Amazon Fire TV

So what can the new Amazon Fire TV do that Apple TV & Google Chromecast can't?

2 of the most striking differences are:
1. Amazon Fire TV can be voice-activated to search for a Movie Title or Show Title.

 
2. With an additional purchase of game consoles, it also allows users to play games.
Full game list here:
http://www.vg247.com/2014/04/03/amazon-fire-tv-will-launch-with-96-games-full-list-here

 
Other differences in this breakdown :
Source: Amazon

Here's a quick look at the video ad that shows more of the functions in detail and demo:

Amazon Fire TV Commercial:

Video Reviews:

Amazon unveils the FireTV on 2 April 2014 in New York

Should You Buy the Amazon Fire TV?

Amazon Fire TV and Game Controller Setup

Amazon Fire TV Unboxing

Amazon Fire TV Unboxing, Hands On by TechCrunch

So should you get it? It's only been a few days (5 to be exact, it's 7th April today),
and there are already 827 reviews about the product on Amazon.
In addition, it's the current #1* product on Amazon too.
*Source: http://gizmodo.com/amazon-fire-tv-review-a-fast-ride-thatll-cost-you-1557714336

Majority of the reviews are 3 stars and above.
So it seems to be a big YES.




Click here to find out more about the Amazon Fire TV


More information and reviews at:

http://www.techradar.com/news/television/amazon-fire-tv-10-things-you-need-to-know-1239337
http://techcrunch.com/2014/04/02/amazon-media-device/
http://gizmodo.com/amazon-fire-tv-review-a-fast-ride-thatll-cost-you-1557714336

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Google Glass - Will It replace the Mobile Phone?

Launch Trailer of Google Glass

Not sure what Google Glass is or what it does. All I know is that you put it on like a pair of spectacles or glasses and it probably serves as a camera? So this post is a bit of a investigative research or discovery process of what Google Glass is really about.

Quick search on the net and there's a review of it byYouTuber iJustine's Channel on 28 June 2013:



What I gathered from watching her review is that:

1. You can use Google Glass as a handsfree phone just by tapping the side to receive an incoming call
2. It can be used as a camera to take pictures via Voice Command and the tilt of your head up and down.
    Or by pressing a button on the right top panel.
3. Similarly, it can be used as a video camera to record videos from your perspective (Think Blair Witch Project). By default, it can only record 10 second videos.
4. The battery lasts about 5 hours.
5. You can share pictures of what you took instantly. 
6. There are some hand gestures that you need to use via the Google Glass touch pad (Track Pad) to activate actions. (Slide, click, share, scroll, cancel)

Another review that was done by Marques Brownlee in August 2013:

He breaks it down to 7 stuff that what GG (I think they should name it Google Goggles!) can do:


Transcribed:
1. Take a picture
2. Record a Video
3. Get Directions
4. Send a Message
5. Phone Calls
6. Google+ Hangouts
7. Google

Other interesting info:
1.  It needs to be connected or synced with your phone via Bluetooth or Wifi to share data.
2. You can share pictures with your friends as well.
3. It costs about US$1,500 and it's not available for the public yet. Mainly for testers at this stage.
4. Prescription wearers to get Google Glass in US
    http://sg.news.yahoo.com/google-glass-integrated-prescription-frames-150338320.html


Queries:
1. I wonder if its really heavy to wear.
2. Would it affect how your eyeballs are aligned if you're wearing it for a long time, since the Glass is on the right?
3. Would we lose our privacy? Someone could easily hack into the Glass and video cam our vision.
(Bank passwords, Naked spouses, Current Location etc.) It's kind of like a spy ware if you lose control of it.

Pros:
1. Good for people who need to be hands free
2. Probably good for the deaf ,blind or physically challenged to get directions. Better if there's a sound byte from the Map function. This would give them more mobility and access to information on the move.
3. It;s good for solving crimes if we can gather various videos from different sources wearing GG at time of incident.  

An introduction video from Google on how to use the swipe functions:




Funny Google Glass Video from a Singaporean's Perspective: (Not sure whether its real or a spoof)



If you're interested in getting Google Glass you can try this link (think it's only available if you're a US resident):
http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/

More localized information and reviews at:
http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-hands-google-glass-singapore-singlish-vs-glass-thoughts-future

http://singaporelaunch.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-google-glass-faq/

http://www.stuff.tv/sg/glass/an-hour-with-google-glass-singapore/feature

http://technology.xin.msn.com/mobile-and-gadgets/8-singaporean-uses-for-google-glass?page=1

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The iPad Air

Here's a first look at the new iPad, called "The iPad Air." 9.7" display with a tiny bezel.
Price from S$688 to S$1288.

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the new iPad Air during an Apple announcement
at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on Oct. 22 in San Francisco.

  The iPad Air will be available in Singapore on November 1st (SGD 688 onwards), 
and the updated iPad mini with Retina display
 will be coming later this November (SGD 548 onwards).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 13 November 2013:
Apple has just announced that iPad Mini with Retina Display will be sold in stalls today.
Price from S$548.
Available in White and Space Grey.
http://store.apple.com/sg/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-retina

Source:
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2013/11/12iPad-mini-with-Retina-Display-Available-Starting-Today.html
"November 12, 2013—Apple® announced iPad® mini with Retina® display is available starting today."
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For full specifications comparision,
please visit: http://store.apple.com/sg/ipad/compare

iPad Air Singapore Prices

Ipad Air Official Video:

The iPad Air is thinner and lighter than the previous iPad model.
It weighs just one pound compred to the fourth-gen model's 1.4 pounds.

iPad Air

iPad Air

More information on iPad Air available at: http://www.apple.com/ipad-air/

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iPhone 6 Concepts - Best possible looks for the new iPhone

Concept Hints at What May Come
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Not content with the wait of the next iPhone model launch, product and concept designers have taken it upon themselves to dream up of possible iPhone 6 concepts.



Plus, some avid Apple fans have their own version of what they would deem
the best possible looks for the new iPhone.

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Here's a look at some other outlandish and creative ideas on the next generation of iPhone:
> iPhone 5 = iPhone 6 ? iPhone 7? iPhone 8?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Transformer iPhone 6 Concept:

Phone transforms into a portable mini computer with virtual projector and keyboard outputs.

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2. Edge to Edge Screen Display iPhone 6 Concept:

Picture source from: http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-6-edge-to-edge-concept-2013-8

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3. Transparent iPhone 6 Concept:

Translucent display screen against a transparent, glass-like mobile body.
Reminds me of the Creature Speakers concept:
Source: http://www.feeldesain.com/iphone-6-video-concept.html

Creature Speakers

 

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4. Concept iPhone 6 with a curved display

Source: http://www.tech-passion.com/2013/04/concept-iphone-6-with-curved-display.html

Nicholas Lamm and Matteo Gianni interested in spy shots GSM Arena, created the concept of the new iPhone 6. The device is part of the front and back, and tapered with almost no edges.



A similar idea has already been launched by Samsung last week (9 Oct 2013)>
Instead of the convex (protruding outwards) design, it is con-caved (protruding inwards).
Read about it here: http://singpost.blogspot.sg/2013/10/samsung-galaxy-round-curved-display.html



On the site, it's stated that "Apple has a new patent for a similar device:"

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5. Curved Body iPhone 6 Concept:

Similar to the idea above. The back body is slighly curved for a better grip.
But the front display is flat.

I think it would be similar to the feel of holding a sliced mango.
    

Source: http://www.technologeek.net/the-iphone-6-screen-and-design-concepts-reason-for-delay/

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6. iPhone 6  Wraparound Display based on Apple Patent Concept:

According to T3.com: 
Apple filed a patent for a wraparound style display for what could be the next iPhone in March 2013.

Therefore T3.com they decided to come up with what
they think will the new upcoming look and feel of the iPhone6:

Source: http://www.t3.com/video/iphone-6-concept-exclusive-2013-3d-video-render

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Watch this space for updates on the real iPhone 6 launch!
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End.

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Samsung Galaxy Round - Curved Display Smartphone

 

Samsung Galaxy Round was launched in Korea last week on 9th October 2013.
SK Telecom (Korea) has announced it'll launch the Galaxy Round on its network. 



Besides the curved display that's probably easier to hold and grip, versus a flat surface,

it seems like there's no other big breakthrough in terms of the user interface.

According to engadget.com:
"The device's highlight is obviously the gently curved 1080p 5.7-inch OLED screen, and Samsung is also promising a melee of software tweaks for the smartphone, aimed at making the most of it. For example, tilting the phone to the side will offer up notifications, battery levels and more at a glance. Other specifications revealed so far include a 7.9mm profile and that it weighs less than the Note 3, at 154g."

Samsung’s Galaxy Round smartphone has a curved display and a US$1,000 price tag.

According to bgr.com :
"The Galaxy Round exists because the Galaxy Round exists. Samsung built and launched it so that it would be the first company in the world to build and launch a smartphone with a curved display. That’s it. The curved shape of the phone adds nothing of value to the user experience and once again, Samsung didn’t even attempt to add any useful new functionality to the device. It’s a gimmick."Ouch.

Note 3 versus Galaxy Round
Side by Side:

 Video & Picture source:
http://www.talkandroid.com/178654-samsung-galaxy-round-makes-first-video-appearance-galaxy-note-3-comes-along-for-the-ride/


Screenshots of the Samsung Galaxy Round:

Official Press Release:
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Samsung GALAXY ROUND Pioneers the Curved Display Smartphone Experience
New device presents world's first commercialized full HD Super AMOLED flexible display

Seoul, Korea - October 9, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced GALAXY ROUND, the world's first curved display smartphone. Samsung has been a mobile display innovator by introducing color TFT-LCD, AMOLED, and Super AMOLED flexible display for its mobile product. With this pioneering curved display technology, GALAXY ROUND blends the latest smartphone screen innovations with unique design features. The sleek and thin Samsung GALAXY ROUND which equipped with a 5.7" Full HD Super AMOLED with 7.9mm thick and weighs 154g offers a comfortable hand grip feeling to user, and exclusive experiences of curved display.

As a result of its unique curved design, users can take advantage of round integration experiences like the Roll Effect that enables user to check information such as date, time, missed call and battery easily when home screen is off, and the Gravity Effect for creating visual interaction with the screen by tilting the device. For music, the Bounce UX enables users to control their music. When the GALAXY ROUND's display is off while the music player is running, a short press to the left of the device will play the previous track while a short press to the right will play the next track. For pictures and videos, the Side Mirror feature enables users to gain access to list of the album content with a left and right tilt.

The large screen size of the GALAXY ROUND provides additional benefits to users. Useful One-Hand Operation features bring a user's most desired controls closer to a preferred side of the screen. The device enables enhanced multitasking capabilities that allow users to fully utilize the larger screen through Multi Window, a feature that enables users to open more than one application on the screen, run simultaneous multiple instances of the same application or to easily share content between applications.

Samsung GALAXY ROUND is available in Korea with Luxury Brown, and more color will be available soon.

* All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

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The back cover features a leather-and-stitch-inspired design:

Source: http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=28863

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