception in the workplace, home or on the underground.

It has been informed by Apple that iOS 8.3 has improved performance for app launch as well as sensitivity, fixes issues with WiFi, Bluetooth and rotation and orientation. Besides this there is additional language and another new feature, country support for Siri in English - New Zealand, India, Danish - Denmark, Dutch – Netherlands, Portuguese – Brazil, Russian – Russia, Swedish – Sweden, Thai – Thailand and Turkish – Turkey. Besides this there is additional dictation language in Arabic – Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Hebrew – Israel.

Redesigned Emoji Keyboard

The interesting feature of update is the redesigned emoji keyboard wherein one can select from the 300 new characters with several new skin tone option and the diversity in the earlier emoji keyboard version was lacking since there was only an Asian man wearing a gua pi mao cap and an Indian with a turban though there were no black people portrayed.

Apple has now added several more relationship as well as gadget related emojis, for instance there are now same sex relationship emojis such as families with two mothers and two fathers while some of the gadget emojis tend to have been added inclusive of a representation of the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch.

Besides flags there are also options for sports and Apple is striving hard to strengthen iOS 8s’ reliability since the company is preparing to move its focus to the next model - iOS 9 which will probably be unveiled in June.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Apple Reuse and Recycling Programme Accepts Android Trade-ins

Phone
Apple’s Reuse & Programme – Android/Windows/iOS

As part of its Reuse as well as Recycling programme, Apple now will be accepting Android, Windows and other non iOS smartphones where customers can take their old or unwanted handset to Apple stores to receive an outright valuation.

Customers will be provided with an option to receive store credit for new iPhone or iPad and the service will also be available online. Currently accepted brands are Blackberry, HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony and the staffs advises Android users intending to switch to iOS on how to export contacts, set up email as well as download apps together will guidance in selecting tariffs.

Apple introduced this reuse and recycling programme to UK market somewhere in October 2013 after its proposal two months earlier in the US. The company requires that the smartphone should be able to turn on in orders appropriate for the programme’s requirements and if not suitable for credit, it would recycle responsibly on behalf of the customer.

 The service is part of its commitment to environmental responsibility which Tom Cook, chief executive had spoken in the past wherein he had commented on Apple’s site video that `they had a long way to go and lot to be learned and now more than ever, they would work to leave the world better than it was found’.

Trade-programme –Online/In-store

The trade-in programme is available on the company’s in-stores as well as online on some of the models mentioned above and on trading in a device; customers can receive credits for their old smartphones. This credit comes in two options, an Apple Store gift card or bank transfer which could be used in purchase of a new iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus though this trade-in programme is not available all over the world. It is only available in France, Italy, the U.K and the U.S.

According to MacRumors, Apple will not be handling the process but the same will be handled by third parties enabling it to sell its primary products and not spend much time with the trade-ins while the smartphone section of the program will be arranged in partnership with third party device buyback and trade-in company, Brightstar Corporation. The PC part is handled by third party vendor Dataserv. Apple will also be accepting PCs from some specific manufacturers.

Hardware Running iOS Nemesis Android 

Apple had earlier run this programme in August 2013. According to BuzzFeed report, Apple is planning to expand its reuse and recycling programme to include non-iOS handset which includes hardware running iOS nemesis Android, but the specific hardware grading criteria is not clear.

Sources have not indicated the exact start date but have reported that the program extension would probably take effect shortly. The trade-in program expansion would be another way in enticing smartphone users away from Google’s Android platform. For instance, Apple had launched a webpage committed to migrating content from an Android device to one running iOS, last September.

Tim Cook, CEO, had mentioned in January, that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduction had driven the highest Android switch rate of any iPhone launch during the last three years and the new models also assisted iPhone in a record of 89% of global smartphone operating profit during the 2014 fiscal quarter, pushing Android down to 11.3%.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How to Buy Hard to Find Apple Computer Parts


Apple
Computers enhance our lives, enabling us to do business transactions, shop from our homes, watch movies and play games. However, like all machines, they will need to be repaired occasionally. When your computer breaks down, it can be a major inconvenience, especially if you use your computer for your job. Therefore, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. This means finding the right parts to get your machine up and running. Unfortunately, finding the parts you need is often much easier said than done. Where can you find quality computer parts? Here are some ideas that you might find useful.

1. Online classifieds sites

It doesn't matter if you are looking for used Apple computers or Mac mini parts, you can find just about anything imaginable for sale on the various classifieds websites. There are a wide variety of these sites to choose from. If you don't find what you are looking for on one, you will most likely find it if you continue searching and if you put in enough time. The vast majority of these classifieds sites are meant for people to buy items locally. People meet in person to complete the transaction. While some sales take place through the mail, it is not advised. There are other online options if you want to buy something through the mail more particularly Apple products like mac mini parts.

2. Computer parts websites

If you are unable to find the parts you need on a classifieds site, there are also many websites that specialize in selling computer parts. In many cases, the prices you will find on these sites are a fraction of what you will pay at the standard computer shops and retail stores. This is why it is in your best interests to shop around and do as many price comparisons as you can. You may stumble upon the part you need at a price much lower than you ever expected to pay for it.

3. Auction websites

Sites such as eBay have become massively successful because there are so many items available in a large array of categories. If you have come up empty in your quest to find the computer part you need, looking on one of the many online auction sites would be a good decision. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Auction sites are designed for people to sell things all over the world, so you will have good odds of finding your part.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Force Touch to Bring 'Significant' Change to Next iPhone


Force Touch
iPhone Upgrade – Force Touch Input

According to sources, Apple would probably name the iPhone upgrade of this year as `the iPhone 7’ instead of the `iPhone 6s’, since the addition of the Force Touch input would represent a significant change to the user interface. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities recently issued a research note, a copy of which was attained by AppleInsider, confirming that Apple’s next generation iPhone would feature Force Touch input.

Presently available on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, it would also feature in the 12 inch MacBook. In Kuo’s opinion, Force Touch on the iPhone would be representing `the most significant change’, in the iPhone user interface, to date and the change would be substantial that he is of the belief that Apple would decide to call the handset the `iPhone 7’.

Dubbed Force Touch, this latest addition is pressure sensitive and responds to how you press on the surface. Kuo states that the iPhone’s Force Touch sensor does not directly identifies the pressure applied by fingers. On the contrary it monitors the contact area on which the finger has touched the screen in deciding how big the pressure is. Besides this, the Apple Watch that goes on sale very soon is also equipped with Force Touch.

Capacitive Technology – React to Electrical Conductive Properties 

The analyst is of the belief that Force Touch on the iPhone would use capacitive technology which would react to the electrical conductive properties of the finger enabling a lighter touch and the Force Touch sensor would be placed under the phone’s in-cell touch panel’s backlight.

In-cell touch, panel joins the phone’s touch sensors with the LCD screen directly, into a single layer that tends to space in the tight quarters of a smartphone. Kuo states that the iPhone would be with the same screen sizes of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches that were introduced with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus while some have reported that Apple would unveil a 4 inch model for those who would not prefer bigger screen phones.

He states that the iPhone 5s that has a 4 inch display would be reintroduced having a plastic back which would create a low cost, entry level iPhone for those who may be budget conscious and who would prefer a smaller version of the phone.

iPhone – Prime Driver – Company’s Revenue

The iPhone is very important to Apple as well as the prime driver of the company’s revenue wherein its financial importance was evident in the final quarter of 2014 when its sales record of 74.5 million iPhones pushed Apple to a world record for quarterly profits of $18 billion among the publicly traded companies.

In this competitive market of smartphone, Apple needs to keep making progress in its technology for iPhone in order to keep its consumers away from their rivals wherein Samsung’s new Galaxy 6 has shifted to a more high end metal body from its traditional plastic together with additions of more improvements while the Galaxy 6 Edge also features an appealing display which wraps round the edge of the phone.

With the introduction of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last September, Apple has made a late nod in the field of phablets or big smartphones which had been recognized in a big way by Samsung models and the latest iPhones introduced the Apple Pay mobile payments technology.