Gadget Cube

4 Unobvious Ways To Save Battery Life on Samsung Galaxy Phones

2016-08-10T20:03:00.002-07:00

There are a few obvious ways to save battery on your phone: power saving modes, lowering brightness, and turning off location. But there are also a few fairly hidden ways to lower your Samsung device's battery consumption, especially if you don't want to keep playing with your brightness settings and need to use GPS often. Two additional bonuses that often come hand-in-hand with changing settings to extend battery life are more internal storage space and less data usage.

Tip 1: Enable Background Data Restriction

Restricting background data stops apps from working when not connected to Wi-Fi. It essentially turns off auto-syncing with apps like Gmail and Facebook, meaning you won't get notifications from such apps unless the app is being used at the moment or you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. For example, you won't see a new Gmail message unless you open and refresh your Gmail app. However, phone calls and messages will still go through regardless of Wi-Fi status. To access Background Data Restriction, go to Settings > Data Usage > More > Turn on Restrict background data. Once turned on, a warning triangle (see screen capture) will appear in the notifications bar. This might get irritating especially when you consistently have the notification showing on the lock screen and notifications bar, so press and hold the notification to hide it where you prefer not to see it.

Tip 2: Turn off Google Location History
Google Location History collects your location data to improve your search results and create more useful ads. To turn off this feature, go to Settings > Privacy and Safety > Location > Google Location History. You can also clear your previous history from the Google Location History page.

Tip 3: Disable Bloatware and Completely Uninstall Apps
Android phones often come with a lot of bloatware, so disable those you don't need to limit the number of processes running in the background. Also note that when you uninstall an app, it does not get fully removed from your system. To completely remove the app from your system, go to Play Store > My apps and games > All and click the "x" next to the apps you've uninstalled.

Tip 4: Disable Intrinsic App Requests
Apps often come with settings that allow you to limit data usage or access to information. YouTube has a "Limit mobile data usage" option which allows HD streaming only when connected to Wi-Fi. Facebook allows you to permit auto-play only over Wi-Fi. Messenger allows you to disable chat heads (another screen overlay). Many apps also allow you to pause data collection such as Google Location History (Tip 2) and YouTube. Small changes like these can add up to reduce your battery consumption by fetching less data automatically.

SixthSense: A Portable Augmentation Device

2013-02-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Imagine being able to take pictures by forming a square with your hands, dialing a phone number on your hand, or browse the web on a wall anywhere you go. Those are just a few of the tasks SixthSense can perform, created by Research Assistant and PhD candidate Pranav Mistry. The SixthSense is generally comprised of a camera, projector, color markers, mirror, microphone, and a mobile computing device which enable any surface to be used as a screen. By intertwining all of these components together, the computing device generates an interactive projection of information. But how exactly is the device interactive? The user wears four differently-colored tapes on the fingertips to assist the SixthSense camera in locating and tracking the movements of the fingers. SixthSense also supports multi-touch using these tapes.

Device Programs

Map: Navigate using hand-gestures including pinch-to-zoom or pan
Drawing: Draw on any surface using fingertip tracking
Camera: A snapshot gesture with a frame made by a user's hands commands a picture to be taken
Gallery: Scroll through photos on any surface using a flicking gesture
Shortcuts: Draw in "@" symbol for email, magnifying glass for maps, or circle on wrist for watch
Augmentation: A video relating to a present topic can be shown on a newspaper

Odyssey of a Flying Boat

2012-09-06T20:32:00.002-07:00

You may have heard the terms flying car, Android watch, or flexible phone, but no combination as crazy as a flying hovercraft. Unlike a typical hovercraft, this hovercraft by innovative tech company Hammacher Schlemmer can trudge through a 30% grade, soar at 70 mph, and climb 20 inches into the air.

Control

A centered joystick controls the three axes involved with flight (Vertical, Lateral, and Longitudinal Axes). The ailerons are configured as they would normally be on an airplane, in the back-center of each wing. There are three rudders made of fiberglass/PVC composite on the flying hovercraft in a carriage similar to a race car's spoiler. Just like a helicopter can hover to land, lowering the lift fan's rpm either decreases altitude or rests the hovercraft on a surface.

Engine
The challenge of creating a flying hovercraft is the intricacy of maintaining close contact between the air flow and the surface at high altitudes ("High" usually means 20 inches or greater for purposes of a hovercraft). To overcome this obstacle, the hovercraft uses a 130 hp twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine which is additionally boosted by a turbocharger and fuel injection. A turbocharged engine allows for a greater mass of air entering the cylinders per stroke. Instead of wasting energy, this engine type recycles the air by feeding it back into the cylinders. Air creates a low-pressure area and rationally provides more fuel for the engine while using the normal amount of power. Fuel injection keeps the engine efficient and running when temperatures rise or fall drastically.

Interior

The interior of Hammacher Schlemmer's hovercraft is similar to that of the Icon A5, with a minimalist yet sufficient design. The main interior controls consist of a boat radio, accelerometer, fundamental maritime gauges, keyhole activation, power switch, fuel gauge, throttle, and joystick. The joystick controls the elevator and rudders, while the throttle clearly controls speed.

Exterior

A carbon/wood composite 60-inch propeller adds the "flying" feature to the hovercraft by producing horizontal thrust. The thrust propeller maintains stable control of the hovercraft in 25 mph winds and waves up to 6'. A downward-facing 34-inch fan inflates a vinyl-coated nylon skirt and reaches 1,100 rpm. Twin 9-gallon gasoline tanks provide a range of 160 miles per fill. Of course, anything that flies needs to be as lightweight as possible. One of the lightest materials, carbon composite, can accommodate a total passenger weight of 600 pounds during flight. The technology used in the hovercraft's exterior makes the overall weight just over half a ton.

As perceived by all these features, one may wonder if this is the toy only Bill Gates plays with. The price tag of this hovercraft is $190,000, which a couple years of savings could pay for. Anyhow, the flying hovercraft is a great potential for emergency services which require quick access along quickly changing surface types. If purchasing this product is something in mind, drop by Hammacher Schlemmer's website and take a look at the videos which prove this flying wonder's capabilities.

An iOS-Centered Company's Comeback to Android's NFC Technology

2012-03-14T23:43:00.002-07:00

In 1966, people all over the world were crazed over owning a credit card, since the national credit card system had just begun to take shape. Today, 46 years later, credit card alternatives are rising and will soon eliminate credit cards. When Android’s Galaxy Nexus debuted, anticipant crowds were excited over the newly introduced Near-Field (NFC) technology. NFC enabled credit card detection just by placing your phone near an NFC-supported reader. In a smartphone-owners survey by Business Insider, 51.4% percent of the smartphones were Androids, yet we still can’t forget iPhone owners.

Approximately 33% of people who own a smartphone own an iPhone (which falls into the second majority, surpassed by the green robot). A new gadget spewed out by startup iCache, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, seems to imitate NFC technology (And in some ways, has the potential to work better). The gadget is designed as an iPhone case to increase portability. This case can digitize various credit cards using two methods, either entering data from your cards into Geode’s (The product’s name) iPhone app, or simply taking a picture of the payment cards.

Security

These days, forgetting your wallet with credit cards inside can pose a big hazard, especially if there’s no option to disable your account. Geode assures that their side of your card's safety is taken care of by providing three security measures on their end. Here are the methods, also displayed on Geode's site:

Only the user can unlock Geode with his/her fingerprint
Eliminated need to cancel and reorder credit cards if Geode is lost or stolen
Universal GeoCard has auto-timeout feature

On top of that, you might even have a password on your iPhone, providing for a portable bank vault.

Besides security, an auto-timeout feature enables a user to temporarily disable their cards before the iPhone’s battery runs out. Albeit the seemingly long process of validating your account upon checkout, CEO and founder Jon Ramaci admits that the process is speedy. Until we completely eliminate the need for payment cards, this is a great alternative to NFC technology. This high-tech case will most likely debut in Mid-May at a price of $159-$199, according to Kickstarter (iCache’s feedback program).

Google Goggles: A New Twist to Augmented Reality

2012-02-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

Augmented reality (AR) phones are gaining popularity quickly, as phones process more information about the world's places. Juniper Research analysts reported that the quantity of AR-supported smartphones represented 8 million in 2009 and sharply inclined to over 100 million in 2010 as the technology proved increasingly reliable. Not surprisingly, rumors of Google creating and selling Heads-Up Display (HUD) glasses within a few months arose in early February. Of all companies, why would Google come up with consumer-targeted HUD glasses? Google Maps, a dominant service which provides centimeter-accurate mapping, can definitely be used to locate nearby stores or addresses in a portable fashion. Like Google's experimental self-driving cars, Google Maps can be used in the form of glasses to display local data in an augmented reality aspect.

The reason why many popular news services are publishing news on this unverified product, unlike other theoretical rumors, is that a HUD glasses project at the Google X Labs, a secretive laboratory near the main campus, has already been initiated. This information was leaked by several Google employees familiar with the project. Reports seem to indicate that Google was finishing the prototype in December.

A tipster has actually seen the glasses and reports that it looks similar to the Oakley Thump model. This model will feature a front-facing camera, the ability to take pictures, and may support camera-flash. 9to5Google reports that "I/O on the [Google] glasses will also include voice input and output, and we are told the CPU/RAM/storage hardware is near the equivalent of a generation-old Android smartphone." As perceived, the employees stated that the glasses would be Android-based. Furthermore, the glasses will likely feature GPS connectivity and may support 3G/4G connectivity.

One major privacy flaw that Google is attending to includes the possibility of people being unknowingly recorded by others wearing the device. Unlike a video camera, AR glasses are inconspicuous and therefore present this potentially hazardous privacy risk. Google X is currently working on a solution to this proposed problem. As data is acquired by the AR glasses user, a synchronized cloud will update the information on all other AR glasses; technically, we're doing the detailed mapping work for Google as we travel with the glasses. New York Times author Nick Bilton reports that the glasses may interlace Google Latitude, Goggles, and Maps together in an attempt to create a portable AR browser.

Nick Bilton also adds that Google is still depicting how the glasses should be released, and speculates that a pilot program similar to the CR-48 Chromebooks is a likely technique. Google may be speculating the project as a collaborative experiment that anyone will be able to join, instead of Google selling perceived business models. This attempt by Google may be a life-changer, but we just hope that the future doesn't entail a Second Life-like world.

Lytro: Focus-Free Camera in Your Pocket

2012-01-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

Before the debut of pocket-sized light-field cameras like Lytro, the first light-field cameras 15 years ago required a whole room to initiate. So what's the difference between a light-field camera and a digital camera? The primary difference is focus; sure, we have cameras which can automatically or manually focus, but what we didn't have (before the Lytro camera came out) was a camera which could focus on different objects after the picture was taken.

History

The original project was initiated by Stanford University as an experimental research project. As the experiment became more successful, Stanford light-field researcher Dr. Ren Ng founded the company Lytro. Presumably, the objective of the company was to produce a hand-held version of the Lytro camera, technically combining a room full of instruments into one portable camera. Take note that the room-sized light-field camera was created over 15 years ago, so the technology was just an experiment back then.

Light-Field Cameras Versus DSLR Cameras
Some DSLR cameras allow the user to apply edits before or after saving the picture, although these edits commonly lack pure focus. Also, keep in mind that a majority of photos are saved under motionless file names, such as JPEG. On the other hand, Lytro allows its users to save their pictures under a format which allows them to simultaneously change the focus of a motionless picture.

While a DSLR image sensor will capture only an irreversible image with a selected set of light rays, a light-field sensor captures a greater amount of light rays with a higher capacity of colors and light in each pixel. The direction of the light rays is stored with vectors, so different focus points can be generated on the picture even after it is taken (without photo editing). Vectors are not present in traditional camera sensors.

The delay caused by a DSLR camera with auto-focus frequently messes up shots, regardless of the shutter-lag compensation by a camera's specific brand. For example, snapping pictures of specific people running a marathon wouldn't work well on a camera with auto-focus. A light-field camera allows you to focus on specific people later so you could focus on the specific marathon participant. Pre-order cost: $399-$499

Inside Lytro

i'm Watch: The Incoming Wave of Revolutionary Smartwatches

2012-01-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

On September 1st, 2010, Apple announced its 6th generation iPod Nano. The device currently features a music player, iPod + Fitness, FM radio, clock faces, and more. Even though the iPod Nano with its wristband could be labeled a smartwatch, it doesn't accommodate any app store, phone, email service, phone books, and the rest of typical smartphone features. Although people don't expect a watch to perform all these services since the screen would generally be too cluttered, companies do have the technology to make such a product.

One of the first companies to take on the idea of designing and selling smart watches is the Italian company i'm. As you would expect, i'm did appear at CES 2012 with its new product. The reason why i'm decided to utilize Android was most likely because Android is generally more flexible on third-party platforms, unlike Apple which limits its software to its own devices. Let's take a look at some of i'm Watch's primary features.

Phone, SMS, & Email Services
The watch's ability to receive calls, SMS, and email services is astonishing, since it's quite complicated to fit Wi-Fi and/or 3G compatibility into such a minuscule device. Phone calls can be answered through typical earphones which contain a microphone. The present problem of designing a watch with internet connection isn't the only one when it comes to designing a smartwatch, but the ability to type using an on-screen keyboard would get pretty frustrating. There aren't any details on how i'm will approach this problem, although I can speculate the use of speech recognition on the device.

The Screen
At CES 2012, Nokia introduced its new Lumia 800, one of the first few phones to feature a curved screen. The i'm watch will also feature a 1.5'' screen with dimensions of 240 x 240 pixels.

Music & Applications
The title of "smartwatch" wouldn't exist if there was no app store or music-playing ability. The Android device will run Android's market and will most likely allow music in the renowned mp3 format. Not only that, i'm is introducing its own app and music stores which are compatible with the watch's mobile interface; the music interface is known as i'music, while the app store is known as i'market. The names copy from Apple's idea of the minuscule i before each product's name.

Overall, smartwatch technology has been advancing ever since the 6th generation iPod Nano. i'm Watch isn't alone, the Sony SmartWatch is also following the same line of features. The new line of smartwatches is a promising one, since it allows for interesting new features and improved portability.

Self-Driving Car: 21st Century Jetsons

2012-01-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

You may have heard about the self-driving cars buzz occurring around the Google Headquarters. Google's autonomous vehicles have roamed city traffic, busy highways, and mountainous terrain for over 190,000 miles. Google's fleet of Priuses feature a mounted Velodyne 64-beam laser which continuously generates detailed 3D maps of its surrounding environment. 3D data is later merged with high-resolution world maps, allowing the Prius to navigate obstacles while obeying traffic laws.

Obviously, it would be quite dangerous to navigate roads without having collected environmental data prior to autonomous driving. This is why Google engineers travel the route a few times beforehand to collect thorough data. In a recent video displaying the car's performance at an intersection, the self-driving Prius stopped at a red light. Not a big deal. But when the light turned green, the car started a left turn until it sensed a jaywalker. The car yielded to the pedestrian harmlessly.

Before the technology of self-driving cars is released to the public, cars and continuous 3D-mapping will have to go through extensive series of thorough and aggressive testing. Although the testing may get sickening, Google engineers are having fun at the same time (see the embedded Youtube video). In the video, the autonomous Prius speeds through a parking lot while navigating a circuit of cones.

The overall benefit of implying a long-term basis of autonomous cars is that an online network could improve 3D world-mapping and merge user inputs from individual autonomous cars to create one large, detailed map. In this way, users help each other by contributing to this detailed driving map collaboratively. Autonomous cars driving close to each other would create a continuous flow of cars and therefore reduce traffic while composing a leeway for faster cars. Smarter vehicles will undoubtedly make transportation increasingly safe and efficient by reacting faster than humans and preventing more accidents.

So why self-driving cars from a company emphasizing on search-engines? Google's goal is not just to make search engines and cloud storage, it's also to make the world more environmentally stable. Now we won't go into Google-certified houses, treadmills, electricity, and things like that, but Google has the technology necessary to create such autonomous technology. The market of autonomous vehicles is still sprouting, and it has high hopes by its potential customers and will turn prosperous by the energy-saving attitude our world has today.

Skyroam Gmate: Dual-SIM Your Device

2011-12-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

The likely reason persuading someone to buy a Sciphone over another smartphone is the fact that it has dual-SIMs. Dual-SIMs allow two phone numbers and different networks on a single phone. To solve the problem for loyal Apple and Android users, Skyroam developed Gmate to add an extra SIM via Bluetooth. Not only can the palm-sized device work on phones, Gmate is compatible with the iTouch and therefore adds phone features including voice calls, SMS, and internet access through GPRS/EDGE networks.

Even though two SIM cards enable two phone numbers, Gmate allows for a single phone book, SMS, and call log; this allows a user to separate personal and business calls from each other without confusion.

For no-SIM devices, including iPads and Android tablets, Gmate serves as a SIM provider and turns your tablet into a 3G model.

If you would rather stick with the less expensive iTouch and still make calls, Gmate is the perfect choice. Gmate is also the perfect solution for iPads without 3G, since you save $31 instead of overspending on the 3G model. Price: $99 (May vary).

Specifications:

GSM Quad Band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
1 Push SIM-Card Slot
Micro USB
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Standby Time: 96 Hours, Talk Time: 4 Hours
Physical Size: 82mm x 46mm x 14mm
Weight: 48.2g
Color: Black, White, Orange
iOS Support: iPod Touch 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad, iPad2
Android Support: Most 2.0 plus android devices are supported

Galaxy Nexus: It's Official

2011-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Google's latest Droid, partnered with Samsung hardware, will be announced on October 19 in Hong Kong (based on a Tweet). Regarding my recent post on Droid ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich), the feature predictions turned out to be surprisingly accurate.

The Galaxy Nexus is the most advanced Droid of its kind, with Ice Cream Sandwich on-board to support various complicated features. Apple's been crazy about its software lately (check out my iOS 5 post), but it hasn't been putting its main focus on sensor-related hardware much (aside from advanced optics). Some sensors (particularly on Samsung's hardware version) include an accelerometer, compass gyro, proximity sensor, and latest in the trend, a barometer.

Complete Spec List

Android 4.0 Ice Cream

4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED Screen with 720p resolution

1.2GHz dual-core processor

Redsigned UI in Android 4.0

Improved multi-tasking, notifications
Wi-Fi Connectivity
16GB and 32GB variants

Android 4.0 features Software Navigation buttons – brand new

People App with Google+ Integration among other features

Redesigned camera with panorama mode, 1080p video, zero-shutter lag

Face Recognition

Complete NFC Support
Market and Gmail to Movie Studio and redesigned Google+ app

8.94mm thick, 4.29mm bezel

LTE and HSPA+ connectivity

Available in USA, Europe, and Asia

Google mentioned that "everything in between has been rethought and redesigned." The dashboard is clearly redesigned, allowing a clean, blueish interface and an increased modern image.

Follow the latest updates as Samsung and Google's ICS Event continues.

Prey: A Phenomenal Advancement to Internet Security

2011-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Burglaries seem to advance using the latest technology, but this also means that we have access to comparable types of technology for burglary counteraction. Prey, a project by Fork Ltd., uses cloud technology to help users pursuit their stolen items. By pursuit, Prey means geolocation software, Wi-Fi autoconnect, hidden webcam activation, and many more significant features. By creating an account and installing configuration software on laptops the user would like to track, Prey connects to any form of Internet (including Ethernet) to "spy" on the suspected robber.

Geolocation Awareness

Prey is Wi-Fi hungry- it will connect to Internet as soon as it has the opportunity to, and will also connect to 3G and 4G. By acquiring the location of the laptop, presets in Wi-Fi settings will allow Prey to access nearby areas. This feature narrows the search even more.

Webcam Activation

A webcam doesn't just come in handy for taking pictures and online conferences, it's also helpful to snap a few photos of the suspected burglar. Screenshots also come with the free package and pay off especially when the burglar visits a social networking site with his/her profile in display. A few months ago, a former FBI agent and NASA engineer was able to trace his Macbook Pro using Prey; he notified police of the burglar's address through screenshots of the thief's Facebook page. Obviously, the burglar did not know who and what he was dealing with.

Hidden Access

The moment someone accesses your data from your stolen computer, chances are that your identity is at risk. Prey includes the option of disallowing access to specific programs, including Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird data. An editable message can be enabled to notify the burglar that he is fried and won't get away with the theft. Another feature allows the user to set a lockout screen, requiring the thief to type in a specific password. Chances are that the thief will guess the wrong password and will be locked out permanently until the rightful owner unlocks the device again.

Compatibility

The Prey platform is compatible with Windows, Ubuntu, Android, Mac OS, and Linux. An iPhone/iPad version is yet to come and is still being worked on. The website has not given an official release date. For access to three or more devices per account, you will need to purchase a Pro account. As Prey mentions on its website, the Home option allows for a balance between cost and security. On the other hand, if you really want to go security-heavy for your house, the Max option is available at $399 a month.

Most people use the free account as it provides sufficient security measures. For those who have expensive hardware, Pro solutions may just be the best path towards full protection. Overall, Prey is the best cloud security service I've seen, not to mention that it's also free and 100% legal.

iOS 5: Features for Everything

2011-10-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

Apple recently introduced its newest and most advanced OS, iOS 5. As Apple mentioned on its site earlier, over 200 new features have been introduced through the update. Most users are happy with the new OS after the famous battery drain incident with iOS 4. A problem of the past, Apple's products can be setup without the need of a computer, right out of the box. Because there are so many apps, I'll introduce the three main features which stand out the most and will prove most helpful during your iOS transition.

Source

Notification Center
Most companies like to learn from each other's works. In this case, Apple has taken from Android to compose a similar notification center. Just like Android, the status/notification center can be viewed by a simple downward swipe at the top of the device's screen. Unlike Android, the center can be accessed from anywhere, even during an open application. Also a feature which relates to the notification center is the status window. Instead of the annoying pop-up windows which interrupted users during an open application, Apple decided to make notifications more subtle. At any time, a small window at the screen's top will fade in to notify the user if they have a new meeting, message, task, etc. Even notifications are flexible, allowing the user to choose which applications are allowed to send notifications. The lock screen used to have flaws which disallowed Apple device users to access information quickly. The new OS fixed that by allowing its users to listen to messages and do more through the lock screen, all through a swipe. Overall, the notification center was a great idea to implement on Apple devices, aside from knowing the fact that its roots came from Google's Android company.

Task List
Apple made the right decision for its iCal application to sync with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. There was only one major problem with that. Both GCal and MS Outlook contained task lists, which were not able to sync with iCal. With Apple's calendar application already cluttered with features, speculation says that the app could not fit a combined task manager. Instead, through the OS update, Apple decided to make the task organizer application separate. "Reminders" is the new task organizer and also works in sync with the cloud. Because iPhones and other Apple devices have the Maps capability, users are able to supply the area where the task should be committed. Since the iPhone has GPS capability, the "Reminders" application will automatically include locations. Users can disable this through the app's settings. Alerts are visible directly through the lock screen and notification center.

Camera & Picture Editing

In my recent post on the iPhone 4S, I mentioned that the camera application was accessible through the lock screen. For those once-in-a-lifetime momentary photos, it's an annoying situation to unlock the phone, get ready to capture the scene, and miss it. Another positive change, Apple decided to move the camera button to the lock screen for quick and easy access. To imitate a real camera, volume buttons can be used to shoot. Again making use of the cloud, photos can be directly uploaded to other compatible Apple devices. Similar to Google's Picasa, in-app accuracy and editing includes grid lines for better photo composition and improved auto-focus. Photo enhancements are also available in the "Camera" app.

Is it right for you?
As technology advances, so does our knowledge. But sometimes, technology advances past our knowledge and gets too confusing and complicated. This just makes life harder- the iPhone 3Gs already has several great features and sells at an out-of-Earth price of $0 (without plan). Nobody says you should just resort to the Jitterbug, but sometimes simple is best. For the tech-savvy, the iPhone 4S is the perfect phone, several great features included. The choice to update and/or get a new phone is really up to the type of person you are.

Android: Tale of a 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

2011-10-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

No, not a smart dessert- Android has previewed its new platform, taking another giant leap for smartphones. Clearly, Android Honeycomb played its influence on tablets so well, that the Android team at Google decided to take the next step and place the flexible platform on its phones. Every single feature on Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) has been revamped from the original Froyo, beginning with the boot and lock screen.

The purported similar boot, featured in a Youtube video, makes use of improved graphics and loading time. Flexibility is the highlight of Android phones, and is also the feature which sets Google and Apple apart. Ice Cream Sandwich will most likely debut on Verizon, as the company had a head start ever since it debuted the Samsung Galaxy II this fall. Planned by Google, ICS is meant to run on the coming Galaxy Nexus, which will reportedly have a 1,280 x 720 pixel resolution viewed through a curved glass screen. After Google retracted the original due date of both ICS and the Galaxy Nexus, the new release date has been scheduled for October 11 during CTIA 2011.

Galaxy Nexus Hardware Specifics

The Galaxy Nexus features a TI OMAP 4460 Dual-Core 1.2 GHZ processor, allowing for better graphics and faster response. Also improved is the RAM size, now increased to 1 GB. Internal storage is satisfying enough, featuring 32 GB. Although storage may not be enough for some users, remember that Google is big on cloud computing, allowing users to place several files online via programs such as Google Docs. A 5-MP camera, although not as great as the iPhone 4S, is still capable of capturing 1080 HD. Other phones also running Android ICS will most likely have higher megapixel counts. For video chatting and conferences, a 1.3-MP camera has been added in the front. Required Google Wallet hardware (NFC), will also be enabled on this model. A 1,750 mAH battery supplies long-term battery life; Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth services are also included. The suspected phone width will be 9 mm thick.

Google Wallet

From coins, bills, to plastic cards- our evolving methods of payment just haven't stopped yet. Now, Google's in charge of the next change - where else can our money go? Also compatible with Android 4.0 ICS, Google Wallet is designed to completely replace your wallet and convert it into a virtual wallet. If Google Wallet works on a virtual platform, how is money transferred to your payments? New hardware, featured on the proposed Galaxy Nexus, will allow the user to tap a Google phone on the payment reader at a store. The phone will then send the user's payment, and Google will report offers and loyalty information to get you the latest coupons and discounts. This technology will allow a large increase in savings, giving discounts to you instead of you searching for them.

Google+ 2.0

In ICS, the well-known Google+ application will be updated again, allowing newer features which are more compatible towards Google Phones. Unlike Apple, Google does not particularly limit their operating systems to their own products- the company merely makes their utilities more compatible with their programs. The new application may include an improved photo upload system and sharing settings. As Google's newer phones debut, Google+ will also update to match improved features with newer hardware.

Overall, Google's new platform will be a total change from its past platforms, taking Android Honeycomb's ancestry roots along with it. To Google, the definition of "smartphone" is now "smartlife."

Apple Does it Again

2011-10-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

Despite, Steve Jobs's death, Apple has been keeping its pace in advancing technology. In case you didn't hear, the iPhone 4S is out. Some fans were hyped up for a laser keyboard or 3D viewing, but Apple met only some of the expectations and may be saving these "inventions" for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 4S makes use of iOS 5, bringing over 200 new features. One dominant addition is the notification center, where Apple uses the same idea as Android's notification toolbar. The iPhone 4S's body looks are similar to those of the iPhone 4, although antennae technology is improved. Several new features have been added, revolutionizing the invention of the smartphone again.

Siri
Still in its beta stage, Siri is Apple's answer to smart voice-text conversion. Apple designed this application to intake "regular" commands, just as if you were talking to your friend. When on the run, users just speak to their phone, which then Siri converts the speech into an application prompt or text message. For example, if I were to say "Where's the closest ATM?" Siri would translate this into a map search for nearby ATM locations and provide you with a handy list. Text messaging is also one of the dominant services, through which Siri sends a text message to a designated contact by a voice command. The application is also programmed to accept natural human errors, including "hmm and ahh." Siri is designed to open specific programs on the phone, including calendar, SMS, weather, maps, email, contacts, alarm, stocks, and asking about Siri itself. The only problem with too many commands is that it can lead to confusion of both the user and application, becoming useless in handling tasks. Siri completely sets the iPhone 4 and 4S apart, being one of the major differences.

Dual-Core A5 Chip
As with Apple's past phones, the graphics, performance, and battery used by the chip is greatly increased in terms of efficiency. Short battery life, famous after the iOS 4 update, has been increased; a single charge delivers up to 8 hours of talk time through 3G and 6 hours of surfing the internet. The display quality has also been increased, and surfing the web can reach up to 2 times faster.

Camera
HD camera or iPhone? Or both? The iPhone 4S's camera is made up of 8 megapixels, accomplishing high-definition picture and video taking. The iPhone 4S has 60% more megapixels than its predecessor. The aperture has been increased to f/2.4, allowing more light to come through. Light is balanced throughout the photo, and a fifth lens has been added for even clearer views. Autofocus on the phone is enhanced to recognize faces more easily. Feedback after clicking the picture-taking button is faster than before, enabling less blurry photos. The camera button is accessible through the lock screen, allowing easy access when taking a one-chance photo.

The Cloud
Along with iCloud, AirPlay and AirPrint both make use of cloud technology, allowing users to connect to devices without the need of wires. You can now set up your iPhone without the need of connecting to a PC or Mac. The iPhone 4S is now a worldwide phone, broadcasting over 3G and GSM networks. Battery drain is less over GSM, as quality and other connection factors pitch in.

Comment on what you think about Apple's new device and what you'd like to see in the future iPhone.

Kindle Fire: Scorching Tablets out of its Way

2011-09-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Amazon has unveiled the iPad’s battle opponent, the Amazon Kindle Fire. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled the Kinde Fire at an amazing price, $199. The price factor causes the greatest advantage over other tablets, and will definitely attract a greater amount of customers. Amazon’s digital content, enabled on the Kindle Fire, includes more than 1 million e-books, 100,000 movies and TV shows, and 17 million songs. All of this content is made possible through Google’s Android OS, which enables the tablet user to download apps and games off of the market. Although storage space in the device itself is quite low (8 GB), Amazon entitles its customers to free cloud storage. Cloud storage is not enabled if not connected to Wi-Fi, so users will not be able to access their songs and other downloaded content when on the road.

To persuade buyers, Amazon grants 1 free month of Amazon’s shipping service, Amazon Prime, which gives users unlimited two-day shipping on items from Amazon. Free access to 11,000 movies and shows are also part of this trial. The full version costs $79.

Unlike other unsuccessful book stores, Amazon has sold more e-books than printed books, clearly showing that the Kindle line is the most important factor keeping up the company’s sales. According to Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman, Amazon could sell as many as 3 million Fires by the end of 2011. When the iPad was released in April 2010, Apple has sold over 29 million iPads, and over 9 million in only the June quarter.

The Fire is obviously meant to be an e-reader, but customers often overlook this fact and rely on apps and other features, such as cameras, to tell which tablet to buy. This is why so many products, including the Kindle, often end up with different and more versatile features. The outcome of the fight between Apple’s iPad and the Fire is hard to tell this early, as both have different features overlooking each other.

The Kindle Fire is a device meant to lead with content, not hardware, as its older family always has. The Fire will undoubtedly raise awareness of the successful business. Overall, the tablet will have a successful outcome in the e-reader business, and it’s just another step to the world’s modern future.

Lenovo's G Series: G570

2011-09-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Although not the ultimate computer of the 21st century, the Lenovo G570 has amazing features for its low price. This laptop, weighing under 5 pounds, runs Windows 7 Home Premium and features Lenovo's new RapidBoot technology. This application starts your PC in about 20 seconds faster than a typical Windows 7 PC. Normally, most Windows (and maybe Mac) computers have far longer boot times as they age. You might notice that your considerably old PC delays startup for a few seconds. The G570 is one of the Lenovo laptops which are compatible with HDMI ports. Three USB ports surround the laptop, and the charger input is located in a convenient spot. The screen is bright even on the lowest setting, and uses Lenovo's Energy Management to stretch its lifetime even further. To make the situation even more luxurious, the surface of the laptop is made of brushed metal, hiding the heat generated from the cooling fan. I definitely recommend you get this laptop, and take advantage of Lenovo's many discounts as they come.

Ford Mustang X1: Project Supercar

2011-09-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

While on duty for the Civil Air Patrol at the annual Watsonville Airshow and Fly-in, I had the opportunity to stop by the Air Force's "Project Supercar" trailer. This travelling station is used mainly for Air Force recruiting and its tech features. To have access to the inside of the trailer, I signed up on the Air Force's website and received a wristband that had the same effect as your thumb on a thumbprint reader. After seeing what the Air Force had to offer, I stepped outside of the trailer, looked to my right, and saw the dream everybody wanted to see. The Air Force Mustang X1 supercar, an airplane without wings, seemed like it was cleared for takeoff. The gullwing doors gave it that "airplane" style, and revealed the cockpit/dashboard of the car. This car is designed to look like an F-16 inside. An F-16 joystick is used to control the gears, and a yoke to serve the same application as a steering wheel. Designers wanted to relate the inside of the car to an F-16 as much as possible, so they added an ejection seat. The ejection seat is obviously disabled, as there's no sunroof on the car. Its infrared vision, or commonly called night vision, allows the driver to see the outside clearly and brightly by detecting given off heat and radiation. Strobe lights are an added feature, but aren't quite necessary. Chances are that if you're at your state's national or largest airshow you will see and definitely hear this car rev up its engines, and maybe even get a chance to sit inside the cabin... or cockpit.

Offline Gmail: Google Has Done it Again

2011-09-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

You wish you were connected all the time, because your life is on the internet. Everything you do, talk about, or contact is online, which isn't a bad thing. So when you're not connected, it's a big problem. Google has come with a solution (again) to mend that depression when you're offline. Available in the Chrome Web Store, Offline Gmail enables users to access their emails and compose, reply, and delete messages. The user's changes will take effect as soon as his device gains connection. This offline application works because of Gears, a Google in-browser program which stores downloaded or cached data offline in a readable program. The application's design is the mobile version of Gmail stretched out onto your computer screen. The modern look provides a clean and simple-to-use interface to work with your emails. Although just graduated from Gmail labs, features will be updated frequently. As with the new Blogger interface, Google wants feedback on its new application. Not only has the web giant launched an offline version of Gmail, but offline Calendar (available in Labs) and Docs are still in the making. Feedback input is created as a Google Group, which makes it easier to talk and negotiate problems with other users. All of these offline applications aren't necessarily needed if your device has 3G, which has been completely revolutionized by the new Chrome OS, obviously by Google. Google has done it again.

SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger: Connection Everywhere, Everytime

2011-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

You've been rock-climbing for miles in the middle of nowhere, when disaster strikes and you're stranded on the rock. You pull out your cellphone, but obviously there's no signal. You give up hope for living, until you remember that you have your satellite communicator device with you. An SOS message is sent, and a helicopter picks you up in no time. The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is one of the best satellite communicator devices on the market today keeping you safe and connected 24/7. The device contains several functions, with the Basic Service Plan at a minimum of $100 per year. The best feature this device contains is the SOS signal emitter which notifies emergency services of your GPS location. The black help button, indicated by two hands, notifies contacts that you are not in an emergency situation, but that you just need help. There are so many more features not explained here, but you can find the plans and prices on Spot's website.

Nissan Leaf: This Green World

2011-08-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Cars are getting better everyday, but gas prices definitely aren't. 4 years ago, gas prices got as low as $1.61, and today, it's $3.62 per gallon. Now, car companies, like Tesla and Nissan, want their cars to run on 100% electricity. Teslas can be bought for $100,000, but the new Nissan Leaf will cost about $35,200. Looks don't matter too much these days, as we're already going through an economic depression. Two models are getting developed right now: The 2012 Nissan Leaf SV (starting at $35,200) and the 2012 Nissan Leaf SL (starting at 37,250). In the SL model, a quick charge kit provides an 80% charge in about 30 minutes. A solar panel spoiler charges your car on the go, which is a feature only in the SL model. In case your current batteries run out, a backup battery is provided which keeps you running to the nearest recharging or repair station. The top speed is 90 miles per hour, a fast and efficient speed for an all-electric car. Like the Toyota Hybrid, a regenerative braking system is also used to provide more power for the car. The inside of the car includes a Bluetooth platform and an outstanding sound system. A new phone app enables the user to control several features of the car using a simple touch or swipe. The Leaf also took the award of the 2011 Car of the Year. This car is good for you, your wallet, and the environment. Next time you go to Starbucks, don't charge your computer; charge your car.

Windows 8: Microsoft Refreshed

2011-08-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has released a new blog on its expected Windows 8, which is supposed to be a complete revision of any other Windows platform seen before. A factor of versatility includes the ability to run on both touchscreen and desktop/laptop platforms while running the same programs. A preview of Windows 8, uploaded in June, provides a great summary of the platform and how it will run. It will also be the first platform to run on Intel x86 chips and specific apps. Because of this completely new and refreshed idea, many people's thoughts will change about Microsoft and the company. Steven Sinofsky, President of Windows and the Windows live division, explained that, "Our focus on performance, reliability, compatibility, security, and quality is now baked into our engineering process as we change Windows for a new generation."

In the snapshot of a previewed Windows 8 tablet (shown as the blog picture), there are several different touchscreen tiles featuring different apps or programs. Windows has now incorporated the "cloud concept" of fusing your data with social networks. Instead of the classic "Open file" feature in order to upload to Facebook or Twitter, Windows will automatically give you the option of uploading directly to Facebook/Twitter. A Windows Store app contains many well-known Xbox games, which are incorporated with Windows Live. A Hotmail account may be required for several online or multiplayer apps, just like Google requires a Google account for most, if not all of its online applications. Internet Explorer is completely changed, as it is much faster and gives you a sleek feeling which is more touchscreen friendly. Like the iOS software, a weather application with the current weather and temperature is also displayed on the front page. If using a tablet, it is quite hard to type using the standard keyboard while trying to hold the device at the same time, unless you're using one finger. The Windows 8 keyboard fixes this problem by giving you the option to switch to a thumb-friendly keyboard.

Just because I've been talking mainly about tablets using Windows, it does not mean that it's not for laptops or desktops. In fact, it is definitely versatile for most forms of Microsoft devices. Simply, the Windows 8 platform is a stretched out Windows phone. Hardware, such as a mouse or headset, will not affect the way the platform works. Overall, I think that this will be Window's biggest software success, and it may even become one of the best operating systems in the world.

Dell Inspiron Duo

2011-03-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Duo is the latest type of tablet PC's, its main feature is the ability to change from a tablet to a regular laptop. The Duo has a background dashboard, which enables the user to maneuver directly to photos, videos, e-books, and other similar features. Its base OS is Windows 7 Professional; the Duo's webcam is 1.3 MP. 1.3 MP is not the best camera megapixel setting out there, but it's good enough for a typical laptop. The Dell laptop contains 2 GB of RAM. Unlike the Apple iPad, the laptop supports flash. One specific negative feature is the lack of an SD card port, although there are 2 USB ports. The main Dell price is $550; alternatively, you can choose to pay $20 a month.

Nintendo 3DS

2011-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

The Nintendo 3DS will be coming out soon; the main and newest technology introduced in this portable gaming device is the capability of 3D viewing without the need of glasses. This 3D feature is flexible and can be set to none, medium, or full 3D. The 3DS also features 3D photo-taking; there is still a browser, like the DSi. Miis, or funny-looking humans with no legs, are enabled on the new device. Other newly introduced technology includes gyrosensors, like the Wii, and an MP3/AAC music player. Similar to the Sony NGP, the 3DS will be equipped with the online multiplayer feature. The 3DS can be pre-ordered at Amazon for $249.99.

Microsoft Surface

2011-02-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Have you heard anyone talking about the iPad mat? Well, that's not real, at least for now. Microsoft has come up with the Microsoft Surface, an enlarged Windows tablet. A new side-OS, Surface 2.0, was mixed with Windows 7 to produce the Surface. You can think of the Surface as a see-through table with a large Windows 7 tablet beneath it. Obviously, the Surface is touchscreen and human-interactive; the camera is merged with a program called PixelSense, which allows it to recognize its surroundings. There is a slightly different taskbar, designed to be simpler to access different areas on the screen. The Microsoft Surface can interact with particular Windows phones. The interactive table is called the Samsung SUR40. The price is unknown, but it will probably be a few thousand dollars because of the large screen size.

Asus EEE Slate PC

2011-02-27T23:44:00.000-08:00

The newest iPad rival out there, the Asus EEE Slate PC, is well-created, mainly because it applies very new features that aren't really Windows-like. Microsoft named its motto as "It's very PC, it's not very PC." That phrase is not easy to understand; however, it is the first Windows PC ever to feature a wireless remote control program and Windows Product Scout. Unlike the iPad, the EEE PC 's battery only lasts a little more than 3 hours, so expect it to drain its battery quickly during your trip. New technology in the slate includes hand and drawing recognition. The PC can also recognize a hand-drawn math formula and other complicated gestures. It also features a front-facing webcam for video-chat. The Asus EEE Slate PC runs Windows 7 Home Premium. The slate can come in either 32GB ($969.03) or 64GB ($1,099).