Source: Chromebook Series 5 550

Google rolled out its new Chromebook laptop Tuesday, the Samsung Series 5 550. The notebook gets a revamp with faster processor and increase in memory capacity. This means that the browser-centric device looks like more of finished product this time, compare to its predecessor.

Meet the Chromebook Series 5 550

Just like the previous model, the new notebook has a 12.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution and two USB 2.0 ports. It also features 4 GB of RAM and dual core Intel Atom chip that runs on 1.3 GHz. However, it storage capacity remains at 16 GB. Although it is small, it would also make perfect sense for Chromebook users who are most probably storing majority of their files in the cloud.

As for its keyboard, Samsung only made few changes by giving it a recessed design and squared-off edges on some of the keys. Meanwhile, the trackpad gets more responsive while having a metallic palm rest around it.

Introducing: Samsung Chromebox Series S

Aside from the Chromebook, Google and Samsung also introduced the first Chromebox, a Chrome OS-based desktop that is roughly the size and shape of Apple Mac Mini. Although it has the same performance as the notebook, the Samsung Chromebox Series 3 requires a user to bring his keboard, mouse and monitor on the table.

It has the internal hardware as the Chromebook, although its processor’s speed jumps from 1.3 to 1.9 GHz. It also offers six USB ports, DVI port and two DisplayPort++ connectors that are compatible with HDMI, DVI and VGA. The Chromebox is equipped with SD card slot and offers Bluetooth for wireless keyboard and mouse.

Chrome OS Update

The revamped Chromebook and the introduction of Chromebox make Google and Samsung a more tempting. However, this would also mean that users will have to utilize the Chrome OS. Good thing, the browser-based operating system recently had its own dose of update.

It now has a new user interface that offers desktop and multiple app windows. Remote access was also introduced last year, and it is expected that offline editing and storage will be unveiled next during Google’s I/O Developer Conference.

The Chromebook Series S 550 costs $450 for the Wi-Fi-only model and an addition of $100 for those who want their notebook to have 3G capabilities. The 3G model also offers Chromebook owners of 100 MB 3G service from Verizon each month for two years after purchase. On the other hand, the Chromebox is tagged at $330. All devices can be purchased online at the Google Chrome page.

Source: iPhone 4S/ Apple

Repair firm uBreakiFix provided images to tech and gadget website Engadget last Tuesday showing the back panel of the rumored next-generation iPhone. The photos suggest that the upcoming handset will feature an aluminum back, a smaller dock connector, and a relocated headphone jack.

However, the picture shows a slightly taller iPhone design and a suspicious font that displays the iPhone product name. This suggests that the device could be a counterfeit.

Next-Generation iPhone’s Rumored Components

Although the images should be taken with a grain of salt, they do fall in line with recent claims of what the next-generation Apple phone might look like. There were previous reports saying that the company is planning to ditch the glass back panels that are being used in iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S for a new aluminum back.

A rumor about the headphone jack and earpiece could also explain the relocated component in the photo of the supposed next-generation iPhone. The jack has been relocated to the bottom of the device in the photo, along with the earpiece and Wi-Fi components. In the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, the component is located next to the device’s volume button and mute switch on the upper left corner of the mobile phone.

The 30-pin iPod dock connector is also said to be retiring soon, as the next-generation iPhone is rumored to feature a new and smaller port. It is believed that the new port could save space on the handset.

As for its size, the device is purported to have a 4-inch display. The upcoming smartphone is said to boast a Retina display that is slightly larger than the 3.5-inch screen that has been used on all previous iPhone models.

After the images surfaced on the Web, 9to5 Mac also provided photos of the next-generation iPhone’s front panel. It seems that the handset won’t be thinner, as other images would suggest, although it does have a “different-hued, two-toned design.”

Since nothing has been officially announced yet, it is impossible to assume that Apple’s next-generation iPhone will depart from its predecessors when it comes to design; nevertheless, tech enthusiasts should definitely expect an internal redesign. The company’s upcoming handset is scheduled to be revealed this October, just a year after iPhone 4S was released.

Source: Maps and Compass Built-in Apps/ Apple

Mobile news website Boy Genius Report posted a collection of blurry photos last Tuesday, revealing the rumored iOS 6’s redesigned Maps application. According to the website’s “trusted source,” the app’s new user interface will have a silver color scheme and it is expected to be the major component of the upcoming mobile operating system.

Redesigned Maps App, Heading to iOS 6

The new Maps is said to feature a button at the bottom left with two options: A “Locate Me” feature and a quick access to 3D mode. Apple’s 3D mapping solution is believed to be made possible by the acquisition of C3 Technologies last year.

In relation to this, there were claims that the 3D mapping functionality is nearly done, and it is being tested in a purported iOS 6 Build 10A3XXX. There were also previous reports suggesting that the 3D feature will be the company’s key component for its new in-house solution.

Other than the 3D mapping, the Maps application is said to add traffic as one of its key component. As Apple announced last month, they are “collecting anonymous traffic data to build a crowd-sourced traffic database.” It is meant to add an “improved traffic service” that is said to be launched in the coming years.

In line with this, the pictures from BGR also reveal a “Directions” button, which could include Apple’s traffic service. It is said to aid users by providing a turn-by-turn driving directions. The app’s mapping data will also have a different look, which could be similar to OpenStreetMap data that the company has been using since the release of iPhoto for iOS last March.

Moving Away from Google Maps

It has been a long time since it was reported that Apple has plans of moving away from Google and build its own mapping solution. The company’s plans first surfaced in 2009 when they purchased Placebase, a Google Maps competitor.

After that, Apple purchased Poly9, another mapping company, and used its own location databases for the Maps application that was launched with the iOS 3.2. The said mobile OS was created for the first-generation iPad. It was followed by another key acquisition when the company bought C3 Technologies, a Sweden-based 3D mapping firm.

The revamped application is expected to be part of the company’s iOS 6 demonstration at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference. The said event will kick off on June 11-15 at the Moscone West in San Francisco, California.

Here’s some breaking news: men like to fight.

While that shouldn’t be shocking, we’ve been curious to know exactly why men fight so easily, specifically in bars. It seems like a common occurrence that we’ve seen countless times in movies and even in reality. If you Google “bar fight,” you’ll probably find numerous sites detailing how you can survive a bar brawl. But that still doesn’t answer why it’s so common for men to fight in bars.

First off, it doesn’t seem to take a lot for men to get worked up. Maybe someone accidentally bumps into them or says something smart. Then there are the numerous classic triggers for a brawl. We’re talking about women, money, opinions, sports, and of course, alcohol consumption.

Then, there are others who feel it could be anything from ego, culture, homoerotic desire, self-defense, or the fact that fighting is addictive and can be fun, even if you get your face busted open.

Some people even believe that when men fight, it’s Social Darwinism at work. They may think, according to Health24, that because of “testosterone and adrenaline we simply can’t help ourselves and that for millions of years we’ve evolved to do personal battle with other men over territory, food, females, and the right to be an alpha male.”  As this line of thinking goes, a trigger, like a woman, could cause a fight to break out.

We do know that there have been studies on the topic that have found various causes for bar fights. For example, in a 2006 study of Toronto drinking establishments, researchers Samantha Wells, Paul F. Tremblay, and Kathryn Graham of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health sent observers into 118 large drinking establishments for 2 hours on 25 weekend nights. The observers recorded at least one aggressive encounter in roughly 40% of the visits. The researchers concluded that males were aggressive because their peers would accept that behavior.

There was also research published in the April 2011 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research that found not all men in bars want to fight. However, the interesting part of the study’s findings was the conclusion that bar fights are caused by two personality characteristics: so-called hypermasculinity and trait aggression.

In short, trait aggression “refers to a propensity to respond to certain situations with acts of aggression.” Hypermasculinity, meanwhile, “is a psychological term for exaggerated, narrowly-defined, stereotypically male behavior emphasizing things like physical strength, body hair, virility, and physical and sexual aggression.”

Actually, there probably isn’t one exact reason for why it’s easy, or common, for men to get into bar fights. All the right factors are there: alcohol, women, and enough testosterone to fill a room. And though every guy is different, when a man walks into a place with all the ingredients for trouble, it’s pretty easy for fists to start flying.

Image Source: Regretful Morning

According to a recent ABC News study, some 35 million American men are losing their hair. If you’re not good at numbers, that’s about 1/2 of all men in the U.S. Of that number, nearly 1/4 are 30 years of age and under.

So, unfortunately, balding is something that many of us have to endure.

For some of us, we accept baldness and proudly sport our clean-shaven heads, like Bruce Willis or Samuel L. Jackson. Then, there are the percentage of men that can’t deal with losing their hair and try everything in their power to avoid it. In fact, it’s been estimated that people have spent $3.5 billion per year on hair-growth products.

Perhaps the reason why the hair-growth industry is making billions is because a guy’s biggest concern is if women will find him sexy or attractive when he’s bald.

We wish there was a simple yes or no answer, but, like most things in life, this depends who you ask.

An unscientific survey in 2009, for example, found that women using online dating services were five times more likely to contact a man with a full head of hair as opposed to a man who was bald or balding. And, that seems to be a widely accepted belief.

While there are a number of women, primarily younger women, who don’t find a bald man sexy, there are plenty of women that do.

In reality, a lot of women actually care about the guy, not the hair. It probably shouldn’t be all that surprising that if a man is confident, funny, smart, sensitive, etc., a woman will dig him. Regardless if he’s bald or not. This is something that’s hard to project online when you’re just looking at a picture and description.

Even if you’re not actually buying into the fact that women like a man for who he really is, then at least take comfort that at least having a shaved head is trendy. According to the New York Times in April of 2012, sporting a shaved head is currently “in”. There are a number of manly men, who women find stylish and sexy, who have shaved heads. Guys like Jason Statham, Pitbull, Andre Agassi, Vin Diesel, Michael Jordan, and Kelly Slater. The article also points out that having a shaved head conceals grey hair and going bald, as well as, ending haircut bills.

Still, going bald can suck. And, you still may have your reservations that women can actually go for a baldie. However, if you’re a lady reading this, or just a guy that needs some evidence that being bald can be better, here are some advantages of baldness in the love department.

Women have found that bald men, whether dating or just for hooking up, have several traits that they find desirable.

To start with, bald men are considered to be more sensitive and confident. Women have also discovered that bald men give them more attention and are more simplistic than a man with a full head of hair. And, since they’re already bald, a woman doesn’t have to worry or think about what her man will look like without hair.

Finally, it’s been proven that baldies are better in bed. Some believe that it’s because they have something to prove to a woman, but it’s actually more scientific. Male pattern baldness can be caused by having excessive testosterone, which of course, can be used in the bedroom.

Going bald can be difficult. So, you can either accept it or fix it. If you accept it and a woman doesn’t find you sexy enough, then she’s not worth it. And, it’s her loss, because you’ll find another lady that does.

Image Source: The Frisky

Source: Apple TV/ Apple

Apple has reportedly started its production for the first prototypes of its much-awaited connected television sets. In fact, one of the company’s overseas facilities is said to be preparing for a general production that will begin later this year.

It was rumored that the company’s initial build plan will take place in one of Foxconn’s Shenzhen plant. They will have a trial production run that will manufacture a small number of assembly-line prototypes, which will be brought to design test verification stages.

Apple TV Rumors Now and Then

For the past few years, a connected TV set has been a popular topic for industry watchers, after biographer Walter Isaacson shared the claims of Apple’s late CEO Steve Jobs that he has “cracked” the secret to a simple HDTV. Jobs envisioned the TV to be synced with other devices and the company’s iCloud service.

This could mean that users will no longer need to use complex remote controls for multiple devices like DVD player and cable boxes. As what Isaacson stated before: “He (Steve Jobs) very much wanted to do for television sets what he had done for computers, music players and phones: Make them simple and elegant.”

During the release of the late CEO’s biography last year, it was revealed that he has worked to build an integrated, easy-to-use Apple television set. It was the latest indication that the company plans to eventually release a connected HDTV set. Rumors of a television set from Apple have existed for years prior to the release of the Steve Job’s biography. However, there was only little evidence to support it.

In late 2010, the company redesigned its Apple TV set top box to run on the same ARM-based processor and iOS operating system. It was followed by a report in July 2011 that they will launch three HDTV models by March of this year. After that, the television system was updated to offer console-style gaming with the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S via wireless AirPlay.

Earlier this month, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou said that they are making preparations for an Apple television, although development has not yet started. A few days later, he issued a statement saying that “any reports that Foxconn confirmed that it is preparing to produce a specific product for any customers are not accurate.”

Whether Apple will released a Smart TV in the near future or not remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Jobs’ plans on making a simplified and elegant TV set looks promising.

Source: 2013 Ford Fusion/ Ford

It was last January when the 2013 Ford Fusion made its public debut in Detroit Auto Show. It is an overhauled version of its predecessors, and it bears great resemblance to the Ford Evos concept. Set to hit the showrooms soon, Autoweek shared pictures of the said car as it was spotted hitting the Detroit streets on a camouflage last Thursday morning.

Although it looks black out, the images clearly show the vehicle’s headlights and new grille. The flowing shape is also obvious, as well as its oblong taillights.

Under 2013 Ford Fusion’s Hood

Other than the overhauled design, it was also reported that Ford will build a Fusion plug-in hybrid model, which could compete against Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata hybrid. The 2013 Ford Fusion will feature the conventional and plug-in hybrid powerplants, each sporting a gas engine and electronic motor.

The car will also be available with one of the three four-cylinder engines: Standard 2.5 L Duratec I-4 engine, 1.6 L and 2.0 L of EcoBoost engines. The 2.0 L EcoBoost engine is an in-line four-cylinder engine that combines turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable cam timing. This engine design is meant to boost both performance and efficiency.

Aside from the engines, the vehicle will be offered with six-speed automatic, six-speed manual and six-speed SelectShift automatic. The SelectShift transmission has available steering wheel-mounted paddles that enable the owner to quickly shift from one gear to another without taking his hands of the wheel.

In addition, the 2013 Ford Fusion will have a new suspension system that delivers a smooth ride, while the electric power-assisted steering offers a responsive and comfortable driving experience. The EPAS automatically adjusts to deliver a precise feel and control at higher or lower speed when assistance is needed. It features pull-drift compensation that detects road conditions and active nibble control, which reduces unwanted vibrations in the steering wheel.

An Intelligent All-wheel-drive system will also be available for the driver’s peace of mind. It is a fully automatic feature that delivers power to the wheels whenever a wheelslip is detected. This means that whether the road is filled with gravel, snow or soaked by rain; the car can still have sure-footed traction.

Now that the car is already spotted on the road, this might mean that the car manufacturer is working out 2013 Ford Fusion’s last few bugs. The car is expected to go on sale “in the middle of 2012.”

Source: BMW Zagato Coupe/ BMW Blog

The BMW Zagato Coupe made its public debut last May 25 at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in Italy. Milanese coachbuilder Dr. Andrea Zagato teamed up with BMW to create the said car, a one-off model that is said to be the product of “injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine.”

Featuring Flamboyant Practicality

The vehicle features elegant, sporty styling that incorporates traditional elements from its manufacturers. BMW Zagato Coupe is designed to mark the renewed partnership between the automaker and the coachbuilder.

The car exhibits the familiar kidney grille, twin circular headlights and tapered BMW curves and line. The one-off coupe’s interior has different shades of gray leather, and its compact roofline flows towards the rear and contrasts with the long hood.

Other than the design, the vehicle was developed into something that could be driven and legally registered in most countries around the world. It is a handcrafted design study in aluminum and glass that manages to be road legal. Thus, the BMW Zagato Coupe features flamboyant practicality.

Showcasing Whimsical Design

The car may show the aggressiveness of BMW’s design, but it also has whimsical elements to it. The grille design has tiny “Z” characters that are neatly aligned, and it has a double-bubble roof that provides more helmet space inside and improves aerodynamics.

The one-off coupe boasts the exclusive Rosso Vivace red paint, and its color ranges from near-black to bright red, depending on the light’s angle. It is also based on ten layers: A black primer, topped with metallic silver, six coats of red, and two layers of clear coating to seal the paint.

BMW Zagato Coupe’s interior has two tones of gray leather with contrasting red stitch that cosset the driver and passenger. In addition, the manufacturers decided to match it with a custom luggage.

Since it is a design study, there’s a lack of detail of what is under the car’s hood. Other information such as the power plant or whether it will be sold is also a mystery. However, BMW pointed out the car’s 19-inch wheels, and that no pop-up or fixed spoilers are needed to keep the vehicle on the road.

It is BMW’s tradition to annually reveal a new and emotional car concept at the Villa d’Este event. Together with Dr. Andrea Zagato, the BMW Zagato Coupe was presented by the car manufacturer’s Chief Designer Adrian Van Hooydonk and Zagato’s Chief Designer Norihiko Harada.

Source: MacBook Pro/ Apple

In a report posted by DigiTimes last Monday, it seems that there is a strong demand for Apple’s next-generation MacBooks. However, the company’s component suppliers at the Far East are facing labor shortages, as they race to produce enough supplies for the Mac maker’s production line.

On the other hand, some supply chains are outsourcing their orders to meet “strong orders from Apple” for its next-generation notebooks that are due “in the near future”. According to sources from the upstream supply chain:

“Component manufacturing plants in eastern China have been suffering from labor shortages for a long time, and although May and June are the IT industry’s traditional slow season when shortage issues are usually not as significant, the strong orders from Apple’s new MacBook are leaving many upstream makers unable to satisfy demand.”

Ramping Up Production to Meet Strong Demands

The were claims that suppliers have started delivering the first batch of components for the company’s new notebook lineup as early as last month. In relation to this, shipments for the device’s new chassis will increase this month. It is expected that manufacturers will ramp up their production next month, in time for the possible launch of next-generation MacBooks this July.

Component manufacturers are expecting that Apple’s total MacBook order this year will jump up from 12.79 million last year to around 16.24 million-19.2 million. It is a run rate that would see the company sells an average of more than four million notebooks each quarter.

Vague Production Figures

However, it is unclear whether the orders are meant for the updated MacBook Air or the completely redesigned MacBook Pro. Both devices have long been reported to adopt similar enclosure and design traits. In fact, Apple is said to cut the fat from its core products like the iPhone, iPad and iMac.

But a quick analysis on the estimated production figures suggests that the orders are referring to the combined production of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. That’s because Apple reported a total sale of 12.87 million notebook system in 2011 earlier this year. This number roughly coincides with the 12.79 million production figure mentioned earlier.

Last updated on July 2011, it was reported in February that Apple is set to launch a new model of MacBook Air. However, no specific timeline for its release was given. On the other hand, the company is allegedly planning to exit 2012 with a complete top-to-bottom revamp of their MacBook Pro lineup.

Source: Motorola Droid RAZR/ Motorola

It seems that the Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 update for Motorola Droid RAZR is on the way. As reported by Droid Life, the phone maker posted new videos on its Japanese website showing the features that the new mobile operating system has to offer.

Droid RAZR’s Android 4.0 Features

One of the many features showcased on the videos was the new lock screen. It now adds the shortcut for text messages and phone dialer, so users can now access the said applications easily without the need to unlock their handset’s screen. Owners of Droid RAZR will also appreciate how Android 4.0 enables them to access their music from the lock screen while it is still playing.

For those who want to take a photo of what’s on their phone’s screen, just press the volume and power buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. After that, the handset will show a quick snapshot, and users can save it to the gallery or share it with friends.

Introducing: Webtop 3.0

One of the video also shows Webtop 3.0, which is an application that enables users to hook up their phone to an HDTV or monitor with an HDMI cable. Once the Motorola Droid RAZR detects that it is connected to an external display, it will launch the Webtop apps that will enable the users to see all their apps on the bigger screen. In addition, they can also access a full version of Mozilla Firefox while using the service.

The Webtop made its first appearance at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, when Motorola announced the Atrix smartphone and the “Lapdock.” The latter made the smartphone act like a laptop computer, which enabled Motorola to beat Microsoft and Apple in creating a smartphone-PC device.

In relation to this, the phone maker also puts Google on a great spot since they own Motorola. As Jason Hiner of CNET wrote:

“The success of Android has established Google as a key player in mobile computing devices, and once consumers and business users start looking to consolidate their many devices, Webtop could make Google the company that’s best position to make consolidation possible.”

Although there is no exact date given, the phone maker said that they will roll out the Android 4.0 update for their Droid RAZR in the second quarter of the year. That means that owners of the said smartphone can upgrade their handsets anytime now.