Apple unveils iPad 3 – In stores from 16 March 2012
Rumours of the new iPad have been raging for a long time. Yesterday, Apple officially launched the iPad 3. And, I didn’t hesitate in pre-ordering the same! The iPad 3 costs £399 in the UK and $499 (plus tax) in the US. The iPad 2 is now available at £329 in the UK and $399 (plus tax) in the US.
The iPad 3 boasts of several new features including:
Retina Display
This is the biggest feature addition of the new “Resolutionary iPad”. With four times as much pixels on the same screen, the iPad just makes everything clearer.
The new display has a 2048×1536 resolution which is 3.1 million pixels which is a million more than standard HDTV displays.
A5X Chip
The new A5X is a 1GHz quad core processor, which is 4 times faster than the processor in the iPad 2. This helps deliver the same level of performance while powering four times the number of pixels, while maintaining a 10 hour battery life.
5 Megapixel iSight Camera
Finally, the iPad gets a 5 megapixel camera that allows you to click high-quality photos and 1080p HD video. The camera boasts of a hybrid IR filter and f/2.4 aperture lens that allows you to shoot high quality photos
Ultrafast 4G LTE
The new iPad supports the latest wireless technology. You will need to purchase the iPad Wifi + 4G version to take advantage of this. If you’re in the UK or USA or other countries with good 4G support, you have a better chance of enjoying this feature. In countries in India, where you might struggle to find a good 3G network, you’re unfortunately, going to be stuck with terrible download speeds.
Built-in apps
The iPad comes with its very own set of apps including Mail, Photos, Safari, Facetime, etc. And, as usual, if you want more, you can always check out the ever expanding app store.
The official Apple iPad 3 trailer
Check out the official trailer. I loved the part where they give you a short explanation on the design of the screen.
About Ajay
A die-hard blogger, web developer, biker, singer, geek, non-stop talker, foodie, movie freak are just some of the words that begin to describe me.
Full In-Depth Review of the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS
The Android operating system has always been a powerful workhorse and a great choice for technical geeks; however, it lacked the fun aspect. Enter the latest in the line of Android versions, the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). Reconstructed totally from the ground up, it is now packed with a host of features that none will find lacking. The system is not just a revision of previous versions, but is actually significantly different from the older gingerbread version.
(Courtesy of abulhussain)
The first most obvious change to strike one is the elimination of all the physical navigation buttons. They are replaced with virtual buttons that come alive under ones fingers by glowing and throbbing. Eye-catching animations moving slowly fill the home screen and there is a larger variety to choose from in the apps tray and if one desires, photo gallery.
Another cool convenience is that when a user reads an email message, the screen can be moved to the left or right of the message that is being read. This allows one to see the message that came before the current one or the one which comes after. This movement can be carried out by flicking the screen. The flick gesture is common throughout the new OS and can be used to get rid of alerts in the notifications list, browser thumbnails and in any application that was used recently.
(Courtesy of laihiu)
The home screen widgets can now be resized. A brand new calendar app allows cells to expand and collapse by just pinching; this allows the viewing of large or small time periods. The web browser is now considerably faster and includes a really handy feature that allows one to save material for offline reading. The Request Desktop Site is also found in this same menu, which allows one to navigate away from the mobile-optimized view of the browser.
Google has also improved the voice-controlled text input. It is more accurate, even if just by a tad bit. The feature controlling voice now reveals words being dictated at a very slow real-time pace. While not the most accurate of implementations, it does manage to get by and one does not have to hit “done” to see the material that has been dictated. The security hardware, too, has gotten a bit of an upgrade. Buried deep within the Settings menu, is the Face Unlock feature, which utilizes facial recognition technology to match the mug with the security system. It is set up by allowing the front-facing camera to scan the face and upon completion, one selects a secondary unlocking tool that acts as a fail-safe in case the Face Unlock does not work. The security system can be set up very easily, but it is easy to fool and fails fairly frequently. Additionally, it is not really very fast; entering a key code is much faster. This makes one wonder, why bother with it at all? What is more troublesome is the fact that it can be easily fooled. Cell phones using this feature can be unlocked by holding a photo of the phone owner in front of the locked screen.
A far more practical feature is the Data Usage tool, also located in the Settings menu. This allows one to see the amount of data one has accessed on a timeline over a number of days. It is possible to set a warning, so as one nears the limit of their plan they can cut back. There are also many photo and video functionalities packed in the system that allow one to edit their captured material. Additionally, there is a new People app that can roll up the contacts list and extend social media functionality in one place. All the contacts can be viewed through thumbnails. Just click on a thumbnail and one gets a nice contact profile, showing their email address and the most recent Google activity. Also, the profiles of these people will spring up throughout ICS. When one clicks on the image of someone from whom an email has come, the People profile pops up showing all the different ways of contacting them.
The Ice Cream sandwich is packed full of really brilliant features. The operating system immediately puts all cell phones using the ICS way beyond other Android competitors.
This is a guest article by Ruben Corbo, a writer for the website Cell Phone Expert where you can compare cell phone plans.
About Ajay
A die-hard blogger, web developer, biker, singer, geek, non-stop talker, foodie, movie freak are just some of the words that begin to describe me.
4 x 4S: How Does the New iPhone Compare Against its Predecessor?
It doesn’t have a bigger screen, and the handset is ostensibly identical, but on the inside, the iPhone 4S has certainly improved. Much of the attention surrounding the release of iPhone 4S deals has focused on the differences between the extant iPhone and the model that’s set to take its place. Here’s an overview of the main reasons why the 4S is a single letter and a whole world ahead of the iPhone 4.
Firstly, the camera’s better. Indeed, the 8 megapixel camera may encourage many users to dispense with a standalone digital camera altogether. The camera on the iPhone 4S comes with a five element lens and 60% per cent more pixels than that of its predecessor. You’ll finally be able to take pictures from the lock screen, and use the volume buttons to snap without using the screen itself. The crop function also utilises the ancient rule of thirds, enabling even the most inebriated photographers to take great-looking pics. Once those beautiful photographs have been captured, you can organise and enhance them, removing imperfections such as red-eye with a simple tap. The video camera can also now film in high-definition 1080p, while its low-light capabilities are infinitely greater than those of the iPhone 4, as is the inbuilt video stabilisation.
This plethora of new video and camera functions are fuelled by the A5 processor, the second reason why the iPhone 4S is a more than just an incremental step forward. Not only does it impart double the processing power, but significantly improves the graphics. Apple report that the new processor is seven times faster than the iPhone 4, allowing users to enjoy a more fluid and speedy device. Apps will load quicker and games won’t lag any longer. Expected to see a load of 4S-specific apps in the near future that will make full use of all this processing power.
The third welcome addition is the arrival of Apple’s iCloud service to the 4S, making it the first proper cloud-enabled smartphone. So what exactly does that mean? Well, you’ll be able to sync calendar notifications, contacts, documents and pictures across a variety of devices. Now you can access personal data on your phone with ease: no more rummaging around for missing cables down the back of the computer desk.
The 4S also comes with a few subtler changes that are nonetheless significant. For example, the phone is equipped with dual aerials, imparting a more stable signal that should minimise the likelihood of calls dropping out. The 4S also has a longer battery life and can sustain up to eight hours of conversation, while its Bluetooth and data speeds have also been upgraded.
The iPhone 4S may not be a revolutionary product, but it is still the best iPhone to date – an achievement that cannot be understated. Those currently sporting an older model may question whether it’s actually worth upgrading; some may even decide to wait for the iPhone 5, whenever it deigns to make an appearance. There are many similarities between the 4 and 4S, and some things haven’t changed at all. On the whole though, Apple appear to have done enough to ensure that their latest iPhone – like its predecessors – will prove to be a best-seller. Once again, nothing new there.
This is a guest post by Simon from Best Mobile Contracts.
About Ajay
A die-hard blogger, web developer, biker, singer, geek, non-stop talker, foodie, movie freak are just some of the words that begin to describe me.
Take remote access of your computer with Chrome Remote Desktop
Early 2010, we blogged about three tools that help you remotely control your desktop. There are several more tools and a new kid to hit the block is from our very only Google in the form of the Chrome Remote Desktop.
Google Chrome Desktop is an extension for Google Chrome that allows users to remotely access another computer using the Chrome browser or a Chromebook.
Using the extension is very simple. The extension on the target computer will generate an access code as below.
This access code needs to be presented to the “assisting” computer user who needs to feed it into his program and simply hit “Connect”.
And, you’ll have complete access to the target computer.
Chrome Remote Desktop BETA is fully cross-platform, so you can connect any two computers that have a Chrome browser, including Windows, Linux, Mac and Chromebooks. However, the smoothness of the connection will be highly dependent on the speed of your internet connection.
The extension is ideal for one time connection, e.g. when you’re providing IT support. If you’re looking for non-manual intervention, you will need to look for a more permanent solution like LogMeIn.
Download Chrome Remote Desktop
About Ajay
A die-hard blogger, web developer, biker, singer, geek, non-stop talker, foodie, movie freak are just some of the words that begin to describe me.
Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple
In a press release, the Board of Apple announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.
In his letter, Steve Jobs stated:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
In May 1985, Jobs was fired from Apple by the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) John Sculley and the board. Jobs rejoined Apple in 1997, after Apple acquired NeXT, a company Jobs had founded after leaving Apple.
Apple has been on the forefront of innovation over the past decade with several generations of the iPod, iMac and the iPhone among others. What does his resignation mean for Apple? Time will tell…
About Ajay
A die-hard blogger, web developer, biker, singer, geek, non-stop talker, foodie, movie freak are just some of the words that begin to describe me.
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