Multi-color iPad Mini coming Next

 Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller announcing the iPad Mini. The first iPad Mini, which offers a 7.9-inch display was launched in October 2012 and is due a refresh, but will that include a high-resolution display? ©AFP Photo/ Kimihiro Hoshino

(AFP Relaxnews) -- The latest reports concerning what Apple may or may not be planning to launch before the end of this year are centered on the second generation 7.9-inch tablet.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the second-generation iPad Mini, widely expected to launch in September, will have a higher definition Retina display after all and will also be available in a choice of back plate colors.

The original device, launched in October 2012 sported a standard definition 7.9-inch display and was available with either a black or a sliver-white anodized alloy back. However according to unnamed sources, Apple, that most secretive of tech companies, is planning to offer potential owners a choice of colors like the iPod touch.

There is no doubt that a new small tablet will be launched later this year, the only disagreement so far is focused on screen resolution. Reports earlier this year, courtesy of Apple analyst extraordinaire, Ming-Chi Kuo, of KGI Securities, stated that due to the prohibitive costs, the next iPad Mini would be a stopgap product and that a high-resolution version wouldn't be launched until 2014 when manufacturing costs had fallen.

However, in recent weeks news has emerged that despite their love/hate relationship, Apple has chosen to partner with Samsung in order to build smaller high-resolution displays for smaller devices, leading the Wall Street Journal to the conclusion that the Retina iPad Mini will be coming out this year.

Looking around at the current state of the small tablet market, if Apple doesn't up the resolution on its next device, it will be the only branded tablet in that space that doesn't offer a 1080p viewing experience.

The latest Google tablet, the Nexus 7, has a high definition screen as does the existing Amazon Kindle Fire. What's more, the next generation Amazon tablet, also expected to launch in September, is claimed to have a higher resolution still, while Samsung has a number of 7-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch tablets with HD displays on offer in different territories.

See also: Tips to Learn Hacking like a Pro

source: mySinChew

USIAN BOLT IN TEMPLE RUN 2 !

Have you played "Temple Run" and its sequel, "Temple Run 2"?. The "Temple Run" series is an infamous mobile based games developed by Imangi Studio. The game has the player taking on the role of an explorer who, having stolen an idol from a temple, is chased by "demonic monkeys". The game was initially released for iOS devices, and later ported to Android systems and Windows Phone 8.

But now, for a limited time only, the World's Fastest Man can be purchased as a playable character in Temple Run 2! 

Imangi Studios, maker of the massively popular Temple Run games, has just announced that it has signed the athlete on as its very first branded playable character for a "limited time" only.

Bolt joins the game's cast of fictional characters as a 99-cent in-app purchase available from the game's "Upgrades" menu, wearing his signature yellow-and-green Olympic uniform. He also brings with him a new power-up, "Bolt." When activated, the character auto-dashes at breakneck speed, immune from the game's traps, with the coin magnet.

To get access to the purchase, you will need to update the game. Temple Run 2 is free for iOS and Android.

See also: How to Secure your Android device

RUMORED RETINA DISPLAY IN IPAD MINI 2

The next-generation iPad Mini, expected to debut before the end of the year, will likely have a Retina Display, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The report cites Asian suppliers, which are apparently gearing up to make their production runs for the new tablet. Further, Samsung is said to be among Apple's suppliers for the next iPad Mini's display, despite the ongoing legal disputes between the two companies. Apple did not confirm 
the information in the report.

The timing of the Journal's report is curious. Earlier this week, Apple released iOS 7 Beta 4. Sharp-eyed developers believed they saw references to future generations of hardware buried in the iOS 7 beta code. Their analysis suggested the designations found in the code proved the next-generation iPad Mini would in fact not have a Retina Display. The new report effectively counters that belief and sets minds at ease. 

Does it matter if the next-gen iPad Mini has a Retina Display or not? First, the term "Retina Display" is a marketing phrase coined by Apple to tout the high resolution screens on its devices. The iPhone, larger iPad, and several MacBooks have Retina Displays, which really just means that they are pixel rich.

The iPad Mini's display measures 7.9 inches across the diagonal and has 1024 by 768 pixels. The screen doesn't even measure up to the lower 720p HD spec, let alone the full 1080p HD spec. It's not a terrible screen, but many others have it beat. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 has a full HD screen, and so does the recently-announced Nexus 7. The pixel density of the iPad Mini's screen doesn't hold a candle to these two competitors. This is the real issue.

Google is offering a compelling value in the Nexus 7. It costs $100 less than the iPad Mini, and though it has a slightly smaller screen, most of the specs are superior to Apple's smaller tablet. Specs many not be everything, but if there's one spec that stares people in the face, it is the display.

Take the new Nexus 7 with its great display and pair it with FUD-riddled stories suggesting that the iPad Mini won't be able to compete because of its crummy screen, and you get a response from Apple. That response is this well-timed leak about the suddenly improved likelihood that the iPad Mini will indeed have a Retina Display.

See Also: THE NEXT GENERATION SMARTPHONE

source: informationweek

NEXT GENERATION SMART PHONE - UBUNTU EDGE

 In the car industry, Formula 1 provides a commercial testbed for cutting-edge technologies. The Ubuntu Edge project aims to do the same for the mobile phone industry -- to provide a low-volume, high-technology platform, crowdfunded by enthusiasts and mobile computing professionals. A pioneering project that accelerates the adoption of new technologies and drives them down into the mainstream.

What is Ubuntu Edge?

This beautifully crafted smartphone is a proving ground for the most advanced mobile technologies on the horizon, a showpiece for true mobile innovation. And at the heart of it all is convergence: connect to any monitor and this Ubuntu phone transforms into an Ubuntu PC, with a fully integrated desktop OS and shared access to all files. Linux developers are fascinated by converged computing, the idea that the smartphone in your pocket can also be the brain of the PC on your desk. They had shaped Ubuntu so you can transition seamlessly between the two environments. Now all that’s needed is a phone that’s designed from the ground up to be a PC as well. The Ubuntu Edge is our very own superphone, a catalyst to drive the next generation of personal computing.

Hardware

Crafted from cool, textured amorphous metal, the Edge has a distinctive, precise look but its rakishly chamfered edges are shaped to fit naturally in the palm -- the design prototype already has a wonderfully solid feel. It’s the right size, too. Edge gestures are the next big thing in mobile, and testing has found that a 4.5in screen is ideal for comfortable control of all four edges with one hand.

Beyond 300ppi you’re adding overhead rather than improving display clarity. They figured colour, brightness and dynamic range are now the edge of invention so choose a display for its balance of resolution, dynamic range and colour accuracy. Protecting that gorgeous display with something vastly tougher than glass: pure sapphire crystal, a material so hard only diamond could scratch it. For a phone to run a full desktop OS, it must have the raw power of a PC. They’ll choose the fastest available multi-core processor, at least 4GB of RAM and a massive 128GB of storage. The battery will use silicon-anode technology, so it can squeeze more energy into the same dimensions.

With that kind of muscle, this phone can be your main PC anywhere -- and we really do mean anywhere. You can use the desktop wherever you can find a standard HDMI screen, and the dual-LTE chip will get you online with 4G even when you’re travelling abroad. It’s desktop computing gone truly mobile.

Software

Next-generation hardware deserves innovative software. The Ubuntu Edge will dual-boot both the Ubuntu phone OS and Android, and convert into a fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC.

First, Ubuntu mobile. We designed the interface to create a beautiful home screen that’s free from the usual clutter. You navigate by swiping over an edge of the screen: open your favourite apps on the left edge, switch instantly between open apps from the right, and use the system and app toolbars at the top and bottom respectively. It’s so simple, Ubuntu doesn’t need a home button at all.

Specialist data artists have designed Ubuntu’s welcome screen, with graphics that evolve over time to reflect your use of the phone. We’ve reinvented the inbox so you can read and respond to texts, emails and social media posts in an instant.

Overall Technical Specifications:

• Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
• Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
• Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Micro-SIM
• 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
• 8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
• Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
• GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
• Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
• 11-pin connector providing simultaneous MHL and USB OTG
• 3.5mm jack
• Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
• 64 x 9 x 124mm

Unfortunately. the project is currently under development. But you can order it now in Indiegogo, the project need a total of $32millions. The campaign will only receive all fundings if they have the amount of money before 21/8/2013. So order it now! Make your dream comes true!

GOOGLE'S NEW NEXUS 7

 During a press event in San Francisco on Wednesday morning, Google unveiled the next generation of its popular Nexus 7 tablet. The first device to ship running Android 4.3, the tablet is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and sports a number of other improvements, including a forward-facing camera, a high-resolution rear-facing camera and a brilliant 1920 x 1200 display.

Brilliant Display & Screen Resolution

The Nexus 7 features a 1080p high resolution display, high-end hardware specs, and runs Google’s latest Android OS, Jelly Bean 4.3. Two key features this new OS offers are support for multiple users with restricted profiles — useful if you share a tablet — as well as Bluetooth LE for pairing with wireless accessories.

But the first thing you’ll notice about the Nexus 7 is its screen. It’s now the world’s highest resolution 7-inch Android tablet, with a 1280 x 1920 pixel display — that’s 323 pixels per inch. Google says the Nexus 7 display can show a 30 percent wider range of colors than the original. It can render true 1080p video, and the Netflix app was just updated to take advantage of that capability on Monday. 

Audio

To complete your 1080p movie watching experience, the Nexus 7 features stereo speakers, one located at either end of the device when you’re holding it in landscape mode.

Specs

Inside it’s got a 1.5Ghz Snapdragon S4 pro processor, which offers 1.8 times the CPU power and 4X the GPU capabilities of its predecessor. The tablet includes NFC, so you can share data with other nearby NFC-enabled devices. It also includes wireless charging. Both of these technologies are available in a growing number of Android and Windows Phone devices these days, but due to clunky real-life use cases, have proven a more gimmicky than useful.

And the Nexus 7 isn’t rough on the eyes, either. It’s dominated by “black on black” styling, with the same soft-touch texture as the original that provides a nice amount of grip in your hand. Google also slimmed down the new Nexus. It’s 2mm thinner and 50 grams lighter than before, with a thinner bezel around its edge. The lighter weight in particular should make holding the tablet for long periods (like when you’re watching a video on your commute) more enjoyable.

The Nexus 7 will be available starting July 30th from a number of retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and Radioshack. The tablet will initially come in two varieties: 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi only for $229 and $269, respectively. A 32GB 4G LTE version of the tablet will be available in the future, unlocked for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers for $349.

See also: How to secure your Android Device

New Google Maps for Everyone

Google Maps' redesign web app is now officially open to everyone— and no invites are required.

Yesterday night, @GoogleMaps tweet said: "user simply have to sign up to access the new app".  

Under the "desktop" section of the new Google Maps' about page, users are prompted to click "Try now." Doing so will send them to a preview of the revamped app. From now on, whenever users visit the maps.google.com URL, they will be redirected to google.com/maps/preview.

Similarly, users who still have the old version of Maps will see an option to "Get the new Google Maps" on the app's left-hand side.

Previously, the new Maps was only accessible on an invite-only basis.

The new Google Maps for desktop debuted in May at Google's I/O 2013 conference.

Will you try out the new Maps? Tell me in the comments, below.

Image: Google

Apple gives away Top iOS Games & Apps Celebrating

Good news! Apple is celebrating its 5 years Anniversary of the App Store. They are giving away some of the highest grossing download Games & Apps in App Store. The promotion is applied to every iOS users, you can now officially download free Games & Apps from the App Store with original price ranging from $6.99 to $19.99. Good News indeed.

Games:

• Where is My Water?
• Infinity Blade II
• Badland
• Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP
• Tiny Wings and etc.

Apps:

• Traktor DJ
• Day One
• Over
• Barefoot World Atlas and etc.

Apple's promotion for the fifth anniversary of the App Store is now live, listing the apps that have been discounted along with an App Store timeline. You can view the promo in iTunes or on any iOS device.

iPhone Light - Cheap & Colorful

According to the new rumors, Apple will make some major change of its phone design, by unveil cheaper version of iPhone called iPhone Light. So, wondering how a cheap iPhone would look like?

In the last post, we know that Apple will launch not one, but two phones this year (read more). So, many people will ask: " How is Apple's marketing strategies? what's their plan to the phones?". Well, don't worry, seems like Apple is introducing a cheaper and efficient iPhone Light, something that will meet the demands of the market. The budget iPhone is expected to have lower specs, rainbow colored and plastic casing.

Technicolor casings

Reportedly, iPhone Light will comes with multi-color casing (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow). Rainbow colored iPhone, so they said.

Plastic cover shell

The shell is constructed of strong shiny plastics or maybe Polycarbonate materials. Similar approach to Samsung's strategy to deal with signal strength and overall weight.

Others

The rumors also suggest that iPhone Light will be running iOS 7 and maybe featuring Quadcomm Snapdragon processor. But most of the specs will probably be lowered down to keep the cost low.

Read More about iPhone 5S and iPhone 6

iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 release date (update)

iPhone 5S:

We were hearing rumors about the next Apple phone since December 2012. The rumor was that iPhone 5S will make its first debut in May 2013. But since it's already 2 months since the rumored debut, and we haven't seen the release of iPhone 5S, leading many people to believe that Apple might postpones the official release until 20th September 2013.

This date was based on the fact that iOS 6 was released 100 days after the OS was unveiled; add 100 days on to the iOS 7 reveal and you get the 18th September. And of course, this is just another rumors about the Tech World, don't put expect it to be VERY accurate. 

Now, moving on to iPhone 6...

iPhone 6:

iPhone 6 concept photos

There is another rumor circulating around about iPhone 6, and it might hit the market LOT sooner than you think. According to the source, iPhone 6 launch 2 weeks after the debut of iPhone 5, which is some where around October 2013. 

Another theory is iPhone 6 will debut in early 2014. Apple needs to observe the performance of iOS 7, which would featured in iPhone 5S. 

Windows 8.1 changes review

Many people from all over the world have been upset about the new Microsoft latest Windows 8. Microsoft had made some big decision to get rid of the old fashion start-up interface, and replace with the Metro GUI, the tiles like graphical start-up interface.

Metro start-up 

Last week, Microsoft released a preview version of Windows 8.1. The preview version is available now at Software Update, but bare in mind that this is only the "beta" version of its release.

The Changes:

1) Start Me Up

• return of the start-up button at bottom left corner in Desktop mode
• tap on the button brings to Metro UI 
• boot up your PC into traditional Desktop environment
• customize your group of icons, and give them a name you prefer
• re-size the App tiles, or unpin it from Start screen
• Personalization options under Settings for choosing background and colors
• Start screen and Desktop can now share same background
• Display up to 4 Apps in any windows at 1 time

And most importantly, by signing in Microsoft account, whatever settings you establish on your computer can follow you across other Windows devices, including phones and Xbox consoles. The stuff you save on a Windows 8.1 PC — pictures, documents and other files — can be stored on Microsoft's cloud-based SkyDrive.

2) Bing 

• Integrated with Bing's search engine
• you can just enter your search query from anywhere within the Metro UI start-up
• Awesome looking layout of your search results (Pictures, Videos)
• A link to Wikipedia entry 
• Detailed profile about search results (Wiki Bio)
• Allow search across all platform / windows
• Word documents
• PC files
• SkyDrive files (7GB free by Microsoft)

3) Windows Store

• Approaching 100,000 Apps!
• Pre-load Reading List apps
• saving story for read later
• via Internet Explorer only

4) Internet Explorer 11 (IE11)

Microsoft did show the preview about the IE11, not official yet. And rumors about it changes are:

• Integrates with your Graphics processor unit (GPU, graphics card) 
• Increase the speed
• Google technology 

These are all I heard about the latest info from Microsoft,subscribe and follow the page, I will keep the page update!

Samsung Galaxy Note III to be arrive in September 2013

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Concept image.

The Good news today for Samsung fans! According to a rumored reports, the Korean Tech Giant could launch the 3th edition of Galaxy note in early September.

Back when the Galaxy Note 2 makes it first debut at Berlin Radio Show back in August of 2012, it quickly stole the spotlight of the whole show! 2 months after its first debut, Samsung released it to multiple markets. As a result, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 sold more than 3 millions within the first 37 days and surpasses 5 millions sales after 2 months of it release.

With all the positive reviews of both Galaxy Note 2 and S4, it is reasonable for us to expect Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to be better. And according to the rumored report, Galaxy Note 3 may look like this:

• Larger screen size (5.7, 5.8 or 6 inches)
• 13-megapixel (Galaxy S4)
• Dual core and Quad core processor choice

Android Key Lime Pie to launch this fall

In conjunction with the next big project from Google, Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie). Which will eventually lead to the new LG Nexus 5 and tons of other Android devices.

We expected to find out on 29 October 2012, since many speculations have circulating around back in 2012 when iOS 5 & 6 had hit the market. In December 2012 Google announced that Google IO would most likely take place from May 15 to May 17 2013. Since Google has announced Android 4.1 Jelly bean at 2012's IO conference, we have reason to expect "the next big thing" will hit the market during the period as mentioned. But on April 2013, we found out that Android 5, might not makes it first appearance at Google IO after all. Rumors had it that Google decided to delay its debut for 2 to 4 months, in order to give hardware makers to fix the problem and roll out Android 4.2 Jelly Bean to the market properly. Google took its time.

But the newest update is, Google will launch Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) later at October 2013. Well, at least according to the "source" and every others speculations around the internet.