Ben.geek.nz

Is YOUR Broadband Really Fried?

Ben — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:12:04 +0000

Perhaps a better approach overall is to do some diagnostics first using some freely available tools? Then you can at least determine if the problem is inside your house.

New Vonage Calling App for iPhone and Android

Ben — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:08:34 +0000

There is a cost associated with calling phones directly, but according to Vonage, the app offers international calling with per-minute rates that average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype. This savings estimate is based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Billing is also more convenient, with payment integrated directly into your iTunes or Android Market account, instead of maintaining billing in a separate login.

MegaUpload, Piracy, and Due Process

Ben — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:43:08 +0000

We should be celebrating the arrests in the MegaUpload case. They show that large-scale copyright infringement can be investigated and acted upon under existing laws and treaties. They show that even without SOPA and such draconian laws, copyright holders can seek remedy. Note: I say we should celebrate the arrests. I question the seizing of [...]

2012 Predictions

Ben — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:08 +0000

Looking Back Let’s start by looking back at the most highly-visible* changes in technology from previous years: Smartphones: Apple reinvigorates the market by introducing a responsive, capacitive-touch device with the iPhone. Google follows, then Microsoft. Google gets great market share, but no one makes more profit than Apple[1]. Microsoft currently languishes, despite Nokia’s heft. RIM? [...]

Review: Huawei MediaPad from 2degrees

Ben — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:26:53 +0000

While I wasn’t overly keen to review an Android tablet, I have been impressed by the Huawei devices I’ve used to date, so I was happy to give the new 7 inch Huawei MediaPad from 2degrees a blast. Bottom line: It’s an good device. It’s around half the price of a 3G iPad ($549 bundled [...]

Two Weeks with the Apple iPhone 4S

Ben — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:54:29 +0000

I’m just going to focus on a couple of things here, because you know what this phone is and what it can do. Siri Speaks Kiwi Yes she does, and pretty well at that. Siri is the best voice recognition system I’ve used on a phone. Apart from the occasional weird word (“egg” comes to [...]

iPhone 4S Arrives in New Zealand on 11 November

Ben — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:22:47 +0000

And Guatemala! Press release follows: iPhone 4S Arrives in New Zealand on 11 November Pre-Orders Begin November 4 AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 2 November, 2011 – Apple® today announced that iPhone® 4S, the most amazing iPhone yet, will be available in New Zealand and 14 additional countries on Friday, 11 November. Customers will be able [...]

Win: One Slightly-Reviewed Nokia N9

Ben — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:32:23 +0000

[box type="info"]Sorry, this competition is now closed[/box] Yes, you can win a free Nokia N9. It’s a fantastic phone worth $999, and I’m giving away the model I used for two weeks so that I could review it. It’s as-new. As is de rigueur, there are three ways to enter the competition. They vary in degrees [...]

Samsung Omnia W on Vodafone New Zealand in November

Ben — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:20:40 +0000

Press release follows: Samsung delivers a unique smartphone experience with Omnia W, a phone that puts people first This is the first Samsung device utilising the latest release of Windows Phone and offers power, social connectivity and a vivid SuperAMOLED display that delivers a stunning visual experience AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 31 October 2011 – [...]

Nokia Lumia 800 and 710 Windows Phones in New Zealand

Ben — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:44:08 +0000

At Nokia World last night (New Zealand time), Stephen Elop and the Nokia team announced two new phones: The Lumia 800: very much based on the Nokia N9 hardware that I reviewed yesterday. The Lumia 710: a lower-cost phone sporting the same internal hardware as the 800, but with a LCD screen. The phones will [...]