Top Nokia Mobile Below 490$ / 29000rs | Nokia Lumia 920

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <b>Lumia 920</b> has top of the range elements, in contrast to the Lumia 900 that felt old at launch because it was hobbled by Microsof  windows cellphone 7's low-ball elements requirements. Microsoft  windows  cellphone 8 goes to contemporary elements and everything about the Lumia 920 is competitive with excellent end Android working program os cellular cell cellular phones. It features on a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait CPU with a gig of RAM and 32 tasks of storage area room. It has an excellent returning 8.7 MP photography digital camera with a Carl Zeiss relationships and back illuminated signal that works extremely well at low light photography. There's a front aspect photography digital camera that you can use with the review version of Skype for Microsoftcellphone 8 that Microsoft organization added to the app store a few days after the 920's US launch. AT&T has a 6 month unique on the Lumia 920 in the US, so you'll either have to go with AT&T or use the exposed version on T-Mobile (sorry Sprint and Verizon wireless clients, the GSM Lumia 920 won't work on your networks).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cellphone has dual band WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Wi-fi 3.0, a powerful GPS and NFC. It helps wi-fi asking for and early adopters will get a 100 % 100 % free wi-fi asking for mat according to AT&T and Htc (it provides for $50 otherwise).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PureMotion HD+ Display</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 4.5" IPS show features at 1280 x 768 great quality, developing it amazingly competitive with the top Android working program os cell cellular phones and iPhones with Retina show. The Htc actually a little bit aspects previous the iPhone 5 for pixel stability by 6 ppi (332 vs. 326) and is significantly before most big show Android working program os cell cellular phones with regards to pixel stability. Of course, you get a significantly larger show with the Lumia 920 vs. the iPhone 5, and one that's big enough to competition with today's giant 4.7 to 4.8 inch Android working program os cellular cell cellular phones. The wrap-around Gorilla Cup is eye-catching, though it does produce glare, but thanks to polarizing filters and a very awesome 600 nits of max lighting, it's quickly understandable outdoors. That's not the end of the Lumia show operate list: it's a incredibly sensitive capacitive show that works with finger claws (in my tests this might take more than one tap if you have very long nails) and even protection safety gloves. Leave it to the individuals from cold Finland at Htc to manage that feat! The LCD has a 60Hz replenish amount and deep, rich greens. Colors are stunning and it's a actual pleasure to watch film and viewpoint pictures. Though quite saturated, shades are more healthy and natural in comparison to AMOLED and Super AMOLED shows. Excellent going, Htc. The bright, excellent evaluation and saturated show make the HT 8X look a little bit tedious in evaluation.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTpdjjmYb_Q/UcMrG-5jG8I/AAAAAAAABXI/vwq25JLlyGM/s1600/Nokia-Lumia-920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="nokia lumia phones,best nokia lumia mobile" border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTpdjjmYb_Q/UcMrG-5jG8I/AAAAAAAABXI/vwq25JLlyGM/s400/Nokia-Lumia-920.jpg" title="Nokia Lumia 920" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Design and Ergonomics</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you've seen the Lumia 900 or even the Lumia 800, you have a great idea of what the Lumia 920 looks and seems like. The Lumia 920 is wider than the Lumia 900 in the middle and some shades are glow, but the overall design language is the same. The Lumia 920 is large for a 4.5" smartphone: it is 6.5 oz., which is significantly bigger than the big 5.5" New new samsung Galaxy Note II (granted New new samsung makes uncannily light phones) and every other existing smart phone available on the market. It's identical in sizing to the 4.8" New new samsung Galaxy S III, so it's certainly not a little impact cellphone. That said, the shapes are all in the right places and it smooth convenience in aspect. It's not wider than other existing cellular cell cellular phones so it's no more of a pain to use one-handed than its opponents.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The smooth finish dark and cyan look awesome in their polycarbonate wonder. The glow shades don't look in the least cheap: rather the bright shades and shiny hard surface highlight us more of a top top great quality auto finish (it helps when you have a yellow-colored that's just like Lamborghini and a red that's just a tad cold than Bmw red). I acknowledge I like powerful shades and the yellow-colored and red Lumia 920s on my desk never fail to make me smile.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The control control buttons aren't just meaningless chrome, rather they have a stylish clay-based finish that works off the dark glass that packages around the sides. The aspect amount, energy and photography digital camera control control buttons are incredibly easy to operate but firm enough that we didn't press them by accident. The little USB slot for syncing and asking for is located on the end, as are the little music speakers. The 3.5mm audio port and little SIM cards plate are up top. The top and base aspects are straight to improve grip, while the sides are curved for convenience.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cellphone helps Qi wi-fi asking for with The creditors own asking for mat or others that use the Qi traditional (our Energizer mat performed fine). That indicates you don't have to buy an alternate asking for coming returning or sleeve to use wi-fi asking for. This is a unibody design so you in fact can't remove the coming returning or availability battery energy pack that's surrounded within. There's no microSD cards slot, but happily the product has an ample 32 tasks of storage area space.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Windows Cell cellphone 8 and Htc Software</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Windows Cell cellphone has always been fast, even on slow elements. Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 8 on the Htc Lumia 920 goes, and I've yet to find myself waiting for the product. Remain Flooring surfaces are now resizable and as always, you can remove company bloatware: bye, bye Yellow-colored Pages Mobile! Kid's Corner lets you select the programs, videos and websites that kids (or anyone else) using your cellphone has availability (think of it as family-focused indication in accounts).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those of you who haven't tried Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone yet, it's a mixture between the customizability of Android working program os and the easy intuitiveness of iOS. That's not to say it copies either, because it doesn't. This is a unique customer interface that's now made its way to the Modern UI with Remain Flooring surfaces in Microsof organization microsoft windows 8 for pills, laptops and pcs. It's closer to iOS with regards to UI and security: it's a very consistent customer interface that's quite easy to learn, and security is a priority along with closed down availability programs from Windows official store for programs. You can choose which Remain Flooring surfaces appear on your Start (home) show and set their sizing. You can remove programs such as carrier-installed programs that you don't want. Some Remain Flooring surfaces provide up-dates and realises (number of e-mails unread, next classes, existing weather) unless you set them to the smallest possible sizing where up-dates may no more fit in accordance with the Ground. Typography is key and web site look unique and perfectly tuned, and the side-swiping UI in programs is fun and easy to use. Android working program os individuals, you won't be able to complete custom ROMs or set up programs from untrusted sources and there are no symbols here; Remain Flooring surfaces that update with thoughts of info are the closest you'll get.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nokia's Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone programs remain a powerful selling feature with Htc Charts and Htc Generate Try out offering the option to acquire maps for off-line use and get spoken turn by turn spoken recommendations (Bing Charts provides on-screen recommendations but not spoken directions). There's Htc Transport for those who need large transportation recommendations too. If you don't get a Htc Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone, your alternatives are the company supplied programs like AT&T Gps (often with a monthly fee) or TeleNav's Look (also requires a fee).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nokia Songs has a awesome "mix radio" operate where you can stream playlists in a variety of designs for 100 % 100 % free. You can even acquire playlist music for off-line hearing and replenish them as you see fit. This makes for a awesome Pandora alternative. Htc City Contact lens is also preinstalled for you improved reality fans and I've found it amazingly useful and useful though a little terrifying when used in areas where you'll find out out about all sorts of home-based businesses.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The usual excellent Microsof organization mp3 player is on board (formerly known as Microsoft microsoft zune Songs and now known as XBOX Music). You can complete your own music from your iTunes selection on Mac and Microsof organization microsoft windows machines via the involved USB cable, or set up the smart phone as a large storage area space drive in Microsof organization microsoft windows and move and drop music, videos and information onto the product. Mass storage area space is a new operate in Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 8, and Mac support has been around since Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 7 via the 100 % 100 % free Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone app in the Mac app store. The cellphone has Dolby headset program with EQ and audio out through headsets is excellent: no disturbances with apparent trebles and finish bass.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Similarly, Windows film player can perform domestically stored film (MPEG4 and WMV kinds, such as non-DRM content from your iTunes library) though it doesn't yet offer availability rentals and purchases from the XBOX film store. The cellphone can handle 1080p MPEG4 film play-back, though that exceeds picture so you might as well stick with 720p.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those who are XBOX clients, there's account development and you'll see your character friends and success and there's a 100 % 100 % free down-loadable XBOX SmartGlass app you can use to interact with and control your XBOX. Activities hub is where you'll find out down-loadable activities (some XBOX marked and various not branded). The activities are overall top top great quality and sell for .99 to 9.99 with most powerful more recent titles asking for 4.99 to 6.99. That said, you won't see the large option of activities that you will on the iPhone yet, nor even the same titles that have exceeded over from iOS to Android working program os. There are a few Need for Rate titles, a cellular version of SIMS 3, Assassin's Creed, Sound 4, various Disappointed Birds titles and quite a few casual activities that are fun. What's not here? Shadowgun, Dead Generate and Modern Combat 3.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So0UVJM-zuQ/UcMrHOACSjI/AAAAAAAABXQ/vM7clpo_heo/s1600/nokia-lumia-920-complete-review-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Nokia Lumia 920 mobiles,colours of nokia lumia 920" border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So0UVJM-zuQ/UcMrHOACSjI/AAAAAAAABXQ/vM7clpo_heo/s400/nokia-lumia-920-complete-review-1.jpg" title="Nokia Lumia 920 Colours" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Windows Cell cellphone 8 has basic conversation guidelines to launch programs and enter published written text for things like look for that's on par with Android working program os but does not have all the natural language question benefits of Siri on the iPhone. Search engines is your traditional google look for engine (surprise) and we found Bing's outcomes to be very useful, especially for local google look for and the excellent Regional Look app. You can acquire Search engines Look for Remain Ground, but there's no Search engines Charts app for Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone. We're OK with that because Htc Charts plus Windows Regional Look choices up the slack just excellent with none of The the apple company organization Maps' quirkiness.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The e-mail client helps most e-mail kinds such as Return, Googlemail, POP3 and IMAP. I set up the product to connect my Googlemail, Search engines Connections and Schedule using the force developing (IMAP push) and the product customized as quickly as my Android working program os devices with new e-mail and synced schedule items.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a Microsof organization product so you get the cellular version of MS Office that works with Word, Succeed, OneNote and PowerPoint information (you can viewpoint but not make PowerPoint files). Since it's a cellular version you won't find out all the features of pc MS Office, but the basic principles are here. The cellphone works with domestically stored information, e-mail accessories and information on your Skydrive or Office 365 talk about.</span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Calling and Internet</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nokia cell cellular phones have always offered top great quality get in touch with top great quality and the Lumia 920 has excellent get in touch with top great quality with finish and apparent conversation on both ends. It doesn't beat the also excellent New new samsung Galaxy S III and iPhone 5, but it meets and is equal to them with a tiny bit less great quality on the excellent trebles than the GS III. Still, it's one of the better conversation cell cellular phones available on the market. The cellphone played nicely with a variety of Wi-fi headsets and headsets, as we've come to expect from Htc, but we did notice it wasn't compatible with our The the apple company organization EarPods (we heard a greater delivered whine). Stereo headsets performed excellent, so it seems there's a issue with the mic pick-up in the headsets.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Data prices were excellent over AT&T's 4G LTE network. Though the popular cross-platform Speedtest.net app isn't available yet for Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone, we used a variety of other test programs on the Microsof organization microsoft windows market for amount tests and saw excellent prices. Likewise, app installing, film installing and web page installing were as fast as we've seen on competitive AT&T LTE cellular cell cellular phones. The Lumia 920 has the cellular hot identify operate so you can use the product as a wi-fi hot identify for your tablet, laptop or other system. The cellphone uses a little SIM cards.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Performance and Horsepower</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 7 cellular cell cellular phones were stuck in the last thanks to old Microsof organization elements requirements, Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 8 calls for contemporary dual-core processer snacks, various permitted show solutions and more RAM. Not that Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 7 was missing for explosiveness, but requirements do count for marketing reasons and faster elements allows for more advanced features and awesome activities. The Htc Lumia 920 has a gig of RAM and 32 tasks of storage area space (currently most competitive WP8 cellular cell cellular phones have 8-16 tasks of storage). There's no microSD cards slot, and those used to cause problems because of Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 7's cards security plan so we only saw a cards slot on the New new samsung Focus, where it caused problems due to cards customer interface and security problems. Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 8 controls microSD cards more beautifully, but so far we've only seen the cards slot on the Htc Lumia 810/820/822 Microsof organization microsoft windows 8 cellphone that has just 8 tasks of inner storage area room. That said, 32 tasks is a proper and healthy amount of inner storage area space that can house lots of programs, a reasonable music selection and some operate length movies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core Krait CPU is the same you'll find out in excellent end Android working program os cell cellular phones like the New new samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X. Offered, a few quad primary Snapdragon CPUs are hitting the market now (LG Optimus G and Nexus 4), but the dual-core is still great powerful and more than adequate to keep the Lumia 920 moving along amazingly quickly. It does very well in mixture program requirements like AnTuTu and Sunspider.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nokia PureView Camera</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The returning 8.7MP photography digital camera is excellent, though in our tests it hasn't completely trounced the top opponents from New new samsung and The the apple company organization. It does however edge forward in low light and night situations. Images are unique and apparent but not over-sharpened and colour vividness is eye-catching though we mentioned the same tendency for white wines to flower that we saw in the Lumia 900. 1080p film has excellent frame prices, even in low light and does beat out the opponents unless we're talking about the 41MP Htc PureView.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, pictures are natural and rich looking, and you'd be pushed to tell them apart from a compact photography digital camera. Modifying the traditional photo options and adding a little improving in post handling outcomes in some very excellent pictures. 1080p film isn't the least bit blocky and has excellent colour and detail. This is definitely a awesome photography digital camera to catch with and it is excellent enough for create pictures and YouTube film syndication. If you wish, the product can save your photos and videos to your Skydrive thinking storage area space (7 tasks of storage area space are included). These will immediately appear in your Images app on a Microsof organization microsoft windows 8 PC if you use the same Microsof organization microsoft windows Remain indication in on both laptop or computer and make get in touch with with. You can talk about these with others if you like, but the traditional keeps them securely private for your eyes only.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The returning photography digital camera has an awesome features along with a back illuminated signal, fat f/2.0 26mm Carl Zeiss relationships with dual LED flash and visual image backing. The top aspect f/2.4 1.2MP photography digital camera does 720p film for unique film chat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Battery Life</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Htc Lumia 920 has a 2,000 mAh Lithium Ion plastic battery energy pack that's surrounded within (like the iPhone and HTC One X, you can't exchange in a spare). We had no trouble developing it through the day on a charge with average use, and it live through given that my Galaxy S III. Some clients have exposed short runtimes, but I haven't experienced that issue with our two Lumia 920 units. The cellphone does support more solid multi-tasking than Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 7.5, so if you do have battery energy pack problems, reboot the product to see if that reveals up up background programs that might be hogging periods. Also use the coming returning key to quit out of activities and Htc Generate rather than the property key (the one with the Microsof organization microsoft windows logo).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Lumia 920 has wi-fi asking for built in using the Qi traditional. The creditors asking for smooth provides for $50 or you can use other brand asking for mattes that use Qi.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pet Peeves</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monolithic amount control, really? There's one amount developing and that indicates when you turn down you film gamblers amount, your ringtone amount is also reduced. If you forget to turn it coming returning up after it clip is done, you might not hear your cellphone band. And no look for in the schedule application? Please Microsof organization, fix this!</span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></h3><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Htc Lumia 920 is undoubtedly the idol cellphone for Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone 8's launch. It has an stylish and memorable design that seems excellent in aspect and looks stylish. The fantastic 4.5" IPS show has rich shades, excellent evaluation and it works with protection safety gloves. Though published written text doesn't look quite as colored on as it does on the HTC One X, HTC Android working program DNA and iPhone 5 the display's unusually high pixel stability and sharpness make for an excellent experience. The cellphone is very fast and continuous, and it has plenty of inner storage area room. I've been using it for a week as my main cellphone and have put my New new samsung Galaxy S III in the drawer: amazingly, I haven't missed my S III all that much, even though I've been a large Android working program os customer for decades (with trysts with various Microsof organization microsoft windows Phones and iPhones thrown in over the years). My only caveats? The cellphone is quite large for its sizing and the app option is excellent and healthy with many of the big players existing, but it still can't match the iPhone and Android working program os (yet). The only thing holding the Lumia 920 coming returning from our Editor's Choice award is app option. Hopefully in another year we'll see a flower of Microsof organization microsoft windows Cell cellphone programs, that will no more be a issue.</span></div>

Top Nokia Mobile Below 490$ / 29000rs | Nokia Lumia 920

The Lumia 920 has top of the range elements, in contrast to the Lumia 900 that felt old at launch because it was hobbled by Microsof  windo...

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New 3D renderings show expected design of Apple's low-cost iPhone

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iyLfgGE5hiMoGY61MfuSrZYulwjztbX51H-mD_Bbhyphenhyphen57pzmsezAFynglDk9goNrYjZYf59r9ty8h_B_joFXUO7bijRV4VS5KTJOPmamXR5Gia4KX21DCWVuwYGWQH6WKpA2IDKm0ans/s1600/render-130621-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iyLfgGE5hiMoGY61MfuSrZYulwjztbX51H-mD_Bbhyphenhyphen57pzmsezAFynglDk9goNrYjZYf59r9ty8h_B_joFXUO7bijRV4VS5KTJOPmamXR5Gia4KX21DCWVuwYGWQH6WKpA2IDKm0ans/s1600/render-130621-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>With schematics of an alleged low-cost iPhone now in the wild, AppleInsider offers a glimpse of what that device might look like as an actual product in this pair of high-quality 3D renderings.</b><br /><br />These 3D renders are based on the schematics shown in blueprint images that leaked earlier this week. Major iOS accessory companies are currently high in their convictions that the leaked blue prints are indicative of the much-anticpated low-cost iPhone and are currently designing and building cases to fit this form factor.<br /><br />The speaker and microphone holes on the bottom of the device are circular, and akin to the current iPod touch design. In an interesting marriage of hardware and software, the circular openings are also similar to the new signal indicators in iOS 7.<br /><br />Like the iPhone 5, the bottom of the rumored low-cost iPhone also includes a Lightning port, with screws to the left and right, as well as a headphone jack.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWxIA7cdAAllI2K9BXgyKo4AyX2gQfGRIgY0U4rLwkI9DvIk_Nd_IwyE3VjrUw9_LOeWoTlsdLfJXrB9OS7Btt1Hg49I-IJGTAKY-C5RwCKsOxOILVGevxQEL0PxZFTTvyrIZOUAqv8E/s1600/render-130621-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWxIA7cdAAllI2K9BXgyKo4AyX2gQfGRIgY0U4rLwkI9DvIk_Nd_IwyE3VjrUw9_LOeWoTlsdLfJXrB9OS7Btt1Hg49I-IJGTAKY-C5RwCKsOxOILVGevxQEL0PxZFTTvyrIZOUAqv8E/s1600/render-130621-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />On the left side, the volume controls are pill shaped, like the iPod touch, rather than circular, like the iPhone 5. The back corners of the device are also curved, bearing a resemblance to Apple's iPod classic.<br /><br />Aside from those tweaks, the anticipated handset is unmistakably an iPhone, featuring the standard home button and a 4-inch display. The leaked design is slightly thicker than an iPhone 5, and is expected to have a plastic back panel to keep costs down.<br /><br />Rumors have suggested that Apple will introduce a less expensive iPhone model, alongside a premium "iPhone 5S," this fall. Market watchers believe such a device could allow Apple to tap into the fast-growing unsubsidized segment of the smartphone market.<br /><br />In particular, emerging markets such as China and India have been pegged as potential growth opportunities where Apple could be missing out on sales, due to the non-contract pricing of its current lineup. Used iPhones are so popular overseas that Apple itself has partnered with Brighstar Corp to begin taking trade-ins at its hundreds of retail locations.

Apple New 3D renderings show expected design of Apple's low-cost iPhone

With schematics of an alleged low-cost iPhone now in the wild, AppleInsider offers a glimpse of what that device might look like as an actua...

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Rare Apple I projected to fetch $500K in Christie's auction

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpdiHSjuYGLjqWfEcPNg7nMtix4YHvNX7TXaaVK9Fy0NoYDHHWC_CE7v_5_uTHCwInIH9hBXjArR0DM8egzpFNg6lvDMk_80rj_NMbAOCxqLFFAsEAZGoUN5nwhneIegrJHrHmWu0BhU/s1600/apple-130621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpdiHSjuYGLjqWfEcPNg7nMtix4YHvNX7TXaaVK9Fy0NoYDHHWC_CE7v_5_uTHCwInIH9hBXjArR0DM8egzpFNg6lvDMk_80rj_NMbAOCxqLFFAsEAZGoUN5nwhneIegrJHrHmWu0BhU/s1600/apple-130621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Bidding will start at $300,000 and is expected to reach as much as a half-million dollars when a rare Apple I computer from 1976 goes up for auction.</b><br /><br />One of the first computers ever built will hit the market next week at legendary art auction house Christie's. The projected sale price was reported on Friday by the Associated Press.<br /><br />About 200 Apple I machines were made, but most no longer exist. Estimates peg the current number of original Apple computers at between 30 and 50.<br /><br />Just last month, a working Apple I sold for $671,400 in an auction in Germany. That system had the added bonus of being signed by company co-founder Steve Wozniak.<br /><br />That sale exceeded the previous record of $640,000 for a working Apple I, which came from an auction sale in late 2012. Even individual parts from Apple I machines have proven valuable, as a working Apple I motherboard fetched $375,000 in an auction last June.

Apple Rare Apple I projected to fetch $500K in Christie's auction

Bidding will start at $300,000 and is expected to reach as much as a half-million dollars when a rare Apple I computer from 1976 goes up for...

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Apple's iPhone 5 headed to Virgin Mobile USA next week for $550 off-contract

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUd6ZPgmsaTbZ7r0TmzlP2GTmya2RKDANhzivDcpDHRgcJB5-Gm28lX_X8xIWl4gLQI9aUqosJJa6wWu4piJOBsMRG03zcnB1EzkNIZSP_nxp_TrZ05DXFGpseUSNHNLcflBSBKPz2AU/s1600/virgin-130621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUd6ZPgmsaTbZ7r0TmzlP2GTmya2RKDANhzivDcpDHRgcJB5-Gm28lX_X8xIWl4gLQI9aUqosJJa6wWu4piJOBsMRG03zcnB1EzkNIZSP_nxp_TrZ05DXFGpseUSNHNLcflBSBKPz2AU/s1600/virgin-130621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br />Virgin Mobile will be the next U.S. carrier to receive Apple's iPhone 5 next Friday, when the base-level 16-gigabyte model will become available for $549.99 without a service contract.</b><br /><br />When it launches on June 28, the iPhone 5 will be compatible with the carrier's "Beyond Talk" plans, which can be purchased for as little as $30 per month. The 32-gigabyte iPhone 5 will be available for $649.99, while the high-end 64-gigabyte capacity will be $749.99.<br /><br />A Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plan includes 2.5 gigabytes per month of full-speed data at 3G and 4G speeds. Data is throttled after users reach the maximum monthly limit.<br /><br />The plan is available for $35 per month with 300 anytime minutes, but Virgin offers customers a $5-per-month plan discount if they sign up for automatic monthly payments with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. That means Virgin Mobile subscribers can obtain a new plan with unlimited messaging and data for $30 per month.<br /><br />A jump to 1,200 anytime minutes is $45 per month, while unlimited calling runs $55 per month. Both are also qualified for the $5-per-month discount, bringing their prices down to $40 and $50, respectively.<br /><br />Virgin Mobile began offering a 15 percent discount on iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S handsets a month ago. The company first started sales of Apple's iPhone a year ago, in June of 2012.

Apple Apple's iPhone 5 headed to Virgin Mobile USA next week for $550 off-contract

Virgin Mobile will be the next U.S. carrier to receive Apple's iPhone 5 next Friday, when the base-level 16-gigabyte model will become a...

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Photos claim to show assembled 'iPhone 5S' chassis, possibly early prototype

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M8KJXkaBalTt_B27UHxZeqsWQR6GMele-Yn6sLvIjJJREt_qiqgvmKP_INy_b8xOupmKTGGKLJqWZYOWG3qVhie1k_GYSuRBopSzAsft4_6gGwq5joOnlLcF-ijsXxJUe-TrxhjCqxc/s1600/13.06.21-iPhone_5S-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M8KJXkaBalTt_B27UHxZeqsWQR6GMele-Yn6sLvIjJJREt_qiqgvmKP_INy_b8xOupmKTGGKLJqWZYOWG3qVhie1k_GYSuRBopSzAsft4_6gGwq5joOnlLcF-ijsXxJUe-TrxhjCqxc/s1600/13.06.21-iPhone_5S-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b>As Apple's annual iPhone refresh cycle draws near, the number of rumors regarding the so-called "iPhone 5S" continue to grow, the latest being a set of photos claiming to show the handset in near complete form</b>.<br /><br />At first glance, the image of the supposed iPhone 5S internals looks to be in line with rumored parts leaks, which include the handset's logic board, loudspeaker, SIM card tray, vibration motor, and other smaller components. Taken part by part and compared with recent rumored parts leaks, the photos appear to show either an early prototype, or a hybrid of the current iPhone 5 with components from an as yet unreleased version of Apple's smartphone.<br /><br />From the top left: the vibration motor is clearly visible and has a single weight. This is counter to a recent photo that suggests the next-gen iPhone will use a dual-weight system. There is also a slight crimp in the attachment arm, which on the iPhone 5 is at a perfect 90-degree angle. This, along with the off-center contact plate, shows the motor has been previously removed, replaced, or damaged.<br /><br />At the bottom of the picture is the speaker sitting atop flex cables belonging to the microphone and Lightning dock connector. These parts are identical to supposedly leaked components pictured earlier this month.<br /><br />Finally, the battery carries markings that, if legitimate, point to a capacity of 5.92 Watt-hours. In comparison, the iPhone 5 has a 5.45 Whr unit.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXrPx-SpmOMY5gttvDQdoj_-L4HsNTbZkLiuCgRgUAqgyAnzP_mwDzmG5054rFMxp1_l45n61I6ozLwx0wnsKyJB2r6y8EGJFz6uGnLJRliMEnE8zybFf7zTAB5F4KLzA2iTLjRCurYo/s1600/13.06.21-iPhone_5S-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXrPx-SpmOMY5gttvDQdoj_-L4HsNTbZkLiuCgRgUAqgyAnzP_mwDzmG5054rFMxp1_l45n61I6ozLwx0wnsKyJB2r6y8EGJFz6uGnLJRliMEnE8zybFf7zTAB5F4KLzA2iTLjRCurYo/s1600/13.06.21-iPhone_5S-2.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br />The second image allegedly shows the handset's back casing, though this photo contains details that are somewhat incongruent with a next-gen handset. For example, the model number appears to read "A1214," a designation never before seen on an iPhone. The original iPhone and iPhone 3G bore "A12XX" model numbers, while the iPhone 3GS to 4S carried numbers in the "A13XX" range. Apple's GSM version of the iPhone 4S moved into the "A14XX" tier, which continues with the current iPhone 5.<br /><br />It is possible that the number seen on this particular casing reads "A1234," signifying a probable prototype, but the fourth digit is not curved and looks to be either a "1" or a "7" when enhanced.<br /><br />Despite being quite blurry, the image clearly shows the much-rumored dual-flash positioned near the rear-facing camera. Interestingly, the chamfered edge on the left side of the phone is in crisp focus while the rest of the photo is not.

Apple Photos claim to show assembled 'iPhone 5S' chassis, possibly early prototype

As Apple's annual iPhone refresh cycle draws near, the number of rumors regarding the so-called "iPhone 5S" continue to grow, ...

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Apple's iTunes accounts for 75% of global digital music market, worth $6.9B a year

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUVv9y6lvlx9V0N-Vcpv0u3mSe76I9fBLwe1OZp6iRwmoYvaGDkOra_PFOPL28bUuPdZetnVEAQ8VaAdVlwXJO9vTOwD9970OrSZdiPJj5n9JGF7klg6znmDSFVMFaOi26hjSSK4HrpE/s1600/13.06.20-iTunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUVv9y6lvlx9V0N-Vcpv0u3mSe76I9fBLwe1OZp6iRwmoYvaGDkOra_PFOPL28bUuPdZetnVEAQ8VaAdVlwXJO9vTOwD9970OrSZdiPJj5n9JGF7klg6znmDSFVMFaOi26hjSSK4HrpE/s1600/13.06.20-iTunes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>After Apple published numbers for iTunes TV show and music downloads on Wednesday, Asymco's Horace Dediu broke down the stats to reveal the online storefront rakes in some $6.9 billion each year, or roughly 75 percent of all digital music sales.</b><br /><br />According to Dediu, the average iTunes account holder spends about $12 per year on music, reports Billboard (via AllThingsD), and with 575 million active users, Apple's annual revenue hits $6.9 billion.<br /><br />The publication notes that the IFPI set the trade value of the global digital music market in 2012 at $6.9 billion, which is about 35 percent of the $16.5 billion for all recorded music. To extrapolate consumer spending, Billboard assumes labels net 60 percent of the retail price, resulting in a digital market worth $9.3 billion.<br /><br />That means Apple's $6.9 billion account for about 75 percent of the $9.3 billion global digital music market. The remaining slice of the pie is divvied up to streaming music services like Pandora and retailers like Amazon.<br /><br />Apple, however, recently announced its own Internet radio streamer in iTunes Radio, an ad-supported service that has built-in links to purchase songs directly from the iTunes store. As the feature has yet to roll out to the public, it remains to be seen whether Apple's system will be competitive with already established apps.

Apple Apple's iTunes accounts for 75% of global digital music market, worth $6.9B a year

After Apple published numbers for iTunes TV show and music downloads on Wednesday, Asymco's Horace Dediu broke down the stats to reveal ...

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Rumor: Samsung slashes smartphone part orders for first time in company history

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sivG4HC6KhyuZ0M5_YS04MXMsuHP4Zh_lSSe9YW9a1pgSeUdGt84OnkD8oMwAITuLY51mjf8piAZDALMInhTNVWywT39TOKn1eXIZ5GOhIzguFioWDAfa5Ezg74NFUQeai7OorpB068/s1600/gs4-ratioed-130613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sivG4HC6KhyuZ0M5_YS04MXMsuHP4Zh_lSSe9YW9a1pgSeUdGt84OnkD8oMwAITuLY51mjf8piAZDALMInhTNVWywT39TOKn1eXIZ5GOhIzguFioWDAfa5Ezg74NFUQeai7OorpB068/s1600/gs4-ratioed-130613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>A new report out of Korea claims Apple's chief rival Samsung is slashing orders for new smartphone parts, marking the first time the company has done so in its history.</b><br /><br />Samsung allegedly plans to cut production of its new flagship Galaxy S4 handset by between 10 and 15 percent, according to ETNews.com, which cited anonymous sources. The company reportedly plans to build 6.5 million Galaxy S4 units in the month of July, which would be half the number it build in May.<br /><br />The company allegedly saw a "warning light" this month, when inventory began to back up as Galaxy S4 sales slowed. That's apparently prompted the company to cut orders heading into the month of July.<br /><br />In addition, the company also apparently plans to retire its previous-generation Galaxy S3 handset sooner than originally anticipated, the report said.<br /><br />Rumors of disappointing sales of the Galaxy S4 have persisted for weeks now. They became so prevalent that the company's chief executive was compelled to comment on the matter last week, suggesting that Galaxy S4 sales have been "fine," without giving specific numbers.<br /><br />Both Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S4 compete in the high-end smartphone segment — a market that industry watchers believe could be reaching saturation. That's helped to fuel speculation that Apple could launch a new low-end iPhone this year to target customers who prefer unsubsidized handsets that are not tied to a new two-year service contract.

Apple Rumor: Samsung slashes smartphone part orders for first time in company history

A new report out of Korea claims Apple's chief rival Samsung is slashing orders for new smartphone parts, marking the first time the com...

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Users report Wi-Fi connectivity issues with Apple's new 802.11ac MacBook Airs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo4zH03vT6xDF57JaKDq3dSOMukwlkPaUZo0uPyomFcVJcqMenwT1NraGl8xgp2tYoCKuRzqdNSUGNLbG8jQQR97_AU0Lk4rnh_h1Vd7_DTFE6qqcNY6KIF7tMrxpaIvvVZSa9QGt9MY/s1600/89u3489348943-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo4zH03vT6xDF57JaKDq3dSOMukwlkPaUZo0uPyomFcVJcqMenwT1NraGl8xgp2tYoCKuRzqdNSUGNLbG8jQQR97_AU0Lk4rnh_h1Vd7_DTFE6qqcNY6KIF7tMrxpaIvvVZSa9QGt9MY/s1600/89u3489348943-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Some early adopters of Apple's latest MacBook Air models have found their new thin-and-light notebook will unexpectedly and repeatedly drop its wireless connection.</b><br /><br />A growing thread on the Apple Support Communities website details the connectivity problems being experienced by numerous users. The problems appear to apply to both the 11- and 13-inch varieties of the recently updated notebook lineup.<br /><br />In addition, an anonymous source from an Apple retail store in London said to Gizmodo that their store has had complaints about wireless connectivity for the new MacBook Airs that are "well above average."<br /><br />In the thread on Apple's official site, users say they're experiencing the problems across a range of routers, including Apple's own AirPort accessories. Users say they can initially connect to a Wi-Fi network, but that connection will drop after a short period of use.<br /><br />At the moment, there doesn't appear to be an available solution that addresses the problems seen by all users, though some have had success with various routers or even different placement of the MacBook Air.<br /><br />The updated MacBook Air lineup launched last week at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference. In addition to faster 802.11ac connectivity, the notebooks also feature Intel's latest Haswell processors, helping to enable battery life as great as 12 hours.<br /><br />The new MacBook Airs are also priced $100 less than their predecessors, with the new low-end $999 11-inch model packing 128 gigabytes of flash storage. Readers can always find the lowest prices on Mac notebooks in AppleInsider's Mac Price Guide.

Apple Users report Wi-Fi connectivity issues with Apple's new 802.11ac MacBook Airs

Some early adopters of Apple's latest MacBook Air models have found their new thin-and-light notebook will unexpectedly and repeatedly d...

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Apple's fingerprint sensor encapsulation tech could be headed for future iPhone

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdbA82Ef4Qp2ylQ7FBXkZ7lTTl8yGAqvLGfFPcG0TTfHQ13otbtT0LglfPcpW4QrZKX8J4FzT7eXud7jph7XTlfxTQQ4mzxDD4w895IkVdjxtknKwlU-fI1h2dXzMe1PpV0R348UZra8/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdbA82Ef4Qp2ylQ7FBXkZ7lTTl8yGAqvLGfFPcG0TTfHQ13otbtT0LglfPcpW4QrZKX8J4FzT7eXud7jph7XTlfxTQQ4mzxDD4w895IkVdjxtknKwlU-fI1h2dXzMe1PpV0R348UZra8/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><b>The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published an Apple filing for a unique encapsulation structure which holds both a fingerprint sensor and its conductive bezel, allowing for a smaller, more protective final component suitable for a mobile device.</b><br /><br />Apple's patent application, filed in February and titled "Integrally molded die and bezel structure for fingerprint sensors and the like," describes a unitary encapsulation structure that protects a delicate biometric array, while still allowing for a portion of the sensor and bezel to be exposed or thinly coated with a protective seal. While the filing is for a "strip" type sensor, the technology can feasibly be applied to other fingerprinting methods.<br /><br />As noted in the filing, current electrical-based sensors are formed in a package containing the die, which holds a semiconductor and said sensors along with related circuitry. Because of the small die size, secondary structures like a lead frame and wires are needed to make an electrical connection between the die and the printed circuit board on which it is situated. These structures are then encased in an encapsulation material to protect the intricate wirebonding and other internal components from damage.<br /><br />Because such sensors can only operate within a certain threshold distance between a user's fingerprint and the die, many encapsulation methods leave the package uncovered.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xhm3lhfixxflpc6Hls8T7tjLtm2rKF_aQStQL18wXXBf3wETEvqYDNYV41t6fkx1dm__4bRIWydu6gRUjrUNU78DvkYGXLLP1ItatQGR97umKvIxXWGhE7MvH-UjDwkb42e8ohJMC1A/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xhm3lhfixxflpc6Hls8T7tjLtm2rKF_aQStQL18wXXBf3wETEvqYDNYV41t6fkx1dm__4bRIWydu6gRUjrUNU78DvkYGXLLP1ItatQGR97umKvIxXWGhE7MvH-UjDwkb42e8ohJMC1A/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In one embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a substrate like a PCB or ceramic structure with a region specifically designed to receive a die assembly, as well as regions for holding bezels. The encapsulation structure is molded from a resin or plastic and is injected in such a way as to leave the top portion of the die and bezel parallel or nearly coplanar. These structures can be either partially exposed, or covered with a thin layer of material to protect it from the elements.<br /><br />In addition to the above embodiments, the filing notes that the bezels can be provided with visual indicators and possibly a light source.<br /><br />The invention would prove to be of substantial value if Apple were to deploy a fingerprint reader in a future iteration of the iPhone, as the tech would allow for a small, reasonably durable component that can withstand everyday wear and tear.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUq2WbBLKuHGs64BqEAnJylCaeMA4Ngd_Kz3IroWUf6rl3JFx9uIKQ8QOFQWlGqmWofczUUiwBd2sP7rYzF-2LQ-gmwiyggdhlIaOepfTnZd1e7hpCYsz93pYDmFH8rJ8IWA4nktgAMg/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUq2WbBLKuHGs64BqEAnJylCaeMA4Ngd_Kz3IroWUf6rl3JFx9uIKQ8QOFQWlGqmWofczUUiwBd2sP7rYzF-2LQ-gmwiyggdhlIaOepfTnZd1e7hpCYsz93pYDmFH8rJ8IWA4nktgAMg/s1600/13.06.20-Fingerprint-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Apple is widely rumored to be incorporating fingerprint scanning technology into its next-generation iOS devices, with the forthcoming "iPhone 5" being a prime candidate. Rumors and speculation were sparked by the company's 2012 acquisition of biometrics firm Authentec.<br /><br />Interestingly, Apple's filing cites multiple patents and patent applications on fingerprint biometrics owned by STMicroelectronics, one of the world's largest semiconductor companies. Besides sensors and embedded processing solutions, the firm also supplied Apple with the three-axis gyroscope found in the iPhone 5.

Apple Apple's fingerprint sensor encapsulation tech could be headed for future iPhone

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published an Apple filing for a unique encapsulation structure which holds both a fingerpri...

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Pegatron CEO: Apple's 'low-cost iPhone' will not be cheap

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxLxn7NNZMFjIm0cBZ9cBfcJro6y6uxDbiGdgZxUlVsLCFQ3M1Rv4JpQUlwFWJIWkQKTLyxjQR-03C8ouiD2dxufXkmKqyL4bRJM-VeAE2pARlscBCND3JlgRZmkHEKf_6Cq_7lqhOFQ/s1600/renders-130618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxLxn7NNZMFjIm0cBZ9cBfcJro6y6uxDbiGdgZxUlVsLCFQ3M1Rv4JpQUlwFWJIWkQKTLyxjQR-03C8ouiD2dxufXkmKqyL4bRJM-VeAE2pARlscBCND3JlgRZmkHEKf_6Cq_7lqhOFQ/s1600/renders-130618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Speaking at his company's shareholders meeting on Thursday, Pegatron CEO T.H. Tung said Apple's much rumored low cost iPhone won't be a budget offering, seemingly confirming speculation that the handset will be sold as a higher-end middle tier device. </b><br /><br />The executive said products currently on the market can carry a number of names, but "cheap" is not one that should be associated with Apple's less expensive iPhone. He went on to say that, compared to feature phones, smartphones are increasingly offering more value for the price.<br /><br />The statements appear to confirm previous reports that Pegatron is handling at least a portion of the as-yet-unannounced iPhone's manufacture. A report in May claimed Pegatron is reportedly preparing to hire some 40,000 workers sometime in the second half of 2013, adding fuel to the low-cost iPhone fire.<br /><br />Analysts and media sources are divided as to which of Apple partners will be responsible for the majority of production, with some claiming Foxconn is to pull most of the burden.<br /><br />KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in March said the two companies will nearly split manufacturing duties for the low-cost version, while Pegatron would take on a bigger share of continued iPhone 4 and 4S production.<br /><br />On Wednesday, AppleInsider offered a first look at 3D renderings of so-called "iPhone Lite," which were made by a well-known third-party case maker from schematics it received. If the blueprints are authentic, the new design boasts curved edges and a slightly thicker frame than the current iPhone 5, which is in line with previous rumors.

Apple Pegatron CEO: Apple's 'low-cost iPhone' will not be cheap

Speaking at his company's shareholders meeting on Thursday, Pegatron CEO T.H. Tung said Apple's much rumored low cost iPhone won'...

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15 Kooky USB Hubs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ldSgrpkwZpO4n4gluEpfrbu4loxy7q8wkcswndIWnd_ecT6Ur1PV9vXDj_2wvJm6RAtYJlUtwqA1tL5yNlp6DmN8d3wS4cp2SUvVxTMOp7pmFN1jFNbryZxtgSaTPNGXS2p9xF85ULs/s1600/Toaster%252520USB%252520Hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ldSgrpkwZpO4n4gluEpfrbu4loxy7q8wkcswndIWnd_ecT6Ur1PV9vXDj_2wvJm6RAtYJlUtwqA1tL5yNlp6DmN8d3wS4cp2SUvVxTMOp7pmFN1jFNbryZxtgSaTPNGXS2p9xF85ULs/s1600/Toaster%252520USB%252520Hub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />"I have too many USB ports," said no one, ever.<br /><br />From smartphones and notebook-thin laptops to USB necklaces and "smart socks," our lives are becoming increasingly in sync with all things digital. But as companies come up with new and exciting gadgets, we're running out of space to use them.<br /><br />In this list, we bring you 15 of the coolest and most creative USB hubs to ensure that you never run out of space to connect your electronic lifelines. You'll find a poodle, a skull, a toaster and even a 24-port monster USB hub to maximize your technological prowess.

15 Kooky USB Hubs

"I have too many USB ports," said no one, ever. From smartphones and notebook-thin laptops to USB necklaces and "smart socks,...

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Watch: Tesla Shows Off 90-Second Battery Swapping

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqJ3RDTcMKQKU593IZ8EM-DWBHZXBxlf_jLCajG-So4EwFDM6qxnkdaLEjEDnmYeHHwLsFO18ky9NLWoV8RCd9UEjpQ4DyrL5Q398MRUIy02g51nAA2udYsGmhLWWYFWJ-WBujR_CRPs/s1600/tesla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqJ3RDTcMKQKU593IZ8EM-DWBHZXBxlf_jLCajG-So4EwFDM6qxnkdaLEjEDnmYeHHwLsFO18ky9NLWoV8RCd9UEjpQ4DyrL5Q398MRUIy02g51nAA2udYsGmhLWWYFWJ-WBujR_CRPs/s1600/tesla.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Tesla Motors has designed its Model S to be capable of fast battery swapping, which can ultimately prove to be a better solution than charging the car battery.<br /><br />According to Tesla, swapping a battery in the Model S takes about 90 seconds, and the driver never has to get out of the car. The process is as simple as driving the car onto a designated spot, where a platform rises up from the ground, removes the depleted battery and installs a new one. <br /><br />Now, Tesla has demonstrated the battery-swapping capabilities of the Model S on video. The clip shows a comparison between filling up a regular gas guzzler and exchanging the battery on the model S, which happens in about 90 seconds. In fact, Tesla manages to exchange the battery on another Model S in the time it takes to fill up a regular, gasoline-powered car.

Watch: Tesla Shows Off 90-Second Battery Swapping

Tesla Motors has designed its Model S to be capable of fast battery swapping, which can ultimately prove to be a better solution than chargi...

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Hands On With the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxqEWE-tQhd_vUkkj8n0biu8pNpc9S8aG5QIuHg5lnIBwNy68yw6fTLmKeKl1-YP3iNdI_exR1T5FpvHgWD3DUf_jlCoNywpuiB-CYe3ob5NK4Sa5XK4iRugmxPU9KRhVbZPQcbmxH9k/s1600/Samsung%2520Livestream%2520Product%2520Release,%2520June%25202013%2520(25%2520of%252033).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxqEWE-tQhd_vUkkj8n0biu8pNpc9S8aG5QIuHg5lnIBwNy68yw6fTLmKeKl1-YP3iNdI_exR1T5FpvHgWD3DUf_jlCoNywpuiB-CYe3ob5NK4Sa5XK4iRugmxPU9KRhVbZPQcbmxH9k/s1600/Samsung%2520Livestream%2520Product%2520Release,%2520June%25202013%2520(25%2520of%252033).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is for anyone who wants better photos from their phone, but doesn't want to add too much bulk. Handling it at a product demo in New York City today, I was surprised about how small the device is, and it did a decent job of capturing images of distant objects with a minimum of blur due to camera shake.<br /><br />While the S4 Zoom is small and light for a 16-megapixel point-and-shoot camera, it's definitely bulkier than your typical smartphone. The lens in back adds about a half-inch to the thickness when retracted, and the bottom of the phone has some extra chunk to provide a grip when using it as a camera. Size-wise, it's somewhere between the GS4 Mini (both have a 4.3-inch screen) and the Galaxy Camera.<br /><br />At 10x zoom, you need some serious image stabilization to get anything other than blurry shots, and the S4 Zoom did a good job helping me capture decently sharp images of the faces of people who were several feet away from me. It couldn't work miracles — I still had to hold steady to avoid blur, but it performed better than expected.<br /><br />The Zoom has an interesting (literal) twist: When you rotate the lens dial while doing anything in Android, a circular menu appears. From it, you can keep twisting to select from different camera modes, some of which are customizable. If you like shooting macro shots often, you can make that one of the options, and the dial provides a quick way to open the camera directly in that mode.<br /><br />The S4 Zoom also benefits from the Galaxy Camera family (which now includes the Galaxy NX): The onscreen manual controls are great, and you also get an app that suggests things close by that are photo-worthy.

Hands On With the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is for anyone who wants better photos from their phone, but doesn't want to add too much bulk. Handling it at...

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Remote Brake Lights Warn of Danger Before You Can See It

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhnbeglHKxhGuhgjqZmnCuUH5fM2ASEQqYBt5dQTpdVNatm0mSl9x0tJg_eIG7_LBHjj58kZTt-UEUbDDa9psOWvtLk8NkDNoKENsIGycRsGbQwzZxZuId39bwAlmSVc4I-_jY3Np7Fs/s1600/brake-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhnbeglHKxhGuhgjqZmnCuUH5fM2ASEQqYBt5dQTpdVNatm0mSl9x0tJg_eIG7_LBHjj58kZTt-UEUbDDa9psOWvtLk8NkDNoKENsIGycRsGbQwzZxZuId39bwAlmSVc4I-_jY3Np7Fs/s1600/brake-lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ford is working on remote brake lights that wirelessly warn drivers, who see a dashboard light illuminate when there's danger ahead.<br /><br />It's easy to see the brake lights of a panic-stopping car right in front of you, but what if that car ahead is around a corner, over a hill or driving through a dense fog or rainstorm? Ford is testing technology that can warn you of such danger, part of its Safe Intelligent Mobility (SIM) research project that involves 20 futuristic systems that could make cars safer.<br /><br />he remote brake-light system would be particularly adept at avoiding chain reaction collisions, where a car far ahead of you comes to a sudden stop and multiple cars can't stop in time to avoid a multi-car collision. With this brake light on your dashboard, you'll be warned of panic stops before you become directly involved in their aftermath.<br /><br />Car-to-car communication is a crucial link in the development of self-driving vehicles. Companies such as Google have already developed extremely smart cars that can drive themselves, but the safety of such systems will be even closer to perfection if cars can communicate their intent with each other.<br /><br />Ford is not the only company working on these types of communication. For instance, Mercedes announced on Thursday that its first car-to-car communication system would launch this year. Company representatives wrote in a press release that the Mercedes technology would enhance existing smart driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, adding the ability to receive information about road conditions and accidents. <br /><br />Ford's field testing of its SIM tech took place in Frankfurt, Germany, with what Ford said was 500 test drivers in 120 vehicles. According to Ford, those test subjects spent more than 41,000 hours on public roads and on a closed track testing the technology.

Remote Brake Lights Warn of Danger Before You Can See It

Ford is working on remote brake lights that wirelessly warn drivers, who see a dashboard light illuminate when there's danger ahead. It&...

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AT&T's Pantech Flex gets Jelly Bean update

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PhdsJLeHO2fGVJBZBDJp2zQ1XEmpKlzE1gO2GaK2q4z1LmhTybHa2iZWU3O8mnMocksDHW7BK9Jb0cj0gAhUvK6aO3Y9-YAH84kyTlm5sGtqzZDWbSFpeqcKl7X2uTsAFAx2GWtmhkQ/s1600/pantech-flex-front_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PhdsJLeHO2fGVJBZBDJp2zQ1XEmpKlzE1gO2GaK2q4z1LmhTybHa2iZWU3O8mnMocksDHW7BK9Jb0cj0gAhUvK6aO3Y9-YAH84kyTlm5sGtqzZDWbSFpeqcKl7X2uTsAFAx2GWtmhkQ/s1600/pantech-flex-front_0.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />AT&T today announced that its Pantech Flex is receiving an over-the-air update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. That means you'll be able to get things like Google Now, the latest Google Voice Search and better accessibility features, too, with options for external Braille input and output, and Bluetooth and gestures for the visually impaired. <br /><br />Plus you get those fancy Jelly Bean notifications that the kids are all talking about. AT&T says those with the Flex should receive a text message alerting them to the update.

AT&T's Pantech Flex gets Jelly Bean update

AT&T today announced that its Pantech Flex is receiving an over-the-air update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. That means you'll be abl...

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Hands-on with the LG Optimus F3

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSsVo27jQj_b0MlxVOooJL49gNIjN5KCimOLT6Mybi1idl-gVHZoW_mo0K6aCF4Ftwf9T3pNAatgaukRfi90X1HzbHND2KLLslS9gpOA_kY0fedwLbAfC7ypm1MbANKTNw8pgOn48qTw/s1600/optimus_f3_hero_new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSsVo27jQj_b0MlxVOooJL49gNIjN5KCimOLT6Mybi1idl-gVHZoW_mo0K6aCF4Ftwf9T3pNAatgaukRfi90X1HzbHND2KLLslS9gpOA_kY0fedwLbAfC7ypm1MbANKTNw8pgOn48qTw/s1600/optimus_f3_hero_new.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Sprint was on hand at last night's Pepcom showcase to highlight its next cream-of-the-entry-level-crop, the LG Optimus F3, available now for a mere $30 on contract. It's undoubtedly a starter phone, designed specifically with the blind and visually impaired thanks to its bundled Google TalkBack software. With extensive text-to-speech capabilities, the F3 is the go-to device for those looking for a budget-conscious, entry-level-friendly handset.<br /><br />The F3 packs a 4-inch WVGA display, a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and Gorilla Glass 2, with a 2,650 mAh battery and Android 4.1 thrown in to spice up the spec sheet -- a bit under whelming for the power user yet totally respectable for the first-time buyer. I've said it once and I'll say it a million times: entry-level devices are becoming more and more capable, and the Optimus F3 is very much a well-made, albeit bottom-rung LG device.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwonj2DDpkbtfH1oO2I5mnZiArPa1T2sXGE6HA0MBBXd75MUTU9vrZwofLeK55gJTJRzDLVd8Pb0IeiqMgWwUSiL5IIbJUYTkCcSRMU6KYYii5FjiW76ydyTbXCRa3dWuIqIhRUyubk/s1600/optimus_f3-1_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwonj2DDpkbtfH1oO2I5mnZiArPa1T2sXGE6HA0MBBXd75MUTU9vrZwofLeK55gJTJRzDLVd8Pb0IeiqMgWwUSiL5IIbJUYTkCcSRMU6KYYii5FjiW76ydyTbXCRa3dWuIqIhRUyubk/s1600/optimus_f3-1_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The Optimus F3 ships in both silver and purple and is available now in Sprint stores and on sprint.com for $29 with a two year contract.  Shots of the device can be found after the break.<br /><br />

Hands-on with the LG Optimus F3

Sprint was on hand at last night's Pepcom showcase to highlight its next cream-of-the-entry-level-crop, the LG Optimus F3, available now...

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Behold, the Samsung Galaxy S4 in red

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zc06E4Ue8cxbhdfO0fd0zz54IQu3XvfRvngTQd-CXm0y-xWXkBG6FBBsCZ1oOVh7Hj4M6f9M04_HYivhZQCqXj9QnR9SA87nQyWtFeM2cvp_n5MQfl6gJyk200hRCXPXp9q3gpbhMQI/s1600/galaxy-s4-red-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zc06E4Ue8cxbhdfO0fd0zz54IQu3XvfRvngTQd-CXm0y-xWXkBG6FBBsCZ1oOVh7Hj4M6f9M04_HYivhZQCqXj9QnR9SA87nQyWtFeM2cvp_n5MQfl6gJyk200hRCXPXp9q3gpbhMQI/s1600/galaxy-s4-red-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Samsung didn't stop with just a handful of new devices today -- the company also gave its flagship best seller, the Galaxy S4, a new paint job. Five of them, actually.<br /><br />Among the colors introduced is Red Aurora, which reps had in tow at tonight's Pepcom event here in New York. It's a welcome addition to the standard black and white, and along with the purple, pink, and brown versions also introduced today, just about every taste should be satisfied.<br /><br />The red paint job is well done, and for now, appears to be limited to AT&T availability in the U.S. That could change, of course, but no word on when just yet. If you're in the market for an S4 and appreciate some color in your life, it might be worth holding out for the additions.

Behold, the Samsung Galaxy S4 in red

Samsung didn't stop with just a handful of new devices today -- the company also gave its flagship best seller, the Galaxy S4, a new pai...

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LG headed to New York City on Aug. 7

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cxoYLTRxIM7qkBU7Dplhyu2ZFUvo8dOExFPB4recgedoIZzl3YxRHC1VU5lLFnoNyV1qX53T5Yye3AYsft4IfheWSbqBTqpG5B0Dtq33mf7ra1VtXBEC0ZZRKZUhA0_ytaZStIF3LPk/s1600/androidcentral-bugdroid-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cxoYLTRxIM7qkBU7Dplhyu2ZFUvo8dOExFPB4recgedoIZzl3YxRHC1VU5lLFnoNyV1qX53T5Yye3AYsft4IfheWSbqBTqpG5B0Dtq33mf7ra1VtXBEC0ZZRKZUhA0_ytaZStIF3LPk/s1600/androidcentral-bugdroid-lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />LG just dropped a little something in our inbox, giving advance warning of an "international media event" going down Aug. 7 in New York City. We're suckers for international media events, especially if they're in our backyard.<br /><br />What to expect? There's a pretty good possibility we'll see that "successor" to the Optimus G that both LG and Qualcomm were teasing just yesterday, with its Snapdragon 800 processor in tow.

LG headed to New York City on Aug. 7

LG just dropped a little something in our inbox, giving advance warning of an "international media event" going down Aug. 7 in New...

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Pakistan, Afghanistan trade accusations at UN over extremist havens

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdZuW1qVbHsObjfo449vK6ZF3KiggoKwvRWoeTkNrwondSyjGmpU6RZE-j4UtEKxkwwKGHxilJdnftmU0a_WDVwHIVmjjMHs15kLWuue-4tQdZd4g7Wh90cB7m6V5V3i8jwdmRsq_gQQ/s1600/51c35b406f44d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdZuW1qVbHsObjfo449vK6ZF3KiggoKwvRWoeTkNrwondSyjGmpU6RZE-j4UtEKxkwwKGHxilJdnftmU0a_WDVwHIVmjjMHs15kLWuue-4tQdZd4g7Wh90cB7m6V5V3i8jwdmRsq_gQQ/s1600/51c35b406f44d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>UNITED NATIONS: Afghanistan and Pakistan traded accusations in the UN Security Council on Thursday over the whereabouts of extremists on their porous border as the United Nations described increased tensions between the neighbors as “unfortunate and dangerous.”</b><br /><br />Afghanistan's UN envoy, Zahir Tanin, told a council debate on the situation in Afghanistan that “terrorist sanctuaries continue to exist on Pakistan's soil and some elements continue to use terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy.”<br /><br />Pakistan's UN ambassador, Masood Khan, said “terrorists operate on both sides of the porous border” and that many attacks against Pakistan were planned on Afghan soil. He said aggressive policing and border surveillance were needed.<br /><br />“We must not allow terrorists to manipulate and divide the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Khan told the council. <br /><br />“When President Karzai meets our leadership he's most gracious, engaging, he's a statesman, but when he talks to the media he says things which inflame sentiment and that's most unhelpful and destabilising,” Khan said. “We have given very restrained responses.”<br /><br />Pakistan's military played a key role in convincing Afghan Taliban leaders to hold talks with the United States, US and Pakistani officials said, although Afghan anger at fanfare over the opening of the Taliban's Qatar office this week has since delayed preliminary discussions.<br /><br />“We were talking to multiple interlocutors behind the scenes and we have been asking them to participate in these talks, (telling them) that we think the war should come to an end,” Khan told Reuters.

Pakistan, Afghanistan trade accusations at UN over extremist havens

UNITED NATIONS: Afghanistan and Pakistan traded accusations in the UN Security Council on Thursday over the whereabouts of extremists on the...

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Brazil in turmoil as thousands take to the streets

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhfthY0YD5bCFMvvMzd9XTtBhJyHn2MWGLXMB_Ootq9JwXUd85XBjPw1-b1UqBC7rC3_dEgI9iaNjNFjjcyiBtio-hBistbMSYHOlnCXcI582YwDTRpp-9Pwe0Nx7CSzIl6vLGq4UiJ4/s1600/51c3ddc9bce95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhfthY0YD5bCFMvvMzd9XTtBhJyHn2MWGLXMB_Ootq9JwXUd85XBjPw1-b1UqBC7rC3_dEgI9iaNjNFjjcyiBtio-hBistbMSYHOlnCXcI582YwDTRpp-9Pwe0Nx7CSzIl6vLGq4UiJ4/s1600/51c3ddc9bce95.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>SAO PAULO: Demonstrators took to the streets once again across Latin America's biggest country in a new wave of protests that have mobilized hundreds of thousands of people denouncing poor public services and government corruption.</b><br /><br />The biggest of the more than 80 protests appeared to hit Rio de Janeiro, where tens of thousands of people waving flags and carrying banners blocked several streets and avenues in a peaceful demonstration. Police cordoned off the area around Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium, worried that protesters would try to disrupt the Confederations Cup soccer match under way inside.<br /><br />Crowds also gathered in dozens of other towns as well on the main street of Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, marking a week since protests first erupted there over a hike in subway and bus fares. The demonstrations have since ballooned into a national phenomenon, with many middle-class Brazilians hitting the streets to decry a spectrum of everyday problems amid a commodities-fueled economic boom. <br /><br />In the northeastern city of Salvador, police shot tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse a small crowd of protesters trying to break through a police barrier blocking one of the city's streets. One woman was injured in her foot. Elsewhere in Salvador some 5,000 protesters gathered in Campo Grand Square. <br /><br />Despite the energy on the street, many protesters said they were unsure how the movement would win real political concessions. People in the protests held up signs asking for everything from education reforms to free bus fare. They've also denounced the billions of public dollars spent on stadiums in advance of the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio. <br /><br />Several city leaders have already accepted protester demands to revoke an increase in bus and subway fares in the hopes that anti-government anger cools. In Sao Paulo, where demonstrators blocked Paulista Avenue, organizers said they would turn their demonstration into a party celebrating the lower transit fares. But many believe the protests are no longer just about bus fares and have become larger cries for systemic changes. That message went to the heart of Brazilian power, the capital of Brasilia, which saw its largest demonstration yet with 20.000 people gathered in the Esplanada dos Ministerios, the government center.<br /><br />The crowd marched down the enormous plaza with signs highlighting different causes and rainbow flags defending gay rights. Many also denounced a pending bill in Brazil's Congress that would allow psychologists to treat homosexuality as an illness. Police formed a barrier in front of Congress to keep protesters from climbing on the roof of the building as they did Monday, when 10,000 protesters filled the capital.

Brazil in turmoil as thousands take to the streets

SAO PAULO: Demonstrators took to the streets once again across Latin America's biggest country in a new wave of protests that have mobil...

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Obama to nominate Jim Comey as next FBI chief on Friday: official

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VhJkCzQVJQCdyltBBhAP4D_DsaZSc5nRZ2mHzOIxCt0YokNw99q2SOX8UYTtJYBhyphenhyphenQPPWWDxtYzU9O_DcbcxDKcIcE1LwFv9ml6SHea68YovStliNZy0vFN2R3uonW9Ca4HP1hm2FFk/s1600/51c36b543620e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VhJkCzQVJQCdyltBBhAP4D_DsaZSc5nRZ2mHzOIxCt0YokNw99q2SOX8UYTtJYBhyphenhyphenQPPWWDxtYzU9O_DcbcxDKcIcE1LwFv9ml6SHea68YovStliNZy0vFN2R3uonW9Ca4HP1hm2FFk/s1600/51c36b543620e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will nominate Jim Comey to be the next FBI director on Friday, picking a former Justice Department official who has deep experience in the US battle against terrorism, a White House official said on Thursday.</b><br /><br />If confirmed by the Senate, Comey, a Republican, would replace FBI Director Robert Mueller, who has led the agency since just before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Mueller is expected to step down this fall.

Obama to nominate Jim Comey as next FBI chief on Friday: official

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will nominate Jim Comey to be the next FBI director on Friday, picking a former Justice Department offici...

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Yahoo addresses privacy concerns over recycled user IDs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheu5bRlVSoRPNibY8iavcSSWsith6eIAT8NBGdO8BUTsKFrwNl6VkYJvl82uIBDipgLKB9c-QZuWWpWac6D__0mslK6aCCMO5Ysst7zDi0kA8uQVKRHmeZTFq-hI-Znta5YvMtYUBMBQ/s1600/2014-06-20-image-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheu5bRlVSoRPNibY8iavcSSWsith6eIAT8NBGdO8BUTsKFrwNl6VkYJvl82uIBDipgLKB9c-QZuWWpWac6D__0mslK6aCCMO5Ysst7zDi0kA8uQVKRHmeZTFq-hI-Znta5YvMtYUBMBQ/s1600/2014-06-20-image-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Last week Yahoo revealed plans to reset and re-issue inactive user IDs. The idea here is to once again make available desirable Yahoo IDs that have long since gone unused. It sounds like a win-win for everybody involved as users could get a shot at their preferred ID while Yahoo gets to do some house cleaning and gain some publicity in the process.<br /><br /> Yahoo noted that any ID that has been inactive for over a year will be subject to deactivation and ultimately made available again. Using that premise, let’s say you own two e-mail accounts: one for everyday use and another that’s simply given out when you create a new account online (your Yahoo account) for activation purposes.<br /><br />Most would agree that this is a pretty common practice as it routes unnecessary or potentially spammy messages to the latter account, keeping your main inbox nice and tidy. Now let’s also say that it’s been slightly longer than a year since you last logged into your Yahoo account and you somehow happened to miss this bit of news from Yahoo in the media.<br /><br /> It seems like a plausible scenario but Yahoo has you covered, or so they say. In a statement released on the matter, Yahoo said they are confident in their ability to free up desirable namespace in a way that is safe and secure. Here’s how.<br /><br />First, Yahoo points out that the vast majority of inactive Yahoo IDs don’t have a mailbox associated with them. Furthermore, all accounts will be purged of any previous user data before being made available again.<br /><br />Also, the company will initiate a 30-day grace period between deactivation and making the ID available to someone else. During that time, Yahoo will send bounce back e-mails to senders notifying them of the deactivation as well as send notifications to merchants, e-commerce sites, financial institutions, social networks, email providers and other online properties on your behalf.

Security Yahoo addresses privacy concerns over recycled user IDs

Last week Yahoo revealed plans to reset and re-issue inactive user IDs. The idea here is to once again make available desirable Yahoo IDs th...

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AMD details first ARM-based server chip, codenamed "Seattle"

Late last year, following months of speculation, AMD finally revealed plans to build low-power server chips based on the ARM architecture. The move marked an interesting shift for the company in its attempt to challenge Intel’s dominance of the steadily growing data center market. AMD’s first 64-bit ARM-based chip isn’t expected to arrive until sometime in the second half of 2014 but this week the company offered up a few early details.<br /><br />Codenamed Seattle, the upcoming server part will be built around ARM's 64-bit Cortex-A57 and a 28nm manufacturing process. It will be made available in an 8-core configuration initially, with a 16-core variant to follow later, and is expected to reach clock speeds of at least 2GHz. Performance-wise, AMD says Seattle should be between 2 and 4 times faster than its Opteron X-Series with improvements in compute per watt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zq74AUVSyn2BuBQj6U-sgEvuDqa8S-PDPPcUENLozS1MbJ1LfF5wZbsPfsGQWEZDgzVQX3fhZsEKdUGzmPKvAKbMCZibhaDvh07VRoLI5ro38s7ZSBYTdL5mgnzo0SgWWoO796sW9So/s1600/2014-06-20-image-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zq74AUVSyn2BuBQj6U-sgEvuDqa8S-PDPPcUENLozS1MbJ1LfF5wZbsPfsGQWEZDgzVQX3fhZsEKdUGzmPKvAKbMCZibhaDvh07VRoLI5ro38s7ZSBYTdL5mgnzo0SgWWoO796sW9So/s1600/2014-06-20-image-12.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Other features mentioned in AMD’s presentation include 128GB DRAM support, extensive offload engines for better power efficiency and reduced CPU loading, server calibre encryption and compression, and legacy networking including integrated 10GbE. This will also be the first AMD processor to utilize its Freedom Fabric technology for high-density low-power servers, acquired from SeaMicro last year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5ZHy5tRZJKmwe2nYeXmJarI0yTtlV5pqsuClLSkh5ruSFJeqY5eMTDUhwVxrQ4XfeIeCynwt3s6ZrGUBlx6KllTVn4DQQy2-K5i-rqmXUEhSEkMSoF2nEDQVxjOtgytDgranZ0KlPOs/s1600/2014-06-20-image-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5ZHy5tRZJKmwe2nYeXmJarI0yTtlV5pqsuClLSkh5ruSFJeqY5eMTDUhwVxrQ4XfeIeCynwt3s6ZrGUBlx6KllTVn4DQQy2-K5i-rqmXUEhSEkMSoF2nEDQVxjOtgytDgranZ0KlPOs/s1600/2014-06-20-image-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />AMD is confident ARM designs will win out in the long run and expects the architecture to have double digit market share by 2016. That doesn’t mean they are abandoning their x86 roots anytime soon, however. The company also plans release the “Berlin” and “Warsaw” x86 processor lines in the first half of 2014.

Security AMD details first ARM-based server chip, codenamed "Seattle"

Late last year, following months of speculation, AMD finally revealed plans to build low-power server chips based on the ARM architecture. T...

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Researchers crack iOS-generated hotspot passwords in 24 seconds

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX993MB3HMRVl2r3nS-V6OOPUg8QP2r1So6wMDbpaFtxWJmmookpIgo6-L1WUq0EwmZVZrjvOHrK3LqV6t7EvKuihad2JeqtOeSW-XmPbAfVlJPyagFXqfPOwvPBB0_h0maTyzeJIeto/s1600/lock-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX993MB3HMRVl2r3nS-V6OOPUg8QP2r1So6wMDbpaFtxWJmmookpIgo6-L1WUq0EwmZVZrjvOHrK3LqV6t7EvKuihad2JeqtOeSW-XmPbAfVlJPyagFXqfPOwvPBB0_h0maTyzeJIeto/s1600/lock-1.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /> If you're an iPhone or iPad owner who uses hotspot mode but never bothered to change the seemingly-random password suggested by iOS, now is definitely a good time. German researchers have discovered (pdf) the passwords iOS issues can be easily predicted, allowing them to be cracked in as little as one minute using consumer hardware.<br /><br />The algorithm iOS uses to generate hotspot keys takes a dictionary word, adds a couple of numbers and voila -- an easily memorable password is born. The problem though, is despite the endless variety of words available in the English language, iOS draws its password inspiration from a narrow selection of just 1,842 words.<br /><br /> The second issue is certain words appear several times more frequently than other words. For example, out of nearly 2,000 words, "suave" had a 1-in-125 chance of being used. Meanwhile, "macaws" -- the tenth most-likely word to be used -- appeared 1-in-345 times. Knowing iOS' preferred word selection allows brute force crackers to start with the most common ones first, further reducing the time needed.<br /><br />A PC armed with a Radeon HD 6990 GPU was able to crack the average iPhone hotspot in 52 seconds while four Radeon HD 7970s yielded an average of just 24 seconds. GPUs are favored amongst crackers for their ability to perform massively parallell computations.<br /><br /> Of course, Apple doesn't have a monopoly on devices with easily cracked hotspot passwords. Windows Phone and some Android handsets don't fare much better.<br /><br />Windows Phone, for example, auto-generates hotspot passwords consisting of eight numbers. This means you already know what the password could be, making Windows Phone susceptible to brute force attacks. More research may reveal an additional weakness though, which could narrow that selection of 10^8 possibilities down to something even more tractable.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Android's default password generator conjures sufficiently strong passwords, but some vendors have taken the liberty of greatly reducing its effectiveness. "Android-based models of the smartphone and tablet manufacturer HTC are even shipped with constant default passwords consisting of a static string (1234567890)" researchers noted.

Security Researchers crack iOS-generated hotspot passwords in 24 seconds

 If you're an iPhone or iPad owner who uses hotspot mode but never bothered to change the seemingly-random password suggested by iOS, no...

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ArtRage review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQbjiHwyf__xlYaD-7BUhLyJd9Uf1feInJh3jK9o1WOwzJ70M-25VlGD-WVKdA4CCQlD20xCPVQaCXqyI6K1aKbZcc5gkI4yu5RZC6Mtu_cGalZOMhMH3dwKZaZt5ioLiWdpbXRv48M8/s1600/Art_Rage_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQbjiHwyf__xlYaD-7BUhLyJd9Uf1feInJh3jK9o1WOwzJ70M-25VlGD-WVKdA4CCQlD20xCPVQaCXqyI6K1aKbZcc5gkI4yu5RZC6Mtu_cGalZOMhMH3dwKZaZt5ioLiWdpbXRv48M8/s1600/Art_Rage_thumb.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Painting is fun. Unfortunately, software for painting often gets a bad rep: I don't mean image-editing (Photoshop), but actual painting (Microsoft Paint). But Microsoft Paint is at the very bottom of the painting totem pole, often associated squiggly-looking Rage Guy memes. More modern tools like SpeedyPainter and Corel Painter Lite show that creating beautiful, natural-looking art using a computer is possible, and doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. ArtRage joins these accessible tools with its own touch-friendly interface and an attractive £25 price tag.<br /><br />ArtRage's interface is simple to pick up, with most functions in easy reach. I tested it with a simple stylus and one of the new breed of touchscreen-enabled laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13. Radial toolbars at the bottom two corners of the screen let me quickly switch tools and adjust colors without fiddling with menus. Other tools show up as floating panels, which are easy to drag and resize using large, comfortable grippers, and automatically wink out of existence as you paint near them. You can pan, zoom, and rotate the canvas with two fingers, making for a very natural workflow. While most of the interface is touch-friendly, it's not all quite there yet: Adjusting layer opacity still requires the keyboard, for example.<br /><br /><b>ArtRage: friendly interface, simple tools</b><br />Once you get used to the friendly interface and simple tools, it's time to start playing around with some of the more creative features. Symmetry makes it possible to create interesting, kaleidoscope-like drawings, while stencils and rulers let you constrict your work in interesting ways, for a more accurate, geometric look. Stencils and rulers are made to look like physical objects lying on top of your canvas: You can drag them around and resize them, but they look like pieces of plastic or metal. ArtRage supports layers, too, and you can blur individual layers, adjust their blend modes, change their textures, and more.<br /><br />When zooming in for detail work, it often helps to keep the big picture in mind. When watching videos made with SpeedyPainter, I noticed just how often artists would zoom in and out, again and again, to get a sense of how the work is progressing. ArtRage helps avoid this by offering a feature called Views. A View works like a little Polaroid snap of your painting that lies on top of your canvas while you zoom in to work on the details. Just like a physical Polaroid, you can drag the View around and rotate it. Unlike its real-world counterpart, you can also change a View's size, and zoom in or out on its contents. The same concept is used to show pieces of scrap canvas or other files for referenc.

Reviews ArtRage review

Painting is fun. Unfortunately, software for painting often gets a bad rep: I don't mean image-editing (Photoshop), but actual painting ...

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Samsung Ativ Q hands-on review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpEn3X3tdDhZJ-vlLzKedYh8IgJmtz-qsDchPI7CXff4fZQbjD0if8FBDwb5cmU70LucMgHFRk_oW4dfyVzbyMtd2tifv9ZKgT5j3axk4gC25uSVeDwAdyzfo1fur0PmT7G383JsQKI4/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpEn3X3tdDhZJ-vlLzKedYh8IgJmtz-qsDchPI7CXff4fZQbjD0if8FBDwb5cmU70LucMgHFRk_oW4dfyVzbyMtd2tifv9ZKgT5j3axk4gC25uSVeDwAdyzfo1fur0PmT7G383JsQKI4/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_laptop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />One of Samsung's new Ativ devices is the Ativ Q, a hybrid tablet and laptop running both Windows 8 and Android.<br /><br />The convertible PC can flip, fold and transform into different modes like Lenovo's IdeaPad Yoga. Samsung calls them 'tablet', 'typing', 'stand' and 'floating'. The first two are self-explanatory while the others mean you can have the screen flipped right over to face the other way or at various different angles between this and being docked with the keyboard.<br /><br />There's not enough room for a trackpad but a touchscreen pretty much negates the need for this anyway.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRcpEBlzaWeQc6_jg318ZZtz3b9-7v0DuJ80OEg4enB5NQjY89bjOgnNMxeR6BYxTWtc6v1D2KkAb8S-rtMona-nAHqzOv7B_aPwIBclIAA7GCHTYLnZO4_lmSpxUmoxWrRz1kirCaRw/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_keyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRcpEBlzaWeQc6_jg318ZZtz3b9-7v0DuJ80OEg4enB5NQjY89bjOgnNMxeR6BYxTWtc6v1D2KkAb8S-rtMona-nAHqzOv7B_aPwIBclIAA7GCHTYLnZO4_lmSpxUmoxWrRz1kirCaRw/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_keyboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The Ativ Q is reasonably thin at 13.6mm but is a lot heavier than a typical tablet at 1.29kg – usual for a hybrid, though. You can pick it up but you wouldn't want to hold it one handed for long.<br /><br />Specs are pretty impressive with an Intel fourth-generation Haswell Core i5 processor (placed inside the hinge) and a dazzling 13.3in screen with a huge 3200x1800 resolution – that’s a pixel density of 275ppi.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghatjOLaruNwzfvem3JUsnaQLWk7PvvuC8PUTlyPiFa63JoMpf3FPXWzjqSZixfdarKUCH7rK-Ozp1ScW4RRE4EdpjsdCra5pmVYnk4OGLXR2kT8wzdXOsyherSR0X-FGiDr1_Y6_Fjk/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_stand_mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghatjOLaruNwzfvem3JUsnaQLWk7PvvuC8PUTlyPiFa63JoMpf3FPXWzjqSZixfdarKUCH7rK-Ozp1ScW4RRE4EdpjsdCra5pmVYnk4OGLXR2kT8wzdXOsyherSR0X-FGiDr1_Y6_Fjk/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_stand_mode.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Furthermore, the Ativ Q comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus with 1024 levels of sensitivity and SideSync software which means you can use a smartphone or tablet as a second screen or have it mirrored on the larger display.<br /><br />The Ativ Q really comes into its own because of its dual-OS setup – Windows 8 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean come pre-loaded. You can switch quickly and easily between the two with appropriate buttons and even share files such as the photo gallery.<br /><br />Strangely Samsung has gone for stock Android as opposed to its regular TouchWiz interface. We asked why this was but were given no particular reason other than to keep it somewhat separate from the firm's Galaxy devices.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7vGvDImdxzslvNGSgm0oyETcCWbdp512rJULe2bm1yI9T8MuRYiVvjc9OxcZUqBsLELItaEs0GuZEux9C23sdwlyC9XDxo_ImmViQ_kLnMTBRb1yeEWgPW1U7I10pcgzH2DxfRAfUjg/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_Windows_8_and_Android.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7vGvDImdxzslvNGSgm0oyETcCWbdp512rJULe2bm1yI9T8MuRYiVvjc9OxcZUqBsLELItaEs0GuZEux9C23sdwlyC9XDxo_ImmViQ_kLnMTBRb1yeEWgPW1U7I10pcgzH2DxfRAfUjg/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Q_Windows_8_and_Android.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a real benefit as you can use Windows 8 in laptop mode to get all your work done which requires full-blown software then switch to Android and use all the apps and games you love on your phone. With Windows 8 Snap View you can even use Windows 8 side-by-side with Android.

Reviews Samsung Ativ Q hands-on review

One of Samsung's new Ativ devices is the Ativ Q, a hybrid tablet and laptop running both Windows 8 and Android. The convertible PC can f...

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Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 Lite hands-on review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZvjyS8LSxhubVz1ZQYvCpWnvE7YI84HHThsilTBy_uxvHzO1tYM8aVDKiDejyE92cnc3Qbb9OVOyD-CFaubXsjeZY3lAr2fUCvaZo44t5fgTdjqQPWlYgT_yMYun2smicUV70N0SN8Y/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Plus_screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZvjyS8LSxhubVz1ZQYvCpWnvE7YI84HHThsilTBy_uxvHzO1tYM8aVDKiDejyE92cnc3Qbb9OVOyD-CFaubXsjeZY3lAr2fUCvaZo44t5fgTdjqQPWlYgT_yMYun2smicUV70N0SN8Y/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Plus_screen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 Lite are the new generation of Samsung's Series 9 laptop. Read our Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 Lite hands-on review to find out more.<br /><br />Samsung's Series 9 laptop has always been one of our favourite MacBook Air rivals so we were keen to get our mits on the Ativ Book 9 Plus.<br /><br />Design-wise, the device looks very similar with a thin aluminium uni-body. It's a 13.3in laptop measuring in at 13.6mm and 1.39kg. Like the Ativ Q, that touchscreen has a QHD+ resolution of 3200x1800 meaning a high pixel density of 275ppi. If you should want to, it folds completely flat but also locks at around 105 degrees so you don't push the screen back when using touch input.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D8pXXhRSmNs5cv7w_8t7UsIvgxnIk062JFlk-IVM1Sphil1iBmMiHtZ-Xd39fUG1ijpe1renpfzjN7_1yGXJ8nNpHThSeLTwUa92H9ZrqR0KZtIwwomtUXsBAFB0XsU-mb_uxZYtNP0/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Plus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D8pXXhRSmNs5cv7w_8t7UsIvgxnIk062JFlk-IVM1Sphil1iBmMiHtZ-Xd39fUG1ijpe1renpfzjN7_1yGXJ8nNpHThSeLTwUa92H9ZrqR0KZtIwwomtUXsBAFB0XsU-mb_uxZYtNP0/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Plus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We have yet to benchmark the Ativ Book 9 Plus, of course, but it comes with an Intel Haswell (4th-gen) processor and built-in HD 4400 graphics. This is backed up by up to 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Samsung says it can boot up from cold in under six seconds.<br /><br />Matching the latest MacBook Air model, Samsung touts a battery life of up to 12 hours. We look forward to testing this out in the lab.<br /><br />As the name suggests, the Ativ Book 9 Lite is a lighter version of the Plus – but not in actual weight as its 16.9mm and 1.44kg.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkKpnhtH77WIWDuAi2JCIckK-6s2EqCkS3Qmth1WdVREeqQjdfcVQLMKUmUVxB8x_jKjhmBZDmthCKiAY5vp2WbDY9cr6UCgGsQAu-hwwy9LW_BkkjDjfTPm1fIgy3mI5mGDx5ZM_Anc/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Lite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkKpnhtH77WIWDuAi2JCIckK-6s2EqCkS3Qmth1WdVREeqQjdfcVQLMKUmUVxB8x_jKjhmBZDmthCKiAY5vp2WbDY9cr6UCgGsQAu-hwwy9LW_BkkjDjfTPm1fIgy3mI5mGDx5ZM_Anc/s1600/Samsung_Ativ_Book_9_Lite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It is lighter in terms of specs, though. The screen has a much lower resolution, a regular 1366 x 768 but it's still a touchscreen. It has a 'specially made' quad-core processor with a clock speed of 1.4GHz and 4GB of RAM. It has the same 256GB SSD, though.<br /><br />It too runs Windows 8 but Samsung said its battery life will reach 8.5 hours compared to 12.  <br /><br />There are a couple of connectivity differences too; both have Micro HDMI, mini VGA and USB 3.0 but the Plus model comes with an SD card slot and a security lock slot.

Reviews Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 Lite hands-on review

The Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 Lite are the new generation of Samsung's Series 9 laptop. Read our Ativ Book 9 Plus and Book 9 L...

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WD My Net Wifi Range Extender review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK01_tp4rEwYug8Ij8VNG0Sf4uYSxKF8YduiKM_em11blAcTV0GlGiz8T-J7CuWcn5PMyobJy4eQJqCYJ2MfK-P1NcpiLHTabL7IzeOA-L7ng6UHesuw9iu2vB4ZrgxzHkPK-QmpV_Fvs/s1600/WD_My_Net_Wifi_Range_Extender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK01_tp4rEwYug8Ij8VNG0Sf4uYSxKF8YduiKM_em11blAcTV0GlGiz8T-J7CuWcn5PMyobJy4eQJqCYJ2MfK-P1NcpiLHTabL7IzeOA-L7ng6UHesuw9iu2vB4ZrgxzHkPK-QmpV_Fvs/s1600/WD_My_Net_Wifi_Range_Extender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />WD is relatively new to the networking market but looks determined to make a splash. That's evident from its wireless range extender, which is designed to extend both 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. Most interesting of all to anyone that values real performance, it uses a 3x3 MIMO antenna setup. All other rivals we've seen take the simpler and cheaper 2x2 antenna route for their extenders. This potentially allows better real-world performance from wireless technology that is notoriously unpredictable in quality.<br /><br />Build quality in the hand does feel a little less solid compared to units made by Linksys and Netgear, however once on the shelf or wall this is of less concern. The unit offers a single ethernet port, gigabit-spec, to connect peripherals such as a networked printer or NAS drive, but offers no USB ports.<br /><br />When we selected our wireless network from the list of those available the setup countdown simply hung. Each time we attempted to set up the extender (trying various routers) the countdown did not finish with a confirmation that everything was complete; a countdown clock terminated part way through the process.<br /><br />More worrying, the WD range extender could not even detect the 5 GHz network on our test router (an Apple Time Capsule). We finally managed to test this extender using a WD My Net N900 as router. This time the 5 GHz band network was detected and a connection was made.<br /><br /><b>Performance</b><br />To test the speed of this range extender we placed it on the stairwell 5 metres away from our router. The tests were then carried out using a laptop on floor 1, 2 and 3.<br /><br />Without the range extender connected the results were as follows ( 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz ): 56 / 60 Mb/s on floor 1, 20 / 0 Mb/s on floor 2 and 0 / 0 Mb/s on floor 3. As you can see the 5 GHz signal dropped out first on floor 2 followed by the 2.4 GHz on floor 3.<br /><br />With the WD range extender turned on the results were as follows: 63 / 62 Mb/s on floor 1, 38 / 46 Mb/s on floor 2, and 16 / 18 Mb/s on floor 3.<br /><br />It is also notable that the 5 GHz band gave increased data rate than the 2.4 GHz rate on more distant floors 2 and 3. This may be due to there being high levels of 2.4 GHz interference on those floors, from neighbouring networks, while the relatively clean 5 GHz band was unimpeded.

Reviews WD My Net Wifi Range Extender review

WD is relatively new to the networking market but looks determined to make a splash. That's evident from its wireless range extender, wh...

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QNAP TS-1079 Pro review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd-_6y4ZtqgGDdywOdfsnkTlAbg66uFA9V0hprBArGmM1AC3iqH9271O7AOB1XyX20imubkwFApeIO3b7fEWC3nix6x-kMKi6QkhocO3vAzKpJpE-2aQcW2s-O5gaeYfU9mlvIqKKNZs/s1600/Qnap_TS-1079_Pro_small_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd-_6y4ZtqgGDdywOdfsnkTlAbg66uFA9V0hprBArGmM1AC3iqH9271O7AOB1XyX20imubkwFApeIO3b7fEWC3nix6x-kMKi6QkhocO3vAzKpJpE-2aQcW2s-O5gaeYfU9mlvIqKKNZs/s1600/Qnap_TS-1079_Pro_small_thumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Network attached storage (NAS) is the lynchpin of business, a single place to keep and maintain many users' data and other miscellaneous resources. We tend to see multi-bay NAS units up to six- or eight-bay as standalone desktop storage units, while eight-bay and larger tend to be rack-mount units for server room installation.<br /><br />The QNAP TS-1079 Pro is unusual, a large freestanding unit featuring 10 bays, supporting up to 10 3.5in SATA hard disks. Pre-drilled holes also allows 2.5in disks or SSDs to be fitted with ease too<br /><br />It's modelled closely on the company's eight-bay TS-879 Pro, here with eight disks mounted on their side, and a further two positioned horizontally below. This actually allows the exact same size chassis as the TS-879 Pro.<br /><br />Powering this NAS is a very powerful processor, in NAS terms – an Intel Core i3 dual-core chip running at 3.3 GHz. This Sandy Bridge-generation processor is supported with a generous 2 GB of memory. That's a combination that ought to take even high bandwidth, multi-user threads in its stride with ease.<br /><br />We didn't have an expansion card or supporting hardware to test the 10 GbE option, but in normal use the TS-1070 proved itself a very powerful unit. Ten suitable disks weren't available but we saw all the performance we'd hoped for from four 3 TB WD Red disks, set up as a RAID 5 array.<br /><br /><b>QNAP TS-1079: benchmarks</b><br />Synthetic benchmark tests provided some suspiciously slow results though, considering the unit's specification. Over AFP the QuickBench test returned decent sequential read speeds of around 111 MB/s but low writes only up to around 60 or 70 MB/s – figures we'd expect of a midrange semi-pro ARM NAS unit.<br /><br />And in Windows using SMB networking, the roles were strangely reversed, scoring up 111 MB/s sequential writes but just 70 MB/s reads. Some real-world transfer tests settled the argument. Trying large .iso files in both directions to a connected MacBook (AFP), the QNAP averaged 115 MB/s in write speeds, and a resounding 123 MB/s when reading the same files, constrained here just within the 125 MB/s theoretical maximum for gigabit networking.<br /><br />As with most QNAP NAS drives, the TS-1079 packs many, many features beyond simple file serving over the usual SMB, AFP and NFS network protocols.<br /><br />And external disk support is first-class,with two each USB 3.0 and eSATA for speedy connections. And unlike Synology, for instance, QNAP supports more than just EXT formatting, extending usefully to HFS+ too.<br /><br />Power consumption was higher than a typical SMB-level NAS drive, as you would expect for a high-power unit based on a desktop-class Intel x86 processor. But 39W when sat idle is not too excessive, while under load with four WD Red disks spinning it drew 59W of mains power.<br />

Reviews QNAP TS-1079 Pro review

Network attached storage (NAS) is the lynchpin of business, a single place to keep and maintain many users' data and other miscellaneous...

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