tech. magazine reveals the apps breaking into Apple's walled garden

 

With news that Amazon has released an Apple-friendly version of its MP3 service in the US, this week's issue of tech. magazine looks at other apps and services that are giving Apple a run for its own money.

From Spotify to Facebook Messenger, Apple is slowly but surely letting others into its eco-system that can essentially replace its own apps. But does more choice actually make for a better experience? tech. explains all.

Also in the issue, the crazy world of Kim Dotcom is investigated, alongside the entrepreneur's new service Mega, all the latest news on why Sony may be delaying the PS4 and expert opinion focusing on Mozilla's new phone offering, Firefox OS.

Reviews, videos and celebrations

tech. also joins Intel in celebrating the birthday of Professor Stephen Hawking and asks the question: do we really need Siri in our lives?

As always, the issue is packed with the week's best videos and this issue there are in-depth, interactive reviews of the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 and the Nikon 1 V2 and a preview of Microsoft Surface Pro.

Speaking about the latest issue, editor of tech. Marc Chacksfield said: "Ever since the FFC told Apple that is must open up its devices to rival apps, Apple has had to stand back and watch others create services for iOS that can replace the company's own offerings.

"Now that one of its biggest rivals, Amazon, is taking advantage and showing that all you need is help from HTML5 to stop Apple taking a chunk of money 

 

 

 

 

 

 Source:http://www.techradar.com

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HTC 8S

HTC 8S

 The HTC 8S in second in line to the Windows Phone 8 crown at the Taiwanese firm, with the flagship 8X still the show at the top of the tree.

However that's not to say the 8S should be ignored, it's still a perfectly capable and well designed handset which won't cost you a huge amount of money.

The 8S will go head to head with the mid-range Lumia 820, with its fancy array of colour options, 4-inch HD display, 1GHz dual-core processor and the welcome addition of a microSD card slot – something which is missing from both Nokias and the 8X.

An advantage HTC has over its rivals is its partnership with Dr Dre and his Beats Audio technology – enhancing your music with added bass to really get the party started.

Design wise we reckon the Taiwanese firm is on to a winner with the HTC Windows Phone 8S, but we'll reserve proper judgement until we've fully reviewed it.

Source: http://www.techradar.com

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Huawei Ascend G330

Huawei Ascend G330

 After the success of the wallet-friendly Ascend G300 the Chinese manufacturer has decided to reboot the handset with the Huawei Ascend G330.

Expected to sport the same £100 price tag, the Ascend G330 features a 4-inch display, beefed up 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 5MP rear camera and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The handset itself is pretty uninspiring, but you're not going to get iPhone-esque styling on a device which is one fifth of the price so we can forgive Huawei here, but at 130g it's got a weight to it.

Unlike Samsung and HTC, Huawei doesn't go overboard with its Android overlay, with just a light sprinkling occurring on the ICS interface on the G330 – although icons have been changed, and look a little childish.

With its impressive spec sheet for the cash you'll pay out, the Ascend G330 could well be the new star of the budget smartphone market. Keep an eye out for our full review, when we'll reveal if it's really worth it.

 Source:http://www.techradar.com

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Samsung teases 'whole new Smart Hub' on Flickr feed, CES launch confirmed

Samsung teases 'whole new Smart Hub' on Flickr feed, CES launch confirmed

Samsung's HDTV-based Smart Hub is set to land a major refresh at CES, according to a trio of images and a product description that appeared on Flickr this evening. Like previous iterations, the software interface will provide access to real-time TV broadcasts, on-demand flicks, apps and photos, according to the site's image captions. The new version will feature a new background design, along with a "simplified" UI. While the on-screen interface appears to be new, the screen shot is presented atop last year's Series 8 model, including an identical stand and a built-in camera up top -- there's no hint at what hardware advances we may see in Vegas early next year. Samsung's CES press conference is on the books for the afternoon of Monday, January 7th, so we have less than two weeks to go before this new UI -- and a whole lot of HDTVs -- becomes official.

Source:  http://www.engadget.com

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iriver’s SPINN portable media player

iriver’s SPINN portable media player

iriver has been busy this CES season, showing off a few new gadgets. They had already taken CNET’s Best of Show with their W7 and this new SPINN PMP looks like another nice addition. According to iriver the SPINN will have an “extremely intuitive user interface” featuring iriver’s new SPINN System Technology along with their System Toggle Wheel.

The SPINN PMP has a 3.2-inch TFT-LCD and can view MPEG4 video at up to 30 frames per second. The SPINN also includes the ability to plan music, view photos and has Bluetooth 2.0, an FM tuner, built-in microphone with voice recording, Flash 2.0 support, a text viewer and e-dictionary.

The iriver SPINN will be available in a 4GB, 8GB or 16GB model, however pricing and availability has not yet been announced.

Source:  http://www.technologytell.com

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