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.
Apple's iPad mini has only just launched, and with a svelte, sleek new design, it's little wonder many outlets are already sold out completely. If you really want the smaller tablet from Apple but haven't been able to get hold of one just yet, you'll definitely want to enter our iPad mini giveaway. As with the Windows 8 Pro and iPhone 5 competitions of last month, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps to be in with a chance of winning, and if a free iPad mini sounds like something you may be interested in, please check out the details after the break!
Taking into account time zones, the movements of Apple's online stores in New Zealand and Australia are usually a sure indicator that, given a few hours, those same movements will be made to those in other parts of the world. This week is, as most of you will be aware, Black Friday, and Apple's Australian site is getting consumers psyched up by introducing a special landing page outlining the November 23rd event. It doesn't offer any details on deals just yet, but considering the last couple of Black Fridays have presented Apple fans with more than a decent dose of treats, we're hoping for more of the same this time around.
