Magna Techa

AT&T to lose iPhone deal, recede into obscurity?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:06:00 +0000

In the fallout of Apple’s debacle over the iPhone 4’s antenna issue (some call it “Antennagate”), much has been revealed about the iPhone maker’s relationship with its carrier partner, AT&T.The CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, has a reputation of being frank and to the point with his company’s fan base. And that has not boded well for AT&T lately.

The iPhone has undoubtedly been an all-time hit in the mobile device arena. Apple has sold millions and millions of their star device in countries all over the world. In the U.S., the iPhone is often considered to be the top-of-the-line smartphone - that is until the recent slew of Android devices hit. This popularity is a great thing for the Cupertino-based company. But with intense popular appeal comes a burden: the responsibility of providing the phone with a network.

Motorola Droid X spotted, crisp and clear photos snapped

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:11:00 +0000

Looks like we have word from Gadget University by way of Engadget, that the Motorola Droid X has been held down for a photo shoot! The Android-based beast is looking quite nice. Rumored specs include the 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 4.3-inch screen and HD video shooting. Word on the street is that the device will be landing at Verizon-Wireless huts around the country as soon as next month (July 2010). Would this be enough for you to hold off on that newly released HTC EVO from Sprint? Maybe... maybe not.

AT&T Axes Unlimited Data Plan, Life Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:01:00 +0000

In case you haven’t heard the big mobile news, AT&T will soon do away with their unlimited data plan for cellular devices. They are going to replace it with a 2 GB plan. That is, your data usage will be capped at 2 GB per month.

As you can imagine, this announcement was similar to dropping a 4-ton crate of free Twinkies in the middle of a Southern-U.S. city. People went ape sh*t.

Comments on various articles about the situation are anything but cordial:

“My contract with this company ends in September and I will be getting as far away from them as possible. I HATE AT&T!”

So that led me to check out just what kind of limit 2 GB of data is for one month of usage. After looking at my old bills, I found that I use an average of 143 MB per month. And if you know me, I am a heavy mobile device user. I have a myTouch 3G (rooted with Android 2.1) and I definitely know how to use it. Even my highest usage month, though, was a mere 286 MB. That’s only about 14% of the 2 GB allotment AT&T is going to give users. Check out my usage in magical graph form:

There are a few valleys - looks like those dang holidays and family gatherings took me away from my phone all too much- , but I would say I’m a pretty heavy user, overall. Now let’s take a look at the same data placed on a 2 GB scale:

I don’t know about you, but to me it looks like it would take some real work to hit that cap. I don’t like limits any more than the next guy, but it seems as though 2 GB of monthly data would suffice, for the time being.

However, a quote from an AT&T representative brings another question to the forefront.

“[Two gigabytes of data] will be enough for 98 percent of [our] smartphone customers”

Hmm… If there are only 2% of your customers that approach the 2 GB limit, then why are you even going through the trouble of printing new contracts, AT&T? It seems to me that you have unnecessarily angered your less-thoughtful customers, rather than letting those couple iPhone-wielding half-robot machines (the 2%) use the hell out of their data package.
Alphademic has made a similar point on the ol’ Twitter:

"Soo how is #at&t covering 97% of Americans but can’t afford to allow data usage to b unlimited.. Sumbody lying or tryna get rich"

So in the end, the 2 GB currently affects very few people in reality. But customers don’t like to be “limited”. It’s like telling someone that they can only drink 20 gallons of water today. Without thinking about the fact that it’s not humanly possible to hit that limit of water intake, they will be rubbed the wrong way.

This is the United States of America. You can’t tell a group of people what they’re not allowed to do without angering over half of them. Even if your telling them they can’t ride blue unicorns in the street.

This article was originally written and posted by me here.

Microsoft Unveils Windows Phone 7, Blows Your Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:53:00 +0000

Old Stevie (Ballmer) got on stage this morning to announce Microsoft's next mobile foray. The new version of windows mobile is now slated to hit devices by the end of the year. The company also decided to drop the name "Windows Mobile " for a snazzier "Windows Phone Series". Maybe people were not realizing the machinery could make phone calls? New devices will be running Windows Phone 7 Series.

Perhaps the biggest change is the user interface. There were some enticing rumors of a Zune UI port before Ballmer's unveiling. The Zune, Microsoft's media player, sports a very impressive interface in its current form. Critics raved about the newest Zune when it was released. And Microsoft has taken many cues from the device to incorporate into WinPho 7.

The new Windows Phone 7 Series OS sports a slew of worthwhile changes, including:

Xbox LIVE integration
"Hubs", for easy navigation
A minimalistic UI
Responsive controls
Capacitive touchscreen support

Ballmer tells us that the first Windows Phone 7 Series devices will be available late this year. This might be ages behind other mobile players, like Apple, Palm and Google, but at least it will happen. You check out the new WinPho 7 in action below.

[Via Windows Techa]

Google Releases Google Buzz, Forgets to Make It Interesting

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:15:00 +0000

Google announced a new service today, dubbed Google Buzz. The service is a social network one-stop-shop of sorts integrated into Gmail. Now you can track your Twitter feed, Picasa shots, and Flickr photos while in your favorite email app. Too bad Google Buzz feels more like a buzz kill...

After the mediocre release of Google Wave and it's mediocre reception, it looks like Google is still trying to cash in on the popularity of social networking. If you haven't heard of Google Wave (and if you have, it's likely you still haven't used it), it was supposed to be a "Facebook-killer" of a new web app. Turns out, it was more of a time-killer for Google's devs, and a confusing, purple-font filled oddity for users. Google Buzz continues with the failing trend of Google services, adding a boring tab to Gmail.

What? I need another place to see what I can see on Twitter/Facebook (oh wait no Facebook integration?)/iGoogle. That's it! Google is now competing with Twitter and iGoogle (their own service) for your Twitter feed needs.

Don't get me wrong, I love Google. I use Gmail, Google Reader, Blogger (owned by Google), Youtube (owned by Google), Picasa, Google Voice, Chromium OS, Android, Chrome, etc. I could even be considered a Google fanboy. I want to work for Google. But, I also know when the search giant is overreaching its effectiveness boundaries. And if Google Buzz doesn't change, it's going to be another Google Wave, and we'll see it turn into a Google Splash in the bucket of social networking.

Top Four Features that Can Turn Google Buzz Around

Something new (you're treading on well-beaten paths right now, Google)
More users (maybe time will be kind to this new little Google Buzz)
Facebook integration
More hype

Dockers Super Bowl FAIL

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:44:00 +0000

So, Dockers decides to offer free pants to the viewers of the Super Bowl:

"George, you think our two web servers and around 40 pairs of free Dockers will suffice for that Super Bowl ad?"

"Sure, Bill, go for it!"

Needless to say, Bill and George will need to be be demoted from heads of advertising.

And it turns out that Dockers got their server explosion for tricking people into thinking they would get free pants. It was actually an offer to enter for a chance to "win a pair of Dockers".

@eric_ras said it right with:
"seriously, if you're going to run a $3M ad and tell people to go to your website YOU BETTER BE READY FOR IT"

Turbine concept to light your highway

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:20:00 +0000

Word comes from Engadget about a new lighting concept powered by cars. The street light, pictured above, has a turbine on it that is rotated by the wind created by passing vehicles. The turbine then powers the light. Pretty snazzy if you ask me. And if the production unit comes out actually looking like the concept, then this is a real win. To the concept creators: don't let those dinosaur electricity companies bully you into not building these. Better yet, partner with one and show them how lucrative renewable energy can be.

Top 4 Reasons This Turbine Light Concept Should Be Built

It looks awesome
We're always wondering what to do with our car-created wind
There's a few streets in around here that need a light (I'm pretty sure there was a zombie hobo down on 7th last night.)
We could use excess electricity created to power our Tesla Roadsters (until 2011...)

Looking for a headset? Check out HeadsetHome.com

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Do you find yourself often fumbling to keep your phone to your ear? Maybe your hands are full and you try the old "hold it with your shoulder and head" move. But we know what usually happens. Your phone ends up on the ground, with battery and back cover flying in seperate directions.

Well, we have a site for you! Head over to HeadsetHome.com for great deals on bluetooth, wired and even home phone headsets. They have countless models of plantronics headsets, and there's definitely one to suit your needs.

Disclosure: The writers of Magna Techa were financially compensated for informing you about HeadsetHome.com.

Impressed by the iPad?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:42:00 +0000

So, does the Apple iPad live up to the hype? The machine announced by Steve Jobs yesterday has been rumored for over a decade. That's pretty big shoes to fill, when it comes to an electronic device. The price ($499 for the non-3G base model) gives the iPad some hope in the market. But do people want a big iPhone that you (probably) won't make voice calls on? We'll see. But remember this: the iPhone was released with no downloadable apps and no 3G radio. It couldn't do video and it had a mere 8 GB of storage. But look at how far it has come.

[Via Apple Techa]

Apple Tablet hangs out back in 1983

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Well, lookee here! Engadget sends word that a leak on the Apple Tablet has bee found... from 1983. It turns out a company by the name of Frog Design, who designed the Apple IIc, made an Apple tablet device. The machine, as you can see above, has a full keyboard, a stylus and sexy good looks. So where can we buy one of these beasts? We can't, you say? That's no good! Guess we'll be waiting for the 2010 edition.
[Via Apple Techa]

Tired of crapware? OpenCandy is too.

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:06:00 +0000

After writing about Avast's recommendation of Google Chrome during installation, I was interested in the idea of "opt-in" suggestions. That is, when Avast recommended Chrome, the installer didn't automatically select to install the browser, but instead allowed users to opt-in to install it. This is a consideration that many companies don't take, and users can end up with software they never wanted.

I was then introduced to another proponent of "opt-in" recommendations, OpenCandy. OpenCandy is a startup that powers software recommendations during installations, but they do it the right way. They only deal with high-quality apps (BitTorrent, doubleTwist, and PrimoPDF, just to name a few) and they don't trick users into installing anything they don't want.

With OpenCandy, you won't end up installing "Super MicroVirus 2003" with your newfound application. And that's a great thing, if you ask me.

You can read more about OpenCandy here: Want Great Apps? Think OpenCandy

Chrome OS and media playback

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:18:00 +0000

Many people seem to be worried about what Chrome OS can't do. However, I am more concerned with what it can do. And there's another skill to add to the operating system's list: media playback. In a recent interview with Ars Technica, the directing engineer for the Chrome OS project explains that Chrome OS, without any web app in play, will be able to play your music and videos.

"...You might just have a USB key that has a bunch of MP3s on it, so you want to be able to plug that in and listen to those MP3s. There might not be any controlling webpage for that activity, but it’s clearly something you need to be able to do in any reasonable operating system or browser. So we’re doing a lot of work to make Chrome and Chrome OS handle those use cases really well"

That said, Mathew Papakipos just might have put many fears to bed. While numerous people have said that a "browser" can't do everything they need to do, this shows that Chrome OS will be able to do quite a bit. You can read the full interview here: Google talks Chrome OS, HTML5, and the future of software.

Would you pay $700 for the iSlate?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:16:00 +0000

It looks like Retrevo Plus Report has gone and polled some people (500 random users) on how much they would pay for Apple's rumoured tablet device. The answer? About $700 is the max for most people. And I would say that is about what I would be willing to shell out. However, will Apple listen to this little tidbit? Hopefully.

Apple could really blow the rest of the market (what there is of it) out of the water with a $500, well-equipped iSlate. Only time will tell, though. Perhaps we'll find out around January 27th?

[Via Apple Techa]

Do Microsoft and Apple need to worry about Chrome OS?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:48:00 +0000

Eric Goh, of egoh.com, has an interesting slant on Chrome OS and its effect on the OS landscape. He wagers that Google's new operating system should have the big players scrambling to get something together. Because, as Goh puts it, "a simple browser based OS that is self-updating and relatively secure would solve 95% of the issues people contact me about".

Goh touches on a point I had in a recent article (which you can read here: How Chrome OS will change computers as we know them). Chrome OS, when it is production ready, could supplant current Windows and Apple OS' for many users. These users simply want to use the web and Internet for daily routines. They rarely need to edit an image more than resizing it, they don't develop software, and they withhold from heavy video-editing. Chrome OS is perfect for what they need to do. And it will keep them out of virus and malware troubles.

So even though you see many pieces in the blogosphere with authors complaining that Chrome OS is too weak, you don't see your cousin and grandmother writing that the new OS can't do what they want. Because it can and it likely will, if the big dogs don't come up with something fast.

You can read Mr. Goh's post in its entirety here: Google Chrome OS - Microsoft and Apple should be worried

[Via Chrome Techa]

Extensions now available for Chrome on Mac

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:46:00 +0000

Google has updated the dev channel for the Chrome web browser, including extension support. For those of you brave enough to install the dev channel on your Mac, you can now experience what Windows and Linux users have had for a little while now. You can read more about the update here: Dev Channel Update. You can also check out all the tasty extensions available here: Chrome extensions.

[Via Apple Techa]

Google Reveals Nexus One

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:08:00 +0000

"Google announced their smartphone today, dubbed the Nexus One. Although Google developed the Android operating system that runs on the Nexus One, the device is the first phone to actually be sold by the search giant. Google provided specifications for the device, as well as helping us figure out a few unknown details."

Hit the link below to read more about the Nexus One or go here to flop down the cash money to buy today!

[Via Examiner.com]

iPhone OS 4 beta in developers hands, support for iSlate included

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:22:00 +0000

It looks like Engadget's got the scoop on some news about the next version of the iPhone OS. Supposedly developers have their hands on a beta version of it already. And it includes support for higher screen size and resolution. One could definitely take this as a sign of the upcoming Apple tablet, or iSlate.

They also point out that January 27th might be the magical date that Steve Jobs unveils the iSlate. Seeing as he is oh-so-happy about the new product and rumors say that Apple has ordered up 10 million to be produced for this year, I can see why he wants to get that beast out the door ASAP.

What do you think? Is this bit of info the straw that broke the Apple-Tablet-rumor's back? Or is it just more over-hyped vaporware frenzy? Let us know in the comments below!
[Via Apple Techa]

Google's Chrome OS-powered netbook specs leaked

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:52:00 +0000

As they announced their new operating system, Chrome OS, Google also told us that we would have to buy certain hardware to get it. They said that the machines would be similar to today's netbooks. However, that was about all we knew about Chrome OS clients. Until now.

News has now leaked about Google's Chrome OS netbook, and it sheds a bit of light on what the machine will be like. Here are the specifications of Google's Chrome OS machine:

10.1-inch high-definition display with multi-touch input
NVIDIA Tegra graphics card
2 GB of RAM
64 GB SSD
Wifi, Bluetooth and 3G radios
USB sockets
Ethernet jack
3.5 mm audio output
webcam
4 or 6 cell battery
optional GPS radio

These are quite impressive features for a netbook, namely the 64 GB SSD. But the real kicker is the price, which is slated to be under $300 and maybe even around $200. That's very competitive compared to current netbooks. And it will probably need to be by the time it is released next year (2010). It is also believed that Google will sell the Chrome OS netbook through their own website.

So what do you think? Is this a deal that would entice users to leave Windows XP behind? Or is Chrome OS not all it's cracked? Let us know in the comments!

[Via Chrome Techa]

Want a beast of a phone? Wait for the Nexus One

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Smartphone devices are a great way to communicate. With application stores such as the App Store and Android Market, their uses are endless. Many mobile phone users are leaving their "dumbphones" behind and going for evermore powerful devices like the iPhone 3GS and the Motorola DROID. However, lower-spec devices can often still beat smartphones in at least one area: speed.

It might not be as cool to carry around an old Sony Ericsson flip-phone that can't even take a picture. But that low-end device probably accomplishes everything it actually can do like a champ. You won't be waiting for your contacts to load or sitting for five minutes while the phone starts up. But if you have a smartphone, you might be. I've seen Android devices take five times longer than a Motorola RAZR to boot up. And even though the iPhone is no slow poke, it can hesitate from time to time when asked to do seemingly mundane tasks.

However, An upcoming Android device will be bringing the speed to the smartphone game. It is currently going by the name Nexus One and will supposedly be marketed by Google themselves, who are the creator of Android. Aside from the impressive 3.7-inch screen (compare to the iPhone's 3.5-inch display) and a mature Android 2.1 operating system, the Nexus One is hiding something a little special under the hood: a 1 GHz mobile processor.

If you don't know, 1 GHz is fast for a phone. Really fast. The iPhone 3GS has a 600 MHz CPU and the DROID clocks in at 530 MHz. So you can imagine how quick the Nexus One is. This device zips through the Android OS faster than any of its predecessors. And with a processor that powerful, our mobile gadgets will really start to rival desktop and notebook computers with capable applications.

The Nexus One is supposedly being released early next year, so if you're looking to buy a smartphone, it might be wise to wait and check it out. Take a look at the video below to see the Nexus One in action.

MagnaCorp Dev Releases Android App to the Market

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:10:00 +0000

Our sister company, MagnaCorp Dev, released their Android app to the Android Market last night. Technology Trivia is "an app that will entertain you with (soon to be) countless interesting and incredible facts from the world of technology". You can download the app for free in the Android Market (click here if you are on your Android device right now). You can also visit MagnaCorp Dev's website for more information about past and future releases of Technology Trivia: MagnaCorp Dev.

So go ahead and check it out! And don't forget many updates are on the way, with much more trivia to keep you entertained!

Apple's strong sales may lead to Apple Tablet release

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Apple has successfully lead retail companies in sales for the month of October 2009. NDP group has reported that the Cupertino-based companies products where immensely popular with consumers throughout the month.

Apple's 21-inch iMac desktop computer was the number one selling desktop for the month and the 27-inch iMac took the third spot. The 13-inch MacBook Pro took the top-selling spot among notebooks, as well, with three other Apple notebook computers taking up three more spots in the top ten.

Many analysts point to the fact that Apple released multiple new models in October when asked for a reason behind the success. With the continued success of their mobile area, with the iPhone and the App Store, many wonder what is keeping them from launching a new product that will take advantage of the popularity.

Rumors continue to fly about Apple's elusive tablet computer. The App Store has topped100,000 apps (as of November 4, 2009). Apple is undoubtedly making millions of dollars on app sales (which come from many of the over two billion app downloads to date), so why not release a tablet computer that can use the App Store and apps within? Many analysts are predicting an Apple tablet release for 2010.

What do you think? Will Apple release their tablet soon? What do the sales for October mean for Apple and the industry? Let us know in the comments! And as always, stay tuned for more news on various internet technology.
[Via Apple Techa]

Antivirus Software Offers Google Chrome, Will it Keep You Safer?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:05:00 +0000

It looks like the older browsers on the block (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) are being passed up for safety. Recent editions of a popular antivirus software, Avast, are coming bundled with Google's Chrome web browser.

Now, when users go to install the popular Avast Antivirus, they will be offered the chance to install a new browser with it, Chrome. Although there isn't much talk from either Avast! or Google of Chrome being chosen as a bundled software for its safety, the consensus is that the browser is safer than its alternatives. According to certain hackers, "There are bugs in Chrome but they’re very hard to exploit" compared to other browsers.

So is this a way to offer users a less infection-prone browsing experience? Or is it a stunt by Google to simply get their Chrome browser in front of more eyes? It doesn't seem to matter, as everyone wins in either situation.

One pleasantry comes from the installation of Avast, though. The user gets to choose to install Chrome or not to install it. The "yes, install" selection is not selected by default. There will be no users asking "Hey, where did this come from?" after installing their antivirus and Chrome on accident.

What do you think? Should Chrome be bundled with antivirus software? Or is it just another annoying software installation users will have to opt out of? Let us know in the comments below!

It's A Flash Party for Everyone! (Except You, iPhone)

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:39:00 +0000

So, as you likely know by know, the only "Flash" action you can enjoy on your iPhone is via Youtube. This is good and all, but sometimes we need a little Hulu or Viddler in our lives. Maybe a little Flash-based gameplay when on the run to fuel our addictions. But not on Android devices, WinMo phones, or the iPhone. That is until Flash 10.1. And that is for everything but Apple's iPhone.

Apparently, in 2010, everything will be running Flash. Even your grandma's pet goat, Charlie. Except the iPhone. While previously, Adobe was being blamed for not actively developing Flash for the iPhone, that's no longer the case.

Apparently, the ball is in Apple's court now, according to Gizmodo. They say that Adobe has admitted to attempting to develop Flash for the iPhone, but Apple is keeping the device locked down and unFlashy.

All I have to say is that Adobe better get to poking Apple for some cooperation, or HTML5 is going to render Flash a non-issue for the iPhone. Hopefully.
[Via Apple Techa]

Looking for a new Social Networking site? Check out Jabbermonkey.com

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Jabbermonkey is a "social expression site" that is now releasing its beta version. The site features numerous ways to throw your thoughts out there on countless subjects. Do you have something to say about the recent Tiger Woods debacle? Maybe a thought or two about President Obama's plan for Afghanistan? You can tell the whole world on Jabbermonkey. And you can see what other people think about the same subjects. Hurry up and check it out, the JabberMonkey.com contests start next week!

Disclosure: The writers of Magna Techa were financially compensated for informing you about Jabbermonkey.com.

Google Now Offering Free DNS Servers

noreply@blogger.com (Travis) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Well well, what have we here? Another free service from the mighty Google to make our lives more efficient. I think so!

Google announced today that they will now be offering DNS servers for the public at no cost. For those of you who do not know, DNS servers are somewhat like phone books. You know the name (the website's address, like www.magnatecha.com) and the server knows the IP number. This is another installment in their attempts to "make the web faster".

Google believes their techniques can speed up our overall web experience. I have been using Google's DNS servers for about 45 minutes now and there is a noticeable difference. Even though my page loading was not slow (today), Google's servers make it just a bit faster. This could come in handy on those days that my Internet provider's servers feel sluggish.

So, have you tried out Google's DNS servers? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!