Samsung smart watch image leaked!

WHAT WE KNOW

Samsung’s new Galaxy Gear smart watch supports a large (3 inch) rectangular design, with the slight resemblance of a small Galaxy S3 (due to it’s curved edges).  Samsung are expected to officially reveal the new device on September 4th, at a major technology event.  The watch is set to be a real rival to Sony’s new smart watch, to be announced in the near future.  From what we understand, the device will include an integrated 3MP camera, internet access, calling functionality, preloaded android apps, S voice commands and a 10 hour battery life.   Further specs and information is not yet known.  However, what we do know is Samsung haven’t compromised functionality for a small or elegant design, and have packed many features into the watch as possible.  Rumours suggest Sony have gone for a smaller design, with the watch being more of a phone companion, as opposed to a standalone device.  We have to wait for both devices to be fully announced to pose a judgement, but we can’t help thinking, Samsung could’ve done a little better with the design. After all, the aesthetics of a watch are far from irrelevant!

iPhone 5C – rumoured info and images

A PLASTIC iPHONE?

The iPhone 5C is dubbed to be Apple’s new (budget) device.  Official information concerning the phone and it’s features is yet to be released.  However, we can tell from the images that the usual metal casing will be replaced by white plastic (to reduce manufacturing costs.)

THE DESIGN

One thing we noticed from the screenshots is the evident lack of volume buttons on either side of the rear case.  Whilst we are impressed with the apparent design,  we understand these images may or may not be conclusive.  Apple seem to have stuck with their usual design concerning size and shape,  but we did notice a slight similarity to the iPhone 3GS due to it’s rounded and curved edges.

APPLE’S PLAN

The iPhone 5C is set to be Apple’s first device aimed purely at the budget market, sacrificing quality and performance to save money.  We think this could really pay off, helping Apple’s bid to regain the smartphone market.  After all, the hefty price tag attached to (lets face it) all current apple products, is losing the company a huge section of the market.  Could this phone be the answer? Are Apple finally catering for both ends of the market? We think so. Watch out Google!

Reasons to buy a Chromebook?

Google and Samsung’s new Chromebook (series 3) certainly delivers visually, but is it worth splashing the cash for what is essentially a chrome browser?  We’ve been testing the Chromebook for over a week now and as far as the functionality goes, we were pleasantly surprised!

GOOGLE DOCS

After recent updates from Google, the Chrome OS now supports plenty of offline features.  With the help of Google docs, you can view Word documents offline, and even create new documents both online or offline.  You can also try out Google Slides, brilliant for creating presentations or reading and editing MS Powerpoint files.

SCRATCH NOTES

Another offline feature we love, is the Scratchpad application.  Allowing you to quickly make notes at work/school etc, automatically saving them either on Google Drive or (if you’re offline), locally.   There’s no save button, everything is backed up automatically for you so there’s no need to worry about losing important notes and information.

SPOTIFY

*Calling all music lovers* You may be happy to know that Spotify is available to download from the Chrome store.  The sound quality on the Chromebook isn’t exactly premium, but plug in a pair of headphones and you’re good to go.  Spotify does open inside the browser, like many other apps, but it is virtually identical to the desktop version, so you won’t be missing out.

SUMMARY

The Chromebook may be slightly limited in comparison to Netbooks of a Windows or Mac variant, but if you find yourself mainly surfing web, the Chromebook could be for you!  At only £229? A stylish, sleek ‘Macbook Air Lookalike’ that boots in seconds, perfect as a second laptop or portable device purely for effortless and pleasurable web browsing.

Google Nexus 7 (2) release date, price and specs!

After huge success from their nexus 7, Google have officially announced a follow up device, the first to ship Google’s latest operating system: android 4.3 Jelly Bean.  Whilst being very similar to the previous model, the new nexus 7 has received significant upgrades both inside and out.

 SIZE

The new nexus 7 is of similar build to it’s predecessor, supporting a few minor adjustments here and there.  It’s  around 2mm thinner and slightly narrower with 3mm taken off the bezel.

CAMERA

Whilst no changes have been made to the 1.2 MP front facing camera, Google have fitted the tablet with a 5MP rear facing device.  Which may be music to the ears of some, but we feel that a greater upgrade to the front facing camera would be all together more useful.

SCREEN    

The screen of the nexus 7 (already being fantastic) has received perhaps the most significant upgrade.  Google have boosted the screen resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (full HD), resulting  in a pixel density improvement, from 216ppi to 323ppi.  Google have also expressed that the screen will be capable of showing a 30% wider range in colors.

PROCESSOR

The nexus 7 packs a 1.5GHz quad core Snapdragon S4 CPU, which claims to be nearly double the speed  of the previous version.  The RAM has also been upgraded from 1GB to 2GB.

RELEASE DATE AND PRICE

It’s  rumoured that Google’s new flagship device could hit stores in the UK for September, and many other regions in the coming weeks.  The device was released in the US last week and is shipping at $229 for the 16GB version and $269 for the 32GB variant.  The LTE compatible tablet will cost around $349.  For UK customers, the nexus will cost £199 (16GB) and £239 (32GB.)

OUR VIEW

Whilst describing the new model as a ‘nexus 7 on steroids’ wouldn’t be far from the truth, the elegance and simplicity of the previous model still remain.  We are impressed with Google’s efforts to improve the device in the areas that matter, such as the screen and overall performance.  The lack of show stopping changes and brand new features is evident.  However! Google are enticing us with an HD, slim and powerful yet elegant Android tablet for $269? Bargain!