Archive for October, 2013
Android 4.4 KitKat features explained
After far too much speculation, lots of waiting, and a surprise name-change in the middle of things, Android 4.4 KitKat is official. It’s not the huge card-based UI overhaul that we thought it might be, and it doesn’t introduce a Pie-like launcher, but it is filled with sweet goodness. So, sit back and let’s break off a piece of that KitKat bar OS and see what new KitKat features Android 4.4 brings. Continue reading →
Hacker uses bots to top music charts, bumps P!nk, Nicki Minaj
A Melbourne security professional has sent ear-piercing ‘garbage’ tunes to the top of online music charts by spoofing track plays. Continue reading →
PlayStation 4: The ultimate FAQ – Europe
With all eyes on the PS4 system’s European launch on November 29th, we wanted to provide definitive answers to your questions, both big and small. This list of Frequently Asked Questions is only a start, as certain details are still being finalized in preparation for launch. Continue reading →
Facebook looking to capture your mouse movements
Let’s cut to the chase here. Facebook is testing new ways to collect more granular data on its users and members. While it’s no secret that advertising is one of, if not the primary way Facebook generates revenue, collecting data based on how long your mouse hovered over a particular link or advert starts to sound very George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four-‘ish. Continue reading →
Family feud: is Google’s Nexus 5 the best pure Android phone?
When it was released last year, the Nexus 4 was one of the best Android smartphones around, aside from one glaring issue: it didn’t include LTE. Google has finally righted that wrong this year with the Nexus 5, and it’s overhauling the phone in a number of other big ways as well. Continue reading →
Is your iPhone 5s battery life awful? Apple might replace it for free
If you upgraded to a new flagship iPhone 5s recently and you’re now finding that your battery drains particularly quickly, it might be Apple’s fault. Continue reading →
Silent Circle, Lavabit unite for ‘Dark Mail’ encrypted email project
Two privacy-focused email providers have launched the Dark Mail Alliance, a project to engineer an email system with robust defenses against spying. Continue reading →
The government whistleblower is helping out with a “major” Russian Website, according to his lawyer. Continue reading →
Meet Google’s New Nexus 5 Phone and KitKat
Google showed off its new Android version 4.4 (or KitKat) operating system, running on a new flagship phone, the Nexus 5. Google uses its Nexus line to show off its new operating systems, and the device and OS are reflections of each other. Continue reading →
Need a laptop? We help you choose the right one
With so many laptops out there, how do you choose the correct one based on your needs? We help you out with five use-case scenarios and what to look for in your laptop in each case. Continue reading →
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review: the phablet grows up
The Galaxy Note series has always been divisive: some call it too big, others can't live without the S Pen. With the Note 3, Samsung refines the formula with a larger 5.7-inch Full HD display, a faster Snapdragon 800 processor, and a slimmer, lighter design that makes it feel less like a brick and more like a premium device. The faux leather back adds a touch of class, and the improved S Pen brings new Air Command features that genuinely enhance productivity. But does it justify the price tag? Continue reading →
We spent two weeks with the Note 3 as our daily driver, testing everything from battery endurance to multi-window multitasking. The results are impressive: the 3,200mAh battery easily lasted a full day of heavy use, and the new Multi Window feature lets you run two apps side by side without breaking a sweat. However, the camera, while good, still lags behind the iPhone 5s in low-light performance, and TouchWiz remains as bloated as ever. If you can look past the software quirks, the Note 3 is the best big-screen phone money can buy. Continue reading →
Windows 8.1: what’s new in Microsoft’s big update
When Windows 8 launched a year ago, it was met with confusion and frustration. The removal of the Start button alienated millions of desktop users, and the jarring split between the Modern UI and the classic desktop felt unnatural. With Windows 8.1, Microsoft is attempting to right those wrongs. The update brings back the Start button (sort of), adds a boot-to-desktop option, and introduces a host of tweaks that make the OS more palatable for mouse-and-keyboard users. It’s not a full retreat, but it’s a step in the right direction. Continue reading →
One of the biggest additions is the return of the Start button, which now sits in the bottom-left corner and opens the Start screen instead of a traditional menu. It’s a small concession, but it eases the transition for traditionalists. Windows 8.1 also improves the Snap feature, allowing up to four apps on screen simultaneously, and adds a new Reading List app for saving articles. For tablet users, the update brings better multitasking and a more intuitive Settings app. Overall, Windows 8.1 feels like what Windows 8 should have been from the start—a hybrid OS that doesn’t punish you for owning a non-touch laptop. Continue reading →
The best Android apps for October 2013
With the Google Play Store teeming with over a million apps, finding the gems can be a chore. This month we’ve sifted through the new releases to bring you a curated list of the most useful, innovative, and just plain fun Android apps worth your time. From productivity boosters to social networking tools, here are our top picks for October. Continue reading →
- Pocket – Save articles, videos, and web pages to read later, even offline. The new update adds better tagging and a cleaner interface.
- IFTTT – Automate your digital life with recipes that connect services like Gmail, Dropbox, and Philips Hue. Now with Android support.
- Duolingo – Learn a new language for free with bite-sized lessons. The app now offers Swedish and Dutch.
- Fenix – A sleek Twitter client with a customizable interface and powerful mute filters. It’s fast and battery-friendly.
What are your favorite apps this month? Let us know in the comments. Continue reading →
How to secure your smartphone: essential tips and tools
As our phones become repositories of personal data, securing them is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. From malicious apps to phishing attacks, the threats are real. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to lock down your device, whether you’re on Android or iOS. Continue reading →
First, always use a strong passcode or biometric lock. A four-digit PIN is easily guessed; opt for a six-digit code or, better yet, a full password. On Android, consider enabling encryption (under Security settings) to protect your data if your phone is lost or stolen. For iOS, encryption is on by default, but make sure Find My iPhone is activated. Next, be cautious about app permissions: does a flashlight app really need access to your contacts? Review and revoke unnecessary permissions. Finally, use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi to prevent snooping, and keep your OS and apps updated to patch vulnerabilities. A little vigilance goes a long way. Continue reading →
iPhone 5s vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs HTC One: flagship showdown
The fall of 2013 has brought us a trio of top-tier smartphones: Apple’s iPhone 5s with its 64-bit A7 chip and Touch ID, Samsung’s Galaxy S4 with its feature-packed TouchWiz software, and HTC’s One with its stunning aluminum unibody design and BoomSound speakers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them can be tough. We’ve compared them across key categories to help you decide. Continue reading →
In terms of build quality, the HTC One is the clear winner, with its premium metal chassis and zero-gap construction. The iPhone 5s also feels great but is more prone to dents and scratches, while the Galaxy S4’s plastic back feels cheap despite its premium price. When it comes to performance, the iPhone 5s’s A7 processor edges out the Snapdragon 600 in the HTC One and the Snapdragon 600 in the Galaxy S4 (though the S4 has more RAM for multitasking). The camera department is close: the iPhone 5s has a great sensor with dual-tone flash, but the HTC One’s UltraPixel camera excels in low light, and the S4 offers a 13MP shooter with tons of software features. Ultimately, your choice will depend on ecosystem preference and what you value most: design, software, or raw specs. Continue reading →