Bluetooth SIG Confirms The Nokia Lumia 719

"The Bluetooth SIG has just approved the Lumia 719, saying it's destined for Asia, North America and South America."

The Bluetooth SIG has just confirmed the existence of the Nokia Lumia 719. The 719 is purportedly soon to see the light of day in Asia, North America and South America. From the product details, it appears the 719 is very similar to the 710 in terms of feature set.

Going by Nokia's past naming conventions, this is probably a CDMA variant of the Lumia 710. Hopefully it is destined for either Sprint or Verizon in North America.

PC Gaming Will Never Die! Introducing the Alienware X51

"The X51 is basically the size of an Xbox 360, but the insides are pure PC: Alienware employs a Mini-ITX motherboard, desktop-level Sandy Bridge Intel processors, and a full-sized double-slot graphics card (rotated ninety degrees and connected via a riser card to the PCIe 2.1 x16 slot)."



The gaming industry has seen a lot of changes over the past few years. While gaming consoles have traditionally dominated the market, the rise of casual games on the iPhone and Android have gained a lot of attention lately. PC gaming, though, is like that that kid you see at the school dance, standing in a corner, all alone, trying to look inconspicuous. He may have a lot to offer, and really is a great person, but no one wants to even talk to him because he does not quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. Despite all the love that other gaming platforms get, there is still a great market for PC gaming and the success of Steam suggests that it is not going to die anytime soon. The Alienware X51 looks like a good stab at helping to create more interest in the platform.

The biggest problem I see with the PC platform is its complexity. Performance varies widely, depending on what hardware you have, and with most games being 3D, a lot of computers that use integrated graphics find the experience less than stellar. Distribution services like Steam go a long way to simplifying the distribution chain, but until games can offer a much more stable platform like that which you see with a console, or a mobile device, I am certain that many people will remain put off by the whole thing.

Mastered For iTunes for High Fidelity Music

"Apple's trying to differentiate iTunes from its competitors with a new "Mastered for iTunes" section that's filled with high-fidelity, ear-pleasing music."



If you aren't happy with the run of the mill iTunes music, head to the Mastered for iTunes section to get some higher quality tracks. These files minimize the lost data that happens when music is compressed, so you get more of the dynamic range of the original 24-bit source file. You can get much more detailed information than I am able to provide by heading over to the Mastered for iTunes site.

Go Where No Bird Has Gone Before

"They've conquered smartphones and social networks. Next up for the Angry Birds? The final frontier. We've got the exclusive scoop on the next official game in Rovio's blockbuster, bird-flinging franchise: "Angry Birds Space." The game is due to smash into mobile devices on March 22."



The latest installment of the Angry Birds franchise is launching March 22! It will feature space themed game play complete with planets, zero gravity and, of course, birds - including new birds! Are you excited for the newest Angry Birds game?

Google Files Patent For New Unlock Methods

"A new Google patent application that was published by the by the US Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month, reveals that Google will offer Android OEMs new options to unlock future Android devices. One method simply involves using voice recognition while a second method involves a nifty two-icon methodology."



I'll just say I'm not a fan of any of Apple's lawsuits. It's unfortunate that things have gotten to a point where Google needs to patent an idea for a lock screen just to protect themselves. I do love Google's new idea for unlocking. I'm not so sure about the voice based unlock but dragging items to a target sounds very cool to me. It seems like it would give a lot of flexibility while still making it unlikely that you'll do something accidentally.

What do you think of the new unlock screen? Do you like the idea of a voice activated unlock feature?

Google Flight Search is Now Smartphone Optimized

"All the key flight-finding features of the desktop version are present: search, discover by location, filter by price, airline and calendar view, and have been optimized for the small screen."



While it isn't a native app it looks like Google did a great job of bringing their web based Flight Search to the smartphone. It's very fast and easy to use, that's for sure. In about four taps I was ready to book a round trip flight. I don't fly often but next time I do I'll definitely give this a try. Just go to www.google.com/flights with your smartphone web browser to try it.
What's your favorite flight planning app? Would you consider using Google Flight Search instead or what features does Flight Search lack?

Barnes & Noble Open to Repartitioning Nook

"One of the big differences between the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet and the Amazon Kindle Fire is that the NOOK Tablet offers twice as much storage space. While Amazon's tablet has just 8GB, the NOOK Tablet is now available with either 8GB or 16GB."



So you say you want to use more space on that shiny nook you bought for your own programs? Well B&N seems open to that. Not bad for all of the Nook users out there who are itching to fill up their tablets with more apps!

Nokia Lumia 710 Reviewed

"The Nokia Lumia 710 is the second offering into the Windows Phone arena from Nokia, following the release of the Nokia Lumia 800 late last year."

Techradar.com have done an extensive review of the Lumia 710, which looks to be Nokia's offering to the young and trendy set, as well as to the more budget conscious. What's the verdict: it's a decent handset which would be a winner if the price were a tad lower. For the details, head on through the link for the full review.

InstaCam: New Photo App For Windows Phone

"InstaCam is a Windows Phone Instagram client that just hit the Marketplace yesterday. It allows you to take pictures on your phone, add different effects, and then share them via Facebook, Twitter or email. You can log into your Instagram account to check "likes" and comments on your uploaded content. You can also view other people's photos and leave comments, or follow them if you're a fan of their work. The search function can find photos based on key words in pictures' tags. Not an Instagram user? No worries, you can still use InstaCam to browse content anonymously."

Instagram is a very popular iPhone app and service. While Instagram is not currently available for the WP7 platform, this new app enables Windows Phone users to get in on at least some of the fun. Hit the Read link for additional details, but be aware that with this version you cannot actually upload photos to the Instragram service.

The Logitech M600 is a Touchy Mouse

"With the Logitech Touch Mouse M600, things are set to improve, making mousing feel like second nature. You are able to scroll, swipe and surf regardless of where your fingertips rest on the mouse, and it does not matter whether you are a southpaw or not."


There are Touch people, Touchpad people and there are Mice people. Okay, there are probably some TrackBall people around, and TrackPoint/AccuPoint people too. Having grown up in front of desktops, I find mice the most efficient way of navigating my computing. For tablets and phones, sure, touch is great, but it is the mouse I crave when I want to deal with lots of information. But with Logitech's latest creation, why not get the best of both worlds? Touch mice have been around for a few years in several incarnations. I remember one of Logitech's earliest attempts 8 years ago with the v500, though that did not support multi-touch. The only problem is that I do not know if I will feel comfortable looking like I'm fondling my mouse while I whisk through all that data.

Olympus Announces OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds Camera

The big news of the past 24 hours is Olympus's E-M5 camera, which is part of the OM-D line. For the uninitiated, Olympus used to make small and very well-made film SLRs back in the day, under the OM moniker. I myself started photography using dad's OM-1 almost two decades ago. Ah, the memories!
Well, while Olympus is trying to stir feelings of nostalgia, I can say that the OM-1 and this E-M5 are quite different beasts once you get past the superficial. The E-M5 is a digital camera through and through, with the controls pretty much geared towards an electronically-controlled lens mount, unlike say, the Fuji X100. Still, it does look good, and the accessory battery grip is really retro; I have not seen something like that since the old motor winders back in the days of manual focus SLRs.

The camera itself is made from the best Micro Four Thirds has to offer. Highlights include a sensor that is the 16 megapixel Live MOS affair that goes from ISO 200 to 25,600 (presumably from Panasonic; about time Olympus ditched that old 12 megapixel sensor), a contrast-detect system that Olympus promises to be world's fastest (challenging cameras like the mighty Nikon D3S and Canon EOS 1DIV), an improved sensor-shift stabilisation system that promises to keep track and correct movement in five different axis, 1080i video at up to 60 FPS, continuous shooting at 9 FPS with single AF, 4.2 with continuous AF, 3" tilting VGA (presumably using a Pentile arrangement) OLED screen, a great SVGA EVF and a weather-proofed body that offers complete weather-proof capabilities when used with the right lenses. Despite that faux pentaprism hump (it is its successor, the EVF hump), there is no built-in flash, just like the old OM cameras.
Other niceties include things like a Live Bulb mode, so you can keep track of the exposure when it is progress. Ever shot in bulb and have no idea how long to open the shutter for, especially in conditions where the light level is rapidly changing? This is the crutch. There is also a tone curve overlay for finer control over how the camera handles shadows and highlights, though I suspect that is more for JPEG shooters.

All that nice stuff does not come cheap. The camera will ship in April for US$1000 for just the body, $1100 with a 14-42mm kit lens, and $1300 with the new 12-50 powerzoom lens (which is weather-proof). Along with the camera, Olympus also announced a 75mm f/1.8 lens, a 60mm f/2.8 macro, and a new flash with an LED for video work, the FL-600R. The FL-600R will ship in April for US$300, while pricing information for the lenses are not available.

More details and photos at the link, along with a preview! Be sure to see the grip, it just so old school!

Kodak to Cease Making Digital Cameras

"Kodak has announced that it is ceasing production of digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames."



Kodak has been a real mess for the past 20 years, with management trying to keep a hold on a lucrative but dwindling core business. As Kodak exits a market it never really could compete in against the Japanese, I wonder what the post-bankruptcy future it has? Paper? More film? Licensing the name is only going to go so far without some innovations from the parent company. In the end, I think this pretty much confirms Kodak as a has-been.

Iphone Extra Layer of Glass

"Instead of opting for a flimsy plastic screen protector, try protecting your iPhone's screen with another thin layer of tough glass."

If I didn't already have one backup of Invisishield on my shelf, and planning on buying the iPhone 5 this summer, I think I'd give this a go. Basically its a thin shield of glass to offer even more protection for your iPhone screen. At roughly 84.80 MYR it isn't a cheap malaysian gadget, but if it works then well worth it I'd say.

Another Option for 5GB of Free Online Storage

"Dropbox is dead simple for syncing files across your computers, but doesn't offer much in the way of customization or advanced features."

Signup couldn't be easier, and it gives you some flexibility and customization about what you want to sync from your computer. You can also keep files in sync across various devices. Free storage is always a good thing and they also offer reasonable storage rates should you need more than 5GB. But remember that you should also keep a stored copy that you can access in case the online version gets lost. Stranger things have happened. You can check it out here.

Attention Malaysian Smartphone Gamers, This Xappr is for You!

"Xappr is a gun accessory for your iPhone that'll instantly appeal to everyone from fans of the original Duck Hunt on Ninteno to the latest Halo or Call of Duty FPS shooters."

Awesome concept for smartphone games that are first person shooters. You can preorder yours here, and they are expected to run about $30.00 USD when it is launched this summer. Yes, this is made to use with any smartphone, be it iPhone, Android or Windows Phones.

RCA's USB Wall Charger, Just Plug It In!

"Most modern smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other malaysia gadgets rely on USB-based chargers. Some of these come with their own AC wall adapters, while others include nothing more than a USB cable-meaning you have to plug them into your computer to get them charged."


The nice thing about this thing is that you just plug it into the existing outlet, so it's basically a cover. No need to replace the current outlet so you don't have to worry about shocking yourself silly. And it goes for the small sum of $15.00 USD at Lowes (currently out of stock in my area), or you can get it at Amazon.com for $12.47 USD (currently in stock with both white and almond colored versions).

The Hidden iPad Keyboard Keys

"If you're an iPad "power user," you're probably familiar with its useful split keyboard for typing with your thumbs.But did you know that Apple snuck in six hidden virtual keys to ensure that you never stretch your thumbs too far?"


I will have to give this a go the next time I have my iPad out, it might help my typing speed!

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7: Great Tablet w/Ice Cream Sandwich

"Samsung wants to make an Android tablet for everyone, which is why they have four screen sizes: 7.0", 7.7", 8.9", and 10.1". For many, their 7.0" and 7.7" tablets provide an excellent level of portability while also giving you plenty of screen to warrant a great tablet experience."

A super AMOLED Plus screen with a pixel density of about 196 ppi (iPad 2 is about 131 ppi, for comparison) at 1280x800 makes this tablet a delight to the eyes. Two models are currently shipping: one with wifi and one with wifi and unlocked GSM/UMTS bands. A 4G LTE version is planned for 2012 from Verizon. An unusual (but interesting) feature, the Tab 7.7 has an earpiece, making phone features a possibility, bit it is not yet enabled in the software. Overall, this is a great tablet, but is currently hampered (per the reviewer) by Android 3.2's quirkiness. Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is expected sometime in 2012 Q1. Battery life is outstanding, thanks in part to the Super AMOLED Plus screen's efficiencies. There are currently several resellers, and costs start at $572 for the wifi-only version, or $668 for a version that'll work with an AT&T SIM. With Android 4.x onboard, this may be getting close to the perfect tablet: long battery life, beautiful screen, and fast!

Google Talks About Android App Security

"The last year has been a phenomenal one for the Android ecosystem. Device activations grew 250% year-on-year, and the total number of app downloads from Android Market topped 11 billion. As the platform continues to grow, we’re focused on bringing you the best new features and innovations - including in security."

I've never had a problem with a bad app doing serious damage. The worst problem I had was an app that was giving me advertisements as notifications. It wasn't hard to find the app and after I removed it the notifications stopped. This blog post explains some of the safeguards that are in place to protect your Android phone. One thing they highlight is the "Bouncer" service that Google developed to scan the Android Market and look for bad apps. It's good to know that however bad this problem is on Android Google is taking it seriously.

Have you ever had a problem on your Android device caused by a virus or malware?