The MS Surface Tablet may move the goalposts ...
The article below is an excellent article and well worth a read. The Microsoft Surface will certainly open up capabilities that are not yet generally available on Tablets. I agree with many of the thoughts in this article - particularly the one about current Tablets not offering much more than a 5" Smartphone!
10 reasons I can't wait to get a Microsoft Surface tablet: Will the Surface tablet alleviate some of the shortcomings of existing tablet offerings? Veteran tablet user Deb Shinder thinks it will -- and she's eager to put it to the test.
Sunday 26 August 2012
Android - avast! Anti-Theft
This looks very comprehensive ...
I haven't tried this software yet but I will certainly be investigating it further for my new HTC Android smartphone!
Set up avast! Anti-Theft on an Android phone: Find out why Jack Wallen recommends the free avast! Mobile Security application for your Android phone.
I haven't tried this software yet but I will certainly be investigating it further for my new HTC Android smartphone!
Set up avast! Anti-Theft on an Android phone: Find out why Jack Wallen recommends the free avast! Mobile Security application for your Android phone.
Apple iPad Mini
Looks like Apple is following others with a small Tablet ...
The newer Smartphones have screens up to 5" and we have 7" and 10" Tablets. Hopefully this should give everyone a suitably sized mobile device!
Apple iPad Mini 'confirmed' for October launch, say reports
Apple will unveil the iPad Mini at a special event in October, according to the AllThingsD site.
The report claims the eagerly-anticipated device will be unveiled at a separate event to the iPhone 5, which, it is believed, will be announced on September 12. AllThingsD, which has an excellent track record in these matters, goes as far to say as the sub-8-inch tablet's launch is 'confirmed' for October. "Only after the next generation iPhone is out the door and on sale will Apple announce the smaller iPad it's been working on," says the article. "That device, which is expected to have a display of less than eight inches, will be uncrated at a second special event, which sources said is currently scheduled for October."
The newer Smartphones have screens up to 5" and we have 7" and 10" Tablets. Hopefully this should give everyone a suitably sized mobile device!
Apple iPad Mini 'confirmed' for October launch, say reports
Apple will unveil the iPad Mini at a special event in October, according to the AllThingsD site.
The report claims the eagerly-anticipated device will be unveiled at a separate event to the iPhone 5, which, it is believed, will be announced on September 12. AllThingsD, which has an excellent track record in these matters, goes as far to say as the sub-8-inch tablet's launch is 'confirmed' for October. "Only after the next generation iPhone is out the door and on sale will Apple announce the smaller iPad it's been working on," says the article. "That device, which is expected to have a display of less than eight inches, will be uncrated at a second special event, which sources said is currently scheduled for October."
From DOA to A-OK.
The iPad mini has been subject to a ton of speculation in recent months as Amazon and Google continue to perform well with their 7-inch tablets, the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. Steve Jobs once claimed that 7-inch slates were dead on arrival, but it appears the company is now ready to pull the trigger on a smaller model, without splitting the spotlight between the Mini and the iPhone 5. As AllThingsD also points out, holding two launches around a month apart will give Apple to control the tech headlines at an important time of the year. We'd suggest that there'll be more than a few tech fans already pencilling in both, ready to send that letter to Santa up the chimney.Tablet Evolution By 2015
Tablets are here to stay but how will they evolve ??
Try and ignore references to "enterprise" in this short article because it is certainly worth a read. I agree with the author's predictions and I particularly agree with the thought that, for many consumers, tablets will become their main computing device over the coming years.
Predicting how tablets will evolve by 2015: Patrick Gray discusses some of the ways he thinks tablets will evolve in the next three years.
Try and ignore references to "enterprise" in this short article because it is certainly worth a read. I agree with the author's predictions and I particularly agree with the thought that, for many consumers, tablets will become their main computing device over the coming years.
Predicting how tablets will evolve by 2015: Patrick Gray discusses some of the ways he thinks tablets will evolve in the next three years.
Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2
Lenovo's first Windows 8 Tablet to give iPad a run for its money ...
Depending whose figures you believe, Lenovo is now the largest PC maker in the world so their new Windows 8 Tablet should be taken very seriously. From the specs below it will provide a very creditable contender in the Tablet Trilogy (iPad, Android & Windows 8).
Lenovo's been teasing the Windows 8-equipped ThinkPad Tablet 2 for some time and now a mysterious source leaked the device's official specs sheet to the internet at large. The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet successor will run Windows 8 and come packed with a pen stylus, an optional physical keyboard dock much like the Microsoft Surface's Type Cover keyboard. The Tablet 2 also sports an Intel dual-core Clover Trail processor, a 10.1-inch WXGA touchscreen, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And, in case the specs themselves don't make it clear enough what Lenovo is going for, one leaked chart even compares Lenovo's tablet side-by-side with Apple's iPad.
Depending whose figures you believe, Lenovo is now the largest PC maker in the world so their new Windows 8 Tablet should be taken very seriously. From the specs below it will provide a very creditable contender in the Tablet Trilogy (iPad, Android & Windows 8).
Lenovo's been teasing the Windows 8-equipped ThinkPad Tablet 2 for some time and now a mysterious source leaked the device's official specs sheet to the internet at large. The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet successor will run Windows 8 and come packed with a pen stylus, an optional physical keyboard dock much like the Microsoft Surface's Type Cover keyboard. The Tablet 2 also sports an Intel dual-core Clover Trail processor, a 10.1-inch WXGA touchscreen, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And, in case the specs themselves don't make it clear enough what Lenovo is going for, one leaked chart even compares Lenovo's tablet side-by-side with Apple's iPad.
Stiff competition
The chart, titled "Best in Class," compares the ThinkPad Tablet 2 and iPad in categories including OS, available apps, resolution, input methods, speakers, cameras and more. The tablet comes out on top in more areas, although even Lenovo has to admit that the iPad's 2048 x 1548 resolution is superior to the ThinkPad's 1366 x 768 ratio, and that Siri is leagues ahead of Windows Voice Control. But Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes HSPA+/LTE compatibility and optional NFC and fingerprint reading, as well as Mini HDMI, microSD and USB 2.0 connectors, propelling it further ahead of the current iPad's offerings. The ThinkPad 2's cameras are also superior to the iPad's, at 8MP for the rear and 2MP for the front, both with LED flash. Its stereo speakers also trump the iPad's mono noise emitter while, on the opposite end of the spectrum, it offers a dual microphone with digital noise reduction. Size-wise, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 measures 262.6 x 164 x 9.8mm and weighs 650g.Biting the Apple
Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2 compares favorably with Apple's current iPad, but what about the Apple tablet's yet-unrevealed fourth iteration? The next iPad could blow the ThinkPad Tablet 2 out of the water and Lenovo might never see it coming. Then again, who knows when Apple will actually announce a new tablet? A Lenovo spokesperson declined TechRadar's request to comment on ThinkPad Tablet 2, saying only that the company hasn't announced any new products.Microsoft reboots Hotmail
Microsoft Marketing strikes again ...
We have Outlook in MS Office, Outlook Express on Windows XP, Windows Mail on Vista and Live Mail on Windows 7. Then We have Hotmail with hotmail.com, live.com and msn.com addresses which are now, apparently, all to become outlook.com within the next few years. It is no wonder that Microsoft customers are confused!
Microsoft reboots Hotmail to build consumer destination, says analyst: Microsoft's rebranding of Hotmail as Outlook.com is a move by the company to hold its first-place position in free email while pushing the domain as more of a consumer destination, an analyst said today.
We have Outlook in MS Office, Outlook Express on Windows XP, Windows Mail on Vista and Live Mail on Windows 7. Then We have Hotmail with hotmail.com, live.com and msn.com addresses which are now, apparently, all to become outlook.com within the next few years. It is no wonder that Microsoft customers are confused!
Microsoft reboots Hotmail to build consumer destination, says analyst: Microsoft's rebranding of Hotmail as Outlook.com is a move by the company to hold its first-place position in free email while pushing the domain as more of a consumer destination, an analyst said today.
Saturday 25 August 2012
Google Nexus 7 Review
Google's Nexus 7 is getting good reviews ...
At a starting price of $249 this represents excellent value for money.
Google Nexus 7 tablet review:
Google’s first tablet, the Nexus 7, has tried to undercut the iPad in every way – in size and price. But the device is also taking on a number of more expensive Android devices at the same time.
In the past, other Android tablet manufacturers have made the mistake of trying to take on the iPad – which has about 68 per cent tablet market share – at the same size and price.
At a starting price of $249 this represents excellent value for money.
Google Nexus 7 tablet review:
Google’s first tablet, the Nexus 7, has tried to undercut the iPad in every way – in size and price. But the device is also taking on a number of more expensive Android devices at the same time.In the past, other Android tablet manufacturers have made the mistake of trying to take on the iPad – which has about 68 per cent tablet market share – at the same size and price.
YouTube Downloaders
YouTube downloaders worth a look ...
A question I often get is "how can I download a YouTube video?" I have not used any of the five mentioned in this article but they are probably worth a careful look. I actually use an add-on to Mozilla Firefox called Download Helper available from http://www.downloadhelper.net/
Five YouTube video downloaders worth a look: If you like to watch YouTube videos offline, there are several good downloaders out there to help you out.
A question I often get is "how can I download a YouTube video?" I have not used any of the five mentioned in this article but they are probably worth a careful look. I actually use an add-on to Mozilla Firefox called Download Helper available from http://www.downloadhelper.net/
Five YouTube video downloaders worth a look: If you like to watch YouTube videos offline, there are several good downloaders out there to help you out.
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Google+ vs Facebook
For those interested in the Social Networking race ...
I think Facebook is passed its best but will continue to reign supreme, for the present, due to the momentum of its current 800 million users!
Google+ outpaces Facebook in customer satisfaction: Facebook may be the biggest social network in the world, but rival Google+ wins when it comes to user satisfaction, according to a report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
I think Facebook is passed its best but will continue to reign supreme, for the present, due to the momentum of its current 800 million users!
Google+ outpaces Facebook in customer satisfaction: Facebook may be the biggest social network in the world, but rival Google+ wins when it comes to user satisfaction, according to a report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
MS Office 2013
Microsoft Office 2013 leaves Windows XP & Vista in the dust ...
Major change with Office 2013 available on only on Windows 7 and 8! This could be the start of mass consumer migration to Google Docs! It will be very interesting to see the price that Microsoft puts on Office 2013.
Microsoft is finally leaving Windows XP and Windows Vista in the dust, as the just-announced Microsoft Office 2013 will only support the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer and Kirk Koenigsbauer took center stage at a press conference in San Francisco today to introduce the 15th version of Microsoft Office. The Consumer Preview is available today, but not for XP or Vista users, who'll have to upgrade their OS to use Microsoft Office 2013.
Major change with Office 2013 available on only on Windows 7 and 8! This could be the start of mass consumer migration to Google Docs! It will be very interesting to see the price that Microsoft puts on Office 2013.
Microsoft is finally leaving Windows XP and Windows Vista in the dust, as the just-announced Microsoft Office 2013 will only support the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer and Kirk Koenigsbauer took center stage at a press conference in San Francisco today to introduce the 15th version of Microsoft Office. The Consumer Preview is available today, but not for XP or Vista users, who'll have to upgrade their OS to use Microsoft Office 2013.
Out with the old
Microsoft Office 2010 provided support for both Windows XP and Windows Vista. But Office 2013 will drop the old operating systems in favor of a sleek new touch UI, cloud and social functionality that is available through the Office 365 subscription. CEO Ballmer said during today's presentation that Microsoft Office is "the flagship application from Microsoft" and "the most important application" the company sells. That makes it an even more devastating loss for devotees of older OS versions. Corporate VP of Office Koenigsbauer further stressed the importance of cloud functionality, a function that would have likely taken extra effort to implement in older systems. Ballmer emphasized that Microsoft Office 365 "is a service first," and an application suite second. The new Office is expected to release in 2013, although the Consumer Preview is available now.Saturday 18 August 2012
Windows 8 on 26 October
Here's hoping it is not another Windows Vista ....
It is well know that the rush to get Windows 8 out is the fact that Microsoft is being left behind badly in the runaway success of tablets (iPads and Andoids). Microsoft must get an offering in this area (Microsoft Surface et al) if it is to survive outside the Corporate space. I only hope that Windows 8 is stable and not reminiscent of Vista!
Windows 8 officially available on 26 October: According to the Windows Blog, Windows 8 will be available from 26 October
It is well know that the rush to get Windows 8 out is the fact that Microsoft is being left behind badly in the runaway success of tablets (iPads and Andoids). Microsoft must get an offering in this area (Microsoft Surface et al) if it is to survive outside the Corporate space. I only hope that Windows 8 is stable and not reminiscent of Vista!
Windows 8 officially available on 26 October: According to the Windows Blog, Windows 8 will be available from 26 October
Don't ditch iGoogle!
iGoogle users are not happy, Jan ....
Whilst, like other iGoogle users, I was initially unhappy at the prospect of losing iGoogle in November 2013, I have since looked at the alternative of customising the Google Chrome browser with "apps" and synchronised bookmarks and find this aligns beautifully with the Android tablets and smartphones. So I guess I can see where Google is going.
Google users: don't ditch iGoogle!: Since Google's announcement yesterday that it will be shutting down iGoogle, users have come out in force to protest.
Whilst, like other iGoogle users, I was initially unhappy at the prospect of losing iGoogle in November 2013, I have since looked at the alternative of customising the Google Chrome browser with "apps" and synchronised bookmarks and find this aligns beautifully with the Android tablets and smartphones. So I guess I can see where Google is going.
Google users: don't ditch iGoogle!: Since Google's announcement yesterday that it will be shutting down iGoogle, users have come out in force to protest.
Google+ a social network?
For those interested in where Google may be going ....
Clever product repositioning or not, this is going to make it very hard for Facebook to offer the equivalent social experience!
Google+ is not a social network, says Google exec: A year after Google+ was launched, Google executives are saying it's not really a social network after all.
Clever product repositioning or not, this is going to make it very hard for Facebook to offer the equivalent social experience!
Google+ is not a social network, says Google exec: A year after Google+ was launched, Google executives are saying it's not really a social network after all.
Wednesday 15 August 2012
Demise of iGoogle
For many this will be a major loss ....
Obviously to iGoogle users this is a major issue! Click on the link below and get some important leads as to where you move to next. I have made the transition to a fully personalised Google Chrome browser and it is amazing how it synchronises across desktops, laptops and netbooks. The final look and feel of your Google Chrome Home Page is almost identical to the Home screens that you get on Android tablets and smartphones. Not surprisingly, the Android Operating System on tablets and smartphones is a product of Google!
What is happening to iGoogle?
Windows 7 Supremacy?
So just where are we with all these Operating Systems ...
Windows 7 is either well ahead or just catching up to Windows XP depending on whose figures you believe. Meanwhile Windows Vista is hardly visible.
Windows 7 on majority of PCs for the first time: Figures from StatCounter show Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7, is now on the majority of all PCs, overtaking Windows XP after three years.
Windows 7 is either well ahead or just catching up to Windows XP depending on whose figures you believe. Meanwhile Windows Vista is hardly visible.
Windows 7 on majority of PCs for the first time: Figures from StatCounter show Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7, is now on the majority of all PCs, overtaking Windows XP after three years.
Google Project Glass
Google's futuristic communication device ...
The video is quite interesting for those wanting to know where we are going next!
Google Glass Explorer Edition: Here's everything we know about Google Glass so far.
The video is quite interesting for those wanting to know where we are going next!
Google Glass Explorer Edition: Here's everything we know about Google Glass so far.
Ejecting USB Drives
You need patience ...
First of all, you have already waited patiently for me to get back to publishing posts on this blog after returning from 2 months in the UK! At last I have started to go through the backlog of interesting articles I saved whilst travelling. Expect quite a few posts over the next couple of weeks.
Secondly, I am often asked whether you should just pull a USB drive out or use the Eject function. This will answer some of those questions. By the way, after trying to do the right thing I often give up waiting and take the risk!
It is good to eject a USB drive properly: Wondering if you should bother with using the Eject option before ripping out a USB drive? Here's why you should.
First of all, you have already waited patiently for me to get back to publishing posts on this blog after returning from 2 months in the UK! At last I have started to go through the backlog of interesting articles I saved whilst travelling. Expect quite a few posts over the next couple of weeks.
Secondly, I am often asked whether you should just pull a USB drive out or use the Eject function. This will answer some of those questions. By the way, after trying to do the right thing I often give up waiting and take the risk!
It is good to eject a USB drive properly: Wondering if you should bother with using the Eject option before ripping out a USB drive? Here's why you should.
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