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		<title>5 BIG tips to improve battery life on your iPhone 5</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/NKzNIL2qP8U/5-big-tips-to-improve-battery-life-on-your-iphone5.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/05/5-big-tips-to-improve-battery-life-on-your-iphone5.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 00:11:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[battery life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone 5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=29279</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So one of the biggest complaints about the iPhone 5 is the battery life despite Apple&#8217;s claim that it is meant to outperform it&#8217;s older siblings. Like many users, I&#8217;ve experienced similar battery issues so I did my research and found the iPhone 5 to REALLY outperform many other phones out there and this isn&#8217;t...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So one of the biggest complaints about the iPhone 5 is the battery life despite Apple&#8217;s claim that it is meant to outperform it&#8217;s older siblings. Like many users, I&#8217;ve experienced similar battery issues so I did my research and found the iPhone 5 to REALLY outperform many other phones out there and this isn&#8217;t according to Apple &#8211; <a href="http://blog.gsmarena.com/apple-iphone-5-battery-test-is-done-proves-itself-as-a-thin-powerhouse/">these are by independent researchers</a>!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/iphone5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29280" alt="iphone5" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/iphone5-237x300.jpg" width="237" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What exactly am I doing wrong then?</strong><br />
After a bit of tinkering with the phone, I believe I&#8217;ve found a number of culprits that are massive battery suckers. The result? From lasting only 3/4 of a day, I&#8217;m now left with typically 15-20% battery life by the end of the day!</p>
<p><strong>The 5 culprits</strong></p>
<p><strong>Culprit #1</strong> &#8211; WiFi<br />
Always turn off the WiFi when you don&#8217;t need it &#8211; Apple usually leaves this on by default to help with location services but you&#8217;ll do fine with it turned off.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-43-37.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29285" alt="Photo May 10, 23 43 37" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-43-37-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Culprit #2</strong> &#8211; Notifications<br />
Whenever you install an app &#8211; many times you&#8217;d be asked if you&#8217;d like &#8216;push notifications&#8217; &#8211; most people just say YES. Before you hit that button, think HARD. Do you really need this app to be listening out for push messages? An app like Google Chrome for instance &#8211; do you really need a web browser to send you alerts? If you don&#8217;t need it, hit NO.</p>
<p>The more apps you have &#8216;listening&#8217; out for notifications &#8211; the more battery you&#8217;ll consume. Here&#8217;s how to turn off the ones you&#8217;ve accidentally turned on.</p>
<p><em>Settings &gt; Notifications</em></p>
<p>Look for the items that are in the &#8216;in notification centre&#8217;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-43-59.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29286" alt="Photo May 10, 23 43 59" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-43-59-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Select the app you don&#8217;t want notifications from and turn off everything&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-18.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29288" alt="Photo May 10, 23 44 18" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-18-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-23.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29289" alt="Photo May 10, 23 44 23" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-23-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Once it is turned off, that app will be listed at the bottom of the page in the &#8216;not in notification centre&#8217;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-04.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29287" alt="Photo May 10, 23 44 04" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-04-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Culprit #3</strong> &#8211; Non-stop vibration<br />
The little vibrator takes up quite a bit of juice. So only have it enabled when required. Personally, I&#8217;ll set the phone to automatically turn off the vibration if the phone is NOT in silent mode.</p>
<p><em>Settings &gt; Sounds</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-36.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29281" alt="Photo May 10, 23 44 36" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-44-36-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Just turn off &#8216;Vibrate on Ring&#8217;</p>
<p><strong>Culprit #4</strong> &#8211; WhatsApp<br />
If you use this popular messaging app &#8211; these two tweaks will help improve battery life.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-45-30.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29282" alt="Photo May 10, 23 45 30" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-45-30-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Turn off In-App vibrate (it&#8217;s in WhatsApp Settings)</strong><br />
By default when you&#8217;re in a conversation with someone and someone else messages you &#8211; the phone usually displays a little notification above and vibrates &#8211; this basically turns off the vibrate. Less vibration, more battery life</p>
<p><strong>Turn off alerts for Group Notifications</strong><br />
Often times you&#8217;re placed in a group and when conversations happen between group members &#8211; you get notifications and vibrations regardless if the conversation really matters to you. I usually turn the Alerts off and periodically check the group to see the latest updates. Less alerts, more battery life <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>Culprit #5</strong> &#8211; Auto Brightness<br />
This feature is on by default by some may accidentally turn it off. Make sure the &#8220;Auto-Brightness&#8221; mode is turned on at all times. This allows the built-in sensor to regulate brightness depending on your surroundings.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-46-45.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29279];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29284" alt="Photo May 10, 23 46 45" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo-May-10-23-46-45-169x300.png" width="169" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>That&#8217;s it! Let me know if it helps improve your phone&#8217;s battery life and share share share this article!</p>
<p>PS. In case you&#8217;re wondering if these tips work on previous models of the iPhone? Yes yes yes!</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/NKzNIL2qP8U" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Android user’s pride &amp; joy now available for iOS users? – hello Google Now!</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/fofLAHv65aI/android-users-pride-joy-now-available-for-ios-users-hello-google-now.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/04/android-users-pride-joy-now-available-for-ios-users-hello-google-now.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:09:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Android]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[App Store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Now]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iOS]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=29273</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So a few months back I was super excited about this SUPER INTELLIGENT assistant by Google called Google Now that is even more intelligent than Apple&#8217;s Siri. What does it do? it predicts your travel time between important places you travel to it talks like Siri and gives you info like &#8220;where is the nearest...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So a few months back I was super excited about this SUPER INTELLIGENT assistant by Google called Google Now that is even more intelligent than Apple&#8217;s Siri. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090222.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29273];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090222.jpg" alt="20130430-090222.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What does it do? </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>it predicts your travel time between important places you travel to</li>
<li>it talks like Siri and gives you info like &#8220;where is the nearest Starbucks&#8221; (and it works in Malaysia)</li>
<li>gives you directions to popular places when you ask &#8220;directions to Sunway pyramid&#8221;</li>
<li>automatically detects that you&#8217;re traveling and presents you with exchange rate and weather information</li>
<li>knows when is your next flight and reminds you if it&#8217;s delayed and more&#8230;</li>
</ul>
<p>That&#8217;s just a REALLY small bit of what it can do. You can read <a href="http://www.benjern.com/2012/11/google-now-has-arrived-in-malaysia-what-now.html">my full review of Google Now here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>The BIG issue?</strong><br />
It was only available for users running Android Jellybean &#038; above. For many months, people thought it was a &#8216;special&#8217; feature made exclusively for Android users BUT no more!</p>
<p><strong>Now available on iPhone &#038; iPad!</strong><br />
Last night, Google pushed a brand new update to their &#8220;Google&#8221; app in the AppStore and now version 3 of the App gives full Google Now features to all iOS users and for some strange reason, it looks and works a whole lot better than the Android one. Tsk tsk tsk&#8230; </p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090310.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29273];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090310.jpg" alt="20130430-090310.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090539.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29273];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090539.jpg" alt="20130430-090539.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090526.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29273];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130430-090526.jpg" alt="20130430-090526.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p>So if you own an iOS device, quickly download the FREE Google app today and enjoy the super awesome power of Google Now!</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/fofLAHv65aI" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Microsoft Surface RT vs the mighty iPad, Malaysian Review</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/ib5stzjDHI8/microsoft-surface-rt-vs-the-mighty-ipad-malaysian-review.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/04/microsoft-surface-rt-vs-the-mighty-ipad-malaysian-review.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:37:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surface RT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=29245</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So Microsoft Surface RT has finally arrived on Malaysian shores after it&#8217;s debut in the US earlier this year. The good news, I&#8217;ve finally gotten my hands on one! Woohoo! Pricing? Priced at RM 1,549 and RM 1,849 for 32 GB and 64 GB respectively, it&#8217;s priced competitively against it&#8217;s BIGGEST competitor &#8211; the iPad which goes for RM 1,799 (32GB WiFi) &#38; RM...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So Microsoft Surface RT has finally arrived on Malaysian shores after it&#8217;s debut in the US earlier this year. The good news, I&#8217;ve finally gotten my hands on one! Woohoo!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1163.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29247" alt="IMG_1163" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1163-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Pricing?</strong><br />
Priced at <strong>RM 1,549</strong> and <strong>RM 1,849</strong> for <strong>32 GB</strong> and <strong>64 GB</strong> respectively, it&#8217;s priced competitively against it&#8217;s BIGGEST competitor &#8211; the iPad which goes for RM 1,799 (32GB WiFi) &amp; RM 2,099 (64GB WiFi).</p>
<p><strong>Some comparison specs against the 4th gen iPad</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>10.6 inch ClearType HD</strong> Display vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>9.6 inch Retina</strong> Display</li>
<li><strong>1.3 Ghz Quad Core</strong> Tegra 3 Processor vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>1.4 Ghz Dual Core</strong></li>
<li><strong>2GB RAM</strong> vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>1GB RAM</strong></li>
<li>Front &amp; rear <strong>720p camera</strong> vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>720p front &amp; 5 megapixel rear</strong></li>
<li>Comes with an <strong>expandable memory </strong>card slot vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>fixed memory</strong></li>
<li>Has a built-in <strong>kick stand</strong> vs <strong>no stand</strong></li>
<li>Full <strong>magnesium</strong> casing vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>aluminium</strong> casing</li>
<li><strong>Magnetic charging point</strong> (like Macbooks) vs iPad&#8217;s <strong>lightning connector</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>First the unboxing&#8230;</strong><br />
I must say, the unboxing experience felt exactly like unboxing an Apple product. Microsoft has certainly learned from the best. The little flaps, the little detail in wrapping the device, the placement of accessories etc. it&#8217;s simply an &#8216;Apple Experience&#8217;. Heck, even the box felt solid!</p>
<p>An &#8216;Apple&#8217; like unboxing experience&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1176.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29250" alt="IMG_1176" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1176-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>The optional type keyboard &#8211; love the tactile feel!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1170.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29248" alt="IMG_1170" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1170-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>The ports&#8230; USB, HD video out port</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1180.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29253" alt="IMG_1180" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1180-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>The MicroSD expansion slot + magnetic charging point</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1188.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29256" alt="IMG_1188" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1188-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>About the same thickness as the iPad mini??? Or are my eyes playing with me?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1177.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29251" alt="IMG_1177" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1177-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>All ready to go!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1195.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29257" alt="IMG_1195" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1195-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Setting up&#8230;</strong><br />
Setting up the Surface RT was fairly simple. Power up, it greets you with a nice startup screen and after that you&#8217;re asked if you have a Microsoft account. If not you&#8217;re asked to create one. I&#8217;ve got one on my Windows 8 desktop so the moment I keyed in my username and password &#8211; the rest was literally MAGIC.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1199.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29259" alt="IMG_1199" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1199-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>Within minutes, EVERYTHING from my WiFi settings to my preconfigured e-mail accounts on my desktop, twitter, facebook, my wallpaper, my beautiful picture for my account, calendar settings were immediately synced! I&#8217;ve never set-up a computer this quickly in my life&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1201.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29260" alt="IMG_1201" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1201-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p><strong>One important thing to keep in mind&#8230;</strong><br />
It&#8217;s easy to forget the Surface RT is not a full-blown computer because it looks SO much like Windows 8. It has that familiar windows desktop, there&#8217;s even a mouse if you really hate touching the screen. Thing is, Surface RT is like an iPad that does some of what a full-fledged computer would do.</p>
<p><strong>What you CAN or CAN&#8217;T DO</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You CAN plug-in a USB thumb drive</li>
<li>You CAN plug-in an external hard disk</li>
<li>You CAN plug-in an external mouse or keyboard via USB</li>
<li>Like the iPad that cannot install regular desktop software &#8211; you CAN&#8217;T install apps that are NOT from the Windows Store (which has about 60,000+ &amp; growing apps) &#8211; so things like Photoshop CS won&#8217;t work</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s cool?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Full suite of Microsoft Office</strong><br />
First, it comes with the full suite of Office for Surface RT &#8211; Word, Excel, Powerpoint &#8211; it&#8217;s all there and fully connected to Microsoft&#8217;s version of iCloud or DropBox &#8211; it&#8217;s called SkyDrive (7GB of storage) which comes FREE with your Microsoft Account so you can choose to store your files in the cloud / Surface / external drive</p>
<p><strong>Rear camera that&#8217;s angled differently</strong><br />
With the kickstand on, the device is slanted forward. In traditional tablets, the rear camera will be facing downwards but on the Surface &#8211; the camera is angled upwards so it always shoots in front. Smart!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1182.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29254" alt="IMG_1182" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1182-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p><strong>2-in-1 keyboard &amp; cover<br />
</strong>The Surface RT doesn&#8217;t come with the optional keyboard / cover &#8211; it can be purchased as a bundle with the device or separately for RM 379 (for the Touch Cover) and RM 409 (for the Type Cover). I&#8217;ve tried both and personally, I highly recommend going for the Type Cover. Nothing beats a physical tactile feedback. Oh and did you know that the touch cover also has a built-in trackpad?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1174.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29249" alt="IMG_1174" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1174-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Dedicated HD Video Port</strong><em id="__mceDel"><em id="__mceDel"><br />
</em></em>If you do quite a bit of presentations, you can present directly from the Surface using this dedicated port. Think the accessory costs around RM 100+.</p>
<p><strong>How easy is it to use?<br />
</strong>To be honest, there&#8217;s a small learning curve when using the Surface RT. There are some Windows 8 gestures and a number of tips and tricks to be familiarized with&#8230; I&#8217;ve created a quick video to showcase some of these on my Surface.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TO8jSI53bRQ" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>How&#8217;s the performance?</strong><br />
If you&#8217;ve watched the video above, the Surface RT is really quite responsive. Multitasking, watching videos on one side of the screen while working, switching from app to app, typing mails, working on documents, surfing the net &#8211; it just works!</p>
<p>The only time I experienced a lag was when I went to some heavily scripted sites like Gmail, Tweetdeck.com, Google Drive etc. &#8211; it works just that it slows down a little. Problem is, the browser is detected as a desktop browser so it loads the full &#8216;desktop&#8217; version of the site instead of a mobile one. It&#8217;s good and bad, you get a full desktop experience of the website but performance could be better. So Microsoft, if you&#8217;re reading this review &#8211; it&#8217;d be nice to put in an option for it to be detected as a mobile browser.</p>
<p><strong>Battery life?</strong><br />
This is when it&#8217;s AMAZING. 7 hours non-stop according to specs. I&#8217;ve tried showing off the device to all my friends and colleagues from day to night and end up with 70% of battery life left. It&#8217;s wayyyyy better than my iPad mini. If the battery ever goes flat midway, a quick charge will bring it up to full in 2-hours.</p>
<p><strong>Should I buy it?</strong><br />
The Surface RT is more of a work + play machine; and if you notice &#8211; I placed work first <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>If you&#8217;re looking for a laptop replacement</strong> - this could be your device if your work is primarily done on Microsoft Office, you rely on social media and web heavily and you are cool with not installing other desktop apps like Adobe Photoshop, video editing suites etc.</p>
<p><strong>If you&#8217;re looking for tablet that does a bit of what a laptop does</strong> - like you&#8217;d love a full-on keyboard, a USB port that can hook up all sorts of devices with a great battery life then this could work for you.</p>
<p><strong>If you&#8217;re looking for a computing work horse</strong> &#8211; does everything from video editing, graphic design, install intensive PC games, please buy a normal laptop</p>
<p><strong>If you&#8217;re looking to have a tablet and have more play than work</strong> - you might want to checkout the iPad</p>
<p><strong>My thoughts&#8230;</strong><br />
The iPad is a great tablet, great screen, amazing battery life, omg the games&#8230; woohoo! &#8211; I absolutely love it but it&#8217;s not the best environment for work and there are limitations such as the absence of a USB port; so when it comes to something that puts productivity first and play second, Surface RT is that no brainer device especially at that very competitive price point.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1205.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29245];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29261" alt="IMG_1205" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1205-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>I have both so I ain&#8217;t complaining <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/ib5stzjDHI8" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>250,000 twitter accounts were hacked! Was yours? Find out!</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/WJSKNXxace4/250000-twitter-accounts-were-hacked-was-yours-find-out.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/02/250000-twitter-accounts-were-hacked-was-yours-find-out.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 05:54:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=29206</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So I woke up this morning with this email waiting in the inbox&#8230; Suspicious email I&#8217;ve been conned wayyyyy too many times so whenever emails ask me to reset my password, change my password, click to verify etc. I put on my armor and proceed with lots of care. Unless of course, I requested for...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So I woke up this morning with this email waiting in the inbox&#8230; </p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-132645.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29206];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-132645.jpg" alt="20130202-132645.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Suspicious email</strong><br />
I&#8217;ve been conned wayyyyy too many times so whenever emails ask me to reset my password, change my password, click to verify etc. I put on my armor and proceed with lots of care. Unless of course, I requested for the password request myself <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>After tweeting a snapshot of the email to the world, I got this reply from <a href="http://www.twitter.com/vanHuizen_John">@vanHuizen_John</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-132606.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29206];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-132606.jpg" alt="20130202-132606.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><strong>The digging began&#8230;</strong><br />
I did some search on my own and it was true. Twitter was hacked and over 250,000 twitter accounts were compromised. The hackers managed to retrieve the account information and twitter passwords of these accounts according to <a href="http://blog.twitter.com/2013/02/keeping-our-users-secure.html">twitter&#8217;s official blog post</a>. </p>
<p><strong>How do I know if my twitter account was hacked?</strong><br />
Just because you can still tweet using your apps, it doesn&#8217;t mean your account wasn&#8217;t affected. You have to check through one of the 2 ways below <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>Method 1 (simplest)</strong> &#8211; goto <a href="http://www.twitter.com">twitter.com</a> and try to login using your twitter account and password.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-134249.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29206];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-134249.jpg" alt="20130202-134249.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p>If you can&#8217;t login and you&#8217;re darn sure that&#8217;s your twitter password, there&#8217;s a high chance your account was affected and twitter has automatically &#8216;reset&#8217; your password to protect your account. </p>
<p>Just request for a <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/account/resend_password">password reset here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Method 2</strong> &#8211; Check your email (including spam folders) if you received a similar email like mine above. Follow the instructions to reset your account. </p>
<p><strong>Important!</strong><br />
After you&#8217;ve clicked on the link &#8216;twitter&#8217; sent in that email, to verify that you are REALLY on twitter&#8217;s website, make sure the address bar in your browser shows www.twitter.com or mobile.twitter.com and NOTHING ELSE. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-134722.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29206];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130202-134722.jpg" alt="20130202-134722.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Help! My world will end, my account is confirmed hacked!!!</strong><br />
Firstly, your world will NOT end. </p>
<p>Secondly, twitter managed to protect all hacked accounts by acidly resetting the password of all affected accounts. </p>
<p>Thirdly, what the hackers managed to get was the &#8216;hash&#8217; of each password. In the techie world, a hash is like a secret code made from your password that only the computers in twitter&#8217;s network will only understand. So if your password was 123456 (which is really silly) what the hackers got would be something like GHJDSJREI12433$@?!</p>
<p>Still panicking? Okay, leave a message below and I&#8217;ll reply to give free therapy <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/WJSKNXxace4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Samsung Galaxy Camera – A Malaysian Review</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/lfHdfckSEOQ/samsung-galaxy-camera-a-malaysian-review.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/samsung-galaxy-camera-a-malaysian-review.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:13:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Samsung]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Camera]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=29165</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So once in a blue-moon a product enters the gadget world; causes a shake, stir and confuses the heck of everyone. It’s not a phone trying to be a camera or a phone with an awesome camera or camera trying to be a phone or simply a pure compact camera&#8230; Confused? Let me explain&#8230; This...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So once in a blue-moon a product enters the gadget world; causes a shake, stir and confuses the heck of everyone. It’s not a phone trying to be a camera or a phone with an awesome camera or camera trying to be a phone or simply a pure compact camera&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Confused? Let me explain&#8230;</strong><br />
This is a camera hybrid with a mini tablet running on the latest Android Jelly Bean operating system stuck on it’s behind. I’ll call it the CAMITAB &#8211; short for CAmera + MIni TABlet.</p>
<p><strong>Presenting&#8230; the Samsung Galaxy Camera a.k.a CAMITAB</strong><br />
I don’t believe it’s ever been done before. At least not commercially like what Samsung has done but personally, I think it’s quite genius.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29185" alt="galaxycam1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29186" alt="galaxycam2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29187" alt="galaxycam3" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29188" alt="galaxycam4" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/galaxycam4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>They’ve blended the best of both worlds &#8211; a full-fledged Android ‘tablet’ running on the latest version of the OS (because it doesn’t make true mobile calls &#8211; except for VOIP ie. skype) and a camera with specs that’ll make even some best semi-pro cameras cry.</p>
<p>Here’s what the baby’s got&#8230;</p>
<ul>
<li>16.3 Megapixels</li>
<li>21x optical zoom</li>
<li>Quad Core 1.4 Ghz processor</li>
<li>Xenon flash with AF light</li>
<li>4.8 inch HD touchscreen</li>
<li>8GB internal storage (expandable by another 64GB)</li>
<li>3G / WiFi</li>
<li>Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Some highlights&#8230;</strong><br />
It’s no secret Samsung makes freaking awesome screens so they’ve snapped on a pretty hot one here. It’s just gorgeous from every angle!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/angle.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29175" alt="angle" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/angle.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Here’s that dedicated pop-up ‘flash’ button</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/flash.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29184" alt="flash" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/flash.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Right at the bottom, you’ve got the MicroSIM slot, dedicated HDMI output, MicroSD (for expandable storage) and of course the big slab of battery&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/bottom.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29178" alt="bottom" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/bottom.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>So glad Samsung didn’t go for a proprietary connector for charging or syncing &#8211; just good ole’ microUSB&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/usb.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29171" alt="usb" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/usb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What else is cool?</strong><br />
Well, apart from the fact that you can download from the gazillions of apps that are available in the Google Play Store&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/apps1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29176" alt="apps" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/apps1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>and run GPS apps like Google Maps</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/maps.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29192" alt="maps" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/maps.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>or Google Now and get it to tell you a celebrity’s age&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jb.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29189" alt="jb" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>or it’s got this super cool photo gallery&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photogallery1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29194" alt="photogallery1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photogallery1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photogallery2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29167" alt="photogallery2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photogallery2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>There are also <strong>some cool camera features</strong> including a <strong>full voice command mode</strong>!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/voicecommand.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29172" alt="voicecommand" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/voicecommand.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Ability to remove pimples and ‘imperfections’ from the face using a special ‘beauty mode’</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/beauty.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29177" alt="beauty" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/beauty.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>You also shoot in a ‘filter’ mode &#8211; so instead of capturing a photo and using instagram to ‘enhance’ the image, you can see the enhancement live before taking the shot!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29183" alt="filter3" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29182" alt="filter2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29181" alt="filter1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/filter1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>For the pros (a feature I’ll never use, though it looks freaking good), you’ll love the custom mode&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/custommode.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29180" alt="custommode" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/custommode.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Checkout a little video I made for this review&#8230;</strong></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aVQczjJT3Cs"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>How’s the picture quality?</strong><br />
I’d say it’d pass for a very very good compact camera but cannot beat the top-end semi-pro cams yet.</p>
<p>Here are some sample shots&#8230; (click to enlarge)</p>
<p>Zoom test &#8211; before<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zoom-before.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29174" alt="zoom-before" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zoom-before-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Zoom test &#8211; after<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zoom-after.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29173" alt="zoom-after" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zoom-after-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Low light close-up<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/close-up.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29179" alt="close-up" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/close-up-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Macro mode<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/macro.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29190" alt="macro" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/macro-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Macro in super low light<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/macro-lowlight.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29191" alt="macro-lowlight" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/macro-lowlight-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Night shot mode<br />
<a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/night-shot.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29193" alt="night-shot" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/night-shot-300x168.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>As you can see &#8211; this CAMITAB takes amazing sharp, high contrast looking pictures and could easily replace any compact cameras out there.</p>
<p>That said, the focus can come a little off at times &#8211; which shaves off a little of that click once and get a perfect picture magic.</p>
<p><strong>Oh it also takes 120fps videos!</strong><br />
Here’s a short video I took of my dog running&#8230;</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E2YLzVdrWY4"></iframe></p>
<p>Now I know how Baywatch films were shot <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>How’s the battery life?</strong><br />
Samsung has this feature called Smart Network which turns off all data connection &#8211; both WiFi and 3G when the camera is off to significantly reduce power consumption.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/smartnetwork1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/smartnetwork1.jpg" alt="smartnetwork1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29169" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/smartnetwork2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-29165];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29170" alt="smartnetwork2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/smartnetwork2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I didn’t get to test the camera much for battery life but specs say it’d last 340 shots on a single charge &amp; 90 minutes of non-stop video recording.</p>
<p><strong>Wait.. so must I have another SIM card for this CAMITAB?</strong><br />
The good news is no. The device is fully functional without the SIM and when data is needed, you can always hook-up to WiFi. That said, to experience the power of an Android-based camera like this one, it’s good to have a SIM &#8211; even if it’s just prepaid.</p>
<p><strong>To buy or not to buy?</strong><br />
At a list price of RM 1,899, you get a pretty powerful full-blown micro-mini Android tablet and a pretty good camera with an awesome 21x optical zoom. If you’re looking at a small camera &#8211; this isn’t it but personally, this is possibly one of the best travel companions out there.</p>
<ul>
<li>You need a good camera &#8211; done</li>
<li>You need a GPS device &#8211; done</li>
<li>You need to surf the net &#8211; done</li>
<li>You need to Google &#8211; done</li>
<li>You need to watch movies &#8211; done</li>
<li>Listen to music &#8211; done</li>
<li>Edit photos &#8211; done</li>
<li>Edit videos &#8211; done</li>
<li>take Baywatch-like slow-mo vids &#8211; done</li>
</ul>
<p>Need I say more? <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/lfHdfckSEOQ" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Apple Store Malaysia on a 1 day sale! Worth it?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/E1VrU79Y0PY/apple-store-malaysia-on-a-1-day-sale-worth-it.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/apple-store-malaysia-on-a-1-day-sale-worth-it.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:30:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Store]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=28604</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s that time of the year when Apple releases that limited &#8211; one-day only sale. As a company that doesn&#8217;t offer discount in it&#8217;s stores, this is a pretty big deal for Apple lovers. It officially starts 25th Jan 2013 &#8211; 12am &#8211; 11:59pm &#8211; literally 24 hours. What&#8217;s the discount range? Only selected items...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s that time of the year when Apple releases that limited &#8211; one-day only sale. As a company that doesn&#8217;t offer discount in it&#8217;s stores, this is a pretty big deal for Apple lovers.</p>
<p>It officially starts <strong>25th Jan 2013 &#8211; 12am &#8211; 11:59pm</strong> &#8211; literally 24 hours.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28605" alt="applesale" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/applesale.jpg" width="480" height="414" /></p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s the discount range?</strong><br />
Only selected items are on sale and most items range from a measly 6% (come on Apple &#8211; you can do better than thatttt) to a whopping 30% discount.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28606" alt="applesale2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/applesale2.jpg" width="480" height="371" /></p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s on sale?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>iPad &#8211; </strong>all iPad models except for the iPad Mini  -<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>6-7%</strong></span> discount</li>
<li><strong>iPod</strong> &#8211; all models from the latest iPod touch to the iPod nano &#8211; <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>10%</strong></span> discount</li>
<li><strong>MacBook</strong> &#8211; all models from Air to Pros with Retina Display &#8211; <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>6-10%</strong></span> discount (<em>higher end models get lower discount</em>)</li>
<li><strong>Mac Companions</strong> &#8211; Airport Express, Extreme &amp; Time Capsule -<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>8-10%</strong> </span>discount</li>
<li><strong>Accessories</strong> &#8211; Mouse, Trackpad, Wireless Keyboard -<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>14-15%</strong> </span>discount on average</li>
<li><strong>iPad cases</strong> &#8211; all iPad cases except for the iPad Mini &#8211; <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>25-30%</strong></span> discount</li>
<li><strong>Earphones</strong> &#8211; with mic @<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>10%</strong></span>, Earpods -@ <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>20%</strong></span> discount</li>
<li><strong>Lightning accessories</strong> &#8211; USB Cable @<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>21%</strong></span>, Lightning &gt; 30-pin @<span style="color: #ff0000;"> <strong>14%</strong></span> discount</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>My thoughts?</strong><br />
This is the best time to buy iPad cases, accessories and the latest Apple Earpods if you&#8217;ve always wanted one. The rest of the discounts are okay only.</p>
<p>Well, take a peek and see what catches your eye at the <a href="http://store.apple.com/my/browse/new_year/red_friday">Malaysian Apple Store</a>!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/E1VrU79Y0PY" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Phewtick – next BIG thing in 2013 or a SCAM?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/OvGyP_1VELk/phewtick-next-big-thing-in-2013-or-a-scam.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/phewtick-next-big-thing-in-2013-or-a-scam.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:17:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[App review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phewtick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scam]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=28589</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was one of random calls I got while on-air. There’s this girl screaming with joy talking about this thing that’s gotten her entire company nuts! At first I thought it was a zombie attack; which could have been quite exciting to talk about except that it wasn’t. It was this thing app called Phewtick...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was one of random calls I got while on-air. There’s this girl screaming with joy talking about this thing that’s gotten her entire company nuts! At first I thought it was a zombie attack; which could have been quite exciting to talk about except that it wasn’t.</p>
<p>It was this thing app called Phewtick and all her colleagues were going around the office phewtick-ing each other.</p>
<p><strong>What the heck is Phewtick?</strong><br />
It’s FREE app that is currently available on iOS, Android and will be made available soon on Windows Phone and Blackberry.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28592" alt="phewtick" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/phewtick.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>So once you’ve downloaded the app and signed in, you would be presented with your personal QR code&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28593" alt="qrcode" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/qrcode.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Now all you need to do is to scan your friends Phewtick QR code or get your friends to scan your code whenever you meet.</p>
<p><strong>The reward?</strong><br />
For every friend’s Phewtick QR code you scan / meet you get $$$, MOOLAH, CA$H, OOOH LALA &#8211; based on the daily Phewtick meet &gt; money exchange rate&#8230;</p>
<p><span id="more-28589"></span></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28594" alt="exchangerate" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/exchangerate.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Once you’ve accumulated enough money ~ RM 30, you get to retrieve it to your Paypal account or if you’re feeling charitable &#8211; donate it to UNICEF and Red Cross.</p>
<p><strong>What else can Phewtick do?</strong><br />
Phewtick tracks you and your friend’s locations so whenever you are closeby the app will let you know!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28591" alt="nearby" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/nearby.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>From there you can message each other to meet up or simply use it as another messaging app</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28590" alt="messaging" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/messaging.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Here’s a lil vid from the creators describing ‘phewtick’</p>
<p><strong>Is it a scam?</strong><br />
Whenever things sound too good to be true and involves an easy way of making money, a bell as big as the Big Ben rings in my head so I did some research and the result? I’m quite confident that Phewtick is NOT a scam.</p>
<p>In fact, it’s a legitimate company with loads of investment from Japan and like every business; they’ve got a business plan to make Phewtick profitable.</p>
<p><strong>How does Phewtick make money?</strong><br />
At this point, they don’t but because Phewtick is a social &amp; location aware app &#8211; it knows where you and your friends are thanks to the wonderful world of GPS &amp; the ‘phewtick’ QR code scans that happen.</p>
<p>Through these scans, they are able to predict your actions &amp; provide information that may deem useful.</p>
<p>For example &#8211; you ‘phewtick’ with 4 of your colleagues on a daily basis and when it’s time to go for lunch, it’s always the shopping mall nearby. In the future, ‘phewtick’ can predict this and recommend you a restaurant in that mall that’s offering a great discount for 4 pax and above!</p>
<p>If you take up the deal, the restaurant gets business and I’d assume the restaurant would pay ‘phewtick’ for advertising on the ‘phewtick’ network.</p>
<p><strong>Oh just one more thing&#8230; it’s called Phewtick for a reason&#8230;</strong><br />
The creator of Phewtick is VERY Japanese influenced. Phewtick is actually a cartoonish sound effect.</p>
<p><em>Just imagine a fly &#8211; flying&#8230; that’s ‘phewwwwwww’</em><br />
<em> and when the fly lands on someone &#8211; that’s ‘tick’</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28595" alt="fly" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fly.jpg" width="400" height="300" /><br />
image from <a href="http://icanbecreative.com">icanbecreative.com</a></p>
<p>And so ‘phewtick’ was born <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Have you tried ‘phewtick’ yet? Cashed out so far? Leave your comments below and I&#8217;ll do my best to reply to all!</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/OvGyP_1VELk" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Make your photos super awesome with Cinemagraph for iPhone &amp; Android – FREE!</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/aawNj5FJPSM/make-your-photos-super-awesome-with-cinemagraph-for-iphone-android-free.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/make-your-photos-super-awesome-with-cinemagraph-for-iphone-android-free.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:14:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Android]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[App review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cinemagraph]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gif]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=28575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So firstly, what the heck is Cinemagraph? I first got introduced to it when I played with Nokia latest Windows Phone – the 920. It had this ‘lens’ which would make your photos ALIVE! I was truly impressed. Cinemagraph is Cinema + Photograph &#8211; make sense? The idea is to animate parts of your photo....]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So firstly, what the heck is Cinemagraph? I first got introduced to it when I played with Nokia latest Windows Phone – the 920. It had this ‘lens’ which would make your photos ALIVE! I was truly impressed.</p>
<p><b>Cinemagraph is Cinema + Photograph &#8211; make sense?</b><br />
The idea is to animate parts of your photo. For example – if you took a picture of a hamster with its eyes blinking, we can make its eyes blink non-stop. Confused? No worries, the pictures below will explain it all.</p>
<p>Let’s get to the apps first… There are loads of them out there but I’ve handpicked the 2 best – one for Android and the other iPhone.</p>
<p><b>Android &#8211; fotodanz </b></p>
<p>The interface is super simple to use. Start the app, take a shot…</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28583" alt="fotodanz1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fotodanz1.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Circle the areas you’d like to animate &#8211; in this case, I’d like the lights on my Christmas tree…</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28584" alt="fotodanz2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fotodanz2.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Once it’s done, you can choose to send it to all your favourite social networks…</p>
<p><span id="more-28575"></span></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28576" alt="fotodanz3" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fotodanz3.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Enjoy! –<i>it’s a pretty large file, give it sometime to load</i></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28586" alt="anim-cinemagraph" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/anim-cinemagraph.gif" width="420" height="560" /></p>
<p><b>iPhone – Cinemagr.am</b></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28582" alt="cinemagram-store" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cinemagram-store.jpg" width="480" height="424" /></p>
<p>They call themselves the instagram world of cinemagraph. So like instagram, you have this little community where you can ‘favourite’ cinemagraphs, follow individuals etc. Using it is super simple too!</p>
<p>Take a shot and highlight the areas you’d like to animate – in this case, my TV…</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28579" alt="cinemagram1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cinemagram1.jpg" width="333" height="480" /></p>
<p>Like instagram, you can choose to apply some really cool filters as well…</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28580" alt="cinemagram2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cinemagram2.jpg" width="332" height="480" /></p>
<p>When you’re done, like fotodanz – you can e-mail, tweet, facebook or simply share it on the Cinemagr.am network!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28581" alt="cinemagram3" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cinemagram3.jpg" width="333" height="480" /></p>
<p>Fooh… so artsy!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28577" alt="bw-cinemagraph" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/bw-cinemagraph.gif" width="360" height="480" /></p>
<p>So what do you think? Both apps are absolutely FREE and if you know of another awesome cinemagraph app be sure to leave it in the comments below!</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~4/aawNj5FJPSM" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Sony SmartWatch – a Malaysian Review</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/b7jB4kfA2l4/sony-smartwatch-a-malaysian-review.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/sony-smartwatch-a-malaysian-review.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:32:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Android]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Watch]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=28549</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So we’ve all heard of smart phones, smart cars, smart houses and now the era has arrived for smart watches. The first time I heard of something like that was SPOT&#8230; It was Microsoft’s attempt at a smart watch &#8211; didn’t do much apart from retrieving weather info &#38; news updates. It didn’t connect to...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So we’ve all heard of smart phones, smart cars, smart houses and now the era has arrived for smart watches. The first time I heard of something like that was SPOT&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28551" alt="spot" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/spot.jpg" width="340" height="380" /></p>
<p>It was Microsoft’s attempt at a smart watch &#8211; didn’t do much apart from retrieving weather info &amp; news updates. It didn’t connect to a mobile phone either and only worked in the United States and certain parts of the world so the entire project was tanked.</p>
<p><strong>Sony Smartwatch&#8230;</strong><br />
When I found out that Sony was releasing their own smart watch &#8211; that got me a little excited&#8230; especially when it’s meant to be used as a companion with an Android phone!</p>
<p>I want&#8230; I see&#8230; I conquer <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' />  and it’s MINE!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28560" alt="box1" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/box1.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28561" alt="box2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/box2.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p><strong>Works on most if not all Android phones&#8230;</strong><br />
One of the misconception is that this watch only works for Sony Mobile Android devices &#8211; which is wrong&#8230; checkout what I’ve paired it with!<span id="more-28549"></span></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28566" alt="pairing" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pairing.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p><strong>Out of the box experience&#8230;</strong><br />
Getting the gadget out of the box was quite torturous to be honest. Either that or I’m just REALLY bad at taking gadgets out of their packaging &#8211; I ended up using a combination of a scissors and some precision cutting skills <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Once it’s out, you get a pretty solid looking block with a relatively large touchscreen and chrome finishing on it’s sides &#8211; this is the watch. You can choose to use that on it’s own and have it clipped to your bags, belts etc.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28559" alt="block" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/block.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Or you can choose to pair that with the provided rubber strap (there are multiple colours available &#8211; some girly pink ones too) or if you’re more adventurous, you can always goto any watch shop and hook up a leather strap to the provided ‘aluminium’ case.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28552" alt="straps" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/straps.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>The watch charges via a regular USB cable with one end connecting to the custom port beneath the clip area&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28562" alt="charging" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/charging.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p><strong>Installation&#8230;</strong><br />
Getting it hooked up is a very simple 2 step process :</p>
<p><strong>Step 1</strong> &#8211; Download the Sony Smart Connect app from the Google Play Store<br />
<strong>Step 2</strong> &#8211; Turn on the Smart Watch &amp; pair it to your phone &#8211; it’s very straight forward<br />
and you’re done&#8230;</p>
<p>First time I got it connected, it automatically downloaded the latest firmware through my phone&#8230; now that’s smart!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28564" alt="firmware" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/firmware.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Once the installation is complete, you’ll get see “SmartWatch” in your notification tray&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28565" alt="notification" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/notification.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Tapping on it launches the SmartWatch app!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28550" alt="smartwatch" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/smartwatch.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>This is where the magic happens. First, you can download and configure all the apps for the SmartWatch&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28558" alt="apps" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/apps.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>If the ones provided by Sony are not enough, there are tonnes from the Google Play Store!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28567" alt="playstore" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/playstore.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>Being a SmartWatch, you can always download new Clock Faces and change them as you like&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28563" alt="faces" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/faces.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>So what can you exactly do on your SmartWatch?</p>
<p>Tell the time&#8230; duh <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28555" alt="time" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/time.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Check the current weather&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28556" alt="weather" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/weather.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Get notifications for WhatsApp messages&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28557" alt="whatsapp" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/whatsapp.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Read text messages&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28553" alt="textmessages" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/textmessages.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Reply to the text message or call back from the watch&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28554" alt="textreply" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/textreply.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>And loads more like twitter, facebook etc.. checkout this little video I made&#8230;</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BsPab46bQlE" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>So is it practical?</strong><br />
I certainly think so. It’s one of those things where once you’ve tasted it, you’d feel odd if you didn’t have it.</p>
<p><strong>Notifications for everything</strong> &#8211; Since having the SmartWatch, I hardly miss calls, text messages, tweets, direct messages&#8230; the list just goes on because it notifies you everything with a gentle buzz. Of course, you may turn off certain notifications in case it gets a little too annoying <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>Best companion for quite places</strong> &#8211; It also helps loads in a meeting or a movie and in my case even in the studio when the phone has to be in silent mode. If I get an incoming call, the SmartWatch vibrates&#8230; a quick glance shows who is calling including the person’s picture (yes it automatically retrieves images too) and I can choose to answer the call or simple hit ‘reject’ on the phone.</p>
<p><strong>Apps is key</strong> &#8211; With so many apps created by independent developers, the SmartWatch has pretty much unlimited possibilities. There’s even this app that shows Google Map on the screen &amp; if you’ve chosen to navigate somewhere on your phone &#8211; the full list of directions appear on your watch&#8230; brilliant.</p>
<p><strong>Battery life</strong><br />
Expect to charge the watch weekly. I’ve been using the watch quite heavily and never once worried about the battery. Manual says 330hours of standby and 120hours of talk &#8211; which is connected time I believe.</p>
<p><strong>So many pros&#8230; are there cons?</strong><br />
Well, to begin with I’m not a big fan of the strap that came with the watch &#8211; find it too errr&#8230; wobbly. Which is why I took the provided aluminium case and got it hooked up with my choice of rubber strap from a nearby watch shop.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28568" alt="rubberstrap" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rubberstrap.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28569" alt="rubberstrap2" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rubberstrap2.jpg" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Also, the SmartWatch is like a mini computer and guess what? It has crashed on me once. It didn’t die&#8230; just insisting on not connecting with my phone. After a quick 5 second restart, the watch came back to life <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>In short&#8230;</strong><br />
At RM 399, it’s definitely not something you’d buy without thinking twice but for all the tech that’s built into this tiny fella&#8230; I think the price justifies it. A definite ultimate gift for any Android owner out there! <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<title>Tried the BEST keyboard for Android yet? A must have!</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BensTakeOnGadgetsTechnologyLife/~3/AWZZnAFfADk/tried-the-best-keyboard-for-android-yet-a-must-have.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.benjern.com/2013/01/tried-the-best-keyboard-for-android-yet-a-must-have.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:26:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ben</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Android]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keyboard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swift Key 3]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benjern.com/?p=28539</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So I&#8217;ve been toying with a number of Android phones lately and one of the coolest things is the ability to switch to a keyboard of your choice. Almost ever manufacturer out there has created a custom keyboard for their phones &#8211; HTC, Samsung, Sony Mobile&#8230; You name it. Then there&#8217;s the massive list of...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So I&#8217;ve been toying with a number of Android phones lately and one of the coolest things is the ability to switch to a keyboard of your choice. Almost ever manufacturer out there has created a custom keyboard for their phones &#8211; HTC, Samsung, Sony Mobile&#8230; You name it.</p>
<p>Then there&#8217;s the massive list of keyboards that&#8217;s available on Google Play&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28543" alt="keyboards" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/keyboards.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>After downloading and trying out literally dozens of keyboards, I&#8217;m pleased to announce that I&#8217;ve found probably the best keyboard out there. Read on and you&#8217;ll understand why <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>Swift Key 3</strong></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28546" alt="swiftkey3" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/swiftkey3.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>At first glance, it looks like any other Android keyboard&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28547" alt="swiftkey3kb" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/swiftkey3kb.jpg" width="480" height="288" /></p>
<p>Nothing special BUT once you hit the setting, that’s when you see the magic behind it&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Of course you get to pick your favorite keyboard style / theme&#8230;</strong><br />
Nice but nothing too special here&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28540" alt="theme" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/theme.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p><strong>Concurrent multiple language support&#8230;</strong><br />
If you use autocorrect, you&#8217;d love the fact that Swift Key 3 recognizes more than one language at one go. Typing in 3 languages – Korean, Bahasa Malaysia &amp; English? No problem!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28544" alt="languages" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/languages.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p><strong>It &#8216;learns&#8217; your writing style&#8230;</strong><br />
Unlike other keyboards out there that claim they learn the way you type &#8211; what those keyboards really do isn&#8217;t anything too special. They basically remember your custom words ie. bodohnya, uglynya, happynya &#8211; essentially words that are not part of the dictionary so the next time you type them, it&#8217;ll &#8216;predict&#8217; or autocorrect them.</p>
<p>Swift Key 3 on the other hand has whole new world of learning&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28545" alt="learning" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/learning.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>It will literally learn the way you use your words by scanning your email, your twitter, your Facebook, SMS&#8230;</p>
<p>So if you love typing &#8220;bodohlah engkau&#8221;, the next time you type &#8220;bodo&#8221;, swift key will automatically predict the whole sentence for you!</p>
<p>In this case, I typed in a hashtag I used a lot in twitter and see what happens!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28542" alt="hashtag" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/hashtag.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p>When I first used the keyboard, I got a shock when I started typing my house number and Swift Key 3 predicted my entire house address! Now that&#8217;s freaking amazing balls <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>It separates words for you!</strong><br />
If you&#8217;re like me where you type so fast that you miss a space&#8230; No worries, Swift Key 3 automatically predicts what you&#8217;re trying to type and splits the word even if you&#8217;ve got typos&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28541" alt="typos" src="http://www.benjern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/typos.jpg" width="270" height="480" /></p>
<p><strong>How does Swift Key 3 compare to a regular Android keyboard?</strong><br />
I recently challenged Jason a.k.a @smashpop with his ‘large screen’ standard keyboard on a recent episode of techduology&#8230; If you don’t have the time to watch the 10 minute episode embedded below, go straight to 7:01 minutes.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bUBMAYjPTjQ"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>You&#8217;ll never use another keyboard again &#8211; promise!</strong><br />
I&#8217;ve never loved a keyboard so much. This thing is simply intelligent, looks great and has so many customizable features all the way from how it vibrates, its tapping sound, duration for key press to access special characters, with or without voice key etc.</p>
<p>Today, I hardly have any typos using my phone and NO, they&#8217;re not paying me to say this but this seriously is the best android keyboard out there.</p>
<p><strong>Price tag?</strong><br />
Less than 3 USD. That&#8217;s less than 10 ringgit &#8211; a cup of Stabucks <img src='http://www.benjern.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  trust me, it&#8217;s well worth your money and you&#8217;ll fall in love on the first day itself.</p>
<p>Still not convinced? They&#8217;ve got a free version on Google Play. It works exactly like the paid version but expires after a month.</p>
<p>Using Swift Key 3? Just bought it? Leave your comments below and let me know what you think!</p>
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