What is it about robots that makes them so darn cool? I believe it is the idea of imparting human-like intelligence (artificial intelligence) to a bunch of electrical and mechanical parts and then controlling it (or letting it do what it is programmed to do) that makes us feel powerful. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and features: from basic one trick ponies like a toy Transformer to one of those awesome ASIMO robots from Honda.
The consumer technology industry is ever-changing and we have seen companies make some radical and rather risky decisions in the past in an attempt to get ahead of the game, sometimes you just have to sit back in amazement and rub your eyes a few times to make sure that what you are actually reading is accurate and not some kind of on-screen word play trickery. For me, this is one of those times, as reports are suggesting that Dr. Dre's Beats company has its eye on some serious expansion in the near future and could be set to launch an all out marketplace assault on the world’s most valuable company, Apple.
Although the tech world is salivating in anticipation of what Nokia may or may not be cooking up for Windows Phone 8 in terms of new Lumia devices, Samsung has already snuck in with one of the first by announcing its introductory Windows Phone 8 device, the ATIV S.
Joining scores of other vendors, Sony has just announced its very own ultrabook / tablet effort with the VAIO Duo 11, and it certainly packs in some decent hardware to help kick its way into this increasingly-competitive market. When Microsoft first announced the Surface, it was praised as an innovative median between notebook and tablet, and since, a string of manufacturers have joined the potential gravy train.
Samsung has finally showcased the long-awaited sequel to its popular niche product, the Galaxy Note, and although the first iteration wasn't exactly lacking in the hardware department, the Korean company has still managed to pack in a host of healthy upgrades.
We should all be well aware by now that the next-generation iPhone is just around the corner, and if your excitement levels aren't sitting at an unprecedented level, then it's time to dig deep and get that adrenaline flowing in anticipation of what should hopefully be the best iPhone yet from the Cupertino-based technology giants. The word on the cyber street is that we should expect to be able to pre-order the new iPhone immediately after announcement, but may have to wait until September 21st for delivery before it can be physically in our hands.
While Nokia's own Symbian mobile OS has crumbled into relative obscurity, the Finnish company's decision to hop aboard the Windows Phone bandwagon has proved relatively successful so far. The Lumia devices proved to be a big hit with consumers opting for WP7, and naturally, the onus is now on Nokia to deliver again with Windows Phone 8, which will release alongside the main star of the show, Windows 8, on October 26th.
It doesn't seem to matter where you turn at the minute, it seems pretty much impossible to get away from the Apple vs. Samsung patent trial that has been going on over the last few weeks in a San Jose courtroom. The main trial has come to an end with Apple notching up a pretty astronomical win over their Korean rivals, but even though the overseeing jury have reached and announced their final verdict, it doesn't mean the final word has been spoken on the matter. Additional courtroom dates have already been set for Samsung to attempt to have the injunction on their Galaxy Tab 10.1 overturned, as well as a date in early December for Apple to ask for eight Samsung handsets to be removed from sale.
Although Apple is still floating on a fluffy cloud of victory after the weekend’s verdict in their San Jose trial against Samsung, they will understandably just be wishing that the legal system was simple and straightforward that forced Samsung to pay their dues and allow both companies to move in with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, the world doesn't work that way, and although the nine man jury found in favor of the fruit company in pretty much all of their claims, there are still additional court dates required to determine the next steps for both companies.
The wild success of the iPhone isn't any secret anymore. The sales figures speak for themselves, the unprecedented interest level in the next iPhone paints its own picture, and the fact that iPhone sales generate more cash than all of Microsoft's products and services put together proves just how big of a smash hit Apple has on their hands with their iOS-powered smartphone. It isn't just one thing that captures the imagination of users when it comes to the iPhone, the whole package manages to pull the punters in and that doesn't seem to end any time soon.
