In the world of Android, rooting a device is what jailbreak is to Apple’s iOS creations, although the former is much easier compared to the latter, thanks to Android’s open source nature and direct Linux-based kernel base. Nevertheless, it does take quite some skill to achieve that for all the new devices that are released, and here, we owe thanks to the highly dedicated and active developer community that exists for Android, putting in tireless hours to make lives easier for us. This is symbolized in many cases. Take Google’s Nexus 4, for example, that got rooted just a few hours after its release, showing how much potential the platform has for community support and developers’ love.
The talk of Apple delving further into the television market is something the blogosphere cannot seem to shake off. Analysts continue to reignite the fire, and although nobody seems sure enough to offer any specifics on the venture, it is widely presumed to be happening in the near future. Much like the iPad mini prior to a couple of months ago, not everybody is convinced this is something Apple will be doing just get, but undeterred, Apple analyst Gene Munster has once again delivered his projections on how many of the mysterious device he forecasts the Cupertino as selling.
Samsung's Galaxy series has taken to Google's Android platform like a duck to water, and the release of the Galaxy S III earlier this year was by far the biggest Android release of the year. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that, after just a few months, the rumor mill is now picking up tidbits on its eventual successor - the Galaxy S IV.
The Nexus 4 has, as with nearly all Nexus devices before it, delivered a host of great specs for a the price of a mid-range smartphone, and with most vendors offering at least a black and a white version of each handset, it looks as though LG will be doing the same with the Nexus 4.
In the age of the internet that is packed full of inquisitive minds, it is extremely difficult for companies to keep things a secret or hide their intentions away from eager prying eyes and ears. Over the last week or so, we have been hearing murmurings that Apple were planning on opening up an official online eBay outlet store to gain some additional exposure for their officially refurbished products, and it looks like that additional sales channel is now in full swing, although there remains some question over whether it is actually operated and controlled officially by Apple or whether or not it is just an Apple sanctioned and approved reseller offering the refurbished goods.
Analyst Gene Munster has been relatively reliable in accurately forecasting Apple's major product releases, and having concluded the Cupertino company would be releasing a connected TV sometime next year, he also gave his insight into what other new products and upgrades would be arriving in the next twelve or so months. Among them, a new radio service, Retina iPad mini and MacBook Airs, iOS 7 and a new version of OS X.
Google has a knack for doing things other companies have already done, but doing them better, or cheaper, or in an easier manner to understand; or any number of the above. Android took the iOS format and made it accessible for everybody; Chrome delivered a faster and more efficient and dynamic browsing experience than most; the list is endless. Every company fears Google when it decides to sink its teeth into a new project, and in news that is sure to have the head honchos over at Apple on red alert, it looks as though the search giant may be about to implement its own AirPlay-esque local streaming service.
As any software developer specializing in UI elements will vouch, the journey from early concept stage to final design can be as time-consuming as it is frustrating. As with any creation, the initial idea sees many changes as caveats and design constraints mean an idea or concept doesn't work, doesn't look write, or isn't workable. In getting to the final Metro design of Windows 8, Microsoft - the world's foremost software outfit - had to go through this stage of trial, error and deliberation to get to the final look, and Jensen Harris, a member of the Windows design team, has given a glimpse of some of the company's earlier Windows 8 concepts in a presentation for UX Week.
The Sony PlayStation Vita may have staggered a little bit since launch, but owners of the handheld device will be pleased to see that version 2.0 of the Vita firmware is starting to land on the gadget after being pushed by Sony and is being classed by some as the biggest firmware upgrade for the Vita to date. Sony has also maintained that they wanted the Vita to be about more than just portable gaming, with the intention being to provide users with a converged experience that included gaming, productivity and accomplished web browsing. This new 2.0 update certainly adds to the power of the Vita.
We are all well aware that Facebook is the largest social network in the world with over one billion active users, but it has only been over the last few months that we have seen a noticeable change in the company’s strategy as the Palo Alto based network has moved to pay more attention to its vast number of mobile users. Updates to both the iOS and Android official apps have brought greater stability and increased browsing experiences, and it now seems that Facebook is going to be focusing on enhancing their iOS mobile photo upload experience by trialing a Photo Sync feature that borrows a fair amount of its power from the previously created Android functionality.
