If you think about Ben Ten Ultimate Alien games, or something like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat: wherever there is an arena and two combatants involved, you’ve effectively got the same game clad in different colours. Every combatant has a special skill, power or weapon. Every arena is differently designed. But the basic mechanics – and therefore the basic gameplay options – of all situations are the same.

Yet people who like to play action games have different preferences. Someone who likes Street Fighter may not like Mortal Kombat. Someone who likes Ben Ten Ultimate Alien games may not like either of the others.

The reason for this is the same reason why people like different kinds of films and books, despite their being only seven kinds of story in the world. Top dressing and personality account for much more of our tastes than the basic mechanics of the things we are doing or seeing. Otherwise we’d all like every dish ever cooked by anyone – because ultimately they are all some ingredients combined in a way that makes something edible.

Street Fighter, for example, appeals to people who like cartoonish action games. The violence in Street Fighter games is laughable (in a good way) – stretchy limbs, people appearing and disappearing all over the place: even a green monster that can turn himself electric. Mortal Kombat, on the other hand, is much more visceral and serious (indeed some might say nasty): with killer moves designed to actually kill the loser on screen.

Ben Ten Ultimate Alien games fall more into the category of Street Fighter than Mortal Kombat – and so are more suitable for younger players, who like the cartoon. Indeed, liking the cartoon is an excellent way (as noted at the start) of working out what action games you are likely to enjoy and which ones you should probably avoid. Given that the gameplay is roughly the same, go with the characters you love.

There are (also as noted) some variations on the basic action game themes. For instance, some Ben Ten Ultimate Alien games allow you to create your own monsters and even game levels. This is a habit first picked up by games programmed in the mid 1980s, originally racing games where you could specify the different parts of your craft. The idea quickly spread to action games, where you became able to pick different weapons and characteristics for your players – notably in Budokan, where you could train your player in different martial arts.

Nike+ Training TR1 Lunar Footwear

Are you a fitness freak? If the answer is yes, then there is good news for you. Nike has launched a new range of sports shoes that is integrated with Bluetooth and sensors. The sensors are going to measures that heart rate and other vital functions of the body and pass it over to your iPhone that is connected with the shoe with the help of the Bluetooth incorporated in it. A free application can be installed in the phone and it is continuously going to monitor your workout sessions and give you important feedbacks for further improvement.

Philips Fidelio SoundSphere Mini Wireless Speaker System

This hi tech wireless speaker is ideally suited for home as well as office. The sound clarity of this sleek device is awesome and it is extremely space efficient as well. Another exclusive feature of this gadget is that it has an integrated iPhone plug in dock whereby the phone can be directly connected with the speaker or else the speaker can also be connected with the computer with the help of a USB.

PlayStation 3

For all the gaming freaks the PS3 is a must have gadget. It will provide the active gamers with unsurpassable gaming experience on a big screen. The usage of this device is not limited to gaming alone, you can also watch movies in it with a blue ray DVD and it can also be connected to the internet.

Samsung T27B750 HD Monitor

This is by far the sleekest and the most stunning monitor that is available in the market right now. This 27inch gorgeous looking device can be used as a PC monitor as well as a high definition TV. Adding this up in your list of gadgets will not only enhance the look of your interiors but at the same time it is also a space efficient alternative in a small household.

Cannon EOS Rebel T3i

Taking a leap from the point and shoot camera directly to the SLR range is not a very good idea. This new range of Canon camera will be your perfect guide if you want to explore more into the world of photography. It will help you in learning the techniques of taking beautiful snaps so that you can move on to better range of cameras in the near future.

A2 B Velocity Electric Bike

This is the latest range of e-bikes that is sleeker and awesome to look at. The e-bikes are an amalgamation of the mechanism of a bike with that of the battery run mopeds that help you to move around the city at a speed of around 20mph. This is an ideal eco friendly transport for all who are campaigning to go green.

These were the top 6 innovations of the year 2012 that has become extremely popular among the masses because of their diverse functionality as well as stunning appearance.

About the Guest Author:

The above article is written by RP who is the co-own this Gadget blog. She loves to write articles on technology and specially on gadgets because of her passion for the same.

Setting up a home network should be a simple process but problems can arise which are beyond the scope of the average internet user. Choosing an internet service provider that offers a 24-hour technical helpline dedicated to broadband and networking issues is the best option.

Having a broadband connection set up for home networking is essential these days, but unless you are something of a networking buff it is not quite as simple to set up correctly as certain TV advertisements would suggest.

Equipment

The equipment varies slightly depending on whether you are setting up a cable modem or an ADSL router, but the principle is very much the same. Common devices added to home networks include PCs, laptops, tablets, printers and game consoles.

There are three different ways that devices can be connected to the network and each device will require an integral wireless network card, an Ethernet cable or an external wireless modem (dongle).

fter installing any software required, Windows systems can be set up using the Wireless Network Setup Wizard to associate the device to the router.

Common Software Problems

Sometimes the set-up can go smoothly, especially if there are only one or two devices in addition to the main PC, but there can sometimes be some teething troubles initially. Those who feel confident in attempting to resolve issues themselves can use these tips but those who do not should contact their ISP's help desk for further instructions.

A situation can arise in which the devices all appear to have connected to the network but are unable to 'see' each other or one specific device simply refuses to connect (a well-known problem with a popular brand of laptop running Vista).

In either of these instances, the two most common error messages which may be shown are:

• Unable to renew your IP address
• Unable to clear the DNS cache

In many cases, using the in-built Windows function to repair the network connection will often resolve the problem. If not, it will have to be dealt with individually.

Fix for 'Unable to Renew Your IP Address

This is the most common error with a very simple fix that will often resolve the problem. To obtain a new IP address:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
Type in ipconfig/renew > Enter

Fix for 'Unable to Clear the DNS Cache'

Log on as administrator and then follow these steps:

Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services > MMC Plugin
Locate 'DNS Client' in the list and double-click
Change the Start-up Type from Disabled to Manual > Apply
Restart the PC

Common Hardware Problems

Problems with hardware can manifest themselves in various ways. Cold spots are areas in the house where there is no wireless signal. They can often be resolved by relocating the router. A slow connection can be caused by physical faults, so begin by checking all cables and network cards for defects before attempting any other type of fix. Connection dropouts are usually caused by the ISP or (rarely) a faulty router.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The UK has three main internet service providers - BT, Sky TV and Virgin - but there are several other smaller services from which to choose. Most UK ISPs supply the hardware free of charge as an inclusive part of their package prices, but it is not always ideal for the needs of their customers.

In the US, the top three ISPs are Comcast, AT & T and Time Warner and they are much more competitive than UK providers. This is not just in terms of price, but also in the quality of their home networking equipment and their customer-service policies. Broadband Expert has Time Warner Cable internet information, which makes for very interesting reading.

Broadband Expert is a comparison site with a difference. It only compares broadband services and it is full of useful reviews, guides and articles, which are invaluable in helping to make an informed decision about UK providers.

Downloading torrents is fun. However, not only do the torrent files use much of your system, you also need to check them from time to time to make sure they are downloading fine. Moreover, in cases of power failures, or restarting of the PC, you need to recheck your torrent files and set them back on track. Most importantly, other processes are hindered when torrents download simultaneously.

The good news is, there is a way to resolve this dilemma, and it is almost free of cost! You do not need additional hardware to create it. The solution is known as the Torrent box, which will allow you to download and manage torrent remotely. A torrent box is simply a PC that is solely dedicated for operating and seeding torrent files.

Why Go for a Torrent Box?

There are many reasons to choose a torrent box for remote downloading, such as:

• You can create a torrent box yourself
• You only need an old PC to create a torrent box
• A torrent box does not even need a monitor!
• You can monitor and download torrent remotely, while using another system for other purposes.
• You virtually do not have to spend an additional penny to create a torrent box.
• It allows smooth handling remotely.
• You do not need additional space in the house to place the torrent box as it can work without a monitor.
• It is easy to make.

Creating a Torrent Box for Yourself

Creating a torrent box is not difficult at all.  You can make one for yourself following the simple instructions given in this article. Begin by assembling the some tools. These include your current (or even an old) PC, a hosting software like Microsoft, and most importantly, torrent! Once you have these building materials at hand, you are ready to create your personal Torrent box!

1. Install the Software

Begin by installing Windows, or even Linux, on your system. Although doing this is not really necessary, you will feel an improvement in performance if your start with a fresh software. However, the main reason for this step is actually changing the format of the hard drive.

2. Hard Drive Format

The FAT32 driver has the size limit of 4GB. However, that will not support the amount of downloads you hope for.  Let’s face it, you are only reading this article because you love to download and are looking for ways to expand your horizon!  For increased disk space, format your drive to NTFS. That way you can seed and share files greater in size than 4GB!

3. Shared Drive/Folder

After installing and setting the appropriate format, you should create a shared folder or a shared file. All you need to do is to create a new folder on your download drive. Right click, and select “Share”. All the downloaded files will go in this folder. Creating a shared drive or folder will help you to achieve remote data access easily.

4. Torrent Set-Up

After working on your PC, you need to set up torrent. If you have not downloaded it already, you can do so simply by visiting www.utorrent.com. Download the latest version. After that, tap Ctrl­+P to access the Preferences dialog.

To avoid the problem of restarting torrent every time the PC gets off, go to the “General” tab and click on “Start torrent on Startup”. As the name of the option suggests, your file download or upload will continue after your PC restarts. You do not have conduct the whole procedure yourself!

After this, go to Web UI and fill up your username and password in “Enable Web UI”.

5. Enable Remote Access

Start up the torrent box and make sure that it is connected to a server. If you do not have connectivity, you need to call a service provider such as www.broadband-expert.co.uk, otherwise you cannot move on.
On a separate machine (which is also connected), visited the following address, http://192.168.0.x:port/gui.  “X” is your computer’s location on the network. “Port” is the port of your torrent’s file sharer, or an alternate listening port. At this time, you would have to enter the name and password again. You will then manage your torrents from this page.

The tablet PC has been an enigma. Launched amid much hype and hoopla, it was found to be overpriced and never really caught on. It was Microsoft who got the ball rolling but the price drove the customers away. At present, with the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, the tablet PC has no chance of making a comeback. Since users can browse the internet on their phones, they don’t need tablet PCs. They can visit the Broadband Expert website where you can get mobile internet. All this could change with the Windows-Android hybrid being produced by Asus. 

They have announced that their new All in One (AiO) is compatible with Android and Windows. And not only that! They are planning to run Android on a gargantuan tablet, no less than 18 inches (a foot and a half) in size. While not exactly setting the tech industry on fire, the announcement has surely turned a few heads. The one question that remains is whether the new hybrids are beauties or beasts.

Are Windows and Android Compatible?

Asus has claimed that AiO can run Windows as a full desktop and the Android on a tablet which means it is compatible with both operating systems. But are Windows and Android compatible with each other? The relatively recently launched Windows 8 tablets have been praised but they are not able to run the apps and programs that have been designed for iOS and Android.

Android, on the other hand, has emerged as Apple’s main competitor in the market. A hybrid of the two operating systems can be only good news. It all makes perfect sense as Windows cannot run Android applications. Now, users who want to use Windows but have a thing for Android apps can use them simultaneously.

The idea is that the device could be assembled and used akin to a desktop PC or a laptop. You can simply use the screen if you want like a tablet. What this means is that users are getting the main features of both operating systems without having to compromise on quality.

What about the Chips?

When running Android and Windows together, Asus has to find a way to get the respective chips to work. They have found a way to make it work by assigning the dock to the x86 chip. The ARM chip will be installed in the tablet area. That way, you can choose to run the tablet only during which time Windows will not work. As you know, running a tablet only consumes lesser power than running both systems.

There is a potential drawback to the use of two chips. Unless they are easy to use, users who aren’t tech-savvy would have a hard time changing them again and again. Also, there can be cost issues because of using two chips. There is no official or unofficial word yet regarding the price of the AiO.

Why 18 Inches?

The design of the AiO is similar to the usual desktop PC that you use. The difference is that you can dislodge the screen and use it as an Android tablet. However, since it is a desktop, the screen has to be big. This is the reason why Asus has announced an 18 inch size for the tablet. It may confound most readers as they are used to tablets that are 10 inches in size at the most.

Surely, they are not expecting to take the market by storm. But the X-factor they have gained by combining the desktop and the tablet into one device is going to pay dividends. One major factor is that people who usually have trouble using touch screens because of large hands won’t have any problems with the AiO.

Bottom-Line

The final verdict can only be delivered when the AiO is launched. This is the first truly dual-mode device and it is uncertain how the users will respond to it. It may be the next big thing or may be a complete dud, no one knows. When talking about relevance, it does seem strange that people would buy the AiO when they can get a tablet or laptop that has the same functionalities. They simply have to visit the Broadband Expert website where you can get mobile internet. The novelty will wear off sooner or later. Let’s wait and watch rather than calling them beauties or beasts right now.

The above article is written By Roxanne Peterson

Google and Facebook is having a cold war that popped out in the public eye lately. I mean both of them are considered as two of the biggest giants dominating the Internet Market and things are not going smooth between them.  While Facebook aims in connecting people with others through their 900 Millin plus user base, Google is trying to expand their horizon with Chromebooks and the Android OS.

Some of the reasons as to why Facebook is still behind Google is fundamentally due to Google’s Massive search engine which provides us a one way portal to the web. As of May 2012, if we think of the web as three major chunks then it would be Google for their Search, YouTube (which is a part of Google) for Videos and Facebook for the ultimate social networking satisfaction. As you can clearly see that the search giant is dominating the race by a 2:1 Ratio. 

After going IPO Investors including Mark Zuckerberg knew then in order to make Facebook a long lasting company and overcome the mere tagline of “Company of the decade” they need to expand to other areas as well.  We recently got some rumors regarding the brand new Facebook phone and how they hired a guy who used to work at Apple previously for its development. 

Now that Facebook officially slashed Google Chrome from their recommended web browser list, it may very well hint that Facebook may be developing a dedicated browser as well. I mean why would you simply not recommend a browser that just became the most used defeating the long term winner Internet Explorer.

All the facts and evidence suggest that Facebook and Google are having an unhealthy relationship which will become even more crystal clear in the coming months.  

HTC has launched their flagship smartphone at a time when the cellular company is going through a financial turmoil. HTC One X proved everyone in the tech industry why HTC is one of the leading players when it comes to high end feature packed smartphones.  With One X HTC blasted each and every smartphone on the market in terms of features as well as design. This review is going to be divided into three parts Looks Features and Functionality.

Looks

From the time you unbox HTC One X you will immediately fall in love with the curvy high quality finish of the product. There are currently two version of the phone White and Charcoal Black. I must say that the white version looks a lot cooler although the black one looks sexy enough when you carry it around.  The back side consists of a non- removable  polycarbonate plastic under which lays the massive battery. You must be wondering how to insert your SIM Card? HTC added a dedicated SIM Card slot on top allowing you to insert your SIM easily.

On the left hand side of the phone you have a mini USB Port whereas on the right hand side you have the dedicated lock and volume rocker buttons. On the top there is the Sim Slot as well as a 3.5 mm Headphone Jack. The back of the phone contains the 8 Megapixel camera embedded inside a roundish hinged area followed by a slit that holds the Backlit LED Flash. 

The overall structure of the phone is beautiful and looks curvy if you view it from the side. The Polycarbonate Area feels a little lack in quality although it is nothing major but HTC should have gone with metal back cover like their Sensation Series.  Below the 4.7 Inch Screen lies dedicated touch sensitive buttons which are pretty easy to use. HTC One X has some of the best looks and is very comfortable to use on a daily basis. 

Features

HTC One X comes loaded with lots and lots of cool features that makes the phone truly top of the line for the Android Parade. Firstly it comes packed with whopping 1.5 GHz Quad Core Nvidia Tegra 3 Processor that makes the phone blazing fast no matter whichever application you are using.  In order to support true hassle free multitasking One X comes packed with 1GB of RAM ensuring that you can work with multiple applications efficiently. 

The 4.7 Inch Screen fits 1024-720 Pixels which means it’s the first ever HTC phone to support 720p display resolution. The display is crystal clear and some of you might find it better than the retina display of iPhone 4S.

The 8 Mega Pixel rear camera comes with Autofocus and ability to record videos as 1080p Full HD. There is also a LED Flash Light which is quite powerful and a perfect solution for low light environment. The Front camera is situated on the top right hand side which can take pictures at 1.3 Mega Pixel and can do video calling at 720p. This means that HTC One X is truly a HD Phone where even the front camera supports HD resolutions unlike most of the other smartphones out there in the market.

The Volume Rocker buttons are pretty easy to use and the 3.5 mm Headphone Jack can be plugged in with a Beats Audio Headphone that comes with the entire package.  The touch sensitive buttons at the bottom of the phone are pretty handy to use with the normal back home screen and search buttons like most of the other Android Devices. The speaker system is pretty clear and decent also. Last but not the least I loved the way you insert the Sim Card as the battery is non- removable.

Functionality

Okay now that we are at the last part of our review the first thing that we need to talk about in this segment is the all new HTC Sense 4. Trust me, it’s the best mobile interface out there in the market. All the animations are pumped up and you now have the settings page categorized into several groups like General, Connectivity etc. allowing you to find each and every segment quite easily. Once you reach the end of each page you will find a nice little effect that prompts you that you are at the end of the page.

The Home Screen carousal transition looks beautiful and with the new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS giving you easier access to the dock below and change certain widgets. There is a dedicated button for recent apps and once you select it you with see a 3D interface of all the apps running and you can simply swipe any app upwards to end the task. In a nutshell HTC Sense 4 is mind blowing and feels like Star Trek kind of interface.

One of the most talked about function of this phone is the camera. Trust me the shutter speed is awesome and the best part is you can shoot videos and take photos simultaneously. There is a readymade application for adding nice little effects to your photos although I prefer Instagram and other external applications that the default HTC one.

Games look stunning on the brilliant display as they are powered by the new Nvidia Tegra 3 processor.   The Beats Audio Headphone provides awesome sound quality.

Conclusion

HTC has done it once again with their flagship device HTC One X. They proved to the entire tech industry that they are here to stay for the long run even when critics started writing pessimistic article after some troublesome financial year in 2011. With HTC One X the company is focusing to give users the old fashioned HTC experience and it is truly the best Android Smartphone in the market right now.  

The advent of the PS Vita is an incredible thing; putting powerful recreational technology into our hands, it would be madness if we – as a people – did not take advantage of this. The easiest and most obvious way in which to do that would be to partake of the plethora of (or perhaps “wealth of” would be apropos, depending on how you see it) games available as Vita launch titles.

The Vita has/had a great many launch titles to choose from, some say as many as around thirty games have been made available for the powerful handheld device, right from the go. Thirty might seem a lot to choose from, so if anyone out there feels walled in by the sheer amount of choice on offer, then they should worry no more! Here’s a nifty list of what we think are the best starting games for the Vita, catering for an abundance of personal tastes, as – like the games – everyone is different in some respect.

Wipeout 2048
Forever associated with the PlayStation (it was a staple game of the PS3), this futuristic space racing game has long been a favourite of fans the world over. The fast and frenetic racing action is certainly back with a bang on the Vita, with the new technology behind it looking as impressive as always. Features on this version of the game include the ability to race against other Vita users in close proximity, meaning that there is always a challenger nearby to test your skills against. Improved tilt control for steering is also included and add to this real-time microphone usage in the form of voice-activated weaponry, then you have one intriguing launch title.

Uncharted: Golden Abyss
The fourth entry in the action-packed Uncharted franchise, Uncharted Golden Abyss once again places you in command of the rather spritely Nathan Drake as he seeks to uncover the mystery behind a 400 year-old massacre of a Spanish expedition. This truly is one game that is brought to life by the fantastic tech behind the Vita’s touch screen. With crisp, vibrant visuals and a tight control scheme (with controls being both touch and motion-based, for added immersion and variety), Golden Abyss is certainly a title that action/adventure fans would be mad to miss out on.

F1 2011
Another Vita treat for racing fans, yet this time taking place in the modern era, F1 2011 may be stamped with last year’s date, but don’t let that fool you as to the quality and skill behind this title. Players and critics alike have lauded the vast majority of improvements that this title packs, which include the obligatory handling of the cars and the AI itself. With a whole host of fully-licensed features (drivers, tracks, cars and the like), a single-player career mode and multiplayer options, this is another title that is packed to the brim with stuff to do, and one you surely won’t tire of anytime soon.

Rayman Origins
Beating out its release on the Vita’s sister console, the Nintendo 3DS, by an entire month, Rayman is back once again in a madcap, whirlwind adventure. The strangely-limbed character is bolstered by the sharp graphics afforded to him by the Vita’s powerful technology, as well as having new and improved Vita-specific controls added, such as being able to pinch and zoom into/around levels like never before. A fast-paced and fun adventure game, which is only added to by the mobility and overall performance lent to it by the Vita.

FIFA Football
Or FIFA Soccer, depending on which part of the globe you might inhabit, is another fantastic launch title for the Vita. Now in its smallest and perhaps most beautiful incarnation, the OLED touch screen breaths new life into the franchise with its stunning HD graphics and immense portability, one might even say that it rivals the PS3 version in terms of quality – something supported by the fact that the engine used to run this one is closely based on the PS3’s own version. Making full use of motion and touch screen-based controls, one has never been closer to the action; yet with the Be a Pro mode – a mode in which you create a likeness of yourself in-game, developing skills and stats along the way – the Vita might be able to take you just that little bit closer.

Article courtest of Christina O'Connor. Christina enjoys nothing more than a good FPS session on her water-cooled super PC (yeah, she's a girl gamer) and in her more normal day-to-day life writes copy on behalf of a premium gaming seating retailer as well as a few in-flight magazines.