Peppermint 9 OS Review – Chrome OS Alternative

Peppermint 9 is a new, cooler and efficient OS for Linux lovers

For Linux users nothing sounds cooler and exciting than the launch of the new distribution of their OS. Our world is being aggressively ruled by the Windows and Mac OS which simply doesn't give the due share of popularity to the Linux based systems. One of the least known and particularly new Linus based operating system to debut recently is the Peppermint 9 which is available for free download for everyone. People still gets surprised to know that installing and running a Linux based operating system doesn't require any money. The best thing about the Peppermint 9 is that is extremely light OS which can run easily even some of the really hardware.

Peppermint 9 has taken feedback into consideration

  Peppermint 9 is based on the 18.04 LTS code base and it has been made available in both 64 bit and 32 bit flavours. Being available in the 32 bit will ensure people still using the older hardware will be able to make use of the OS without much hassle. Peppermint 9 comes with its own share of new cool features and changes which helped in enhancing the capability of the OS further. Team Peppermint has actively taken the user feedback into account while working on the version 9 and it has incorporated a number of features which has been sought out by the users. Likewise Menulibre menu editor has been installed in Peppermint 9 as default. Now users will also find a "Create new launcher here" option upon giving a right-click. This will help in improving the menu and launcher management on the Peppermint 9.

VLC will run smoothly on the Peppermint 9 as it honors the system Gtk theme. HTOP has been installed on the OS right out of the box and comes with its own menu item. Developers had also added a new fin your mouse cursor keyboard cursor which can be accessed by pressing Alt along with C key. Peppermint 9 has done away with Chromium bowser in favour of the Firefox browser for this version. It also comes with a new Skype web client SSB and it has been developed exclusively keeping the Microsoft users in mind who are able to make use of the Skype on their ageing systems. It also has a newer version of the Nemo file manager of 3.6.5.

Lightweight, fast and full of opportunities

Developers are hoping that people will find using the new Peppermint 9 a better experience than the earlier versions. Integration of apps both local and web based hasn't been new thing on the Linux based OS but Peppermint 9 takes the experience of using both to the next level. It has a dedicated cloud and web application management tool named Ice which ensures easy and simple integration of the apps into the system menus. It is free to download from its official website and it backed by a dedicated user support team which offers help through chat and email. So the time is ripe to enjoy the new age advanced and fast paced free Peppermint 9 OS to unlock your world of opportunities.

Apple to Unveil High-End AirPods

AirPods Slated for 2019 Release

According to sources, Apple is planning for the release of high-end AirPods, HomePod and over-ear headphones for as early as 2019. The AirPods are slated to pump up the volume and will also come with noise cancellation and water resistance. When we talk of water resistance, the AirPods will not be suitable for swimming, but essentially to protect it against rain and perspiration.

Apple will be working on increasing the range that the AirPods can work away from an iPhone or an iPad. The AirPods will cost more than the $159 per pair. They are working on a wireless charging case which will also be compatible with the AirPower charger.

The company is also looking at biometric sensors to be added to the AirPods. It could be a heart-rate monitor which could be handy like the Apple Watch and thus expand their base in the health-related field. However, the AirPods that are currently available are slated to be enhanced later this year with a new chip. This will allow hands-free Siri activation.

Features of the AirPods

The cordless AirPod headphones can connect instantly with all your other devices as soon as you put them into your ears.

The AirPod has a W1 chip which allows 5 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge. It also has a charging case which accommodates additional charges and gives more than 24 hours listening time. In case you require quick charge, then put the AirPods in the charging case for just 15 minutes and you will get 3 hours of listening time.

Siri can be activated by double clicking on any of the AirPods, without any need of taking your iPhone out of your pocket.

The AirPods will connect with all the other Apple devices that you have. The AirPods connect with your Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously. You need to just choose AirPods on your iPad or Mac in case you want to listen on those devices.

With the AirPods, you receive high quality AAC audio. Whenever the user wants to make a call or talk to Siri, then the background noise is cancelled by dual beamforming microphones.

The AirPods will help you hear more clearly in a noisy environment through the iOS 12 operating system which is slated for a launch in the fall.

The AirPods through the iOS 12 can be used for “Live Listen”, which is an assistive hearing technology developed by Apple. This is available on the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants since 2014. The AirPods need to be paired through the Bluetooth on your iOS 12 device.

The AirPods from Apple have raised the bar since you can not only walk around with them in your ears but you can also understand what people are saying more clearly.

In addition to the AirPods, Apple is said to be coming out with a new HomePod and over -ear headphones in early 2019. The headphones will be competing with those from Bose and Sennheiser. These headphones will be a higher-end alternative to the company’s Beats line.

Want to Try MacOS Mojave Right Now? Apple Releases Public Beta

MacOS Mojave is now on public Beta

MacOS Mojave was released onto pubic beta just a day after Apple released the public beta for iOS 12. Mac users can now take a look at the new Dark Mode and other new features on Mac OS Mojave. We heard the first of the dark mode and other macOS Mojave features at the WWDC held earlier this year. But before you go ahead with those impatient fingers to download the new OS, keep in mind that this public beta may have bugs and you may want to back up your system before you go ahead with the Mac OS Mojave beta.

This will be the first time the general public as well as developers will get a chance to test out the new Mac OS Mojave beta ahead of its final release later this year, probably sometime in Autumn. If you are one of those who can’t wait for the final release, then make sure that you are signed up for the beta testing program. You also may want to take this beta to a secondary Mac rather than your main use one.

Macs that support MacOS Mojave: 

Mac OS Mojave will be available on 2012 and further Macs. So this would definitely include the newer 2015 macs, MacBook Air the 2012 version and newer, mac mini, MacBook Pro, iMac Pro and Mac pro models.

How to get the beta version of MacOS Mojave? 

You first have to be signed up for the beat testing program and then you can go on ahead to the official beta testing web page where you can get all the betas available such as the latest iOS or tvOS public betas.

But before you go ahead and download macOS Mojave, a word of advice, you might want to backup your data and maybe update your secondary mac for fear of bugs.

With mac OS Mojave, you can update your system through the software update tool in the mac app store.

You will have to register with your Apple ID at beta.apple.com. You’ll then have to download the macOS Mojave Beta access utility. After doing this, the app store will contain the public beta seeds for macOS Mojave. Once the update button is shown, this may take a few minutes, you could then procced to download the public beta for MacOS Mojave.

After downloading it, run the macOS Mojave installer on the drive of your choice and then agree to the terms and conditions. Once all this is done, you can then check out the new macOS Mojave beta.

Features MacOS Mojave will bring to mac: 

With the new macOS Mojave you will get a new dark mode, dynamic desktop wallpapers, a refreshed mac app store, a better Finder Window, Desktop stacks, Apple news, Stocks, voice memo apps and a new home app.

You will even be able to use Siri to control home kit products with your mac too.

Apple StudioPods Over-Ear Headphones

Apple set to launch its own Headphones titled “StudioPods”?

Rumor has it that Apple is all set, well almost anyway, to release its own headphones which could possibly be named studiopods or something with pod in it. This new headphones will be Apple’s first and will complete their audio product range. The studiopods will likely be aimed at the higher end of the market and is supposed to be better that the current airpods.

So taking a look at the release date, the studiopod’s likely price and its name and features we will delve into studiopod’s features without further ado.

What’s in a name? 

At present there is no sure news that Apple plans on releasing anything that has to do with headphones, let alone decide on its name. But looking at the past and Apple’s reputation for naming everything that has to do with audio, “pods” or “air”, this pair of headphones too will come with a prefix or suffix “air” or “pods”.

Right now the only name I will be using is Studiopods since it has a good ring to it.

Likely release date of “studiopods”: 

At present, if rumors are anything to go by, Apple’s studiopods were scheduled to be released in the 4th quarter of this year. But according to Bloomberg, Apple has apparently pushed the release date to the first half of 2019.

We had our hopes that Apple would release these new studiopod headphones along with the iPhones this year. But Alas! Apple is facing some development challenges which might just push the release date to early 2019.

But then again, Apple might just do away with the studiopods project altogether. Rumor has it that Apple has been trying out various designs and has been on and off the project for quite some time.

Studiopod’s Likely Features: 

As Apple has not yet announced plans for a pair of headphones, the likely features of studiopods is anyone’s guess at this point.

But if we were to take a guess we would say, probably wireless pairing like the airpods, noise cancellation functionality and wireless charging which basically is the standard now a days with all headphones.

According to some sources Apple is working with SZS and Primax on the studiopods project.
Primax, a Taipei based company, is known for making camera parts for smart phones including the iPhone but is also known for making wireless speaker parts too.

Apple could also take cue from their Beats company’s Studio 3 which features Apple’s W1 chip and noise cancellation tech. Besides the features, I wonder if the Apple Studiopods price will also take cue from the Beats Studio 3’s.

Price of the highly anticipated studiopods: 

Sources say that Apple’s studiopods price will be much more than the airpods, surprise suprise.
On a serious note, Apple’s studiopods will be priced keeping in mind the higher end of the market.
These new studiopod headphones will likely stand in competition with companies such as Bose and Apple’s very own Beats by dr. Dre brand.

5 iPhone Lenses To Capture The Best Shots in 2018

The Best iPhone Lenses in 2018 To Give You the Best Photos and Videos

Among the smartphone cameras available in the market, Apple promises the best. Cameras that have come along with the smartphones have created a total transformation in the way photos are taken and shared. However, there is a disadvantage since the focal length is fixed with a wide field of view and it will not be suitable for every subject that needs to be captured.

With the latest iPhone lenses you can enhance your photographic skills and take and share images. There are a few iPhone lenses that can be fitted over the smartphone’s lens to give you high quality photos that you shoot and videos you capture.

The iPhone lenses allow the user to get minute details (macro), 180degree field (fisheye) and even landscapes (wide angle). There is also the choice of telephoto lenses. If you are looking for a good deal then there is the option of multiple iPhone lenses with the added advantage of good picture quality.

We take a look at some of the best iPhone lenses that will give the sharpest photos yet

The first choice in iPhone lenses is the Moment’s lenses

The Moment’s lenses can be used as an add-on lens with a wide range of smartphones that includes the iPhone6, 7, 8 as well as the iPhone X. It can also be used for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S9 and the Google Pixel 2 Series. The Moment’s lenses range from macro to telephoto. These lenses are made of glass optical elements and are within a metal frame. You get a good image quality and the lenses are very durable.

Moment has come out with its latest Filmaker Collection by stressing on mobile cinematography. With the Moment’s lenses you get the sharpest photos and if price is not the criteria and you are looking for good picture quality, then it is the best investment you can make. It costs $90 for a single lens and $190 for a kit that includes wide angle lens, telephoto lens and mounting plate.

The OlloclipiPhone Lenses which are simple and still efficient

This is a professional iPhone lens that snaps onto your iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.Olloclip is known for its high-quality iPhone lenses. Olloclip’s lenses comes in three sets-Core, Active and Macro Pro. The Core set includes the fisheye, 15x macro and a super-wide lens. The Active set has the telephoto and ultra-wide lens. In the Macro Pro set there is the 7x, 14x and 21x macro lenses as well as an InstaFocus hood whereby you get sharp images. It is simple yet efficient and the Olloclip set starts at $80. For $200 you can get all three lens sets and the Olloclip hand grip.

The Olloclip Connect X iPhone X lens enhances the iPhone X camera. You can shoot closer and wider angles with the Macro 15x and Fisheye Lens. These iPhone lenses can be attached easily and still retain the sleek design of the smartphone. This iPhone lens also provides for a 180degree spherical effect and is priced at $59.99.

Aukey Ora Lens: A best budget iPhone lens

The Aukey Ora lens is wide angle having a 140degree view and a 10x macro lens for close views. Both these iPhone lenses are of an aluminium alloy that comes with a coating to prevent lens flares and other problems. When we consider the 140degree wide angle view, it is fairly sharp and shows very little curvature. With the Aukey Ora 10x macro lens, fine details are sharply focussed and deliver quality pictures. It sells at $20 which is a good value for your money where you can keep things simple and also get good shots. The Aukey Ora lens works on IPhone 7, 6 and 6 Plus as well as Samsung and some Android smartphones.

ExoLens Pro by Zeiss: An iPhone lens which is great but heavy on the pocket

The Zeiss ExoLens Pro is an excellent quality lens with good image quality and low distortion. The casing is made of black anodised aluminium and the detachable lens is fairly heavy. Inside there are aspherical elements to overcome distortion and an antireflective coating to lessen the reflections and improve light transmission. The drawback is that it is large, a bit heavy and expensive. The quality of the images that the Exolens Pro captures justifies its size. It gives excellent images and widens the view of the iPhone camera without any distortion. Even the images at the edges of the frame are sharp, clean and detailed. There is the telephoto lens selling at $199.99 and the Macro Zoom at $149.99. The ExoLens Pro comes with rubber inner sleeves which is suitable for a wide range of iPhones.

SANDMARC iPhone lenses

SANDMARC has launched a range of lenses for iPhone users. It has introduced the wide angle, fisheye and macro optic which is suitable for the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X. The macro lens is priced at 469.99, the fisheye at $79.99 which comes with a 5x wide capture. The wide angle lens which comes with a 2x capture is priced at $89.99. In case you wish to buy all the three SANDMARC lenses, then you can get them at $189.99. Each of the lens comes with a lens case mount or if the case is not available then you can use the lens with a clip mount.

Before you buy an iPhone lens, you need to consider the sharpness of the photos at the edges, see for any distortion, any distortion of light where the center of the photos are brighter than the edges and also the price. When going in for telephoto lenses, you need to be aware of the fact that they will produce jittery and blurry photos as compared to wide angle or fisheye due to slight hand shake or vibrations.