The Argument for an 11.88-inch Retina MacBook Air
In October 2013, DisplaySearch analyst David Hsieh first revealed that Apple would be introducing a 12″ Retina MacBook Air in 2014. The report was quickly corroborated by the reliable Ming-Chi Kuo.
It wasn’t entirely clear at the time why Apple would choose to introduce a new 12″ screen model, when their current lineup of MacBook Airs and Pros come in 11″, 13″, and 15″ screen sizes.
Analyst Daniel Matte, however, lays out a convincing argument at his new blog on why Apple would choose that size. Matte believes that the new Retina MacBook Air will be exactly 11.88″ in diagonal screen size, as that would allow Apple to offer a Retina Display (2732 x 1536, twice 1366×768) with the exact same PPI as the iPad Air (264 PPI). The full analysis is worth reading.
It would make sense for Apple to take advantage of the same display technology it has been utilizing for the 9.7” iPads by cutting their panels to this larger size.
Apple is quite deliberate in choosing screen sizes for their new products.
The earliest supply chain rumors of the iPad mini included the specific screen size of 7.9 inches. The reason for that particular size later became apparent as it similarly allowed Apple to use the exact same PPI displays that were used in original iPhone and iPod touch.
The main discrepancy in Matte’s argument is that the original DisplaySearch report predicted a lower resolution (2304 x 1440). Also, in the past, we’d heard very specific display sizes from Apple’s supply chain, such as the 7.9″ iPad mini display rather than 8″ iPad mini display. In this case, the early reports (so far) have been at 12-inches.
Still, the new Retina MacBook Air is not expected in mid-2014, so we should start hearing more as production starts ramping up.
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Recommended Reading: The Internet of (insecure) Things and the fight for wearable disruption
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology in print and on the web. Some weeks, you’ll also find short reviews of books dealing with the subject of technology that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.
The Internet of Things Is Wildly Insecure – And Often Unpatchable
(1,218 words)
by Bruce Schneier, Wired
The race for the connected home has been on for sometime now, and with each passing month, it seems a new arsenal of gadgets pops up. Recently, issues surrounding the security of those internet-enabled devices have come to light — including the ability to hack those units to shoot out a crop of spam emails. As Bruce Schneier writes, locking down that new washer or smart fridge is a lot easier said than done thanks to the lack of patching options for the exploited vulnerabilities. As you might expect, Schneier begins to lay out a worst-case scenario that he says is inevitable unless we force “embedded system vendors to design their systems better.”
| Why Wearable Devices Will Never Be As Disruptive As Smartphones
(1,082 words) by Kevin McCullagh, Fast Company Each time we get cozy with a new wearable device, we’re reminded of the uphill climb that these gadgets face before they’ll become mainstream tech. Here, four key roadblocks are discussed that face that particular sector — including the fact that those interested in the self-quantified movement don’t accurately represent the mindset of the masses. |
Is This Thing On?
(5,662 words) by Stan Alcorn, Digg Ever wonder why crappy smartphone videos blow up on the internet, but a really insightful podcast goes overlooked? Well, on the whole, those broadcasts are difficult to find and most folks still aren’t familiar with the term. Stan Alcorn dives into the plight of sharing audio and how places like SoundCloud are lending a hand to make sharing files of the listening sort a bit easier. |
| The iPod of Prison
(1,327 words) by Joshua Hunt, The New Yorker Believe it or not, MP3 players have yet to completely replace analog radios for inmates. In this article for The New Yorker, Joshua Hunt profiles the Sony SRF-39FP pocket radio: the “gold standard” for older listening devices that runs about 40 hours on a single AA battery. There’s quite the backstory here, including the fact that the SRF-39FP was one of the first radios to use the then revolutionary CXA1129N integrated-circuit chip.
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How the NSA Almost Killed the Internet
(7,273 words) by Steven Levy, Wired Wired’s Steven Levy takes an in-depth look at the battle that Google, Facebook and other major tech outfits faced from the US government during 2013. The quest to prevent disasters dove headlong into company data over the last year, and as Levy puts it, “even if it turns the US into the number one adversary of American tech companies and their privacy-seeking customers.” |
Feedback Loop: 30 years of Mac, mechanical keyboards, Bitcoin alternatives and more!
Welcome to Feedback Loop, a weekly roundup of the most interesting discussions happening within the Engadget community. There’s so much technology to talk about and so little time to enjoy it, but you have a lot of great ideas and opinions that need to be shared! Join us every Saturday as we highlight some of the most interesting discussions that happened during the past week.
This week, the Macintosh turned 30, so naturally, we had to share our fondest memories of our first Mac. We also dove into the complex world of mechanical keyboards, examined the potential health benefits of WiFi-connected LED lightbulbs, discussed the viability of Bitcoin alternatives and asked about the best laptops for software development. Click past the break and read what fellow Engadget users like you have to say.
What was your first Mac?
Thirty years ago, the Macintosh kicked off the personal computer revolution and created a generation of passionate and lovable fanboys. We took a moment to reflect on the past three decades and shared stories about our first Mac. I remember that start-up chime and new computer smell like it was yesterday. What was your first Mac and why did you get it? Share your story with the Engadget community.
Mechanical keyboard suggestions
Mechanical keyboard nerds, we have one question: What’s your favorite type of switch? PhilipPalermo is putting together a new desktop PC and wants to change things up by getting a new mechanical keyboard. What should he get to complete his new custom setup? Do you have a preferred type? Cherry Browns, Cherry Reds or, perhaps, Cherry Blues? Sound off in our forums and let us know which keys are pleasing your fingers the most!
Health benefits of connected LED lights
Products like the Philips Hue and LIFX offer users the ability to customize and control their home lighting from almost anywhere. Billysundays argues that these WiFi-connected bulbs aren’t just luxury items, they’re also actually essential to our health. Have you picked up one of these smartbulbs and noticed an extra pep in your step or a more frequent smile on your face? Or are these newfangled bulbs just a passing fad best suited to dorm room parties? Tell us what you think.
Litecoin vs. Bitcoin
Bitcoin is all the rage right now, but there are tons of other cryptocurrencies. Dogecoin, Coinye (now defunct), Litecoin and so many more. CookieMuncher wants to know if anyone is using these alternatives to Bitcoin. Are you able to reliably buy goods and services with them? Or are you hoarding them and hoping to eventually strike it rich? Give us your two cents.
Laptop suggestions for coding
Software development is demanding, and for some it’s more than a full-time job. Jausions wants something that will let him code on the go and he’s looking for a powerful 15-inch laptop to get his programming on (preferably of the non-Apple variety). What should he be using to get the job done?
That’s all this week! Do you want to talk about your favorite gadget or have a burning question about technology? Register for an Engadget account today, visit the Engadget forums and start a new discussion!
[VIDEO] Samsung Galaxy S5 concept video whets your appetite ahead of MWC 2014
T3 has a habit of making concept videos that cause torrents of drool to be let loose, and their latest Samsung Galaxy S5 concept video is no different. Featuring an unofficial, but oh-so-pretty, concept of the Galaxy S5, T3′s video showcases some of the very possible features of Samsung’s next flagship which is expected to be announced at MWC 2014 in a month’s time. Enjoy:
Personally, the most intriguing aspect of the concept video is the suggestion that the new Magazine UI, which we first saw on the Galaxy Note Pro and Tab Pro devices at CES 2014, could be on the Galaxy S5. I’d never actually imagined this eventuality as I’d assumed that the UI was optimized for larger screen devices, though thinking about it now I don’t really see a reason why Samsung wouldn’t also offer it on its smartphones too as it looks quite good on this video here. And I know all of Samsung’s fans (and naysayers) who dislike the plastic feel of the Galaxy devices would have smiled when they saw “Aluminium Body”.
While the actual Galaxy S5 might not even resemble the one shown in the video even a little, it’s always nice to wonder what Samsung will change up in their phone and think about what we’d want. What would you like to see in the Galaxy S5? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Source: YouTube (T3) via Android Ice Cream Sandwich
The similarities between payday cash loan and checkbook cash loan
Payday cash loans are becoming exceedingly attractive these days especially because of the ease with which the loan gets sanctioned to the borrower. People often get confused in trying to understand the differences between payday cash loan and the check book cash loan.
A pay day loan does not require any formal security to be provided by the borrower, so you can get your hands on the money swiftly. Technically speaking both the payday loan and the checkbook loan are the same but with different name.
Both these two loans are in prevalence and follows similar proceedings, however, depending on the mode through which you purchase the loan from the loner the steps involved can be poles apart. These loans can be very useful to people that need instant cash out for emergency purposes.
Borrowing choices
There are two different ways through which you can access this type of loans. One is by checking out the loaner online through payday cash loan websites such as MyPaydayLender, and the another one is directly meeting the loaner eye to eye to access the loan. This is where the difference between payday and checkbook loan comes into existence.
If you are getting the loan online then you may not be need to provide checkbook leaf to the loaner while if you are going offline, apparently the loaner will demand you to provide the check slips for sanctioning the loan. Purchasing loans both online and offline either check book or payday cash loans has its own pros and cons. The security and risks completely depends on the loner from whom you are borrowing the money.
General requirements
Here are the common requirements that you have to satisfy to get the loan sanctioned successfully. Irrespective of the type of finance the loaner will see whether you are above the age of eighteen, which is compulsory as per law. The next verification is to check whether you should have a regular stream of money flowing every month to ensure you will pay back the money on a time. The source of income can be anything.
For example, if you are getting financial aid due to disability or if you are running a small scale business then you can avail the loan. Finally, you should have a proof of your savings bank account to finish the proceedings. Checkbook and payday cash loans are beneficial for those who need cash fast, as you will get the loan within the maximum of 24 hours.
As the loner makes the loan process easier both the payday cash and checkbook loan charges additional money from the actual sum, just like paying interest for conventional loans in banks. You should be well aware of the additional money that you have to pay along the principal amount in order to prevent any illegal activities. So selecting the right loner forms a great part in getting payday and check book loans.
The advantages seems to be overwhelming but can be little dangerous if you end up selecting the wrong loaner. When compared to the conventional bank loans for which you have to visit the manager dozens of times and finally ending up in regret the payday cash loans are very flexible and simple in nature.
Best mobile apps for busy freelance designers
Mobile communication is also known as latest communication method. Mobile communication used by a wireless network. This wireless network work on satellite transmissions and radio wave, Satellite transmissions and radio wave are a very strong medium between communications you could see that wave through your eyes. So you don’t need any wire connection and cable wire to use it. Mobiles Phones provide we talk and chat communication services. You can easily make calls and text messages through mobile phone.
We are living in an advanced technological world so every new day we face out new technologies and the ratio of the technology increased day by day. If we discuss about mobile technology, today’s mobile made up of numerous latest features including video player, audio player, navigation system, cameras, games, internet option, mobile applications, web browser and many more. While introducing the first mobile phones these things are not available in mobile. Mobile phone apps also known as mobile applications, these mobile apps are used in smart phones and latest mobile devices. Most of mobile apps are created to help mobile users on his work and other activities. Every mobile app has unique functionality some are used as web browsing, some are as games, some are used as calculator etc.
Every person wants to enjoy a lot of different things in his life, but everyone not enjoyed as they want because of his busy life and high schedule work. Mobile apps will be easy your work as well as your life. You can manage your all activities, your work, your life schedule, your busy life with mobile apps. You can add your goals on mobile apps to remember all day, Mobile apps really helpful to you.
Working as a self-employed in a profession is known as freelance work. In Freelance you can do all your work by only yourself only. You can work as your own schedule. You have not need any specific time to do that. In freelance you can do work at home. You do not need to go any office to do your required work. In freelancing no one is your boss. You are your own boss. So these are the importance of freelance work. Many people’s want to do work independence become freelance. Only specialized skill holder gets success in this field. If we talk about designing field, Designing is a very professional work. No one do it easily expect good designer. London’s top website designers provide very excellent designing services. A designer is a real value in the world. A good designer puts her expectations through designing. Designing is a technical professional field. Software developers and software engineers do it perfectly. Because a Software developers and software engineers have a great concept of designing, they do have better planned your design, they have knowledge of it, and they are good art and programmer. Programming is a necessary part of designing. Programming inside has many things such as: the work flow, the technology, the maintenance issues, the equipment, the strategic plan, the designing solution etc.
SoundHound’s music search app turns its focus to the Grammys with real-time updates and more
Awards nights tend to give rise to slews of app tie-ins, and for this year’s Grammys, SoundHound’s tossing its hat in the ring. In addition to being able to recognize songs by “listening” to them, the refreshed app comes with a dedicated page for the event that currently lists performers and nominees. Anyone who clicks SoundHound’s orange button during the live broadcast on Sunday night, though, will see real-time info, the list of winners and relevant Twitter posts instead. Chances are, music lovers don’t exactly need SoundHound to identify “Just Give Me A Reason” and other nominated songs. Those who find these special features useful, however, can download the app from the source links below.
Source: Google Play, iTunes, BlackBerry World, Windows Phone Marketplace
Websites and High-end Technology – A Quick Case-study!
Oranum is a global spiritual community known throughout the world for helping people find the guidance they are searching for with the help of talented psychics. Often times, people look for answers to burning questions about their love life or possibly their careers. They help those in need by connecting people with psychics 24 hours a day. With the world rapidly depending on social media such as Facebook and technology used in smart phones, they have adapted to the current trends and times and used this technology to help its members.
The android Oranum App, which you can find in Google play, is one way their technology reaches its members. By simply downloading the free app, members can begin using its various features. Such features include saving a favorite psychic list, and receiving notifications for when your favorite psychics are online. The app offers 24/7 support for live chat, phone or email. This app is very important to those who travel daily and are in need of guidance. An app like this, on a mobile device, helps give them the option of contacting a psychic or even simply reading their horoscope when they are not able to access a home computer.
Some members may desire spiritual healing, a tarot reading or a palm reading. For some members, the option of a video chat reading is very important in these categories. One of the great aspects of a live video chat reading is being able to see the psychic. The member also has the option of having their chosen psychic see them as well. They might choose to just leave sound on so the psychic may hear their voice but not see them in video. However, some members may decide just to type their thoughts and feelings instead of directly speaking to a psychic through voice chat. To learn how to use these features, users can watch the video tutorials available at Oranum youtube channel.
The interface on the website offers new and returning members the option of viewing different psychics. Some psychics will even offera free reading in their video chat. This helps members gain knowledge on how readings work and what to expect from specific psychics. All psychics are different in their personalities and sometimes their way of doing readings will differ from one another. By viewing them in the video chats on their screens, members can identify who they best relate to. This process allowsmembersto select a psychic that best fits their needs and in turn, help find the guidance they are looking for in life.
Their video chat can help people all over the world who speak various languages get in contact with a psychic who speaks their native tongue. Many psychic experts speak languages such as French, German, Croatian and Holland. Therefore, some who are not native to the English language should not have to worry about finding a psychic who will be able to communicate with them because they offer numerous psychics speaking many languages.This spiritual community stays up to date with cutting edge technology so people from around the world can benefit from a psychic reading.
Red Nexus 5?!?! Google Meltdown 2014! – The ManDroid Show
It is Friday, so you know what that means…GOOGLE WILL FAIL US! Yes, that was quite a moment of panic when Google services went down today. Hpefully you all survived the ordeal. In other news, a red Nexus 5 showed its pretty face, which could very well be a Photoshop job, but we are hoping that Google will eventually let us pick the colors of our phones. Anyways, enjoy the show!
News Updates
Video shows different color options for the Nexus 5
Red Nexus 5 shows up
Nokia sends out invites for event
Moto X $100 off this Monday
Easter egg-filled panorama of Seattle is Microsoft’s latest Photosynth art project
After all the panoramas, street views and 3D flights of fancy through cityscapes, how can Microsoft make the next one different? Apparently, by teaming up with over 100 of Seattle’s local artists and performers to cram this 360-degree panorama full of imaginative easter eggs (like the airship seen above). Dubbed the Gigapixel ArtZoom, Microsoft unveiled it tonight at the Seattle Art Museum but like other Photosynth projects, anyone with a browser can dive in right now. 2,368 twenty-two-megapixel images were shot from the Bay View condominium building and stitched together with Microsoft’s Image Composite Editor software — it’s the same system behind Windows 8.1′s panorama feature and Bing Maps. Click and zoom through the resulting image on a Where’s Waldo-style search for the performers (inserted via separate photoshoots after the original shoot and highlighted with additional info) on its dedicated website here, or check after the break for a behind the scenes look at how it was made.
Filed under: Cameras, Internet, Microsoft
Source: GigaPixel ArtZoom
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