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Apple Gadgets Tablet PC

How to setup your new iPad mini

The new iPad Mini from Apple, awaited for several months has been launched; and is one of the most sought after tablets, considering the craze associated to any other Apple devices.  Pitted against the smaller-sized tablets from Samsung and HTC; iPad Mini, fast followed the revolutionary new iPad  and has breakthrough features like Siri, Notification Center, iMessage  and iCloud to name a few. Know everything about setting up and securing your new iPad and iPad Mini here.

Apple Inc. no wonder has the Midas touch to create or transform everything into innovations that change the way technology is perceived. From the early Mac to the revolutionary iPhone and then the iPad to the competitively rejuvenated iPad Mini, Apple has always managed to retain its ‘Think Different’ motto.

At a time when Apple managed to break-free of it number module following iPad 2 with the ‘new’ iPad, it was evident that Apple already had larger plans up its sleeves and that has recently been given shape with iPad Mini. While, perhaps for the first time with the launch of iPad Mini, Apple seems to have tried to keep pace with its competitors in creating a smaller tab (in the likes of contemporaries like Samsung, HTC, etc.).

So, if you have got yourself a new iPad Mini, you must be wondering as to how to set it up and get started. Well, although there are many similarities to the early versions of the iPad, the introduction of the iCloud is a major transformation and can well be called a game-changer of sorts.

Setting up iCloud

iCloud in real terms has made access to iDevices seamless. As, with this new technology, you are no longer required to plug your iPhone, iPad or iPad Mini into iTunes/ Mac/or Windows PC for the initial Set up, to upgrade or for Backup. Thanks to iCloud, you can now do all these easily and much faster on your local Wi-Fi network or over-the-air; and most importantly without worrying about forgetting them – as all the routine processes happen automatically.

Setting up Siri

Siri, the Nuance-technology enabled virtual assistant from Apple has craved its place as the most loved and trusted aide that not only listens to whatever you ask you to do; in fact it is a great way to stay in touch, on schedule, and informed.
Siri, which was introduced with the iPhone 4S, has now been integrated to offer its services to the new iPad and iPad Mini, courtesy iOS 6. Siri which was originally offered only in a few chosen languages is now available in more languages, locations, and features.
It is quite easy to setup, configure, secure, and start using Siri instantly; however, there may be a few instances which will require you to enable it. Just as, there may be a few settings that may require configuration so as to make Siri more secure like – in case you choose to bypass your PIN lock and access your contacts and other data, make sure to check out all your options and choose the most suitable and eclectic blend of feasibility and security.

Setting Up Notification Center

Notification Center unquestionably is the lifeline and the most dynamic feature of Apple devices including the iPad and iPad Mini. It is rightly said that setting up Notification Center is integral to functioning of your iDevice since it serves to be the most viable medium to streamline related functions like reminders, alerts, calls, messages, announcements, etc. that inundate your iPad or iPad Mini.
The best thing about Notification Center is that you can badge your icons. This will not only help you know about your pending items; all the more you can have the list of everything right on your Lock screen. So, you can be well-informed and aware of any notifications immediately.

Setting up iMessages

iMessage is one of Apple’s most in-demand proprietary services that works on any device running iOS 5 or higher, and any Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or higher and so also in the new iPad and iPad Mini. iMessage allows you to receive free, SMS and MMS-like messages on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac from any other iMessage user. You can not only send text, photo, and video messages regularly, but contacts, voice memos, and locations as well.

You can set up iMessage by just start using it right away. However, you will require some amount of configuration in a few steps to be done depending upon the device you are using.

Get introduced to your new iPad Mini and feel empowered with the ‘power of small’, since all great things are said to come in small packages.

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Apple Mobile

10 most popular games for your iOS device

An iOS device without games is like a computer without software. With release of iPod touch the demand for music has been suppressed by the demand for Games. Thanks to high quality 3D games in App Store.  There are scores of new games being launched everyday with some big brands battling on the app store. If you consider yourself an avid gamer and you are lucky to posses an iDevice, you can’t ignore the following games from App Store. Get ready to experience the iOS gaming pleasure.

Epic Astro Story

App Store user rating: 4.5
Developer: Kairosoft

The Epic Astro Story is a simulation game from the Japanese mobile games publisher Kairosoft. The game is set in space and the idea is to construct a flourishing colony in an untamed planet by building houses and roads while sending members of the team away to conquer new planets. The battle with cosmic creatures heats up the challenge. A sure buy for the strategy fans!

Beat Sneak Bandit

App Store user rating: 4.5
Develop: Simogo

Coming from the magic hat that has already created two of the most uniquely warm and compelling iOS games, Beat Sneak Bandit is a rhythm-action stealth puzzler. Your goal is to stealthily enter the mansion of Duke Clockface, the wicked clock thief, and give back the world all the timepieces he has stolen. On your way, you must dodge enemy guards and objects. Planning, working out puzzles, and predicting hazards will help you win the game. The smart design and Looney tune visuals are a definite plus.

Beat Hazard Ultra

App Store user rating: 5
Developer: Cold Beam Games

Beat Hazard Ultra is a fast arcade-style, music generated shooter game. The intense visuals and beat detection in the game are outstanding. The soundtrack in the game is based on the user’s iTunes playlist. Each track represents one stage and the arrangement of enemies depends on the song. As the intensity of the music goes up, the foes get faster and furious. If you are aching to get your hands on a pair of virtual sticks and let the bullets fly, Beat hazard Ultra is the game for you.

Pizza vs. Skeletons

App Store user rating: 4.5

Developer: Riverman Media

What can a custom-made giant pizza do? A lot of things, as you will in find out in Pizza vs. Skeletons. The three common elements for making a pizza – rolling, jumping, and pounding the ground are done by tilting your device, tapping the screen and hitting the deck by tapping again. These are also the moves that crush the skeletons and dodge their spears. The game includes a mighty 100 levels. A weird yet ridiculously entertaining game!

Spin Up

App Store user rating: 4.5
Developer: Nenad Katic

Spin Up is creative high score game that brims with brilliant graphics, plot, and music. The game is based on a clever gameplay mechanic where the user has to spin the outside rings of a rapidly deteriorating space elevator to guide their astronaut avatar climb out to safety. Adding to the fluidity and challenge, the elevator is filled with vicious, man-eating office supplies, broken ladders, and hostile machines. Spin Up joins the line of endlessly addictive games.

Bee Leader

App Store user rating: 4.5
Developer: Fightless Limited


Bee Leader is a relatively peaceful game that is simplistic and highly polished. In this game, you take up the role of an over-sized bee responsible for collecting nectar and honey for the hive. You navigate through a circular landscape and search flowers, honey pots, and even honey barrels. Filling the hive with honey will earn you points and move you up to the next level. It is humor combined with simple facts that makes the game interesting and different.

The King of Fighters – i 2012

App Store user rating: 5
Developer: SNK Playmore

The King of Fighters – i 2012, yet another fighting game on the app store, comes with some interesting enhancements over its previous version. The content-rich single player mode offers hours of never-ending gaming experience. New characters join the 2012 team and your player ranking changes depending on the number of victories and losses. With 32 playable characters, gamers can battle against the strongest players across the Wi-Fi network.

Swordigo

App Store user rating: 5
Developer: Touch Foo

Swordigo is an appealing side-scrolling action-RPG that includes iCloud support as a novel feature. Recalling the basic elements of established console games, Swordigo is set around genuine yet familiar characters and conventions across challenging forest, cave, and dungeon environments. Bad creatures return to cause havoc. The player takes up the sword and sets on a journey to recover powerful weapons to defeat the creatures while slashing eerie bats, crawling spiders, horned monsters, and dangerous forces on the way.

Chaos Rings II

App Store user rating: 5
Developer: Square Enix

Chaos Rings II can easily be called one of the best JRPGs available on iOS. An apocalyptic force that is threatening the world into doom pushes Darwin into the role of a nominator. Darwin’s job is to complete the Rite of Resealing task to seal away the destroyer and save the world. With an expanded battle system and amazing environment, the game is robust enough to justify its slightly high price tag.

Kitten Sanctuary

App Store user rating: 5
Developer: Clockwork Pixels

With Kitten Sanctuary, Clockwork Pixels seem to have taken a slightly new route differing from the conventional bare bone approach that most iOS puzzlers are based on. The plot of the game revolves around rescuing 50 kittens kidnapped by aliens. Progressing through a series of levels, you must play the match three game to accomplish the rescue task. The items that you will match are resources that you will collect. The well-crafted layout and attention to detail makes Kitten Sanctuary an interesting play.

Sindhuja Sandeep is a blogger who writes on mobile phone, computers and other technical stuff. Also she is keen in updating about latest technology. At present she blogs for convergence catalyst, a Telecom consulting firm offering Indian telecom market forecast & operational strategies across entire Telecom value chain

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Apple Mobile

Why You Should Not Buy the iPhone 5

The release of iPhone 5 has got a mixed review from industry stalwarts and gizmo geeks. If you think it is time to pick up the new phone to replace your old iPhone 4S, which is not really old by any means. I mean, you just got your phone 6 months ago, but when Apple said they will be unveiling a new model, you are about ready to trade in your current one.
The question, though, is “why?” Is the iPhone 5 actually so much better than the 4S that it is worth changing after just a few months? Why don’t you wait it out and see if you really need to make a change? Maybe keeping your current one will not be a terrible choice.
In fact, here are the top reasons why you should not buy an iPhone 5, or at least not yet.

You don’t need the iPhone 5 to get the iOS6

What made you excited about the new iPhone are the new OS improvements. There are the new Maps that provide great 3D renders, the improved Siri, and the Passbook ticket and gift card system. Newsflash, though: you can get those improvements (not all, of course) with an OS upgrade that will be available come September 19. So try out the iOS 6 on your iPhone 4S first before leaping for the iPhone 5 just for a new OS.

You might want to check if there are glitches that you have to worry about

Remember when you had the iPhone 4 and you lose signal whenever you hold the phone a certain way? Yeah, that was a big deal back then and even resulted in a class action lawsuit. It ended with the issuance of the bumper case to solve the problem. Not saying that the iPhone 5 will have the same issues, but won’t it be more convenient to find these things out before your purchase. So wait it out and see if there will be reports of glitches that can be deal breakers.

You don’t really want to be stuck in another 2-year contract

According to CNET, the iPhone 5 will not be exclusive to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint and there will be a prepaid version available via Cricket by September 28.  It probably won’t be long until it is also available through Virgin Mobile. It might cost you more for the phone but at least you are not tied down by a cumbersome contract.

The bigger screen can be trouble for some apps

For the first time, the screen of the iPhone will be bigger at 4 inches. But there is a reason why Apple was apprehensive in using bigger screens in the first place. Some apps were designed for the 3.5-inch screen specifically. So make sure that your important apps like Box, RingCentral, Evernote, or even your favorite games are functioning properly on the iPhone 5

You would need new accessories

With the changes in its dock connector, you would also need to upgrade your other external accessories. Apple is likely to release new adapter that will connect the old and new connector but that will still cost money. Not to mention that the new phone size will mean your old cases will not fit as well.

There are other choices out there

Frankly, a lot of what the iPhone 5 is bragging about already exists with other brands’ flagship phones. Bigger screen? The S3 and the One X has bigger. Fast wireless?  Dual Band wireless is actually pretty average nowadays. Great Camera? The One X can make an argument that it is better. Point is, the iPhone 5 may be slightly better than the 4S but it is not necessarily better than other brands like, say, Samsung S3 and HTC OneX.

The image below will give you a detailed spec wise comparison of iPhone 5 with 3 of the most up-to-date smart phones viz Samsung Galaxy S3, Droid Razr HD and Nokia Lumia 920.

As you have ample of choice with you with better features and capability, now it’s upto you to decide what you would wish to buy.

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Apple Mobile

Expected Specs for the iPhone 5

Fans of Apple and technology enthusiasts alike are waiting with bated breath to see what the new iPhone 5 may have in store. There is much debate as to what the specs on the new iPhone will be, with some rumours seeming more plausible than others, but more and more it seems like the new iPhone is the popular showcase for all of the latest consumer technologies.

Release date for the new iPhone 5 is hotly debated with many believing it would have been June 2012. With this date having been and gone we may be left until October (the other popular theory) before we see the new version.

In all likelihood, the phone will have a quad core ‘A6’ processor, but as for all other rumours such as 4G capabilities and the like, we can only speculate. Despite this it’s in the rumours where people’s imaginations start running wild and the inevitable ‘new product’ publicity machine goes into overdrive. The anticipation feeds the advertising campaigns, and many technology devotees are whipped into a near frenzy by the potential on offer from one of the best new mobile phones to be.

This fever isn’t unwarranted, as we’ve seen Apple’s capabilities to deliver intuitive technologies time and time again. A glimpse of the new iPhone is a genuine glimpse into the future, and the technology being bandied about for the new iPhone seems to take on a more organic quality; with a possible feature being a tactile touchscreen. To make a touchscreen have definite and added responsiveness will be a leap for all technology; literally adding another dimension to the digital world.

Liquid metal glass and electronic payment possibilities all serve to add to the clamour for the phone to be released. The Samsung Galaxy S3 went some way to matching iPhone’s lofty standards so at this moment we just have to believe the rumors being surfaced and  we’ll have to wait and see how the Apple responds.

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Apple Mobile

Use your iPhone to get car insurance

How do you usually buy car insurance? On the phone? On car insurance comparison sites like Moneysupermarket?

Well, now the UK’s leading price comparison site has made it even easier to get cheap cover, especially if you own an iPhone.

The Moneysupermarket car insurance app is the first car insurance comparison app to be launched in the UK. Although it has initially been released for iPhone users only, it’s expected to be made available for Android phones over the next few months.

The free app could help cash-strapped motorists make average car insurance savings of £375 and is remarkably easy to use. Insert all your relevant details and then trawl through the vast array of quotes generated in just a few seconds. Make use of the ‘click to call’ function if you want to talk to a particular insurer and do it over for the phone. Alternatively, though, complete the transaction there and then without needing to go through all the hassle of having to talk to anybody.

Julie Fisher, from Moneysupermarket, commented: “The cost of running a car has been increasing markedly over the last few years, with petrol prices on the up and car insurance a yearly necessity for all drivers.

“People are naturally keen to take action, and shop around to switch to the best possible car insurance deal.

“The launch of the Moneysupermarket car insurance app has made it even easier for people to find the right car cover for the best possible price – allowing people to compare a huge range of quotes quickly and easily – anytime, anywhere. It’s another example of how Moneysupermarket is helping people to make the most of their money.”