Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

Posted on June 30, 2009 - by John

iPhone 3Gs review

O2 Ireland recently launched the new iPhone 3Gs (and no… I did not get one), I have to say some of the changes to the hardware and software – version 3.0 – are an exciting step forward for the device.

However I really was expecting something special this year in terms of device design. But Apple like to take it slow.

It is no secret that the success of the iPhone is down to excellent touch screen which is unique to the iPhone. However, features which have been on mobile devices for years now are only now happening on the iPhone, and yet it is selling very well indeed. There have been many missing features users expect from their mobile device. Take for example  MMS  which is has only recently been officially supported on the iPhone.

Recent updates has meant the  iPhone is getting closer to having a backpack full of features to keep every geek and business person connected to their virtual lives.

What is new, under the hood? There is of course the much needed better ram , graphics and more, let us boil all that hu-ha down and say the ’s’ in iPhone3Gs means SPEED, the iPhone 3Gs is a much faster creature. In terms of extra features, below is what has peaked my interest, if I miss anything that has you excited please add your comment, and I will try and keep the list of features updated.

Push Notifications

 Push notifications are used by applications to alert you of new information, even when the application isn’t running.

What was requested for a long time on the iPhone was the ability to run applications in the background on the iPhone. For those of us with no idea what this means, allow me to explain, when you close a 3rd party application on the iPhone, it is closed completely, so say for example some sends you an IM message, you will not know about it until you reopen the application again.And while you still cannot run background applications because it would slow down the device (apparently). Apple have invented push notifications for the iPhone which is the next best thing (again apparently).

What this really means is that, for example even if you exit an application you can still receive notifications when you get an update or a message for that application. You can then relaunch that application and view the message. As per the image, the notification can be a small message or a number badge showing the number of updates for the application; it may also be an alert sound to draw you attention to an update.

Camera

The new 3-megapixel camera takes great still photos, too, thanks to built-in autofocus and a handy new feature that lets you tap the display to focus on anything (or anyone) you want.

Everyone is excited about this 3-mega-pixel…

If you want to take a great photo then use a camera, but you won’t always have your camera with you when a great shot comes your way,  and chances are you will have your iPhone 3Gs clutched in your right hand. 

Until now using the iPhone to capture any moment was pretty pointless due to the awful picture it would take. So Apple  in there infinite wisdom have tweaked the iPhone to make it an almost useful camera substitute.

Basically the camera on the 3Gs is a 3-mega pixel auto-focus camera. Meaning you can now focus on subjects simply by tapping them on the screen. More interesting than all this is you can now use the camera to take and edit video footage. You can then forward this directly to youtube… not bad really! This will do doubt increase the popularity of this device no end!

Copy & erm.. Paste?

Cut, copy, and paste words and photos, even between applications. Copy and paste images and content from the web, too.

It is interesting that it has taken this long for a simple function like copy and paste to make it to the iPhone, but apparently it required allot of time…
For me that is the most interesting elements that comes with the new iPhone 3Gs device, but if you would like to discuss the iPhone 3Gs head to this website for a discussion.  

For accuracy purposes here are the specs of the device.
iphone 3Gs Specs

Improved performance

3-megapixel autofocus camera

Video recording

Voice Control

Digital compass

Cut, Copy & Paste

MMS

Spotlight Search

Landscape keyboard

Voice Memos

Posted on June 20, 2009 - by John

How to send emails securely on gmail

Did you know by default Gmail does not send e-mails over https , although, it does of course use it to log you on to the system.

But you can turn this on, here’s how you do it.

1. Click on settings at the top of your Gmail inbox.

2. Under the general tab scroll to the bottom of the screen to browser connection options.

3. Select https, and click on save.

4. Did it work? You should now always see https in your URL bar!

I know this is simple but you can now securely send emails!

Posted on June 19, 2009 - by John

Broadband in Ireland – UPC need a kick up the arse!

UPC Broadband was great, but for the last 2-3 months it has been on and off for me, so after 4 engineers and 10+ calls, I cancelled it in a a fit of despair today.

I was paying them for 20MB at 48 euro, and getting 2-3 MB when it worked over the past 2 months before that I was getting great speeds in fairness to the company, and as I had friends using it also, it was a good deal!

It seemed like UPC could just not  give me an answer as to why it was no longer working. I did however get a ‘pick and mix’ of ‘answers’ such as: the modem not working (it was), congestion on the line, the line is being repaired today, there are too many users in your block of flats, one engineer told me they were waiting on planning permission to repair a line, one told me they were replacing those lines – the day after it was working again, the day after that it went down again.  Two promised to call me back ,and never did, although one guy did when I asked for his name when logging the call. The automated callback guy called me (as they normally do to confirm an appointment, a great service really – if used correctly) and said, “I understand your issue has been resolved, is this correct”…??? NO!

Little did I realise, when I cancelled UPC  how expensive broadband DSL still is today. All the adverts made me believe that it was now inexpensive. But when you remove all the addons (or bundles), add the VAT, and throw on the line rental you are left with the real prices.

I am willing to spend 40-45 max on DSL broadband (I don’t have cable TV anymore -so I need a good connection for on demand and youtube). And I am not interested in land-line calls, a mobile phone is more than enough for me there.

After calling eircom to connect the line (25 a month – unless you select a package, and until you move to your broadband provider). I am left with these options, when I stay in the 40 euro area and remove anything to do with making a landline phone call.

Smart Telecom – 5 MB for 41 euro
Eircom – 1MB for 45 euro
Digiweb: 7MB for 40 euro. (Activation Fee€49.95)

* All prices include line rental i’m told.

Digiweb a possible winner?

Ideas & suggestions welcome, as it will take Eircom until July 3rd to turn on the line!

Posted on June 3, 2009 - by John

Bing – Microsoft Search goes live!

We have Bing Off…

We all know Microsoft wants to be Google, it wants to be Google really bad!. Bing.com  is a real effort by Microsoft’s search engine people – an effort to be seen as an reliable alternative (wannabe replacement) to Google’s search engine.

Will people be saying “Bing it” instead of  “Google it” unlikely, but it is nice to think that someone is trying to give Google a run for their money.

It still needs some work, and is by no means a finished product. I do find it funny that when you search for bing on bing.com the results do not include Bing.com website! But when you search for google on google.com – you know where I am going with this…. right?

Posted on March 22, 2009 - by John

In the forums: Irish Mobile Phone Forum

One of the latest topics on Irish Mobile Phone Forum.

Apple have announced iPhone 3.0 software, so out of all the announced features which are you most looking forward to?
Visit the forum topic now to have your say.

Posted on March 17, 2009 - by John

Happy Paddy’s Day

Posted on February 23, 2009 - by John

Poll: Does Twitter have a future?

Poll stays open all week, feel free to add your own option to the poll!

Posted on February 21, 2009 - by John

Automatic Direct Messages on Twitter

I am not sure about you folks but I find it a little annoying when you follow someone on Twitter, and you get an obviously automatic direct message (which also hits your mail box). This morning alone I had three waiting for me. I am just getting into twitter, so maybe it is something you get used to?

Is it not a form of spam? OK maybe spam is a bit extreme. I signed up to follow Sky News, and this morning I got a thank you with a direct link to their website. It is not enough that I followed them on twitter? They also wish to push their site at me.

It’s just my morning rant, but direct messages should not be automated. Does this bother anyone else, or am I alone here?