Apple has just released a new beta version 5 for iOS 6.1. However, under close scrutiny it looks like iOS 6.1b5 isn’t a beta, it activates without developer registration and has no ReleaseType lockdown keys.
In other words this is the final public version of iOS 6.1 !!!! And Apple can release this any time.
BlackBerry’s just replaced its Mobile Fusion brand with BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10. BES 10, which is now available for download, that not only supports the upcoming fleet of BB 10 phones and existing BlackBerry hardware, but Android and iOS devices as well. With the software, businesses can use a web-based interface to manage applications and data on company-issued devices or personal hardware that’s welcomed into the fold.
Here is a video explaining more.
Archos has brought out a slim Bluetooth keyboard cover for the iPad.
It’s 5mm thick and weighs 240g which apparently makes it one of the thinnest and lightest Bluetooth keyboards. It also has a number of iPad key shortcuts which is very handy. And all for the price of $80.
Recently there seems to be a number of iPad keyboard covers being released from Zagg and Logitech too. Problem is it does make the combined package really heavy but I suppose if you need a proper keyboard then this might work for you. Personally, I find the iPad on screen keyboard fast enough.
Nokia has had a great financial cushion with Microsoft. However, that “funding” cushion has come to an end due to the fact Nokia is selling the windows phones.
Also Nokia has returned to a profit which is good news, so paying royalties back to Microsoft shouldn’t be an issue now.
The Samsung was shown to me by a friend yesterday.
First up it looked gorgeous in white with the silver sides. It made my iPad Mini feel so inferior. Then there was that crisp screen. Whoever says retina or near to isn’t important is lying. The screen was gorgeous.
And then my friend pulled out the S-Pen and started showing me some of the uses of this Wacom stylus. And then the current pricing is fantastic. I have to say I think the Wacom stylus does add some unique selling points for Samsung’s tablet. I must admit having someone who was very familiar with it, provide a decent demo made me really want one.
My only concern is the lack on android of custom screen sized apps.
I spotted this comparison of the new Samsung Galaxy vs Nokia Lumia 920.
An interesting review showing how this new camera from Samsung compares to a top flight camera phone.
Opera Ice Browser
Opera is working on a new web browser called Ice. It is meant to add to their collection of web browser so it won’t replace Opera Mini.
The concept of this web browser for iOS is based on clean lines and minimal interface disruptions.
However, until Apple open up the ability to make it a default web browser, I don’t see the point of installing this in the first place.
A picture says a 1,000 words. So would you buy the new Blackberry Z10?
I would as it has no physical home button.
I have an iPhone 5. Now before you all accuse me of being an Apple user, I’m not. My last devices prior to the iPhone 5 were the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note. Both amazing phones. My first iPhone was the 4 and then the 4S. Before the iPhone I had a mix of android and windows 6.5 phones. At one point I had a UIQ 3 phone.
So here we are at the end of the first month of 2013, and the rumours or confirmed phones are pouring off the conveyor belt like no tomorrow.
So on my lust list is the Sony Xperia Z. It’s on my list because from all the marketing material, videos and specs it looks gorgeous, extremely functional with its dust and water resistance and has has android jelly bean. And a brilliant camera!
I had the first Samsung Galaxy Note, and I loved it, but the camera and audio quality were compromised. The Note 2 addressed the audio quality but kept the same camera, but enhanced the Wacom stylus and software. So, the Note 3 is of major excitement for me. It’s will probably have a larger screen again, but I hope without being that much bigger. The Note 3 will be excellent for media and so much more. Having the ability to connect USB drives without any fancy accessories is a feature I would require too. It should also have an improved camera and more.
Next on my hot list in the next iPhone but also what iOS 7 will add to the equation. I really hope the new iPhone is something a little more than just a camera and processor bump. A better camera is not to be sniffed out though. However, what will make the iPhone more interesting is the software and iOS 7. An iPhone offers the simplest in use experience. It just syncs and does what you want without any fuss. Except, that used to be the case, but with Apple having to make the phone do so much more,I feel as if its not as stable as it used to be. Also the battery life is horrid. Moving to the Xperia Z or Note 3, both of which claim great battery life is a strong selling point. The iPhone is linked to the best Eco system and has the best after sale values. So a likely contender.
Then there is the rumoured Samsung Galaxy S4. I love the S3. It was brilliant. And technically better spec than the iPhone 5 and more comfortable. But it felt cheap and looked cheap. Not that it was. So the S4 will be practically the same size as the original Note. If the S4 moves to a capacitive home button and some other magical tweaks, this could be a winner.
The Blackberry 10 handsets. I will keep a close eye on these and their offerings. At the moment I’m not convinced of the longevity or app offerings. But not one to dismiss.
The new Nokia with its pure view camera tech. Sounds very interesting but windows does not rock my boat yet. The App Store and Eco system is not there. I can use android or apple without too much difference.
And lastly there is the rumoured Google X phone that is meant to blow everything out of the water. As they say, seeing is believing. But I’m keeping an eye out.
At the moment it is a close call between all the above. What is on your lust list?
Pandora has released some statistics from 2012. First up, 1.6 billion personalized radio stations were created and translates in to over 13 billion hours of music, users listening to over one million different songs from more than 100,000 artists. Finally about 10,000 artists reached about 250,000 unique listeners.
These are not bad statistics but I wonder how much an impact services like Google Music will have on Pandora. It’s possible that people who use Google Music or a similar streaming service are different to those that use Pandora. Or is there potential for a service like Pandora to branch out and offer to stream your own music library as well?
