Posts tagged Smartphone
Attendees react to the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S4
The latest Galaxy phone from Samsung is receiving mixed first-impression reviews from attendees and technology pundits, after having a chance to play with the device first hand.
“For the amount of hype put behind this event, I was hoping for more focus on the hardware, versus just the ‘Smart’ features,” said Shan Yun, a technology blogger based out of China.
Samsung’s latest iteration of their flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, was announced to a sold-out crowd in New York City at Radio City Theater Thursday, as it was being streamed over the Internet for the world to see.
The phone sports a five-inch high-resolution Super-AMOLED display, weighs in at 130 grams (lighter than the current Galaxy S III), and one of the most tweeted-about features from fans is the device’s 13-megapixel camera on the back.
“The really interesting aspect of this device is that it becomes a life companion for you,” Paul Brannen, vice-president of Samsung Mobile said.
Software was a large focus of Thursday’s event. Samsung played with the Radio City Theater theme, putting on a talent show featuring students from a New York City school. They applied the phone’s new features into real-life situations, demonstrating “S Translator,” an app that allows you to use voice to verbally translate phrases—perfect for world travelers.
Samsung’s “Dual Camera” feature will enable users to use both front and rear cameras to capture a photo from both cameras simultaneously. The app will superimpose the image from the front camera with the image from the back camera so that everyone can be in the shot—even if Mom is taking all of the photos at the beach.
“These are the types of features users look for—we know smartphones are powerful, but we want to know what exactly we can do with that power,” Yun said.
Other features include “Smart Pause,” the ability for the phone to sense when you are—and aren’t—looking at the phone. The Galaxy will play and pause the video accordingly, so you don’t miss a moment of your favourite flick.
If health is something you’re trying to buckle down on for 2013, “S Health” turns your phone into a full-fledged fitness tracker. It will keep you up to date by measuring a variety of factors including your heart rate, weight, blood pressure, glucose levels, and graph it visually so you can get a better idea of your overall health.
“I go to the doctors quite often, and having the ability to go back and show him my health trends over the past few days, weeks, or months is really powerful,” Brannen said.
Technology pundits are saying they were disappointed that certain features were missing from the Galaxy, including longer battery life, new hardware redesign, and a metallic body that would better-survive accidental drops.
“I’m looking forward to see how this phone will shake up the market,” attendee Michael Watt said. “From what I can see on Twitter, it looks like a lot of—dare I say it—iPhone users will make the ditch for Galaxy. Only time will tell.”
Specific pricing and availability for the Galaxy S4 have not been announced, but it is set to launch on most major wireless carriers at the end of April.
Live Blog: Samsung GALAXY S IV
We’re here in New York City to cover Samsung’s “Unpacked” event, taking a look at the upcoming GALAXY S IV.
We will be blogging LIVE in the chat below, as well as tweeting under @WinstonSih under the hashtag, #Unpacked.
CHAT NOW:
Does Instagram own your photos? – CityNews & 680News
I appeared on CityNews at 6 and 680News to talk about Instagram’s change in terms of service and privacy policy with reporters Saphia Khambalia and Momin Qureshi.
Update:
Instagram published the following update blog post and revised terms of service, in response to the public’s reaction:
Earlier this week, we introduced a set of updates to our privacy policy and terms of service to help our users better understand our service. In the days since, it became clear that we failed to fulfill what I consider one of our most important responsibilities – to communicate our intentions clearly. I am sorry for that, and I am focused on making it right.
The concerns we heard about from you the most focused on advertising, and what our changes might mean for you and your photos. There was confusion and real concern about what our possible advertising products could look like and how they would work.
Because of the feedback we have heard from you, we are reverting this advertising section to the original version that has been in effect since we launched the service in October 2010.
You can see the updated terms here.
Going forward, rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed, we are going to take the time to complete our plans, and then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work.
You also had deep concerns about whether under our new terms, Instagram had any plans to sell your content. I want to be really clear: Instagram has no intention of selling your photos, and we never did. We don’t own your photos – you do.
Finally, there was also confusion about how widely shared and distributed your photos are through our service. The distribution of your content and photos is governed by our privacy policy, and always has been. We have made a small change to our terms to make that as clear as possible.
You can view the current terms and privacy policy, as well as review the updated terms and privacy policy that will take effect on January 19, 2013.
I’m proud that Instagram has a community that feels so strongly about a product we all love. I’m even more proud that you feel empowered to be vocal and approach us with constructive feedback to help us build a better product. Thank you for your feedback, and I look forward to all that Instagram has to bring in the New Year.
Thank you,
Kevin Systrom co-founder, Instagram
680News — Part one:
680News – Part two:
Your chance to win $25,000 from Rogers
Rogers was the first to introduce a full Windows 8 mobile experience, and now they want to give you the chance to experience another first of your own!
To enter for your chance, simply log onto Rogers’ Facebook page, launch the app, and share your wildest (and boldest) dreams in 200 words or less.
I have the pleasure alongside four other judges (Dan Bader, Maria Shapiro, Michael Caswell, and Derek Malcolm) to select 30 finalists of all entries to move onto the next round – public voting.
Between Dec. 3 and Dec. 12, 2012, you – the public – will be able to read and vote for who you think deserves to win the grand prize. You may vote for a story once per day.
You will have a shot at winning one of the following prizes:
- One grand prize of $25,000 to make your dreams come true
- One of ten Windows 8 devices, valued at approximately $1,000 each
The deadline to submit an essay ends Nov. 21, 2012, and the voting period closes on Dec. 12, 2012.
Enter here, and good luck!
——
Submission Phase to enter and submit an essay ends November 21, 2012 and the Voting Phase starts December 3 and ends December 12, 2012. Open to residents of Canada having reached the age of majority but excluding residents of Quebec. Prizes: one Grand Prize of $25,000 in cash; ten Windows 8 devices valued at approx. $1,000 each. Odds of winning depend on the quality of essays and on the number of votes received. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required to be a winner. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Full contest rules and details here.
Four gadgets for your back-to-school shopping list and your chance to win!
Fall is just around the corner, and with technology changing constantly, it can be difficult for parents to pinpoint the right gadgets to send their kids back to school with. To send you off in the right direction, here are four of our buzz-worthy high-tech gadgets to consider when shopping this back-to-school season:
Samsung Series 9 – Available at most electronics stores – MSRP $1,299.99
The Samsung Series 9 is dubbed the world’s thinnest and most compact laptop, feature-packed with Intel’s third-generation Core processor.
What this means is that this computer will give you incomparable speed and performance for whatever you are doing at school – be it video editing, or writing an essay while streaming multiple movies.
If looks are important, this computer is definitely for you. Measuring at 12.9mm for the 13” model, and 14.9mm thick for the 15” model, these computers are sleek and stylish – definitely for the consumer who sees their devices as an extension of their personality.
Additionally, the Samsung Series 9 computers feature an Intel HD Graphics 4000 screen. Anti-reflective and featuring a best-class “SuperBright Plus” capabilities, the Series 9 series boasts HD+ resolution (nearly 40% higher resolution), and a 170 degree wide viewing angle screen, so the whole family can huddle around and revisit those summer vacation memories.
HP ENVY 110 e-All-in-One – Available at most electronics stores – MSRP $299.99
This printer is by far one of HP’s most stylish and functional web-connected printers on the market today – perfect for any trend-setting student this year.
Featuring an easy-to-use consumer HP ePrint feature, students are able to print homework and school projects from the comfort of their smartphones or tablets from virtually anywhere in the world.
The ENVY’s high-resolution touchscreen allows for instant access to your favorite Print applications, including Facebook, as HP’s “Creative Studio,” a free and unique tool that gives users the ability to design, edit and publish custom print projects.
Now, students can “wow” teachers with professional looking presentations from a variety of preset templates. That, in combination with its polished design, low noise-acoustics and no visible paper tray, makes the HP ENVY 110 the ideal printer for this back-to-school season.
Motorola DEFY Pro – Rogers Wireless – MSRP $274.99
Ideal for tweens and teens alike, the Motorola DEFY Pro is a must-have exclusive from Rogers Wireless. Built like a tank, this IP67-certified smartphone is perfect for resistance against scratches, spills and dust – so you can have a peace of mind knowing that the DEFY Pro will deliver in every way, no matter what life throws your way.
With its flawless chrome finish and 2.7-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display that resists scuffs and scratches, Motorola has ensured that the DEFY Pro is built to withstand the daily bumps and bruises of an active lifestyle, perfect for athletic and care-free students across the board. The DEFY Pro features a full QWERTY keyboard that’s ideal for e-mailing and sending text messages on the go. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about your battery life. With a high capacity battery and Motorola’s Battery Manager, you can manage your phone’s power consumption and play longer.
Other notable features:
- The phone’s “Social Graph” feature memorizes your important contacts and dynamically populates the home screen, according to the frequency which they are called
- Similarly, the Activity Graph focuses on your app habits and cleverly changes according to your frequency of use
- Looking for the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure? DEFY Pro has a specialized instrument dashboard to help you track specific outdoor activities, with camping, hiking and daily workout views
It’s all about the “Smart Wi-Fi” – Linksys
If you have a post-secondary student moving away for school, take a look at an Internet router with “Smart Wi-Fi” capabilities, like the Linksys EA series of smart routers.
Linksys’ line of smart Wi-Fi routers comes with Cisco’s Connect Cloud technology – providing the top-of-the-line home networking allowing the multitasking student the ability to have multiple things going at once.
What makes Linksys smart routers even better is that Linksys has opened the platform up to other app developers – so now routers can take advantage of the cliché, “There’s an app for that!”
- Twonky Video: A mobile browser for Android smart phones and tablets to discover online video services and “beam” them to your Smart TV or AirPlay devices. With this sort of freedom you won’t have to get your friends to crowd around a tiny computer screen just to show them your latest “study break” web-video find.
- Gemini IP Camera Viewer: Suspect your roommate is “borrowing” stuff from you mini-fridge? This app for iOS enables remote monitoring at home and on the go via Wi-Fi and cellular networks. The app also enables easy installation of home monitoring equipment.
Control the network from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet, or set guest access and control what devices are connected to the network from class, the library or the campus pub. If you have multiple devices on your network – which you probably do – set priorities for Wi-Fi access so you won’t have your internet slowed down when studying just because your roommate can’t stop watching streaming videos ever again.
With high-end performance, Cisco Connect Cloud, Linksys smart Wi-Fi routers really will help today’s smart students connect their phones, tablets, computers, game consoles and much more!
What gadgets are on your shopping list this back-to-school season? Share them with us in the comments below!
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN:
As the first day of school approaches, Cityline.ca, HP, and Motorola want to give you a chance to win a prize pack (worth approximately $574.98 CAD) containing one of each product below:
- ONE HP ENVY 110 e-All-in-One Printer
- ONE Motorola DEFY Pro
Here’s how you can enter:
1) Follow @CitylineCa and @WinstonSih, and tweet us a short and funny back-to-school memory.
2) Be sure to include in your tweet the hash tag #CitylineBacktoSchool to ensure you’re considered for the prize pack!
Deadline: Friday, August 31st, 2012, 5pm EST.
The winner will be selected via the dedicated “#CitylineBacktoSchool” hash tag, so be sure to include it in your tweet!
Giveaway Fine Print:
1. No purchase necessary. Only one (1) entry per person. Any attempt or suspected attempt to enter more than once per person, any use of robotic, automatic, programmed or entry methods not authorized by these rules, shall be deemed as tampering and will void all of your entries. This Contest is brought to you by Citytv, a division of Rogers Broadcasting Limited (“Citytv”) and collectively the “Contest Sponsors” (HP Canada and Motorola Canada)
2. The winner of the contest will be chosen on Friday, August 31, 2012, and the selected entrant will be contacted by Twitter. The selected entrant must email back to claim prize within three (3) business days following the draw,
3. Phone will not come with a working monthly plan. Citytv assumes no responsibility of incurred charges or additional price liabilities. Entrant is responsible for providing cell and data plan for the smartphone.
4. Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $574.98 CAD
5. The Grand Prizes must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged.
6. The Contest Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of at least equal or greater value in the event of the unavailability, for whatever the reason, of the advertised prize in whole or in part.
7. By entering this Contest, entrants consent to the use of their entry, name, city of residence and/or any photograph of or that may be taken in publicity carried out by Citytv and/or its advertising agencies, without further notice or compensation.
8. This Contest is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are over the age of majority in their province, excluding employees of the Contest Sponsors, their parent and affiliated companies, representatives, dealers and agents, Contest suppliers and judges, and those with whom they are domiciled. This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.
9. No communications will be entered into except with selected entrants.
10. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. All entries that are incomplete, illegible, damaged, irregular, have been submitted through illicit means, or do not conform to or satisfy any condition of the rules may be disqualified by Citytv. Citytv takes no responsibility for lost, stolen, delayed, damaged, misdirected, late or destroyed entries, or for typographical or other production errors. The Contest Sponsors are not responsible for any errors or omissions in printing or advertising this Contest. All entries become the property of Citytv and will not be returned.
11. The Contest Sponsors are collecting personal data about entrants for the purpose of administering this Contest. No further informational or marketing communications will be received by entrants unless entrants provide the Contest Sponsors with explicit permission to do so as indicated on the entry forms. Please see Citytv’s Privacy Policy at www.rogerspublishing.ca/privacy.htm for information on their policies towards maintaining the privacy and security of user information.
12. By entering this Contest, entrants release and hold harmless the Contest Sponsors, their advertising and promotional agencies and the Contest judge(s), their affiliates and respective directors, officers, owners, partners, employees, agents, dealers, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively the “Releasees”) from any liability in connection with this Contest or, if declared a winner, the prize(s). Before being declared a winner, entrants may be required to sign and return, within a stipulated period of time, a Declaration of Compliance with the Contest Rules and a full Liability and Publicity Release. By accepting a prize, winners consent to the use of their name, place of residence, voice, statements, photographs or other likenesses for publicity, advertising or informational purposes in any medium or format without further compensation or notice.
13. This Contest will be run in accordance with these rules, subject to amendment by Citytv. Contestants must comply with these rules, and will be deemed to have received and understood the rules by participating in this Contest. The terms of this Contest, as set out in these rules, are not subject to amendment or counter-offer, except as set out herein.
14. Contest Sponsors assumes no responsibility for failure of the internet or the website during the promotional period, for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website, or any combination thereof including any injury or damage to an entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from playing or downloading any material in the promotion. Contest Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion to cancel or suspend this Contest should a virus, bug or other cause beyond their reasonable control corrupt the security or proper administration of the Contest. Any attempt to deliberately damage any web site or to undermine the legitimate operation of this Contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, Contest Sponsors reserve the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution.
Repost from Cityline.ca