Google Nexus 7 (By Asus) (Review) : Googles "Attempt" at the iPad Mini?

Their's nothing better than Stock-Android, with no Touch wiz or Sense overlays, accept iOS 7 (obviously). Running Stock-Android also means that you can update your software as soon as an update is available from Google ( instead of waiting months for a minor update like 4.2.2)! However the Nexus device Range is often less premium than its competitors and therefore when buying a Nexus device, you have to compromise luxury (in the form of higher specifications.) Another thing I dislike is that Nexus products either launch a year late or never launch at all in South Africa. So lets get into the Nexus 7's plastic exterior to find out what this tablet is truly about and whether it should worry Apple...

(Photo Credit :Unknown)

ANDROID 4.2

Photo Credit - Wired

Android is at the heart of all Nexus Devices. They are made for Android OS. The Nexus 7 runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean.) There is not a lot to say about Stock Android - Its simple and has features that a major OS Should have, its territory would make for a smooth transition from iOS and even Windows Phone. The fact that its just Simple tends to worry me , With Competitors like Samsung (Which has Air View, Smart Stay and many other features) make it a more practical choice to choose their devices because of their amazing unique software. I love Android because it gives you more personalization and customization (Something that iOS lacks.) It has amazing content and is fast and smooth (thanks to Project Butter) 

Photo Credit - Android Police

MULTIPLE USERS

A New feature that comes to Android 4.2 is that you can have multiple-users on one tablet. You can create a whole new profile for a colleague, kid or friends. This allows them to have personalized wallpapers widgets, accounts and most importantly it keeps you information separate from theirs. Your work emails and contacts don't get in the hands of your children. Your children's apps don't get in the way of your Conference presentations. 

NOTIFICATIONS

Notifications on Android 4.2 is redesigned and re-imagined, for the better. You now have your notifications displayed more simplify and a really convenient feature is that it allows you to Respond and actually 'take action' to the notification. For example, if a turn on your phone and see you have a missed call in the notifications bar, you will be able to either call back or reply with a message. 

GOOGLE NOW

Photo Credit - Rediff

This is often referred to as 'Google's copy of Siri,' but I think it should rather be called, 'Apple's defeat by Google,' because Google Now is just so much better! Since Google bases its search on its search engine its faster than iOS which uses Google! Google Now give you the solution to your problem as it surfaces - its convenient and fun at the same time. Google Now gives you Cards that show information that is relevant to your current location (e.g. Train Departures, the weather , popular pictures, sport results and even whats showing at your local cinema.) You can ask it questions just like Siri however it isn't as good when it comes to personal questions. Compared to Siri, Google Now has a more human voice and just feels more personable. Google Now does things faster and does them 'Now' and thats why i'd use it over all of the other voice assistants.

PHOTO SPHERE

The Photo Sphere allows you to take simultaneous pictures and Google Stitches them together to make 360 degree picture. Its easy to share your pictures to Google+ and even Google Maps for the world to see!

HARDWARE

photo Credit- ZDnet 

The Hardware is very minimalistic as the Device was based on the software rather than paying attention to the details (like a Good camera). Speaking of Cameras, the Nexus 7 has a 1.2MP front-facing camera which would be okay if it had a back-facing camera which it doesn't and at moments like this I ask myself - With a higher processor and better cameras isn't the iPad Mini a better buy for R1000 more? Lets take a tour of the Nexus 7's plastic exterior. It has an Black grippable back with a detailed design. On the side you'll find a volume rocker and an ON/OFF switch. On the front you'll find a fairly thick bezel around the 7" screen with a resolution of 216 ppi. The battery is good for about 8 Hours of content playback and thats all I can say about the hardware on the Nexus 7. 

Photo Credit - Immobility

CONCLUSION

The Nexus 7 is a good entry-level tablet with entry-level specifications it doesn't have any premium feel to it as their are many other 7' Tablets that have better specifications and better software (like Touchwiz) and it simply isn't practical to buy this tablet for Android alone at R1000 less than the iPad Mini! Google needs to stop aiming their Nexus devices at competitors like the Amazon Kindle because they will loose , Google needs to make devices that are different to everything else... 

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JOBS (The Movie)

When you think Steve Jobs, you think Apple. One of the world's most valuable companies and one of the highest earning companies and when thinking of the success of Apple its hard to believe this cupertino-based company was created from a Collage drop-out. Jobs the movie takes you through Steve jobs journey from a collage drop-out to the leader of Apple. Usually you end off by giving a message to the youth to stay in school but in the spirit of Steve - Stay in school or dropout just remember to 'Think Different.'

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Whats the Next South African Youth Phone ?

Photo Credit - Adhik Jaichun

For the past few years Blackberrys have dominated the cellular youth market. They were bulky, slow and very ugly but people still chose to buy them as:

• Blackberrys were fairly cheap with the entry-level model (The Curve 8520.) selling at R1800.
• BBM (Blackberry Messaging) was a convenient and affordable way of messaging others. 
• BIS (Blackberry Internet Service.) provided cheap internet connections for R59/ month. 

As a result of the above , Blackberrys prospered. While technology became more advanced leaving Blackberry and its users in the dust. With the decline of Blackberry and BIS, many South African Teens scramble to find a replacement for their old blackberries.' Fear not, thats what im here for!'

The key here is not only to find a replacement for your old blackberry but something that is much better  yet has the convenience and affordability that Blackberry was crowned for.  When choosing you next phone you should take note of your distinct interests and features that you depend on or want in your everyday life . 

Facebook Home

Photo Credit - Techno Buffalo

This is a fairly new software from Facebook designed specifically for Android Phones. Android Phones are phones that run Android OS (A Google Designed operating System) they include the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC one etc. The good thing about Facebook Home is that you can run it on any Android phone running OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and higher, this means that people can chose to spend less on a phone and buy a entry-level device or buy a high-end flagship device (like the S4.) Facebook home incorporates Facebook into your phone to show your updates and messages once you unlock your phone - A feature that allows instant social access that is a swipe away. Facebook Home allows the Social aspect that your blackberry offered allowing you to social quickly and easily. Facebook Home runs all of the Android Apps including apps like Angry Birds, Subway Surfers and BBM (available by the end of July.) An amazing thing is that you can switch back to the traditional Android software set on your phone from Facebook Home. PLEASE NOTE : Facebook Home is an additional software overlay or Launcher and is available on the Play store. It doesn't come pre-loaded on the phones mentioned below (Accept on the HTC First.) 

Good Examples of These are : 

HTC First 

Samsung Galaxy S4

HTC One

Nexus 4

iPhone 

photo Credit - BGR

Although this option may not be as affordable as the Blackberry its simple and fantastic. I think the iPhone is the best phone for South African Youth. its easy to use , there are millions of apps to suite your needs and most importantly stylish. Teens can make use of the iPhones vast accessory line to personalize their phone. Socialize using iMessages. Apple's exclusive messaging network , BBM (available on the App Store by the end of July.) and Whatsapp and Viber ( a free messaging and call app.) Right now would be a good time to buy the iPhone especially after the launch of Apples new Mobile Software iOS7!  The iPhone 5

I hope this entry helped decide which phone to look out for. Make sure to read the Reviews and subscribe for more amazing and in-depth entries! 

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HTC One (Review) : Is it The Number one Phone for you?

Photo Credit - Wired

The HTC 'One'. The name of this phone is quite ironic for HTC because many Tech Reviewers (including myself) have labelled this flagship smartphone the 'Second' best phone of 2013 (So far). If thats not enough, the number one usually represents the word 'first' when infact this phone's design is extremely similar to that of the Blackberry Z10 and let me remind you that the Z10 was released months before. It was 'first' to have this design .  I would suggest to any HTC officials reading this to get a new person to name your phones and maybe hire new people to design our phones while you at it! Well jokes aside, lets see what the HTC One has to offer and whether this phone is the 'One' for you!

HARDWARE AND DESIGN 

At first look, the HTC One seems very familiar (which could or could not be a good thing). Its bold White/Black bezels mimic the Z10's ,  its tapered edges and metallic back remind me of the iPhone 5 and its crisp 4.7 inch , 468ppi screen is similar to that of the S4. Then as you take a closer look, your perspective changes, the details like the front- firing Speakers , the smooth metal uni-body design with each curve and line a brush-stroke of perfection. Its in the details that HTC hooked me onto the HTC One and I found after glancing at it time to time the design grows on me more and more. Dare I say this but I think the design of the HTC One is better than the iPhone 5. Even if HTC did copy Blackberry's design they sure made it a lot better!

Photo Credit - CNET

SPEAKERS & SOUND

HTC without doubt have the best mobile sound system on the HTC One which they call BoomSound. The Dual Front-Firing speakers are stunning and provide crisp and clear audio but I that when holding the phone in landscape, its difficult to place your hands out of the speaker's way. This is for me renders the speakers useless and I watch Videos and listen to music in landscape mode. The HTC One also has Beats Audio integration.

BATTERY

This phone has a colossal 2600 mAh Battery that HTC says should be good for ± 18 Hours of talk-time depending on your Connection (3G, HSPA+ or LTE.) Theres actually been quite an uproar about the battery problem on this phone with users saying they only seem to get 7/8 hours of Battery life out of the box when using 4G LTE. This Shouldn't be a problem anymore as HTC has released a software update that should give you a longer battery-life. The HTC One also gives you better Battery-life if you use it on 3G rather than LTE. 

Photo Credit - Android Australia

CAMERA

The HTC renamed its camera to HTC Ultra-pixel, for any one know doesn't know what an ultra-pixel is - its a word that HTC is using to distract from the fact that the HTC One has a 4MP primary camera! So now that you aren't mystified by that word the Camera seems pretty weak however I remind you that there's much more to a good camera than the number of megapixels and the  HTC One has them all. 

Overall I think the Design is impeccable. Its not unique but familiar (which I'm starting to like.) Its simply a beautiful piece of hardware with a smooth yet grippable back, delicately carved buttons and curved edges. Its like a long lost friend but with more processing power... 

It'll always be there when you need it unless the battery dies... 

CONVENIENCE HAS A NEW NAME ( HTC SENSE 5 ) 

In the past I haven't really liked HTC Sense (their Android Overlay.) It seems very unnecessary and distracts from the beauty of Stock Android . I'm not implying AT ALL that Stock Android is good but you got to admit that its pretty beautiful. The Icons on HTC Sense 5 are better than the previous ones but still look dated compared to iOS and even Blackberry 10! 

BLINKFEED 

Photo Credit - The National

This feature is absolutely amazing! Although it looks a lot like Flip-board and even Windows phone (Again with the Stealing ideas.) Its stunning. Blink-feed breaks away from Traditional Android and bring you all of your selected news, social media updates and glances at your calendar and other applications rather than the boring Application and Widgets screen.  It allows you to truly customize your phone however I find that The news articles distract me from the reason I actually turned on my phone and Blinkfeed can be very heavy on data which is not practical in everyday use. Another thing is with blinkfeed if someone picks up your phone, they have instant access to all of your personal social media accounts and messages. Presently there are no ways of removing blinkfeed. The overall feeling of blink feed and infact HTC Sense 5 is convenience. Blink feed makes life so much easier by putting everything you care about into a simple homepage. 

GALLERY & CAMERA

In this current smartphone war it neccasary for phones to not only have powerful cameras but to have software features to go with it - HTC has amazed me with their line of in-Camera features. These include burst-shot, HDR video which allows you to video in low- light areas, a feature that allows you to combine burst shots into a single frame , Slow motion video recording, Object removal and HTC Zoe and most importantly features that Samsung and Apple don't have! The Gallery app has an amazing feature that present and organizes your pictures by date !

APP DRAWER

For some odd reason HTC thought it fantastic to let you organize your app drawer! You can now list you app in alphabetic order, custom or most recent. Although it'll take some time to get use to, I think It will allow users the customization that Android is known for.

CONCLUSION ( IS IT THE 'ONE' WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR?) 

I Started off by saying the HTC One was just Second best but the HTC One is so much more than that, its complicated in a way thats uncomplicated, its reliable and Convenient (in the form of Blinkfeed.) The HTC One is simply irresistible. Although it makes me annoyed at times and I find certain features to be 'cheesy' and mimics of other phones. Although I find the HTC One to be second best, its lovable and it works and its definitely the one phone i'd keep for a 2-year contract. It's unquestionably the one for me, what about you?   

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iPhone 5 : Colour Comparison

The iPhone 5 is a crowd pleaser and as a result many people head off and buy iPhone 5's and rightly so because its an amazing phone. ( Read the full review here!) With the recent launch of the stunning iOS 7 (Apple's redesigned Software) many more people are going to choose to buy the iPhone 5 to enjoy the newest realease. So I thought I'd help you out with the decision of choosing which colour to go for as I know how annoying it can be when the person in-front of you in a queue spends 40 minutes choosing which colour to buy! Lets get to it ...

BLACK

WHITE

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A Multi-platform BBM (Blackberry Messaging) : The Full Story

Have you ever dreamt of BBM, Blackberry's exclusive messaging service, on your iPhone or Android Phone?  - Well the reality is , you probably haven't. Slow messages, annoying Broadcast messages and a shorter battery life as a result are all problems that i've experienced when using BBM. The fact is the majority of tech-users are and will use Whatsapp (or other messaging platforms) on their iPhones or android phones and even if they moved to a blackberry, I'm sure they'd still use Whatsapp over BBM. 

(Photo Credit : Elie Chahine's Blog.)

Why I don't like BBM!

Below are the reason why I seriously don't like BBM and why id much rather use Whatsapp. 

• BBM is slow and often doesn't work at random times ( when you need it the most.)
• The Broadcast Message - Yes, if you've had BBM you'd definitely know what im saying. Those irritating messages from people who have nothing to do. For people who don't know what they are - They are Messages that are sent from one of your friends to all of their contacts and often        sound like this ... "Happy Mother's Day - if you don't Broadcast this message in 20 seconds, something bad is going to happen to your mother." or the all common , "Blackberry is shutting down users profiles at 12:00 AM , if you don't broadcast this code, your phone will fail to work. This is a serious note from the CEO of Blackberry, John Blackberry." I don't know why people Broadcast these stupid messages, but then again, they did buy blackberries! 
• The overall performance of your Blackberry. When you have ± 300 contacts on BBM, your blackberry becomes really slow overall and often it freezes and restarts while you using the phone however this shouldn't be a problem with the Q10 or Z10. The slower processor on the Q5 may be affected. 
• The horrible Battery life, this is as a result of your contacts updating their profile pictures and statuses as well as sending and receiving messages. Your battery can go from lasting a day with medium use but with BBM disabled to a matter of hours with the same use and BBM running in the background.   

Multi-Platform

Blackberry is to release BBM as an App available for : 

• iPhones (iPhone 4 , 4S and 5.) running iOS 6
• Android Phones (Running 4.2) 

Once launched you will be able to download it off the App Store / Play Store and use it just like on a Blackberry 10 device however features will be updated on Blackberry 10 devices before it is updated on the application. The App will be Free of charge! 

Why does Blackberry want to release it as a Multi- platform Messaging Service? 

I should actually rephrase that heading and rather ask - Why does Blackberry NEED to release it as Multi-platform Messaging Service? Well with Blackberry (formerly known as RIM, which I called RIP.)  under piles of debts and Blackberry 10 showing to be less successful than blackberry anticipated,   A Multi-platform BBM will not only Boost sales of Blackberrys but will give Blackberry the opportunity to sell Ads on the iPhone and Android version of the Messaging service. A Multi-platform BBM could also give Blackberry much needed recognition and exposure, which I think is all Blackberry needs right now.  (Photo Credit - Business insider.)

PROs

• Better exposure for Blackberry 
• Advertising. Which could in essence Keep BBM alive even after Blackberry itself is dead. 
• A boost is sales of Blackberrys as more people have BBM and BBM therefore is more efficient and useful to the consumer.  
• cheaper than Whatsapp. Free compared to $0.99 / year. 

CONs

• BBM will no longer be exclusive to Blackberry Owners hence people who bought Blackberry's in the past solely for BBM, might not buy Blackberry's now. 
• There are bound to be more users and more users means slower messages. 
• Blackberry Software programmers and designers have to spend time writing the Android and iPhone Apps when they could be spending that time bettering Blackberry 10, and it needs ALOT of bettering to gain market share!

Tell me what you think Tweet using #iBBM for a chance to be followed and re-tweeted by us!  

Conclusion 

Although bold, I think this move of releasing BBM as a Multi-platform messaging service will definitely pay off in the long-run with more exposure for Blackberry. The idea has potential but the execution is what im waiting to see. Will Blackberry successfully recreate itself or will 10 be Blackberry's unlucky number... 

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iBlog Awards : TOP10 LAPTOP

1.) Macbook Pro 13' with Retina Display
2.) Alienware 14
3.) HP Envy 6t-1200
4.) Dell XPS 15' with Windows 8
5.) Macbook Pro 15'
6.)Dell XPS 12'
7.) Vaio Duo 11'
8.)Macbook Air 13' (2013)
9.) Samsung Series 9 laptop
10.) Alienware 17

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iBlog Awards : TOP10 TABLETS

1.) Microsoft Surface Pro

2.) iPad with Retina Display

3.) Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

4.) Apple iPad Mini

5.) Sony Xperia Tablet Z 

6.) Nexus 10.1

7.) Samsung ATIV 

8.) Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9'

9.) Nexus 7

10.) Samsung Galaxy 2 Tab 7'

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Welcome to iBlog Awards

Its been a really exiting First half of 2013. We've had the much awaited launch of Blackberry 10 (Blackberry's last chance to redeem Mobile Market share.) Which for me initially was a fail but I think after the launch of Blackberry's Second Smartphone in the range (The Q10) was released. The Q10 is perfect for previous Blackberry users and new users however with a lack of apps, Blackberry 10 is just a toned down version of Android. Then came the launch of the S4, Samsung's new flagship device. Although the s4 is a slim design difference , software-wise I think its years apart from competitors.The launch of the Surface Pro and other Tablet PCs are the first step to a race of extremely portable Computer's. So with all the tech out there, what do you buy. We have got that covered giving you the best Smart phones, Tablets , Game Consoles, laptops, PCs and Games on the market at the moment. I hope this helps you as a guide when buying your next Tech device. Let the awards begin!

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iBlog Awards : TOP10 SMARTPHONE

1.) Samsung Galaxy S4
2.) HTC One
3.) Xperia Z
4.) Blackberry Q10
5.) iPhone 5
6.) HTC First
7.) Nokia Lumia 925
8.) Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
9.) Nexus 4
10.) Blackberry Z10

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Father's Day Gadget Gift Ideas!

Yes, its almost father's day. The day to celebrate everything dad has done for you. (if anything.) This list if for those tech freaks out there like me who do last minute shopping. Below are some really amazing Gadget Gift Ideas for dad!

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

 Does dad get frustrated when he cant find the remote. Spoil him this father's day with the Galaxy Note 8.0. He can use the Note to  his remote for undisturbed viewing as long as he desires with the note's amazing battery life and when he's tired of that there's many other features for him to enjoy. (image Credit - PC Pro)

Nokia Lumia 925

 Taking dad away for the long weekend, why not spoil him even more with a Nokia Lumia 925. Its Nokia's new flagship Windows Phone 8 Device. The 925 will get you to your location easily with Nokia Maps and City Lens will tell you where the nearest restaurant is for an evening out and the best part is you can take amazing pictures in any location with Nokia's new Xenon Flash. Forget Dog's, the Lumia 925, will definitely be man's best friend. (image credit : unknown) 

Microsoft Surface

 This gift is bound to make dad's day. From piles of papers and lever-arch files to a simple, sleek piece of tech, this transformation means dad can do all of his work simultaneously on one device. He literally has his own  'Office' that he can take with him anywhere. Be it the Board room, The road or just playing Angry Birds - The Surface is always there. (image credit - Engadget) 

I hope this has sincerely helped you pick you father's day Gifts and if you haven't, there's always next year. Take care, enjoy your Father's Day and Keep it Connected!

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What I Want To See In WWDC 2013

Yes, its this time of the year again folks. So you might as well find an excuse to trash your 'old' Apple devices because Apple's WWDC (World Wide Developer's Conference) kicks of on monday!

                             WHAT I WANT TO SEE

iOS 7

A brand new Operating system. Not just some bug fixes here and there, with added applications that never seem to work (like iMaps.) I want to see a Apple Social Media platform, something to rival Facebook and Twitter. I want to see a 'flatter' OS. Apple should let us choose between iMaps and Google Maps as our default Mapping Service. Apple needs to redesign their App Store and last and definitely not least we need to see some widgets on iOS. 

iPad Mini with Retina Display 

A new updated version of the the iPad mini running iOS 7. Spec-wise I expect it to have a better processor (maybe the A6X) and a Retina display screen. I also would like to see the iPad mini coming in a few different colours, maybe a red, blue and green.

Macbook Air with Retina Display 

A revised design, it should be thinner and should come in a 15 inch variant. A faster processor and a new version of Mac OSX. A Retina display. 

The iWatch

A first for Wearable tech in Apple. After the Google Glass buzz, the Apple iWach would be a success. The idea is to have a watch with customizable bands and clock-faces as well as traditional iOS application functions. It should have Retina Display and 4G LTE connectivity. Siri and iMaps. 

  WHAT APPLE IS PROBABLY GOING TO DO

The more I read over what I want to see, the more I know its not going to happen. I think Apple needs to really design a new flagship device, something that is completely new and exiting but the reality is that they wont! Apple is playing it safe at the moment but playing it safe might have worked a year ago but it  wont help now ,when Apple's competitors are catching up...

Apple needs to show us new products - Read my blog on Monday to see what Apple has packed as well as a link for you to watch it yourself. 

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