Useful New iCloud Restore Feature

Posted: August 14, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Without fanfare, Apple has added a restore feature to iCloud. 9to5mac.com says it’s hidden in the advanced settings pane, and allows you to recover accidentally deleted documents. You can also restore contacts and calendars. The feature shows snapshots of the recently deleted documents, with the contacts and calendars appearing as time stamped. With the latter two, you just recover earlier versions…you can’t go back and grab a single contact like you can with documents.

As we reported, Samsung showed it’s Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge + yesterday at their Unpacked event. Meanwhile, the phablets appeared on their websites with capacities of 32 gigs, 64 gigs, and 128 gigs. According to Cnet.com and others, it was a goof…there’s no 128 gig version…sorry high capacity buffs. If you absolutely must have the 128 gigs and don’t want an iPhone, buy the slightly older Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.

Samsung Rolls Out New Phablets & Smartphones

Posted: August 13, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

As widely leaked, Samsung showed a couple of new flagship smartphones today at their Unpacked event, and rolled out two new phablets…the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge +. Techcrunch.com notes that this is the first time they have had a major rollout event in August, hoping to get the drop on Apple, which will show new iPhones, iPads, and more on September 9th. The Note 5 continues with the 5.7 inch screen of the Note 4, but has 4 gigs of RAM, it’s thinner, and jumps the front cam up to 5 megapixels. The rear cam stays at 16. The Edge + increases in size from the 5.1 inch screen of the Edge to 5.7, and also gets the same memory and cameras as the Note. Both have built in wireless charging, but the charger pad is extra.

As previously reported, Windows 10 reports back all kinds of info about you to Microsoft. We covered how to turn it all off with privacy settings…and it’s a hassle. Now, arstechnica.com reports that some apps and servers continue to communicate with Redmond’s servers, EVEN after you opt out in the privacy settings. Worse, some connect to Microsoft through unencrypted channels, exposing users to their information being intercepted.

The Edge Is Pushing Samsung Galaxy S6 Sales Up Dramatically

Posted: April 16, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Samsung is expected to raise guidance on the new Galaxy S6 by almost 50%…from 35-40 million smartphones to 50-55 million this year..due to the new Edge model. 9to5google.com picked up that figure from usually reliable KGI Securities.

In the wake of Microsoft renegotiating a search deal with Yahoo, geekwire.com reports that Bing’s desktop search share in the US has edged past 20% for the first time. Google still dominates search with 64.4% of the market, though.

Speaking of Microsoft, they’ve patented a way to use ultraviolet light to disinfect filthy touchscreens. According to thenextweb.com, UV light runs from a source on the side of the screen through a new transparent film on the screen’s surface.

Google-Virtual Reality Right On Your Eyeballs!

Posted: March 22, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Google-owned Magic Leap has posted a video demoing how they are putting together an augmented reality capable of displaying extremely realistic images directly on users’ retinas. 9to5google.com says it’s not clear from the video what is working product and what’s still a concept, but it looks pretty amazing.

This may be the coolest thing for your kitchen counter ever…better than that coffee maker that makes lattes and cappuccinos. According to engadget.com, Somabar has a $430 robotic bartender in the works. It began as a kickstarter, and uses remeasured ingredients from pods like a coffeemaker. It’s not up to matching a good human bartender, but it’s a start.

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are out before long here, and preorders start the 27th, with the launch on April 10th. Bgr.com reports that Best Buy might be the best deal…they will apparently offer a free wireless charger that normally sells for $49.99.

Mystery Color & Maybe Third Model of Galaxy S6

Posted: March 12, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There’s a lot of buzz about Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and most features are known, but it looks like Samsung has ‘one more thing.’ Bgr.com says in addition to white, black, pale gold, and either ‘blue topaz’ for the S6 or ‘green emerald’ on the Edge, a mystery 5th color will be revealed later…and maybe a third model!

Apple is moving on the internet of things. A new patent shows an iPhone dock with audio, wireless, a touch sensitive display, and proximity sensors. According to Techcrunch.com, it’s a future control center for your connected Apple home.

Last week, the new Macbook rolled out with just one port…the reversible USB Type C. Now, engadget.com reports that Google is very committed to the multi-use port, and it may be showing up on Android phones and Chromebooks in the very near future.

Google Wireless….IF You Have the Right Phone

Posted: March 8, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Google may kick off it’s rumored wireless service as soon as the end of the month. Bgr.com says the system will switch from Wi-Fi to cellular like any other, but there’s one HUGE drawback…it will only be available initially on the latest Nexus 6 smartphone. No price point has been revealed, but expect it to be very competitive…with the usual caveat that you’ll give up a bit more privacy to Google if you sign up!

We know Samsung is including wireless charging in the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Now, the CEO of Powermat, says their wireless charging standard will come baked in to all future Samsung smartphones that feature wireless charging. CNET.com reports that Samsung is also including the wireless standard from the Wireless Power Consortium for now. Powermat is what you see at Starbucks.

One of the big concerns of smart watches is battery life, and that goes for the Apple Watch to be hitting wrists next month. According to 9to5mac.com, The Reserve Strap will come to the rescue…recharging the watch as you wear it. It will extend the battery life to 125% of normal, and preorders are open now on their website…but it’s $249…just a hundred less than the actual Apple Watch!