Google unveils another Nexus phone, larger tablet and 3G Nexus 7

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Google Nexus Tablet Phone

Apple has recently released the iPhone 5, a new 7-inch iPad called “iPad mini” and iPad 4 and now Google is ready to compete with Apple with a new Nexus smartphone made by LG called the Nexus 4, an iPad-sized tablet called the Nexus 10 made by Samsung and 32GB Nexus 7 with 3G option. The search engine giant rolled out these three new devices last week with the latest version of Android operating system, Jelly Bean 4.2. The company unveiled them in an official blog post as the special event was canceled as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Let’s see if these devices are really worth adding to your holiday shopping list or not.

Google Nexus 4

The Google Nexus 4 made by LG is here to replace the aging Samsung Galaxy Nexus so let’s see if the latest Nexus smartphone is offering a massive upgrade or not.

Google Nexus 4The LG Nexus 4 is actually heavier than the old Nexus smartphone at 139g while the iPhone 5 is only 112g. The new Nexus smartphone offers 9.1mm thickness while the old one was 8.94mm and the iPhone 5 is only 7.6mm. However, the iPhone 5 features only a 4-inch LED-backlit IPS screen with 326ppi and 640×1136 pixels while the Nexus 4 features a larger 4.7-inch True HD IPS Plus screen with 318ppi and 768×1280 pixels. If you compare the LG Nexus 4 with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, it’s not really a massive upgrade. But if you compare it with the iPhone 5, LG Nexus 4 is clearly the winner here.

Now it’s time to see what these devices are offering under the hood. The Nexus 4 offers a major hardware upgrade with an outstanding 1.5GHz Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor, Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is still capable of handling the apps released nowadays but Nexus 4’s hardware is one of the best by today’s standards. I am not comparing the LG Nexus 4 with the iPhone 5 as the old Nexus phone is still good enough to compete with the latest iPhone.

Both the Nexus devices offer a pure Android experience. However, the LG Nexus 4 will be the first smartphone to offer Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with new and upgraded features. Other notable features are: 8MB rear-camera, 1.3MP front camera, SlimPort-HDMI, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi and a 2100mAh to power up the device. Where the latest smartphone really shines is its affordable price tag. The Google Nexus 4 will be

Nexus 10 Tablet

available in the Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, UK and US on November 13 for $299 (8GB) and $349(16GB) unlocked version.

The Nexus 10

After the huge success of Nexus 7, Google is ready to enter in the 10-inch tablet market with the Nexus 10. Apple is also ready with the new iPad 4 so let’s see if the Nexus 10 is ready to compete with the pricey iPad 4.

The Nexus 10 is Google’s first 10-inch tablet and is the second tablet in the line of Nexus tablets. As Samsung is the manufacturer behind the Nexus 10, this tablet features a different design to the previous Nexus 7 made by Asus. The iPad 4 and Nexus 10 are not available in the market yet so I am just going to compare the specs of both devices here. The Nexus 10 comes with a complete 10-inch WQXGA screen with 2560×1600 resolution and 300ppi while the iPad 4 features a 9.7-inch IPS LED screen with 2048×1536 resolution and only 264ppi. Both iPad 4 and Nexus 10 have good processor but the Nexus 10 comes with 1.7GHz processor while the processor used in the iPad is only 1.4GHz. Moreover, the Nexus 10 features 2GB RAM instead of 1GB RAM, two NFC chips, a front facing sensor with more MP and still weightsless than the iPad 4.

Nexus 7

If you are not worried about your budget, the iPad 4 is available with three different storage options,16GB, 32GB and 64GB with optional 3G. On the other side, Google is only offering Wi-Fi versions at the moment with 16GB and 32GB storage options. The Nexus 10 is available for $399(16GB) and $499(32GB) and the iPad 4 prices start at $499 so the Nexus 10 is clearly the winner here.

3G Nexus 7

After lot of rumors and speculation, the Nexus 7 3G is finally here with bigger storage. And that’s not all; the 16GB ‘Wi-Fi only’ version is now available for only $199 and the 3G 32GB Nexus 7 will be available for $299. People who are not interested to buy the 3G version can look for the Nexus 7 32GB Wi-Fi only version in a range of retailers.

Apple’s iPad Mini is here: Everything you need to know

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After months of rumors and speculation, Apple has finally taken the wraps off its long-rumored gadget, the iPad mini. It’s two-thirds smaller than its very popular 10-inch iPad and is lighter and thinner than its competitor, Google Nexus 7.

The new iPad mini “isn’t just a shrunken-down iPad, it’s an entirely new design,” that’s how Phil Schiller unveiled this device at the special event in San Jose. Let’s see if the long-rumored device has managed to fulfill the expectations of the Apple fans or not.

Features & Specs

The new iPad mini comes with a small 7.9-inch screen like its name suggests with 4:3 aspect ratio unlike the other 7-inch tablets out there. It’s two third smaller than the current iPad but offers the same resolution as the iPad 2, 1,024×768. The best part of this resolution is, you can enjoy all the apps ready for the iPad and iPad 2 right away and the developers don’t have to modify their apps. However, there were rumors about no retina display in the rumored iPad mini and it turned out to be true. If you are a retina display fan, you may not be satisfied with just 163 pixels per inch (ppi).

The new device sports an A5 chip, the same one used in the iPad 2 and the latest iPod Touch. It has a front-facing FaceTime camera that supports HD FaceTime calls and a 5-megapixel rear camera that comes with the same iSight technology we saw in iPhone 5. The latest iPad mini also includes the recently unveiled Lightning connector that we saw on the iPhone 5. Apple claims it to be “Every inch and iPad”. Other attractive features include Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, iOS 6, Siri and 10-hour battery life to enjoy all the other features.

Availability and Pricing

Customers can order for their new iPad mini from this Friday and it will be available on the market from November 2. The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi only 16GB version which is only $30 more than the current iPod Touch. I was expecting to see a price tag of $250-$300 to compete with the likes of Kindle Fire HD and Google Nexus 7 so I was really disappointed to see a $329 price tag. Apple used their old pricing strategy here. This is the only thing that disappointed the analysts. Erik Gordon, professor of University of Michigan told Bloomberg News, “At $329, it won’t draw people from Kindles and Nooks”.

Some analysts believe it was a chance for Apple to step on “the throat of Amazon and Google” but the company decided to follow its old pricing strategy. This is the same strategy they applied 10 years ago when they tried to compete with the cheap MP3 players with the original iPod.

The iPad mini is about $100 more expensive than the current leader of the 7-inch tablet arena, the Nexus 7. The iPad 2 also costs around $399 which means it could be the end for the iPad 2. Apple also unveiled the 4th generation iPad in the special event in San Jose.

10 Google Products That Failed Miserably

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Google-Failure List of Failed Google productsGoogle, one of the most popular search engines has gained identification all over the world with its online presence. This recognition makes people think that Google is the most successful on the internet market with wonderful search engine, amazing Chrome web browser, Android operating system, the debut towards social sites and many more. Despite the misperception, the fact is, it does possess failed products as they couldn’t live up to the expectations. If you still don’t believe this statement then have a look at the below mentioned ten products which failed miserably.

I. Froogle:

This is a platform where the user can type in the queries related to a particular product that offer a menu of vendors who trade that particular product including the costs. In brief it was an internet marketplace. Although it served well at the initial stages, the real confusion occurred due to the name that later converted into Google product search.

II. Searchmash:

One of the most interesting projects was Searchmash where users had a provision to just drag and drop their search results. The main drawback of this was the ads that were bypassed by most users resulting in termination of the project.

III. Google Buzz:

This was a trial done by the company to launch into the social space that worked in sharing links, comments, photos and files from the Gmail account integrating its services with additional applications. However, this was killed in order to target g+.

IV. Jaiku:

Micro blogging site that was introduced by them was Jaiku that was a replica of Twitter. There were no features that differentiated it from the existing micro blogging site that had the ultimate success resulting in termination of Jaiku.

V. Google Lively:

An attempt that has been made in designing a web-based virtual environment resulted in Lively. The real competition was faced with the already existing second life that provided plenty more features vanishing Lively.

VI. Web accelerator:

The aim behind engineering this product was to accelerate the web access based upon the compression of data. However, its tendency of speeding up the web access concluded preventing the videos from being played. This drawback has seized the technology where most of it was utilised in building chrome.

VII. Google Video:

Most people are unknown with this aspect as the presence was too short to remember. The YouTube videos that provided much more user-friendly options with a well-known logo have abandoned this product.

VIII. Google Answers:

Best product that was designed for the lazy web users to get information on any data on one platform was the theme behind it. However, it was a paid version that needed payment before getting the answers. Most people secured same day cash loans and emptying their bank balances was the major drawback that kept them dissatisfied.

IX. Wave:

Main concept behind developing this project was to configure all the accounts into a container that accumulated social media, emails and instant messages. The functions of the product were complicated that confused normal person resulting in the product failure.

X. Dodgeball:

Mobile software that was designed for social networking relying on the location was Dodgeball. The software was responsible to provide relevant information about nearby places when a particular location is entered. It failed its services however coped up with Android.

The above mentioned are few products which failed miserably even when the web king Google introduced them. This specifies that a product remains only when it has great features with user friendly interface.

Author Bio: My name is Michelle. I am a tech writer from UK. I am into Finance :). Catch me @financeport

iPad Mini Rumor Roundup: What We Know So Far

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Apple is expected to unveil the much-anticipated iPad Mini this month at a press event. The company is trying to keep things secret and nothing is officially announced yet. However, there were no shortage of rumors before the release of iPhone 5 and things are looking quite similar this time before the launch event of iPad Mini. So, if it’s getting difficult for you to keep track of all the latest iPad Mini rumors, we have gathered almost all the rumors right here for you.

Expected & Rumored Specs

The rumored iPad Mini is expected to feature a 7.85-inch screen and is expected to be just a smaller version of the current iPad. People are calling it a 7-inch iPad like the Nexus 7 but it will be actually an almost 8-inch tablet. Like the new iPhone 5, iPad mini will come with the new Lightning dock connector and re-positioned headphone jack. However, if you are expecting to enjoy the Retina graphics on iPad Mini, you will be disappointed to know that the smaller version will have the higher resolution graphics like the iPad 2, not Retina display.

According to other rumors, the smaller iPad is expected to sport an indium gallium zinc oxide display by Sharp. This new display made by sharp, IGZO technology is believed to be more power efficient for showing shiny display on LCDs. Nowhere Else, a French website posted some images last month that shows a iPhone 5 like iPad mockup. There is a possibility that the iPad Mini will look just like the mockup you are seeing in the image posted below.

The latest iPad Mini specs rumor from the LA Times suggests that there won’t be any 3G or 4G version of the iPad Mini. The small iPad will be Wi-Fi only and will also feature a similar price tag like the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 to compete in the 7-inch tablet market. However, the Guardian reported recently that Apple is planning to release two versions of the device, a Wi-Fi only and a 4G version. Other specs are expected to be similar like the iPad 2, 512MB of RAM, A5 processor, iOS 6 and two cameras.

Price & Release Date

We don’t have much about the price and release date of iPad Mini yet but we are expecting to see a price tag of $249 as the starting price point. If Apple wants to get dominance in the 7-inch tablet market, the company has to offer the iPad Mini for less than $250. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the company to compete with the likes of Google Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire HD.

If the leaks and rumors are accurate like the iPhone 5 rumor mill, you already know what to expect at the event. However, we don’t know much about its internal specs and price yet. Apple didn’t announce any media event on Oct. 10 so we are expecting to hear something next week. The company has already ordered 10 million units of the iPad Mini, according to the Wall Street Journal so we can expect to see the device available in the market this holiday season.

Understanding Cisco Computer-Based Certification Exam Formats

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After diligent study in your specific certification courses and effective practice with tutorials, such as those from Testslive, you will be ready to sit for your certification exam to put the finishing touches on your accomplishment. Before taking the exam, however, you should be aware of the types of questions that will be asked. Cisco certification exams are presented in seven key test formats:

  • Single answer multiple choice. This involves simply choosing one answer from a group of several possible answers.
  • Multiple choice, multiple answer. This format will require you to choose more than one answer from a group of possible answers. The particular question will specify how many answers you are to choose.
  • The Drag and Drop style of question requires you to move the mouse arrow while holding down one of the mouse buttons to drag an object, then release the mouse button to drop the object into the appropriate drop zone.
  • Fill-in-the-Blank requires that you type your answer into a box that is designated for text. You will simply click inside the box and type your answers.
  • Router Simulations require you to complete tasks with commands that are made available. You will have a serial console that will lead to a router console. All necessary commands will come from a privileged mode.
  • Testlet Questions involve scenario-based items. You will be given a description of the scenario along with multiple choice questions that are based on content that is contained within a particular scenario.
  • Simlet items. These tasks also involve router simulations and contain questions that appear in various “window panes” on your screen.

Facebook Now Asking Users To Pay To Promote Photos, Status To Their Friends

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We all saw this coming. Facebook implemented it bit by bit, step by step and turned Facebook in to a money making machine. First it was the advertisements, then it started forcing Facebook page owners to pay for reaching to their own fans. But as if it was not enough, Facebook now “gives the option” of promoting your photos to, hold your breath, your own friends.

Facebook has been testing these promoted or sponsored photo scheme for since few months in over 20 countries. According to their official report, it will keep the sponsored photos in the news feed of your friends. This way it is more likely for your friends to see your updates in their feed.

Facebook had redefined the social networking earlier. It killed so many existing social networks like MySpace, Orkut, Hi5 etc. It kept on re-innovating itself. But those were for good. I am not sure if asking users to pay for their own photos is a good step.

You may think that it is okay since it is optional and if some self obsessed narcissist may use this feature to get more likes and comments. But remember what happened with the Facebook Pages’ sponsored posts. It is optional there as well but it has dramatically reduced the page interaction for non-paid posts. What I mean is that sooner or later you will see a drop in interaction with your friends and thus you would be tempted to pay for the promotion of your photos/statuses to your very own friends.

Giveaway Of The Month: Raspberry Pi Model B

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We are back with this month’s giveaway. And this month we have something special for you. A brand new Raspberry Pi is for you to take home. If you did not know already, Raspberry Pi is a new revolutionary micro computer which costs only $35. It comes with 256 MB RAM and an ARM processor. Read the FAQs for more info on Raspberry Pi.

I had bought a Raspberry Pi couple of months back and honestly did not like it much at start. In fact I was so disappointed that I wrote an article on why Raspberry Pi sucks. But gradually I get used to it and now I have started liking it.

So if you wish to get this wonderful micro computer for free, enter the giveaway. All you have to do is to vote us as the best technology blog.

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How To Take Screenshot in Galaxy S2 Android Ice Cream Sandwich

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Android Logo Linux Windows 150So you have this awesome Android powered, iPhone killer, Samsung Galaxy S2 and you are looking for some easy ways to take screenshot of your phone screen. If you tried to look for some free app in Play Store, you must have been disappointed because it has some (cr)apps that are mostly paid and are not worth using at all. If you were an iPhone user, you must be missing the easy two button pressing screen capture method.

Now don’t miss iPhone for just that one feature because guess what you can do the same in your Samsung Galaxy S2 as well. Yes! There is this most easy way to take screenshot in your Galaxy S2 running on Ice Cream sandwich (other Android OS are also supported). Lets see how can you take the screenshot without any app in 1 second:

Press the volume down button and the power button at (almost) same time and hold them together for around 1-2 second.

Don’t forget to hold them for 1-2 second. You will see a capture sound and a message on screen that a screenshot has been captured.

Screenshot-Galaxy-S2-Samsung

You can find the captured screenshots in Gallery->Screenshots folder.

Samsung-Screenshot-Galaxy-s2-2

I hope you were able to easily take screenshot in Galaxy S2. Let me know if you face any problem. I will be only happy to help :)