Whether you're smartphone obsessed or still yearn for the offline, cord-filled days of rotary phones, it's hard to defend tiny touch screens as efficient typing devices – while the average keyboard user cranks out somewhere in the ballpark of 40 words per minute, those typing on touch screens average about half that.
Granted, lugging around a keyboard just so you can text more quickly would be more than a little counterproductive on the go. But the ability to send and receive SMS texts from your computer not only has the potential to double your texting speed, it also eliminates the need to juggle devices when you're at your desk. If you'd rather consolidate your devices and avoid your smartphone's overzealous insistence on autocorrecting "cute" to "cucumber," you can harmonize your computer and phone with a variety of apps for both Android and iOS.
Android Texting Assistants
In the Android sphere, a (mostly) free app called MightyText leads the charge for computer-based SMS texting. By installing the free app on your phone or tablet and following its straightforward instructions, you'll be able to access and respond to your texts directly from your Gmail account or from a web-based version of the app. MightyText also throws in features like low-battery notifications on your PC, the ability to send webpages, maps, and photos from your computer to your phone, and an in-app photo editor. While these features are free, paying $4.99 a month (or $59.99 a year) for MightyText Pro opens up perks like viewing other phone notifications on your computer, 100 GB of cloud storage, and text message scheduling, as well as eliminating in-app ads and removing the free version's 200-text-per-month limit.
And MightyText isn't alone. AirDroid offers a similar solution, but with an increased focus on transferring files between your handheld and desktop devices in addition to texting functions. Like MightyText, its basic features are free, though you'll need to pay $1.99 a month for premium features like remote photo taking and multiple device support.
iOS Options
For iOS users, myPhone Desktop provides a text-from-your-computer solution, but it also takes the concept of harmonizing your mobile and desktop devices a few steps further than its Android brethren.
With this app – which comes with a one-time price tag of $4.99 – you can not only access and send iPhone texts from your Mac or iPad (or even your iPod Touch), you can make calls from your desktop, drag and drop items from your computer screen to your phone screen, and even share map routes among your family of devices.
As a Mac user, you also have a slightly clumsier iPhone-only option that doesn't require you to download any additional apps. From your Mac's dock, click on the Messages icon and sign in with the Apple ID you use on your iPhone. Hit the "New Message" icon, choose a contact (make sure you synced your contacts with your Mac during your iPhone's setup), and type away – your contact will receive the message on their phone as an iMessage, though, on their end, it may identify you with your email address rather than your phone number.
A Universal Alternative
Although this one's a little clunky, it gets the job done if you don't want to deal with apps, but really want to send a text from the comfort of your computer's keyboard.
Pop over to your email account and start composing a new email. For the address, type in the recipient's phone number all as one block (no punctuation) followed by "@email.uscc.net" – so it should look something like, "3331234567@email.uscc.net." With the exception of a few smaller carriers like T-Mobile, this should work for most cellular phones in the United States. And as a bonus, it's a pretty nifty trick for the next time you lose your smartphone under your car seat.
Friday, 13 October 2017
How to Reduce Computer Screen Glare
Working on a computer all day can cause eye strain and headaches. Computer glare is a common factor in causing such problems. Frequent drying of the eyes and tiredness can also make working on a computer difficult. Screen glare can be reduced for free or with the use of computer screen products. Reduced screen glare can allow users to read documents easier and complete computer tasks with visual ease.
Adjust the brightness and contrast on the computer screen. Locate the monitor buttons on the side or bottom of the screen. Press the buttons to dim or brighten the monitor for better viewing. Adjusting the screens brightness will help reduce glare.
Dim the lights at home or in the office. Bright florescent and tungsten lights can cause sharp glare. Dim lights by removing one or two florescent lights from office ceilings. Turn off desk lamps or place them farther away from monitors to help reduce screen glare.
Relocate the computer monitor. Place the monitor in an area of the workstation that receives very little overhead or outside light. Turning the monitor away from direct light may also reduce glare on the screen.
Place a monitor hood over the screen. Monitor hoods shield light from the top and sides of the screen. Aside from being inexpensive, monitor hoods are easy to install. Most use Velcro strips that are placed on both the monitor and hood, allowing them to attach together.
Cover computer screens with an anti-glare filter. Glass-coated, anti-glare filters can reduce up to 95 percent of glare caused by direct or overhead lights. Polarizing, anti-glare filters can further reduce glare by trapping or dispersing light, allowing text to appear clear and easy to read.
Wear anti-glare glasses. Polarized and color coatings are placed on lenses to reduce or eliminate glare that is viewed on screens. Color-coated lenses also help reduce the blue or yellow tint that is emitted by florescent and tungsten lights.
How to Protect Your Laptop when Traveling
One of the benefits to using a laptop computer is its portability. Professionals who travel for business rely on being able to bring their laptops. Even people traveling for pleasure may elect to take a laptop with them in order to check emails and stay connected to friends and family back home. It is important to keep laptops safe while traveling by taking protective measures. Protect your laptop when traveling by storing it properly and paying attention to basic software security measures.
1. Why. Why are you bringing your laptop, are there other alternatives? Could you do your work in an internet cafe and save your work on a USB or hard drive?
2. Use a reliable and padded case to transport your laptop. Regardless of your method of travel, you will need something to protect the laptop from movement and harm during transport. Use a case that can be carried as you would carry a briefcase, or a shoulder bag that is made well and provides padding and cushion.
3. Keep your laptop with you while traveling. Do not leave your computer unattended in airports, train stations, or bus terminals. If you are traveling by car, be sure to keep it out of sight when you get out of the car for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Take it into hotels with you overnight. If you are in a crowd keep you bag on your front. If you want to travel light it is best that you leave less valuable bulky luggage in storage.
4. Humidity and heat. In hot countries heat and humidity can cause problems for your laptop.
5. Voltage stabilizer. In some countries like India it is important you have a voltage stabilizer.
6. Place your laptop on the security belt at the airport right before you walk through the metal detector. You will want to be able to pick it up off the conveyor belt immediately after it goes through the x-ray.
7. Check your laptop before you leave to make sure all of your security software is up to date. Be sure your firewall is in place, and ensure you have anti-virus and anti-spyware applications running.
8. Limit the amount of personal information you transmit on unfamiliar networks. When you travel, try not to transmit credit card information, or personal identification such as social security numbers or birth dates.
9. Use passwords on your system and all of your files to protect your data if your laptop is stolen or compromised. Choose passwords that you can easily remember, but are not obvious.
10. Purchase insurance for your laptop. Retailers such as Dell, Staples and Office Depot offer coverage for laptops. Most policies cover accidental damage, and some policies also cover loss and theft. Beware insurance for your laptop does not cover leaving your laptop unattended and is limited to 90 days and travel insurance although it covers more than 90 days usually has an item limit of around £300.
11. Security. There are ways you can keep your laptop safer when travelling, you could get a laptop lock(Kensington) and alarm such as alert both of these are more aimed at being deterrents than keeping your laptop totally safe, so it is best to keep it with you at all times.
Tips
l When you are shopping for a laptop, take your travel plans into consideration. If you travel a lot, you may want to look for laptops that are lightweight and durable. Purchase something on the smaller side that is easy to pack.
l If you are traveling by plane, do not check your laptop with other luggage. Carry it onto the plane with you. This will help prevent damage and loss.
l Make sure to put your laptop at hotels inside safe box when you leave your room.
l Remember to bring all necessary cords, batteries and adapters. You will likely need to charge your laptop when you travel, and an extra battery will provide additional back-up. If you are traveling internationally, you may need an adapter to access electricity in the foreign country.
l Insurance. Protect your bubble offers good insurance policies but beware it only lasts for 90 days abroad.
l Storage. Laptop storage at an airport or expensive hotel is both expensive and often limited, so it is really not worth the hassle.The easiest and cheapest way is to keep it with you and take security measures such as keeping it close at all times and at night locked.
l Keep your room locked.
Warnings
l Voltage stabilizer. In countries such as India you 'must' use a voltage stabilizer if you don't want to wreck your laptop. The best option is to buy one when you are out there.
l Be careful about using your laptop in public places, especially if you are in an area you are not familiar with. Keep your laptop in the place you are staying, and use it privately to avoid attracting the attention of potential thieves.
1. Why. Why are you bringing your laptop, are there other alternatives? Could you do your work in an internet cafe and save your work on a USB or hard drive?
2. Use a reliable and padded case to transport your laptop. Regardless of your method of travel, you will need something to protect the laptop from movement and harm during transport. Use a case that can be carried as you would carry a briefcase, or a shoulder bag that is made well and provides padding and cushion.
3. Keep your laptop with you while traveling. Do not leave your computer unattended in airports, train stations, or bus terminals. If you are traveling by car, be sure to keep it out of sight when you get out of the car for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Take it into hotels with you overnight. If you are in a crowd keep you bag on your front. If you want to travel light it is best that you leave less valuable bulky luggage in storage.
4. Humidity and heat. In hot countries heat and humidity can cause problems for your laptop.
5. Voltage stabilizer. In some countries like India it is important you have a voltage stabilizer.
6. Place your laptop on the security belt at the airport right before you walk through the metal detector. You will want to be able to pick it up off the conveyor belt immediately after it goes through the x-ray.
7. Check your laptop before you leave to make sure all of your security software is up to date. Be sure your firewall is in place, and ensure you have anti-virus and anti-spyware applications running.
8. Limit the amount of personal information you transmit on unfamiliar networks. When you travel, try not to transmit credit card information, or personal identification such as social security numbers or birth dates.
9. Use passwords on your system and all of your files to protect your data if your laptop is stolen or compromised. Choose passwords that you can easily remember, but are not obvious.
10. Purchase insurance for your laptop. Retailers such as Dell, Staples and Office Depot offer coverage for laptops. Most policies cover accidental damage, and some policies also cover loss and theft. Beware insurance for your laptop does not cover leaving your laptop unattended and is limited to 90 days and travel insurance although it covers more than 90 days usually has an item limit of around £300.
11. Security. There are ways you can keep your laptop safer when travelling, you could get a laptop lock(Kensington) and alarm such as alert both of these are more aimed at being deterrents than keeping your laptop totally safe, so it is best to keep it with you at all times.
Tips
l When you are shopping for a laptop, take your travel plans into consideration. If you travel a lot, you may want to look for laptops that are lightweight and durable. Purchase something on the smaller side that is easy to pack.
l If you are traveling by plane, do not check your laptop with other luggage. Carry it onto the plane with you. This will help prevent damage and loss.
l Make sure to put your laptop at hotels inside safe box when you leave your room.
l Remember to bring all necessary cords, batteries and adapters. You will likely need to charge your laptop when you travel, and an extra battery will provide additional back-up. If you are traveling internationally, you may need an adapter to access electricity in the foreign country.
l Insurance. Protect your bubble offers good insurance policies but beware it only lasts for 90 days abroad.
l Storage. Laptop storage at an airport or expensive hotel is both expensive and often limited, so it is really not worth the hassle.The easiest and cheapest way is to keep it with you and take security measures such as keeping it close at all times and at night locked.
l Keep your room locked.
Warnings
l Voltage stabilizer. In countries such as India you 'must' use a voltage stabilizer if you don't want to wreck your laptop. The best option is to buy one when you are out there.
l Be careful about using your laptop in public places, especially if you are in an area you are not familiar with. Keep your laptop in the place you are staying, and use it privately to avoid attracting the attention of potential thieves.
Thursday, 12 October 2017
The best waterproof phones for 2017
What does a waterproof IP rating mean?
IP stands for 'Ingress Protection' and is used to define the sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture.
The first number refers to how the device sealed against solid particles like dust; the highest you can get is '6' meaning total protection. The second digit is for water protection and the best you'll see on most is '8', going by the original IEC standard 60529 (6K and 9K are not part of this).
It's worth noting that ratings water ingress are not cumulative beyond 6, so a device with a rating of 7 doesn't have to compliant with the water jet element of 5 and 6.
If an IP rating has an X in it, don't misinterpret this as the device having no protection. It's likely to have good protection for particles if it's IPX6, but the rating has not been formally allocated.
1. Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung has taken the best phone around and made it even better with an impressive Infinity screen and premium design. It ticks a shedload of boxes - as you'd expect from a flagship. It's the best phone of 2017 so far, but it is expensive and the biometrics are a let down. The OnePlus 5 is already a strong competitor, and we're keen to see what Apple can offer in way of a challenge with its iPhone 8.
2. LG G6
The LG G6 is no doubt a striking smartphone. Metal and glass shimmer while the huge 18:9 screen is impressively brought to life with the improved software and its rounded corner design. It is a more refined smartphone than both the G4 and G5, and should appeal to a broader audience – even if its features aren’t the same globally.
There’s a lot to cover with the G6, and it’s a complicated phone to assess. The differences in hardware and the tweaks in software mean that is a phone that reveals itself to you slowly than the immediacy of, say, a Samsung Galaxy S. The design looks uniform at first until you realise how well it all comes together.
LG has quietly managed to build a mature phone with next to no bezels and some genuinely unique tweaks to software, leaving it feeling fresher and more creative than any Android phone we’ve seen for a while.
3. Sony Xperia XZ Premium
The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is a stunning smartphone, both in terms of design and performance. The mirror-like look isn’t for everyone due to the appearance of smudges, but it helps provide an elegant, high-end look.
The 4K HDR display is one-of-a-kind, bright and vibrant, and shows off snaps taken by the impressive Motion Eye camera perfectly. The camera itself can handle almost anything you can throw at it, although performance does slip in low-lit conditions and the super slow-mo video mode takes some practice.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous high-end smartphone with a huge focus on display and cameras with above average battery life, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium is a solid option.
4. Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
As with the regular Galaxy S8, we're really impressed by the Galaxy S8 Plus. Samsung has done a great job of making last year's phones even better. However, with both offering the infinity edge screen and the unwieldy size of the S8 Plus, there's little reason to spend the extra.
5. Apple iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 Plus is an excellent phone. It’s Apple’s best yet, but it is also Apple’s most expensive yet, with a huge starting price. In some respects, the upgrades seem to justify this, but at the same time some features are arguably only catching up with what the competition has been offering for a while now – water-resistance for one.
Taken as a whole, the performance, battery life, camera quality and stereo speakers are all compelling reasons to upgrade. But our advice remains much the same as for the iPhone 7: if you already own the previous generation, there’s not enough here to justify ditching a 6S Plus, especially if you’re halfway through a two-year contract. Those just coming out of contract on the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus would do well to grab a 7 Plus.
6. HTC U11
There's a lot to like about the HTC U11 and while it certainly has flagship level specs, it's hard to differentiate in the market against the likes of Samsung and LG. The glossy and colourful design is fresh but won't be for everyone, even though we're glad it's finally waterproof. The key is wether you want the squeezable Edge Sense feature which is useful at times but not something we're blown away by.
7. Apple iPhone 7
The iPhone 7 is an evolution of the 6S, so if you were expecting a revolution you’ll probably be slightly disappointed. However, aside from the underwhelming battery life, it is an excellent phone. It’s waterproof, has fantastic cameras and performance, and the new stereo speakers sound great. There’s now 32GB of storage as a minimum, which helps to mitigate the higher prices.
8. Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was the best phone of 2015 and, although it’s still early days, the Galaxy S7 is a serious contender for best phone of 2016. Samsung has taken into account what its fans want, addressing the three main areas of concern: removable storage, waterproofing and battery life. It’s also upgraded the core hardware and photography gear, added an always-on display and some useful software. Right now the Galaxy S7 is simply unbeatable.
9. Nomu S30
The Nomu S30 passed our durability tests with only superficial damage to the rubber case, standing up to both dunking in water and a launch across our patio. It has a large, bright screen, and decent performance for most users, but falls down on its camera quality, size and weight.
10. Ulefone Armor
A capable rugged phone at a very good price, the Ulefone might not be the fastest handset out there or have the best screen but for many people it prove ideal.
Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact News: Release Date, UK Price, Features & Specs
A smaller version of the company's new flagship, the Xperia XZ1 Compact will suit those wanting a smaller device. We outline the price, features and specifications for the Xperia XZ1 Compact, which goes on sale today.
Android phones are getting bigger and bigger every year, so it's refreshing to see a 4.6in model announced with flagship specs. That phone is the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, which is now on sale in the UK. (Also read up on the Sony Xperia XZ1.)
We've written a review of this compact Android phone, but we'll summarise the key new features and specifications you want to know here.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features about this upcoming phone - aside from its small iPhone-rivalling size - is the fact it runs Android Oreo, and is set to go on sale before the new Google Pixel phones have even been announced. It will be one of the first - if not the first - phones to come with the latest version of Android out of the box.
One of the things we love about Sony's compact models is that they really are just smaller versions of the flagships, whereas many other manufacturers will also slim down the specs. So to that end you get the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM and 2700mAh battery, though without the wireless charging. Storage is halved at 32GB, but you still get microSD support for expansion.
The screen is different, clearly, at 4.6in rather than 5.2in. This has a resolution of 720p HD and this model does not support HDR.
Another key specification that is the same is the primary camera. While it's not a dual-camera, following the footsteps of many 2017 flagships, it is a decent one. With a 19Mp Exmor RS image sensor and Motion Eye tech, the Xperia XZ1 Compact is - just like its bigger brother - able to take super-slow-motion video at 960fps per second, scan 3D images, and intelligently predict when you'll take a photo by detecting movement or a smile and automatically beginning to buffer the image.
The selfie camera is 8Mp rather than 13Mp in the XZ1, but that's still pretty impressive for a front-facing camera. This wide-angle camera has a 120-degree field of view to help you fit more into the scene.
It also has the same audio capabilities as its larger sibling, including support for high-res audio and the ability to upscale other content, stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
It, too, has a unibody design that is waterproof and tough against damage, but here it is a glass fibre and plastic composite rather than metal. Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen.
The XZ1 Compact is available in Black, White Silver, Horizon Blue and Twilight Pink.
Huawei Mate 10 latest rumours: Release date & UK pricing
Huawei's Mate 10 is coming on 16 October, but the company may have already given us a look at one of the three upcoming versions. We reveal the latest rumours on what you can expect from the new phone, including the price, design and features, and newly leaked photos.
Huawei started 2017 with a bang: after announcing that the high-end Mate 9 would go on sale in the UK, it showcased the gorgeous and colourful Huawei P10. But in true Huawei fashion, the company isn’t done yet. In fact, Huawei is due to announce the bezel-less Huawei Mate 10 - and Mate 10 Pro - later this year.
At IFA 2017 in Berlin CEO Richard Yu announced details on the upcoming phone's chipset: the 10nm Kirin 970. An innovative HiAI mobile computing architecture will deliver 25 times better CPU performance and 50 times greater energy efficiency, claims the company.
When will the Huawei Mate 10 be released in the UK?
Looking back at the November 2016 launch of the Huawei Mate 9, it’s safe to assume that the Huawei Mate 10 will launch around the same time in 2017. While there’s nothing official from the company just yet, a recent Huawei leak may have confirmed the date and location of the announcement.
The confirmation comes from an official invite with the tagline “Meet the device worth waiting for” scribbled on a backdrop featuring the number 10, suggesting it’ll focus on the Huawei Mate 10.
The invite claims that the launch will take place on October 16, 2017 in Munich, Germany. While it’s a little earlier than the launch of the Mate 9 last year, it also took place in Munich, leading us to believe this is the real deal.
At IFA 2017, RIchard Yu, CEO of Hauwei has confirmed during a keynote that it is indeed the Mate 10 that will be launched on 16 October. He also revealed the processor that will be in the phone - see below.
We’ll update this section when we know more, but it’s safe to assume we’ll see the announcement of the Huawei Mate 10 on 16 October 2017.
Evan Blass has suggested the Mate 10 Lite and Standard models will ship later in October, with the Mate 10 Pro coming in December.
How much will the Huawei Mate 10 cost?
While we won’t know the official UK price of the upcoming Huawei Mate 10 until it’s announced in October (and maybe not even then, judging by previous Huawei announcements), we can look back at the launch of the Huawei Mate 9 to hazard a guess.
Back when the Huawei Mate 9 was first launched, it set UK consumers back £599. While that may seem a little steep, it was filled with high-end tech that also made its way into the Huawei P10 months later.
Now, if the below design and feature rumours are to be believed, Huawei could either be extremely smart and stick to the £599 price point and make its bezel-less display a true Galaxy S8/LG G6 competitor, or it could charge a little more and compete directly with flagship smartphones. Some rumours suggest it could cost more than $1000 (around £725).
We hope it’s the former, but we’ll have to wait to find out for sure.
Huawei started 2017 with a bang: after announcing that the high-end Mate 9 would go on sale in the UK, it showcased the gorgeous and colourful Huawei P10. But in true Huawei fashion, the company isn’t done yet. In fact, Huawei is due to announce the bezel-less Huawei Mate 10 - and Mate 10 Pro - later this year.
At IFA 2017 in Berlin CEO Richard Yu announced details on the upcoming phone's chipset: the 10nm Kirin 970. An innovative HiAI mobile computing architecture will deliver 25 times better CPU performance and 50 times greater energy efficiency, claims the company.
When will the Huawei Mate 10 be released in the UK?
Looking back at the November 2016 launch of the Huawei Mate 9, it’s safe to assume that the Huawei Mate 10 will launch around the same time in 2017. While there’s nothing official from the company just yet, a recent Huawei leak may have confirmed the date and location of the announcement.
The confirmation comes from an official invite with the tagline “Meet the device worth waiting for” scribbled on a backdrop featuring the number 10, suggesting it’ll focus on the Huawei Mate 10.
The invite claims that the launch will take place on October 16, 2017 in Munich, Germany. While it’s a little earlier than the launch of the Mate 9 last year, it also took place in Munich, leading us to believe this is the real deal.
At IFA 2017, RIchard Yu, CEO of Hauwei has confirmed during a keynote that it is indeed the Mate 10 that will be launched on 16 October. He also revealed the processor that will be in the phone - see below.
We’ll update this section when we know more, but it’s safe to assume we’ll see the announcement of the Huawei Mate 10 on 16 October 2017.
Evan Blass has suggested the Mate 10 Lite and Standard models will ship later in October, with the Mate 10 Pro coming in December.
How much will the Huawei Mate 10 cost?
While we won’t know the official UK price of the upcoming Huawei Mate 10 until it’s announced in October (and maybe not even then, judging by previous Huawei announcements), we can look back at the launch of the Huawei Mate 9 to hazard a guess.
Back when the Huawei Mate 9 was first launched, it set UK consumers back £599. While that may seem a little steep, it was filled with high-end tech that also made its way into the Huawei P10 months later.
Now, if the below design and feature rumours are to be believed, Huawei could either be extremely smart and stick to the £599 price point and make its bezel-less display a true Galaxy S8/LG G6 competitor, or it could charge a little more and compete directly with flagship smartphones. Some rumours suggest it could cost more than $1000 (around £725).
We hope it’s the former, but we’ll have to wait to find out for sure.
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
Laptops with the Longest Battery Life
No matter how stacked its specs are, a laptop is useless if it can't hold a charge. Fortunately, there are plenty of notebooks that go the distance. Using our Laptop Mag Battery Test, which involves continuous Web surfing over Wi-Fi at 100 nits of brightness, we've identified the longest-lasting notebooks on the market. We're talking more than 10 hours of endurance, which should more than suffice for that cross-country flight, a long day of meetings or multiple, back-to-back classes.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470 (17:25)
If you want a truly fantastic keyboard, durable chassis and strong performance, look no further than the ThinkPad T470. The T470 makes room for an optional extended battery that gives this 14-inch laptop over 17 hours of endurance (with its non-touch display). You can charge the laptop over a proprietary ThinkPad connector or via its Thunderbolt 3 port, which allows you to juice the laptop and output to multiple monitors over a single wire. A durable, MIL-SPEC-tested chassis helps this long-lasting business notebook stand up to the rigors of all-day business travel.
Lenovo ThinkPad X270 (13:51)
Weighing 3 pounds (3.4 with extended battery), the 12.5-inch ThinkPad X270 is light enough to carry anywhere and small enough to fit easily on most airplane tray tables. Its 12.5-inch display outputs a vibrant 88 percent of the sRGB color gamut while a snappy keyboard and accurate pointing stick make editing documents a pleasure. Unlike many Ultrabooks, the X270 has plenty of ports, including a USB Type-C connector, multiple USB 3.0 connectors, an SD card reader and an Ethernet connector.
With its extended battery on board, this powerful laptop lasts nearly 14 hours on a charge. If that's not enough endurance for you, you can carry a spare battery and swap it in, without even turning off the computer.
Dell XPS 13 (13:49)
Our favorite laptop overall, the Dell XPS 13 uses a nearly-bezel-free Infinity display to pack a 13-inch panel into a chassis that might otherwise hold an 11-inch laptop. Despite its slim, 0.6-inch thick dimensions and 2.7-pound weight, Dell's laptop offers nearly 14 hours of battery life with its standard, 1080p screen. The touch version, which has a 3200 x 1800 display, lasts over 9 hours on a charge.
Add to that an Intel 7th Gen Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU, a speedy PCIe SSD and plenty of ports and you have the best consumer Ultrabook around. A Killer Wi-Fi card and Thunderbolt 3 charging round out this impressive package.
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 (13:39)
Starting at just $199, Dell's lightweight laptop proves that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get truly epic battery life. This Celeron-powered, 11.6-inch laptop offers just enough performance for web surfing and light productivity. At just 2.4 pounds, the Inspiron 11 3000 is light enough to carry anywhere and, with over 13 hours of endurance, you can leave the plug at home.
The Inspiron 11 3000 is also one of our top choices for kids, because of its small size, low-price and attractive blue and red color options. For better multitasking, we recommended spending $50 over the base price to get a configuration with 4GB of RAM.
Microsoft Surface Book (12:29)
When coupled with its keyboard dock, Microsoft’s detachable notebook will last up to 12.5 hours, provided you buy it with integrated graphics. A 13.5-inch, 3000 x 2000-pixel display is gorgeous to look at and a magnetically attached stylus makes writing a pleasure. Starting at $1,499, the Surface Book is an expensive system, but worth every penny.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470 (17:25)
If you want a truly fantastic keyboard, durable chassis and strong performance, look no further than the ThinkPad T470. The T470 makes room for an optional extended battery that gives this 14-inch laptop over 17 hours of endurance (with its non-touch display). You can charge the laptop over a proprietary ThinkPad connector or via its Thunderbolt 3 port, which allows you to juice the laptop and output to multiple monitors over a single wire. A durable, MIL-SPEC-tested chassis helps this long-lasting business notebook stand up to the rigors of all-day business travel.
Lenovo ThinkPad X270 (13:51)
Weighing 3 pounds (3.4 with extended battery), the 12.5-inch ThinkPad X270 is light enough to carry anywhere and small enough to fit easily on most airplane tray tables. Its 12.5-inch display outputs a vibrant 88 percent of the sRGB color gamut while a snappy keyboard and accurate pointing stick make editing documents a pleasure. Unlike many Ultrabooks, the X270 has plenty of ports, including a USB Type-C connector, multiple USB 3.0 connectors, an SD card reader and an Ethernet connector.
With its extended battery on board, this powerful laptop lasts nearly 14 hours on a charge. If that's not enough endurance for you, you can carry a spare battery and swap it in, without even turning off the computer.
Dell XPS 13 (13:49)
Our favorite laptop overall, the Dell XPS 13 uses a nearly-bezel-free Infinity display to pack a 13-inch panel into a chassis that might otherwise hold an 11-inch laptop. Despite its slim, 0.6-inch thick dimensions and 2.7-pound weight, Dell's laptop offers nearly 14 hours of battery life with its standard, 1080p screen. The touch version, which has a 3200 x 1800 display, lasts over 9 hours on a charge.
Add to that an Intel 7th Gen Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU, a speedy PCIe SSD and plenty of ports and you have the best consumer Ultrabook around. A Killer Wi-Fi card and Thunderbolt 3 charging round out this impressive package.
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 (13:39)
Starting at just $199, Dell's lightweight laptop proves that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get truly epic battery life. This Celeron-powered, 11.6-inch laptop offers just enough performance for web surfing and light productivity. At just 2.4 pounds, the Inspiron 11 3000 is light enough to carry anywhere and, with over 13 hours of endurance, you can leave the plug at home.
The Inspiron 11 3000 is also one of our top choices for kids, because of its small size, low-price and attractive blue and red color options. For better multitasking, we recommended spending $50 over the base price to get a configuration with 4GB of RAM.
Microsoft Surface Book (12:29)
When coupled with its keyboard dock, Microsoft’s detachable notebook will last up to 12.5 hours, provided you buy it with integrated graphics. A 13.5-inch, 3000 x 2000-pixel display is gorgeous to look at and a magnetically attached stylus makes writing a pleasure. Starting at $1,499, the Surface Book is an expensive system, but worth every penny.
5 Ways to Keep Windows XP Running Strong
Windows XP has been out since 2001, and it's still one of the most popular Microsoft operating systems (OS) in use today despite several upgrades, with the latest update being Windows 10.
Add More RAM
RAM is the memory that your computer uses to run programs, and the general rule of thumb is "More is Better." Many XP computers, having been bought many years ago, will have 1GB (gigabytes) of RAM or even less (my father's computer, for example, came with 512MB (megabytes), which is barely enough to run the OS).
It's very hard to get anything done these days with that amount of RAM.
The practical limit on how much RAM a Windows XP computer can use is about 3GB. Thus, if you put 4GB or more in, you're just wasting money. Adding any more than you have now (assuming you have less than 3GB) is good; getting to at least 2GB will make your computer much snappier.
Upgrade to Service Pack 3
Service Packs (SPs) are rollups of fixes, enhancements, and additions to a Windows OS. Often, the most important things in them are the security updates. Windows XP is at SP 3. If you're on SP 2 or (hopefully not!) SP 1 or no SP at all, go download it right now. This minute. You can download it by turning on Automatic Updates; download and install it manually; or order it on CD and install that way. I strongly recommend turning on Automatic Updates in XP.
Buy a New Graphics Card
If you have an XP computer, it's likely you also have a very old graphics card. This will affect your performance in a number of ways, especially if you're a gamer. Newer cards have more RAM on board, taking much of the load off your central processing unit (you've probably heard abbreviated as CPU).
You can get a mid-grade card for little money nowadays, but the effect on your Internet experience, and in other ways, could be significant. A good place to start is About.com's PC Hardware/Reviews site.
Upgrade Your Network
Your home network may be ready for an upgrade. For instance, most homes use the wireless technology known as 802.11b/g to connect computers through a router. The upcoming standard is called Wi-Fi HaLow and will be an extension of the 802.11ah standard. The Wi-Fi Alliance intends to begin certifying HaLow products in 2018.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials
XP computers are more susceptible than other Windows versions to attack. In addition, spyware and adware -- the computer equivalent of junk mail -- can build up over the years and slow your computer to crawling-through-oatmeal speeds. Microsoft has an answer for that which wasn't available when you bought your machine: Microsoft Security Essentials.
Security Essentials is a free program that guards your computer against worms and viruses, spyware and other bad stuff. It works very well, is easy to use, and highly recommended. It's been protecting my computer for months, and I wouldn't leave home (or my computer on) without it.
Eventually, you will need to get a new computer, since Microsoft will stop offering support for Windows XP, including security updates. But taking these steps will help you get the most out of the time you have left.
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Simple Ways to Maintain Your Computer
If you've ever fried a CPU because you didn't clean your fan, lost a decade of your digital life to a hard drive crash, or spent four hours trying to remove a nasty virus, you've probably already learned a valuable lesson about the need to maintain your computer.
Medical experts remind us that "prevention is the best medicine" so as your personal computer support expert, I'm going to strongly advise that you apply the same logic to your computer!
While the three areas I talk about below are anything but exhaustive, they're the most important things to consider and, if you act on them, should keep you from suffering from some of the more serious, and expensive, issues you might otherwise run in to.
Keep Important Files Backed Up
The most important thing you can do as a computer owner is to consistently and reliably back up the data stored on your hard drive. Hardware used to be the most valuable part of a computer but those bits and bytes are now the real investment.
You've spent huge amounts of money on software and digital music and video, and countless hours authoring documents and organizing your digital files. If you don't regularly backup this information, a serious computer problem could leave you with nothing but a huge feeling of regret.
The best solution is a cloud based backup service. Yes, it'll cost you a several dollars a month, but considering what you get, it's the cheapest insurance policy on your important stuff that you'll find.
Traditional backup software is an option too but all in all, it's less safe than backing up to the cloud.
Regularly Update Your Critical Software
Keeping the software on your computer updated is no longer an optional part of computer ownership. Viruses, worms, and other malware, in addition to junk mail, security breaches, hardware incompatibilities, and software conflicts, are all now part of your daily digital life.
Updating your computer with the latest patches, fixes, and device drivers really can keep these annoyances at bay. Updates are freely available on the internet for just about every antivirus program, email client, operating system, and piece of hardware you could possibly own.
So, don't skip those Patch Tuesday releases, don't be scared to update your hardware's drivers, and please make sure that you regularly scan for viruses or make sure the "always on" protection is enabled in your antivirus program.
Make Sure Things are Clean (So They Stay Cool)
We all know that most things run a little better when they're clean. Water flows easier when your plumbing is clean, your car's engine runs better if you've been taking care of it, and your dryer does more in less time when you clean out the lint.
The fans in your computer, assuming yours has any, need similar care so they can continue to keep the important components that are part of your computer nice and cool. If things get too hot, they stop working.
See Ways to Keep Your Computer Cool for lots of advice, from how to clean your fans, to other tips that can help keep the heat at bay.
Your computer is no different. Keeping your files and folders tidy in your virtual world and clearing the dust and grime that builds up inside and outside your computer all play a part in keeping it running smooth day in and day out.
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Tuesday, 10 October 2017
5 Steps to Setting Up Your New Laptop
A new laptop or computer is like a blank slate: ready to be customized with your preferences and programs. Whether this is your first computer or your fiftieth, these 5 steps for setting up your new computer will create an important foundation going forward, with the security, most important applications, and settings to prep your laptop for full-time use.
1. Get Rid of Bloatware
Bloatware, or software installed by the manufacturer that you don't want (such as trial versions of picture greeting software), is less common in new computers these days--and definitely less likely to be in business computers as opposed to consumer computers.
Bloatware is still around, though, and if you want a lean, mean computing machine, you may prefer to wipe your drive of these unwanted programs. It's easiest to do this at the start, as soon as you get your laptop.
One way to get rid of the bloatware is to just use the regular program uninstall feature in Windows' Control Panel, but this can still leave your system with stray entries in the system's registry. A cleanup utility like Ccleaner can more thoroughly get rid of all traces of unwanted programs. It's free and easy to use.
Otherwise, you can wipe your laptop's hard drive and install your operating system from scratch (provided you have the OS installation disks or you make your own for this purpose).
2. Set Up Laptop Security
Password-protect your user accounts.
When you set up your user account(s) on the laptop, make sure you add a strong password: One that has a combination of character types and is long enough.Because laptops are more easily stolen or lost, you want to make sure anyone who finds your laptop won't be able to access its contents.
Change the Administrator password. The default Administrator account is disabled by default in Windows 7 and Vista, but if you're using an older version of Windows, you'll want to change the default Administrator password (find the account under the Control Panel > User Accounts.
Install security programs. The first programs you should install on your laptop are security ones to help protect against viruses and other threats. Here are a few recommendations:
l Antivirus/Anti-Malware: Unless you have a disk with the A/V program already, you'll need to hop online and download then install the software. For a free option, take a look at Microsoft Security Essentials or avast! Free; both provide protection against viruses and spyware. You'll need antivirus protection if you're on a Mac as well; ClamXav is a free, open-source antivirus program for Macs.
l Firewall: You should also turn on Windows' Firewall and Windows Defender if they're not turned on already. For more robust protection, consider a dedicated firewall that may include email scanning, adware removal, and more configurable firewall options. Comodo Firewall is a free option, but About's Wireless/Networking site offers more top firewall picks for both Windows and Mac.
l Laptop Recovery: Anti-theft software for laptops can help you retrieve a lost or stolen laptop--but you need to install it before you lose your laptop or it gets swiped. Prey (previously reviewed), is free laptop recovery software that has a light footprint, so there's no reason not to install it.
l Encryption software: For true mobile security, it's critical you encrypt all sensitive information stored on your laptop. The open source utility TrueCrypt can create an encrypted volume on your laptop to store that important information, and it can encrypt your entire system as well.
3. Get System Updates
With your antivirus program installed, now check for system updates.
On Windows, go to the Control Panel > System and Security to find the options to check for and install updates. On Mac, go to the Apple menu and click Software Update.
4. Install Your Essential Programs and Documents
Install all the programs that you need for everyday use, including office applications and your email program (unless you use cloud-based apps for these purposes). I've posted a few programs on my list of essential applications, which include backup software, a password manager, and syncing programs.
Two great utilities that can save you time and make installing all your favorite apps a breeze are AllMyApps and Ninite. These app installers for Windows give you a one-click installer for popular programs like Google Chrome, Skype, VLc, and more and keep them up to date.
If you use a syncing program like Dropbox or SugarSync, setting up future computers is much easier, since your documents will automatically be synced over. Otherwise, you'll probably need to transfer your files from your old computer to your new one. There are a couple of ways to do this:
l Use Windows Easy Transfer, a wizard built into Windows 7 to move your files and program settings from the old computer to the new one. You'll find it on a new Windows 7 laptop under the Start menu > Getting Started > Transfer your files.
l You could also connect both PCs to a router (for speed, a wired connection is preferred) and then copy the folders over.
l Or you could connect both PCs together with a crossover cable, a special type of Ethernet cable.
5. Backup Your System and Create a Custom Install Disc
Once you've got everything set up the way you like, it's a good idea to backup the entire system. Create your DVD backups or put the backup on an external hard drive and label it with the name of your laptop, the date, and something like "initial install." This way, if you ever want to go back to a clean setup, you can restore this backup. While you're at it, set up your automatic backups (daily, weekly, and monthly both onsite and offsite, e.g., to an external hard drive and to a cloud service).
You can also create your own "slipstreamed" Windows installation disc (DVD-R or USB stick) so in the future you can install Windows with your preferences, updated drivers, and other customizations. The RT7Lite utility can help you do this. Enjoy your new laptop!
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Best small tablet 2017
The tablet's heyday might have been and gone but there are still some decent small tablets around which will make a nice companion for your phone or laptop. Here are the best ones you can buy.
New tablets are somewhat hard to come by these days but if you're in the market for a pint-sized slate then here are the best small tablets around you can buy.
Your buying guide for the best small tablets in 2017
The tablet market has slowed down significantly over the last few years, so much so that the likes of Sony and LG don't even make them anymore. We used to have plenty of favourites including the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact and LG G Pad 8.3.
Google's hugely popular Nexus 7 seems like a lifetime ago and Tesco sadly ended the amazing Hudl range. Although many are a distant memory, there are a handful of small tablets still around that you can buy brand new.
You can still rely on firms like Apple, Amazon and Samsung for this kind of device.We'reking tablets with a screen size under 9in as a typical full-size tablet starts at 9.7in.
We've managed to round up the best small tablets you can buy in 2017 and some of them even launched this year. We'll endeavour to add more as review them.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8
This is a tablet well worth considering if you've been thinking about buying the iPad mini 4, as it can contend and sometimes outshine Apple's mini tablet when it comes to design and power. It's almost unbelievably thin and light and that screen is a joy to use.
2. iPad mini 4
The iPad mini 4 is now only available in 128GB so starts at a higher price of £419. That makes it one of the most expensive small tablets around but it's still one of the best. It's got a great screen, excellent build quality, top battery life and Apple's wealth of apps. You won't be disappointed if you can afford it.
3. Huawei MediaPad M3
In a stagnated market, the Huawei MediaPad M3 initially feels a little underwhelming. After extended use though, we reckon it’s a cut above the mid-range, but then again at this price you are paying for it. It’s a good alternative to an iPad if you want an Android tablet that’s bigger than an iPad mini but smaller than an iPad Air 2. But, who is specifically looking for that? The MediaPad is excellent and we recommend it, but it lacks a certain ‘wow’ factor that's largely down to the high number of existing Android tablets. The MediaPad 3 is a cut above, but you should also consider Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series for a similarly excellent Android tablet experience.
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The First Five Things You Should Do With Your New Computer
Were you lucky enough to pick up a new computer recently?
If so, congratulations!
No matter if it's a snazzy new Microsoft Surface Book (pictured), some other Windows 10 laptop, or a traditional desktop computer, don't worry about your computer skills or where specific keyboard keys are.
Instead, here are the first five things you need to do:
Update Your Antimalware Program
The last thing you want to do is get your brand new computer infected with malware.
Who wants that?
I thought about calling this "install an antimalware program" but almost all computers come with one preinstalled. Windows 10 comes with Microsoft's own tool built-in so most PCs are ready to go.
Here's the thing, though: it won't be updated. Probably not, anyway. So, after setting it up, head to the scanner's settings and update the "definitions" - the instructions that teach the program how to identify and remove new viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.
Tip: Like I mentioned above, new Windows computers typically have basic antivirus protection, but it's not the best.
Install Available Windows Updates
Yes, I know, you'd think your brand new computer would be fully updated but chances are it won't be.
Microsoft releases security and non-security updates to Windows on at least a monthly basis, often times more frequently than that!
Tip: The Windows Update tool is preconfigured to download and install updates automatically. While this is generally a good thing, it can be a bit overwhelming of a thing to happen in the background during the first few hours of using your new computer.
Install a File Recovery Program
This one might surprise you. Why install a program to help recover accidentally deleted files if you haven't even used your computer yet, let alone lost something?
Here's why: The big catch-22 about file recovery programs is that you often have to install one before+ you can use it, a process which could permanently overwrite the area on the hard drive where your deleted file is sitting. That's not a risk you want to take.
Sign Up for an Online Backup Service
Yep, another proactive step here, one you'll be thanking me for someday.
Online backup services are combination software tools and subscription services that automatically keep what data you want to be protected on secure servers away from your home or business.
In my opinion, an online backup service is the best and most cost effective long term solution to keeping your data safe.
Uninstall Programs You Don't Want
You may already have noticed that your computer came with a lot of... well, let's just say "extra" software.
In theory, leaving these programs installed won't hurt much if anything, aside from taking up a bit of hard drive space. In reality, many of these preinstalled programs run in the background, hogging up memory and processor power that you'd rather use for other things.
My advice? Head into Control Panel and get those programs removed.
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Monday, 9 October 2017
What Makes a Smartphone Smart?
You probably hear the term "smartphone" tossed around a lot. But if you've ever wondered exactly what a smartphone is, well, you're not alone. How is a smartphone different than a cell phone, and what makes it so smart?
In a nutshell, a smartphone is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in features that, in the past, you would have found only on a personal digital assistant or a computer--such as the ability to send and receive e-mail and edit Office documents, for example.
So, it's essentially connected to the internet and offers personalized services as a result. (Some people think that's so the phone can spy on you.)
But, to really understand what a smartphone is (and is not), and whether you should buy one, we'll start with a history lesson. In the beginning, there were cell phones and personal digital assistants (or PDAs). Cell phones were used for making calls--and not much else--while PDAs, like the Palm Pilot, were used as personal, portable organizers. A PDA could store your contact info and a to-do list, and could sync with your computer.
Eventually, PDAs gained wireless connectivity and were able to send and receive e-mail. Cell phones, meanwhile, gained messaging capabilities, too. PDAs then added cellular phone features, while cell phones added more PDA-like (and even computer-like) features. The result was the smartphone.
Key Smartphone Features
While there is no standard definition of the term "smartphone" across the industry, we thought it would be helpful to point out what we here at Lifewire.com define as a smartphone, and what we consider a cell phone.
Here are the features we look at:
Operating System
In general, a smartphone will be based on an operating system that allows it to run applications. Apple's iPhone runs the iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones run the BlackBerry OS. Other devices run Google's Android OS, HP's webOS, and Microsoft's Windows Phone.
Apps
While almost all cell phones include some sort of software (even the most basic models these days include an address book or some sort of contact manager, for example), a smartphone will have the ability to do more. It may allow you to create and edit Microsoft Office documents--or at least view the files. It may allow you to download apps, such as personal and business finance managers, handy personal assistants, or, well, almost anything. Or it may allow you to edit photos, get ]driving directions via GPS, and create a playlist of digital tunes.
Web Access
More smartphones can access the Web at higher speeds, thanks to the growth of 4G and 3G data networks, as well as the addition of Wi-Fi support to many handsets. Still, while not all smartphones offer high-speed Web access, they all offer some sort of access. You can use your smartphone to browse your favorite sites.
QWERTY Keyboard
By our definition, a smartphone includes a QWERTY keyboard. This means that the keys are laid out in the same manner they would be on your computer keyboard--not in alphabetical order on top of a numeric keypad, where you have to tap the number 1 to enter an A, B, or C. The keyboard can be hardware (physical keys that you type on) or software (on a touch screen, like you'll find on the iPhone).
Messaging
All cell phones can send and receive text messages, but what sets a smartphone apart is its handling of e-mail. A smartphone can sync with your personal and, most likely, your professional e-mail account. Some smartphones can support multiple e-mail accounts. Others include access to the popular instant messaging services, like AOL's AIM and Yahoo! Messenger.
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What Makes Apple So Special and Desirable?
Apple has been at the top of the game for several years now. Be it releasing new and innovative products, expanding business or helping with creating several new job opportunities, Apple always manages to be one step ahead of the competition. What is it that makes Apple so desirable and so very special? How does the company keep up its formidable status since the last couple of decades or so? What is it that makes people swoon over each and every one of Apple’s releases? Here is an analysis of some aspects that makes Apple stand head and shoulders above the rest of the competition.
Apple and Steve Jobs
The first thing that comes to one’s mind when one talks of Apple is Steve Jobs, who became synonymous with the brand name and as famous as the brand itself. Jobs opened up several new vistas for the company and actually redefined the whole concept of mobile, during his time. He came up with new and innovative ideas, also those that would please the insatiable minds of users all over the world.
Not only was Jobs the main force behind manufacturing new products into the market, but he also took an aggressive lead in marketing those products. Once he was appointed the CEO of Apple, he made plans to further the company and bring it right to the forefront in the mobile market.
Several industry experts believe that Apple may experience a dip in business, post Steve Jobs’ recent demise. But the company insists that Jobs had already planned products for a full year, which meant that the company would be able to stabilize itself without customers feeling a bad jolt at his loss.
Jobs always thought of different and unusual ways of increasing business for Apple. Here is a list of the strategies he resorted to, in order to get Apple to the position it is in today:
Diverse Range of Products
pple has released a number of diverse and stylish-looking products ever since the late 1970s. The company that started with humble beginnings grew steadily, introducing the Apple II series of personal computers, the Mac and then the much sought-after iPod, iPhone and iPad.
Now, each new release of the iPhone and the iPad causes the public to go into a veritable frenzy, clamoring for the product. This cult status has been achieved by very few other products in the market.
Dynamic Business Plan
One major reason for Apple’s success is its dynamic, constantly changing business plan. Jobs intently studied the market and tried to ascertain the pulse of the audience. Apple originally started as just another computer company. But Jobs always knew that it was meant for much bigger things.
Apple had to widen its approach if it had to grow to great heights. The team, therefore, changed its business plan to introduce many more different products. Starting with the release of Final Cut Pro, the company went on to experiment with MP3 players, iPhones and the later iPads.
Jobs also changed the name of the company from Apple Computer Inc. to Apple Inc., which gave the company a much broader spectrum and vision.
Creating a Retail Store
The creation of their own retail stores proved to be a huge turning point for Apple. Realizing that retail outlets were not giving Apple what it deserved, the company decided to open its very own retail store.
At present, Apple boasts of over 250 retail stores worldwide. This move gave the company the required push to surge forward in the mobile market.
Partnering with the Competition
Steve Jobs planned yet another unusual but very effective move for Apple. He got in touch with Bill Gates and got him to invest $150,000,000 in the company. This rescued the company’s flagging reputation at that time, stabilizing it and helping it back on its feet.
Then, Jobs also decided to manufacture mobile parts for rival companies such as Samsung. This further enhanced the company’s profits and reputation as a supplier of mobile components.
Opening up Job Opportunities
Taking the business to many parts of Asia and Africa, Apple automatically opened up new job opportunities for iPhone app developers in those continents as well.
Also, the company hired employees from diverse fields, such as musicians, artists, historians and so on, so as to receive a different, unique perspective from such people.
Apple and Steve Jobs
The first thing that comes to one’s mind when one talks of Apple is Steve Jobs, who became synonymous with the brand name and as famous as the brand itself. Jobs opened up several new vistas for the company and actually redefined the whole concept of mobile, during his time. He came up with new and innovative ideas, also those that would please the insatiable minds of users all over the world.
Not only was Jobs the main force behind manufacturing new products into the market, but he also took an aggressive lead in marketing those products. Once he was appointed the CEO of Apple, he made plans to further the company and bring it right to the forefront in the mobile market.
Several industry experts believe that Apple may experience a dip in business, post Steve Jobs’ recent demise. But the company insists that Jobs had already planned products for a full year, which meant that the company would be able to stabilize itself without customers feeling a bad jolt at his loss.
Jobs always thought of different and unusual ways of increasing business for Apple. Here is a list of the strategies he resorted to, in order to get Apple to the position it is in today:
Diverse Range of Products
pple has released a number of diverse and stylish-looking products ever since the late 1970s. The company that started with humble beginnings grew steadily, introducing the Apple II series of personal computers, the Mac and then the much sought-after iPod, iPhone and iPad.
Now, each new release of the iPhone and the iPad causes the public to go into a veritable frenzy, clamoring for the product. This cult status has been achieved by very few other products in the market.
Dynamic Business Plan
One major reason for Apple’s success is its dynamic, constantly changing business plan. Jobs intently studied the market and tried to ascertain the pulse of the audience. Apple originally started as just another computer company. But Jobs always knew that it was meant for much bigger things.
Apple had to widen its approach if it had to grow to great heights. The team, therefore, changed its business plan to introduce many more different products. Starting with the release of Final Cut Pro, the company went on to experiment with MP3 players, iPhones and the later iPads.
Jobs also changed the name of the company from Apple Computer Inc. to Apple Inc., which gave the company a much broader spectrum and vision.
Creating a Retail Store
The creation of their own retail stores proved to be a huge turning point for Apple. Realizing that retail outlets were not giving Apple what it deserved, the company decided to open its very own retail store.
At present, Apple boasts of over 250 retail stores worldwide. This move gave the company the required push to surge forward in the mobile market.
Partnering with the Competition
Steve Jobs planned yet another unusual but very effective move for Apple. He got in touch with Bill Gates and got him to invest $150,000,000 in the company. This rescued the company’s flagging reputation at that time, stabilizing it and helping it back on its feet.
Then, Jobs also decided to manufacture mobile parts for rival companies such as Samsung. This further enhanced the company’s profits and reputation as a supplier of mobile components.
Opening up Job Opportunities
Taking the business to many parts of Asia and Africa, Apple automatically opened up new job opportunities for iPhone app developers in those continents as well.
Also, the company hired employees from diverse fields, such as musicians, artists, historians and so on, so as to receive a different, unique perspective from such people.
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Microsoft finally admits Windows Phone is dead
In a series of tweets, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore has revealed that the software giant is no longer developing new features or hardware for Windows 10 Mobile. While Windows Phone fans had hoped Microsoft would update the platform with new features, it’s now clear the operating system has been placed into servicing mode, with just bug fixes and security updates for existing users.
“Of course we'll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates,” says Belfiore. “But building new features/hw aren't the focus.” During the recent Windows 10 Fall Creators Update development phase, it has been obvious Microsoft is no longer working on the mobile experience. The software maker branched its development process into “feature2,” leaving Windows Phone fans disappointed.
Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform has been dead for more than a year, but the company has never officially admitted it before. Microsoft gutted its phone business last year, resulting in thousands of job cuts. During Microsoft’s recent Build and Inspire conferences, CEO Satya Nadella dropped the company’s mantra of “mobile-first, cloud-first” in favor of a focus on what he describes as the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. This new area of focus means Microsoft is now working on multi-device scenarios and cloud-powered technologies that don’t always involve Windows.
Belfiore also admits he switched to Android, just like Bill Gates, and that Microsoft will support Windows 10 customers who want to use Android and iOS on their phones. One of the big reasons Microsoft is giving up on Windows Phone is because developers never backed the platform. Microsoft had many problems with its Windows Phone app store, and the inability to retain apps once they were developed. “We have tried very hard to incent app devs,” explains Belfiore. “Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest.”
It’s now clear Microsoft has faced the reality that people don't need Windows on their phones. The software maker has been focused on iOS and Android apps and experiences over the past couple of years. Microsoft’s Edge browser is making its way to iOS and Android, and the company seems to be focused on improving the experience of linking a phone to a PC and resuming apps and documents between the two.
A new Microsoft Launcher for Android even goes a step further in improving the overall Android experience, with clever customizations and PC sharing features. Expect to see a lot more of this in the future. It’s now unlikely we’ll ever see a Surface-branded phone or more Windows 10 Mobile-powered hardware. Microsoft’s investments in iOS and Android will only benefit Windows 10 customers, and it could make up for the company’s messy efforts in mobile over the years.
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Sunday, 8 October 2017
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE? USB TYPE-C, WIRELESS, FAST CHARGING?
There are heaps of options for charging your phone these days. Once upon a time we simply had the choice between charging with a wall socket or with our computer and a USB cable, now have USB Type-C, wireless docks, fast charging and even fast charging wireless docks. So which is best? We take a look at charging speeds, life cycles and problems to help you decide on the best way to charge your phone.
USB Type-C
USB Type C is the new kid on the block. It will soon replace standard USB 2.0 charging cables. Even though there are only two ways to plug in a current USB cable, it always seems to take at least three attempts. Type-C plugs are reversible, so it doesn't matter which way you plug them in.
USB Type-C also has much faster data transfer speeds – up to 10 GB/s. But not always. 'True' USB Type-C uses the USB 3.1 standard, but with some devices, like the OnePlus 2, the USB Type-C cable is just a redesigned USB 2.0 cable. That means the OnePlus 2, using the included cable, won't transfer data any faster than any other USB 2.0 device. So be sure not to judge a book by its cover.
Furthermore, a redesigned USB 2.0 cable is not going to charge a device with a USB Type-C port any faster than a regular 2.0 cable, because on the inside it's the same. However, charging speeds are more limited by the device than the cable. So if your phone has a Type-C port and you get a real Type-C cable then you will get Type-C speeds.
A USB Type-C cable can charge at up to 100W at 20V, whereas most smartphones are limited to 18-24W (and the OnePlus 2 to 10W). Most USB Type-C equipped smartphones will be limited to 36W at at 12V with the upper reaches of USB Type-C's range reserved for laptops.
Wireless charging
Wireless charging usually works through one of a few standards: Qi, PMA, WPC are the most common. Some devices, such as the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note 5, support both the Qi and PMA standard, making getting the right charger much simpler.
Wireless charging, for all its convenience, comes at a cost. For instance, it is slower than cabled charging because the efficiency of the power transfer is negatively affected by distance as well as the coupling strength between the magnetic coils in either side of the connection. Poorer coupling also generates more heat.
The other cost of wireless charging is literal: charging docks and platters cost significantly more than a regular cable. Where a regular USB Type-C cable will set you back US$5, a wireless dock can cost as much as US$50 (for an official Samsung wireless charger) or around US$20 for a no-name brand.
Wireless charging is generally around 20 percent slower than cabled charging but, you guessed it, it depends on the device and the output of the wireless charger. To give an example, the Nexus 5 cabled charger works at 1.2A and the wireless charger at 1A. Some wireless chargers will only charge at half the speed; Qi is limited to 5W where Type-C can hit 100W.
Fast charging
Fast charging is the latest and greatest innovation, even though it's not all that new. Qualcomm's Quick Charge 1.0 standard has been around since the Droid DNA and Nexus 4. Where Quick Charge 1.0 was 40 percent faster than regular charging, 2.0 was 75 percent faster, and the recently-announced Quick Charge 3.0 will be four times faster than standard charging.
Quick Charge 2.0 appeared in devices as far back as the HTC One M8 and 3.0 will appear in phones running Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 next year. Despite the speed boost, what effect does fast charging – or turbo charging as its sometimes labeled – have on your battery?
Generally speaking, the life of a battery is dependent on charge cycles, although other factors like heat, humidity and damage can have an effect too. Lithium ion batteries don't have memory like some older battery types, meaning there is no need to fully deplete and fully charge them. But whether you charge them fully each time or not, their life span is still calculated in terms of full charge cycles.
If you want to fully understand how partial charges affect total charge cycles, you can visit the Battery University for a quick lesson on how partial discharges affect the life cycle of a lithium ion battery. But how does fast charging affect battery life?
If you're using the included charger (or an official optional accessory charger) then your battery life shouldn't be affected by fast charging. But a fast charge battery will still die sooner than a regular battery designed for more gentle charging. It's the battery tech equivalent of the brightest lights burning out the quickest. But fast charge batteries are designed with this in mind.
If you're using fast chargers that weren't designed for your device though, the variances in amperage, voltage and resistance can cause problems. Fast charging relies on special hardware in the charger and a chip in your phone that helps regulate how much charge is being pumped into your phone. Modify the ingredients in this finely balanced recipe, and you might have a mess on your hands.
Fast wireless charging
This is a whole new kettle of fish. Samsung introduced its new quick charge wireless platter alongside the Note 5 and S6 edge+. It's an optional extra and isn't backwards compatible with the regular S6 or S6 Edge. But it will provide quick charge capabilities with the convenience of wireless charging.
But how fast is it compared to regular wireless charging? The new fast wireless standard promises to be 1.4 times faster than regular Qi wireless charging and will up the charge ceiling to 15W – that's three times the current standard. According to Samsung, you'll charge your Note 5 or S6 edge+ 50 percent faster with fast wireless charging than you would with regular wireless.
So which is best?
That depends on what you want out of your battery. If you want to prolong your battery life as much as possible, a regular cable charger is your best bet. If you're all about convenience and hate cables then wireless is for you.
But if the fastest possible charge time is what you're after, then you're going to want to look for a cabled fast charger or USB Type-C device. If you're in the market for a new phone and want the best of all worlds then pick up a Note 5 or S6 Edge+ along with Samsung's fast wireless charger. Other devices will soon appear featuring the same tech.
In all honesty, a mixture of all methods is the most likely solution. You can fast charge at home where your fast charging adapter lives, charge wirelessly at the office where you have your nifty wireless dock, and with a regular cable at your non-techy friend's house.
USB Type-C
USB Type C is the new kid on the block. It will soon replace standard USB 2.0 charging cables. Even though there are only two ways to plug in a current USB cable, it always seems to take at least three attempts. Type-C plugs are reversible, so it doesn't matter which way you plug them in.
USB Type-C also has much faster data transfer speeds – up to 10 GB/s. But not always. 'True' USB Type-C uses the USB 3.1 standard, but with some devices, like the OnePlus 2, the USB Type-C cable is just a redesigned USB 2.0 cable. That means the OnePlus 2, using the included cable, won't transfer data any faster than any other USB 2.0 device. So be sure not to judge a book by its cover.
Furthermore, a redesigned USB 2.0 cable is not going to charge a device with a USB Type-C port any faster than a regular 2.0 cable, because on the inside it's the same. However, charging speeds are more limited by the device than the cable. So if your phone has a Type-C port and you get a real Type-C cable then you will get Type-C speeds.
A USB Type-C cable can charge at up to 100W at 20V, whereas most smartphones are limited to 18-24W (and the OnePlus 2 to 10W). Most USB Type-C equipped smartphones will be limited to 36W at at 12V with the upper reaches of USB Type-C's range reserved for laptops.
Wireless charging
Wireless charging usually works through one of a few standards: Qi, PMA, WPC are the most common. Some devices, such as the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note 5, support both the Qi and PMA standard, making getting the right charger much simpler.
Wireless charging, for all its convenience, comes at a cost. For instance, it is slower than cabled charging because the efficiency of the power transfer is negatively affected by distance as well as the coupling strength between the magnetic coils in either side of the connection. Poorer coupling also generates more heat.
The other cost of wireless charging is literal: charging docks and platters cost significantly more than a regular cable. Where a regular USB Type-C cable will set you back US$5, a wireless dock can cost as much as US$50 (for an official Samsung wireless charger) or around US$20 for a no-name brand.
Wireless charging is generally around 20 percent slower than cabled charging but, you guessed it, it depends on the device and the output of the wireless charger. To give an example, the Nexus 5 cabled charger works at 1.2A and the wireless charger at 1A. Some wireless chargers will only charge at half the speed; Qi is limited to 5W where Type-C can hit 100W.
Fast charging
Fast charging is the latest and greatest innovation, even though it's not all that new. Qualcomm's Quick Charge 1.0 standard has been around since the Droid DNA and Nexus 4. Where Quick Charge 1.0 was 40 percent faster than regular charging, 2.0 was 75 percent faster, and the recently-announced Quick Charge 3.0 will be four times faster than standard charging.
Quick Charge 2.0 appeared in devices as far back as the HTC One M8 and 3.0 will appear in phones running Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 next year. Despite the speed boost, what effect does fast charging – or turbo charging as its sometimes labeled – have on your battery?
Generally speaking, the life of a battery is dependent on charge cycles, although other factors like heat, humidity and damage can have an effect too. Lithium ion batteries don't have memory like some older battery types, meaning there is no need to fully deplete and fully charge them. But whether you charge them fully each time or not, their life span is still calculated in terms of full charge cycles.
If you want to fully understand how partial charges affect total charge cycles, you can visit the Battery University for a quick lesson on how partial discharges affect the life cycle of a lithium ion battery. But how does fast charging affect battery life?
If you're using the included charger (or an official optional accessory charger) then your battery life shouldn't be affected by fast charging. But a fast charge battery will still die sooner than a regular battery designed for more gentle charging. It's the battery tech equivalent of the brightest lights burning out the quickest. But fast charge batteries are designed with this in mind.
If you're using fast chargers that weren't designed for your device though, the variances in amperage, voltage and resistance can cause problems. Fast charging relies on special hardware in the charger and a chip in your phone that helps regulate how much charge is being pumped into your phone. Modify the ingredients in this finely balanced recipe, and you might have a mess on your hands.
Fast wireless charging
This is a whole new kettle of fish. Samsung introduced its new quick charge wireless platter alongside the Note 5 and S6 edge+. It's an optional extra and isn't backwards compatible with the regular S6 or S6 Edge. But it will provide quick charge capabilities with the convenience of wireless charging.
But how fast is it compared to regular wireless charging? The new fast wireless standard promises to be 1.4 times faster than regular Qi wireless charging and will up the charge ceiling to 15W – that's three times the current standard. According to Samsung, you'll charge your Note 5 or S6 edge+ 50 percent faster with fast wireless charging than you would with regular wireless.
So which is best?
That depends on what you want out of your battery. If you want to prolong your battery life as much as possible, a regular cable charger is your best bet. If you're all about convenience and hate cables then wireless is for you.
But if the fastest possible charge time is what you're after, then you're going to want to look for a cabled fast charger or USB Type-C device. If you're in the market for a new phone and want the best of all worlds then pick up a Note 5 or S6 Edge+ along with Samsung's fast wireless charger. Other devices will soon appear featuring the same tech.
In all honesty, a mixture of all methods is the most likely solution. You can fast charge at home where your fast charging adapter lives, charge wirelessly at the office where you have your nifty wireless dock, and with a regular cable at your non-techy friend's house.
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