Outlook for Mac Gets an Update
Posted: October 31, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Amazon, Fire phone, Galaxy S5, iPad, iPhone, Microsoft, Office, Outlook, Sprint Leave a commentMicrosoft has put a fresh face on Outlook for Mac. 9to5mac.com says an updated version of Office is coming in 2015. Microsoft claims the latest Outlook gives users a more consistent experience with the iPhone and iPad versions.
The next iteration of Amazon’s Fire phone will be less expensive. Amazon has admitted they considerably overpriced the present model. Gigaom.com reports that future Fire phones will have better software and a lower price, much like Amazon has done with Kindles.
Sprint is expanding its smartphone lease program. Cnet.com says in addition to Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, you can now rent Samsung Galaxy S5 and S5 sport models. The lease is $20 a month for 24 months, then you buy or pick a new phone.
New Moto Droid Doubles Down On A Monster Battery
Posted: October 23, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Droid Turbo, Ford, Foxconn, iPhone, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp Leave a commentBgr.com says the Motorola Droid Turbo will be unveiled next week on Verizon. It has the specs you’d expect from a flagship smartphone, and appears a bit thick. The turbo has a 3900 milliamp/hour battery…more than TWICE the power of an iPhone 6!
Speaking of Apple, primary supplier Foxconn is angling to build future iPhone displays, and get a bigger piece of the ‘Apple pie’. 9to5mac.com reports they’re in discussions to build a new factory and take the business from Sharp, LG, and Samsung.
The auto world rolls on towards the self-driving car. According to engadget.com, Ford will introduce smart braking to some 2015 European models. The option uses cameras and radar to effect stops and avoid crashes.
Teens Love the iPhone, But Apple Watch…Not So Much
Posted: October 8, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple Watch, Google Maps, iPhone, Nokia HERE, Square Order, Teens Leave a commentCnet.com has picked up a survey that shows teens like the iPhone more than ever. 73% said their next phone will be an iPhone, up from 67% in April. The Apple Watch? A bust with teens…only 16% are interested. How many people do YOU see under 50 wearing a watch?
Google maps has been the go to app, especially on Android. According to gigaom.com, Nokia’s HERE maps may peel off a lot of users. It’s as solid as Google’s, does turn by turn directions offline, but unlike Google, even covers search and points of interest off line.
Hate to wait in line? Square Order has updated its app for both Android and iOS. Thenextweb.com says it not only lets you order food or coffee ahead, but also now alerts the shop that you’re on the way, so your order is hot and waiting when you get there. Sweet!
New GoPro Cameras…Ranging from Faster to Cheaper
Posted: September 29, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple Watch, GoPro, Harry Potter, Invisibility Cloak, iPhone Leave a commentThree new models of the ubiquitous GoPro sports camera are out. Theverge.com reports the top one has a touch screen, and can shoot 1080p at 120 feet per second…fast enough to eliminate the ‘rolling shutter’ effect. It’s $499, and a new cheaper model is only $129.
BMO Capital projects that Apple will sell 189 million iPhones in 2015. According to Appleinsider.com, they also believe Cupertino will deliver a modest 12 million Apple Watches.
Shades of Harry Potter…geek.com says researchers at the University of Rochester have figured out how to make an invisibility cloak using inexpensive lenses and some clever math. It works from multiple angles, unlike other systems, but still only from two directions so far.
iPhone 6 Getting Conquest Sales from Android
Posted: September 22, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android, Apple, Google, HTC, iPhone, Microsoft, Nexus, Samsung, Windows Leave a commentYou may have heard Apple sold a record number of iPhone 6’s (10 million since Friday and over the weekend), but here’s something that flew under the radar…bgr.com says that the week the new Apple phones were announced, trade-in site gazelle saw Android trade-ins triple!
Techcrunch.com reports that the Windows 9 preview that was expected for the Microsoft event September 30th may not actually be released now until October. No word on what the holdup is.
The next Google Nexus 9 tablet could be beautiful. Gigaom.com says the 64 bit Android tablet will be made for them by HTC, makers of the gorgeous HTC One (M8). It’s likely to replace the $400 Nexus 10, which has been built by Samsung.
iPhone Bargains?
Posted: August 21, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, iPhone, Microsoft, Twitter, Walmart, Windows 9 Leave a commentIf you don’t have to have the latest and greatest, Walmart has dropped prices on the 16 gig iPhone 5C to 97 cents, and the 5S to $79. 9to5mac.com says it’s only temporary, clearing inventory before the iPhone 6 launches, and is for all carriers but T-Mobile.
Microsoft will hold an event to roll out Windows 9 on September 30th, according to theverge.com. It will replace the widely panned Windows 8, and bring back a mini start menu and remove the Charms bar.
Twitter for iOS has a new feature. Thenextweb.com says you can now watch a video in a mini player window while continuing to scroll through your news feed. It only applies to videos that use Twitter’s in-app video player, though.
Selfie iPhone Planned?
Posted: August 8, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Bing, iPhone, Kickstarter, Selfie, SwivelCard, Yelp Leave a commentDon’t expect it on the iPhone 6, but bgr.com says Apple has patented a front facing camera that lurks inside the speaker port and has a flash. Your selfies will be amazing!
If you are going overseas, and want to check out places on Yelp, the updated iOS app will translate reviews on the fly. Engadget.com reports the translation is powered by Bing.
People may file business cards, or toss them in a drawer. Techcrunch.com notes that a Kickstarter called SwivelCard is perforated, and has a USB interface…users plug it in, and it loads your website. They’re $289 for 200, and ship in October.
Your Take Out Coming From Amazon
Posted: June 26, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 3D, Amazon, Costco, Intel, iPhone Leave a commentThey seem to do everything else…now geekwire.com says Amazon is experimenting with carry out food delivery. They’ll start in the Seattle area first…expect a slow rollout like with their grocery delivery.
Businessinsider.com reports that Intel has a project called RealSense that uses 3D tech for the computer to sense if you’re having a good day or a bad day. It also recognizes up to 10 finger gestures.
After a messy breakup a few years ago, t-gaap.com says Costco has once again started selling iPhones as of today…with discounts of up to $120.
Sapphire Glass on All iPhone 6 Models
Posted: June 16, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, BBM, Blackberry, iPhone, Sapphire, Steam, Valve Leave a commentEarlier rumors have said Apple would only be able to use sapphire glass on its larger iPhone 6, but macrumors.com now says there’s enough for the 4.7 inch iPhone 6, the 5.5 inch model, AND the iWatch, with room to spare. The nearly unbreakable screen will be welcomed by klutzy or unlucky iPhone users.
Still looking for an angle to claw back market share, Blackberry has launched BlackBerry Messenger Protected. Techcrunch.com reports its a confidential instant messaging system. It’s primarily aimed at government, government contractors, corporations, and law firms that have extra concern about secure messaging.
No Steam gaming machines from Valve or any of its suppliers this year, but geek.com says a team is working on a handheld dubbed the Steamboy to be out early next year. It’s not expected to be robust enough to play the most robust games, but hey…it’s portable.
Rough on Phones? Check the Galaxy S5 Active
Posted: May 30, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Amazon Prime, Galaxy S5 Active, iPhone Leave a commentSamsung is readying an Active version of it’s Galaxy S5 smartphone. Gigaom.com says the ruggedized version that meets Military spec loses the fingerprint scanner for 3 large buttons at the bottom. It’s weatherproof, available in camo, and out next week at AT&T. If you’re rough on phones, but want an iPhone or other brand, at least get an Otterbox!
Apple is talking to some high profile retail brands about its iPhone payment service. 9to5mac.com reports that Cupertino now has an amazing 800 million credit cards on file for iTunes accounts. Depending on how things work out, your phone as wallet may finally be coming to the US.
Businessinsider.com says Amazon is about to join the music streaming party, with a catalog of songs 6 months old and older available free to Prime members this summer. Amazon is hoping this will help justify their price increase for the Prime service.

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