Duplicate Content and Google: Matt Cutts Discusses what you need to know

We've all heard of the duplicate content penalty, but what is it really? In this interesting video from Google's head of webspam Matt Cutts, he explains some of the nuances regarding duplicate content. One interesting point to note,is that he acknowledges that about 25-30 percent of information on the web is actually duplicate content. He also talks about clustering as a solution to some duplicate content issues. Check out the video below and don't forget to let everyone know what you think in the comment section as well.

Guest Post: Creating Content that Drives Traffic to your Mobile Site

With Google’s new algorithm Hummingbird having been introduced recently, the way we now approach SEO has changed a little. It doesn’t mean that things have completely changed and all that hard work pre-Hummingbird is going to waste, it just means that mobile is no longer simply a channel of your SEO strategy. Mobile has become a central focus of SEO strategy, making website owners and operators ask whether their site is up to scratch in terms of quality of content, design and the overall usability of the site. If you currently manage your own website and social networking profile, perhaps now is the time to consult an online marketing company like Optimising to help you navigate these new changes and developments in the world of Google and SEO.

We talk about mobile sites because this mode of viewing content is becoming more and more common for people’s media consumption. Over half of Americans own a smart phone, meaning their access to media is almost always through that little screen or even tablet. A well-designed website says to Google that you are a legitimate business. To achieve your full potential on mobile, you need to offer your customers full features in a limited space. The best way to do this is to concentrate on how you organise your content. There are various design considerations that need to be taken into account to produce a high functioning mobile site, like the length of posts, white space, use of visuals and the ability to share on social media.

The debate around the kind of content continues over each change of Google’s algorithms. Longer content is obviously great for SEO but it isn’t exactly what customers want. They want specific and succinct answers to their questions that are answered in around a paragraph or more. Seeing as how the modern trend is writing posts around 1000 words long, this doesn’t satisfy the taste of those looking for a quick response, especially on mobile. An alternative is to create short introductions to your articles that are placed at the start of your long form articles, but only use the extended, descriptive introduction on your mobile sites where users are more likely to only want that information.

One of the most important pieces of information not to forget is the importance of engaging in social media with your customer and client base. If you are sharing your content and other things through a social networking platform, be prepared to engage with those who engage with you. Don’t just put it out there and wait for the likes to roll in. Respond to questions and give the people what they want!

Ivy Delfin works in online marketing, specialising in enhancing mobile internet sites. You can find her on her google plus page here.

LG G Pad 8.3 Unboxing

LG have recently released the LG G Pad 8.3. It will be available to US customers from November 3rd, and is already available for pre-order. Aaron from Phonedog did an unboxing with this tablet and you can see it in the video below.

In terms  of specifications, the G pad isn't looking too shabby. It's got a quad core 1.7 GHz processor on of course an 8.3 inch display. It runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 with 2GB of RAM and a micro SD slot for up to 64 GB of storage.

The G Pad has a display resolution of 1920*1700 pixels, which works out to be 273 ppi. While this is definitely a great display, it's not at the highest end of the spectrum. Considering that it costs 350 bucks, that's a bit disappointing.

It has a 5 megapixel back facing camera, which also takes 1080p video. In terms of battery size, this tablet has a 4600 mAh battery which gives about ten hours of normal use before needing to recharge. In terms of features, LG have included a few neat ones with this tablet. Firstly, there's Q Pair which allows Android phone users to connect with the G Pad and answer phone calls as well as texts.

In addition to Q Pair, there is also a feature called KnockOn, which allows the user to tap the screen twice to lock it and tap it twice again to unlock. This does make things a little more convenient.

So far, the G Pad does look to be quite a good tablet. It just doesn't justify it's high price tag, for now at least. Maybe as more users put the G Pad through its paces, more will be uncovered.

Google Glass Update XE 10

Google released their update for Glass a little more than a week ago and following the trend of other updates, named it XE10. This update is not as large as XE9, but does bring with it some interesting new features.

Firstly, it has the ability to inform you of mass transit features near your location. Things like where to change trains and how far is the next bus stop are now added in Glass. In addition to this, Glass users can now tap links in Google Glass. This has been a big problem for many glass users for a while now, so it seems that Google are indeed working on customer feedback.

There's also the addition of Avatars in messages and comments, which is pretty useful. Further to these updates, coders have also found files related to double blink detection in the Gaze folder. This could mean the use of double blinking as a selection mechanism in future Google Glass updates. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how that one pans out.

War Thunder Trailer for PS4

A new trailer for the World War 2 game War Thunder, has just been released. It features a slow motion view of action on the front lines. Tanks being blown up, artillery shells being fired and of course a view in the cockpit to top it all off. Gaijin Entertainment looks to have a winner with this game on the PS4, so check out the trailer below.

War Thunder started off as an MMO franchise on the PC and amassed a 1.5 million strong fan base. It now comes to the console for the first time and everything looks promising. The graphics are stunning and with the increased capabilities of the PS4, new and innovative gameplay mechanics have been promised by the execs at Gaijin Entertainment.

This installment of the War Thunder franchise, will feature gameplay not only in the air, but also on land and at sea. Additionally, support for the Playstation cloud has been announced as well as many social options. It seems like War Thunder is going all out with this title. Here's hoping it lives up to the hype.

PS4 New Commercial: A Perfect Day

Sony aired a brand new commercial for the Playstation 4 during Monday night football. Check it out in the video below courtesy IGN. Makes me excited about the new console, but then again, I've loved the Playstation since it's first incarnation way back when. Let me know what you guys think of it in the comments section below.

Google Glass Update XE 9 has arrived

The Google Glass update for September has arrived. Officially named XE9, Glass now comes with updated features including new Google Now cards. These include Nearby Photo Spot which alerts you to a popular photo spot. There are also Transit cards which identifies mass transit opportunities and Reminder cards.

In addition to the above, there is a feature called Sound Search. Basically, this program will listen to a clip of a music track of your choosing and then try to identify the name of the song as well as the artist. This sounds like a real time waster to me but no doubt will be quite enjoyable.

A new feature called vignettes has also been debuted. This allows you to post a screenshot of your Glass display above a photo. Google apps account support and news results in search are also noteworth additions.

All the Glass explorers out there will certainly be happy with the XE 9 update for September. It is clear that Google is putting serious effort behind their updates for Glass so it seems that, at least for now, Google Glass is on pace to make its retail debut in the future.

Motorola Moto X Scratch Test

Motorola's newest smartphone offering the Moto X has been out for a couple weeks now and many users are quite enamored with this phone. It boasts a 4.7 inch, 720*1280 pixel display and if bought through the Motomaker website, the level of customization offered is insane.

In addition to the above, the Moto X runs on Android 4.2 which is a bit of a drawback seeing that Android 4.3 is already out. Anyway, as with many new smartphones on the market today, there is always the question of the phone's ability to resist scratches. Of course, someone always steps up to the plate and answers this question once and for all.

So, let's get right down to it. Below is a video courtesy Phonebuff which shows a Moto X smartphone being put through the ringer with a knife as well as a hammer! Those of you that don't like to see expensive phones get beat up, really shouldn't watch this video. For everyone else, check it out below.

Google glass update XE8

The google glass developers have just rolled out another update for the glass. Owners of Google Glass can now use new voice commands as well enjoy new Google Now cards.

Two completely new voice commands have been added to the system. First, there's "Post an update" and there's also "Take a note". Developers have stated that the take a note command will work in conjunction with Evernote. As an Evernote fan myself, this sounds like good news.

New commands have also been added to allow users the option of handsfree navigation and the addition of hashtags also. In addition to this, a new video player has been added to the system that requires a tap to start and pause as well as a swipe motion to fastforward or rewind.

These updates that come out each month are in fact quite important and not just the usual minor bug fixes. This is good and also quite necessary if Google wants Glass to be user friendly and accepted into the main stream tech world sooner rather than later.

Ten must have Plex Channels

The media server solution called Plex has given consumers a wide variety of choices when it comes to entertainment. Along with streaming your DVD's and photos, Plex also gives us the option of viewing various channels. However, with all these channels available it can be frustrating sometimes to find something really good to watch. So, with this in mind, let's take a look at some of the best that Plex has to offer.

First up is CBS. Yes, this station can be seen per the usual setup, but if you're really serious about a cord cutter setup, then streaming this channel over Plex is quite useful. You could catch up with all your local and international news and programs. Other stations such as ABC and NBC also provide some of the same things so it's really up to you to decide if you want to watch one of these channels or all.

Next on the list is National Geographic. This is of course the quintessential science programming channel. Whether its animals,plants or science related, this station has it all. As with CBS above, you could also get this station through normal channels, but it is nice to set up the plex server to replace the traditional methods.

Let's move on to YouTube. The premier video streaming solution online certainly must be on  everyone's list. An interesting fact here is that the Roku, a set top box that Plex can connect to, does not natively support Youtube. Roku have stated however, that they are considering adding Youtube as part of their channel lineup so we might see this in the future.

Since we've just covered YouTube, let's move on to Devour. This dark sounding channel simply analyzes YouTube to discover the most popular videos on the site right now. Perfect for those who always like to be on top of things with respect to video.

Along with the best video content, you'll want to have great music also. This is where Pitchfork Tv comes in. Yes, another witch trial type name but it does a good job at providing quality music videos for your enjoyment.

Of course, no streaming solution would be complete without a sports channel. This is where ESPN comes into play. The premier sports provider can be streamed via Plex so you won't have any problems catching the big game.

Another channel I find engaging is Ted. It' s always great to tune in and  see society's top thinkers discuss the major issues at hand.

If you're a fan of Restaurant Impossible like I am, then you will definitely want to have this next channel in your lineup. The Food Network channel can also be streamed via Plex. Whether it's Giada,  Bobby or Elton you won't miss a thing with this channel.

For the redditor's among us, Reddit can be viewed through the Plex server also. One of the top technology websites around, Reddit encourages discussion of today's major news stories.

Finally we have Netflix. You can easily stream any movie from your own home by installing this channel to your Plex server. A must for the movie buffs among us.

Ok guys, that's it for this post. Even though I only listed ten stations here, there are thousands more to choose from so you will definitely never be lacking for options when it comes to Plex. If you have a favorite station please let us know in the comment section below.

*Image courtesy Sea Grape

Otter box Defender Case for IPad

Many people have the problem of their IPad being damaged by inadvetent spills, dust or other mishaps. The cost of then having to fix it can be high. This is where buying a strong protective case can help. One great case I've found is the Otterbox Defender case. Strong and sturdy it really does what it's supposed to, and that's protect your IPad.

The Otterbox case has really been built solidly. It is composed of three layers along with a built in screen protector and kickstand. The three layers consist of a solid inner layer, an interior foam layer and a polycarbonate outer layer. These layers in combination protect your IPad from dust as well as drops.

The screen protector works quite well especially since it is built in because there is no need to stick it on yourself. One disadvantage though, is that this case is quite heavy. This means that traveling with your IPad can become a little tougher with the extra weight and bulk.

Overall, the Otterbox Defender series of IPad cases do in fact serve the intended purpose. Whether it's a toddler trying to see if your IPad can bounce, or an accident of your own making, the Otterbox works. For more info on this product, you can check it out here. Also, feel free to list your experiences with the Otterbox or any other type of IPad case in the comment box below.

Battlefield 4 New Trailer : Frostbite 3 Looks Epic

EA's action shooter game, Battlefield 4 is scheduled to be released on October 29th 2013 in North America. A new trailer has been recently released showing some more footage of the action using the new Frostbite engine. There is one caveat for english speaking game enthusiasts though, the trailer is in French. Be that as it may, do we really need to know what is being said? All we  need to see is the jaw dropping action, which we in fact do. So, check it out below.

Battlefield 4 is a sequel to Battlefield 3 which was released in 2011. In the single player campaign, you control Sgt Daniel Recker and the year is 2020. There is also the multiplayer campaign available in which you can choose to play as the US, China or Russia. For more info and pre order information, check it out here.

Also, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to use the comment box below.

LG G2 Overview: Big Screen and Buttons on the Back

LG have officially announced their next flagship device, the LG G2. This was done at a launching event in New York earlier today. Some key points of interest were the use of a Snapdragon 800 processor and the design choice of placing the volume rocker and power button on the back face of the device. Also, it was revealed that the phone will be released in North America in Q3 2013 to the four major carriers with South Korea being the first to receive the new smartphone.

The LG G2 certainly matches up and in certain areas exceeds its competitors when we look at the base specs. Boasting a monster Quad Core Qualcomm 800 Snapdragon processor at a speed of 2.26 GHz this device is certainly no slouch. In fact, these specs alone will ensure that this phone will not have any trouble dealing with apps and other software out on the market now. In addition to this, it comes with a 5.2" full 1080p HD display at 423ppi. Not bad, not bad at all. The material used for the display is the scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This phone runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. 

G2 Video Courtesy Phonedog

The G2 comes with a 3000mAh battery, which LG have stated should last about 1.2 days without needing to charge. On this front the G2 definitely outperforms both the S4 and HTC One. The G2 also has 2GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of storage. One noticeable drawback though is that there is no place for  an external micro SD card to increase storage capacity. Another noteworthy point is that LG have placed some emphasis on GRAM in their smartphone design which I personally feel is a smart move as many of us do love to play games on our phones.

Without a doubt, the most interesting feature of this phone is the design. Placing the volume rocker and power button on the back of the phone is a bit of a daring move. LG have stated that this was done because of research that showed it was easier to reach for many people when dealing with large phones. While this may be true, reprogramming oneself to reach for the back of the phone instead of the side might take a while. Another aspect of this phone's design are the very narrow bezels.

In terms of new and innovative features the G2 has a few worth mentioning. Firstly, there's Answer Me which is supposed to automatically answer any call as long as the phone is raised to your ear. I must say, that does seem pretty interesting. Another feature has been termed Guest Mode. Basically, what this does is show certain apps on screen based on whether it's the phone's user or someone else that unlocks the phone.

The G2 comes with a 13MP rear facing camera and a 1.2MP front facing one. It packs a punch in this regard with optical image stabilization and eight times zoom. Added to this there is an LED flash and camera modes such as Beauty mode, Panorama and Burst mode.

Overall, I feel that LG have definitely made a positive statement of intent with the G2. In terms of the specs, it is definitely up there with the best of them and in terms of design they've gone ahead and tried something new. It is just a matter of time now to see whether LG can truly challenge the big boys in the lucrative smartphone market.

So, what do you think? Will you be buying an LG G2 when it comes out later this year?

* Image courtesy Javier Ferreiro

Garmin Nuvi Portable Vehicle GPS Review(3597LMTHD)

Garmin have released their 2013 range of vehicle navigation products a few months now. Included in this was the Garmin Nuvi 3597 LMTHD, which is their premium vehicle navigation offering. Since there are quite a few GPS navigation products on the market currently, let's take a closer look at this Garmin offering and see if it can stand out from the crowd.

Let's start off with the screen. It comes with a 5 inch capacitive screen with a resolution of 800*480 pixels. This translates into a crisp and clear output that strikes one as very impressive especially if you've owned previous Garmin models. There is one drawback here though and it comes in the form of reflections when viewing the screen. The unit itself is made of aluminium and this gives it a solid feel while still allowing it to be lightweight. The on/off switch is located on the back of the unit instead of at the top in previous models. In addition to this, the windshield mount is magnetic so all you have to do is place the unit near the mount and it just snaps into place. The unit also comes with 8GB of memory and an expandable SD card slot should you require more storage space.

The user interface has also been upgraded by Garmin which gives it a more modern look. The 3597 LMTHD comes with updated maps with future updates free for the life of the product. Many interesting places are preloaded into the device which makes it easier when searching for a well known spot. Of course, some consumers have reported issues such as incorrect or out of date directions, so the map system certainly isn't perfect.

The 3597 also uses a feature Garmin calls Garmin Real Directions. Basically, instead of the usual street names that you get from a navigation system, this unit can reference actual places of interest to guide you along the way. This is actually quite a nice feature and one which I think a lot of people will use. It is important to note that since the landscape around us is constantly changing, the unit might reference something that is no longer there.

This model also responds to your voice. All you have to do is simply say the words Voice Command, and the unit then waits for your instruction. This feature works pretty well but I think some more work needs to go into this system as it doesn't always respond. Along with voice activated response, the unit can give directions by using a generated voice. The voice itself does sound more natural than some others I have heard in the past and it is safer to listen to directions rather than having to read them out.

Let's move on to what Garmin have termed HD Digital Traffic. This is just a fancy name for the traffic estimator software that comes with the device. It receives updated traffic information twice per minute and guides you to find the quickest route to your required destination. This feature also has the voice capabilities detailed above which is a nice touch.

Overall, the Garmin 3597 LMTHD is a great device for those looking to buy a vehicle navigation system. The voice command and real direction systems stand out for me as great features. When you factor in the free lifetime map updates you get a great package. For more info on the Garmin 3597, click here.
Okay guys, that's it for this post. As usual, any questions or comments please feel free to use the comment box below.

Nokia Lumia 1020 Specs: Cameraphone Perfection

Nokia's premiere smartphone offering the Nokia Lumia 1020 is out on the market and has already received some positive reviews. It is especially targeted to those smartphone users who like to have  really good camera capabilities with their phone. In this regard, this Windows Phone 8 powered device boasts a 41MP camera. Yes, that's not a typo! Utilizing such a high end camera should result in fantastic pictures, so, let's take a deeper look at the phone's specs and see if it delivers.

The Lumia 1020 has a 4.5 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 332 ppi. It runs on a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 2GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage which unfortunately cannot be increased. While these specs aren't necessarily mind blowing, the phone runs quite fast and one of the unique features of this phone is its ability to have a viewable screen even in direct sunlight. This is something we have yet to see in many other smartphones and is definitely a major plus for this device.

In terms of the overall design the power, volume and shutter buttons are located along the right edge while on the bottom of the phone there is the speaker and a micro usb charging port. One major drawback I found with this phone however, is the camera lens on the back. The lens is quite large as one might expect and as a result of this the phone has a piece jutting out at the back. This can be a bit irksome when handling the phone and certainly trying to rest it flat on any surface is not possible.

This smartphone comes  with a 2300mAh non removable battery which is a bit disappointing. Even though you do get a full days use with this phone without having to recharge, making it non removable similar to the HTC One does hurt the power users among us. Nokia has estimated that you can get about 13 hours of talk time and approximately 16 days of standby usage out of this phone.

Okay, so let's get to it. The main reason for this phone is undoubtedly the camera. It comes with a staggering 41MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, a Xenon flash and 6x digital zoom. The zoom on this camera is fantastic. The quality of the picture stays true and clear even at a very high zoom. Furthermore, two pictures are actually taken at the same time when you press the capture button. One of the pictures is the full res version and the other is a 5MP version. The smaller resolution picture is the one that you can then send to family and friends immediately through the usual internet resources. The full resolution pic however, can only be accessed later by plugging the phone through the usb into a computer. In addition to its camera capabilities this smartphone also takes 1080p video recordings.

Let's now move on to the apps. The Windows app store itself has about 160,000 apps currently available and while that's quite a large number, it pales in comparison to Android and iOs. In terms of camera apps there's the Pro Camera app, Creative Studio and Smart Camera among others. Utilizing the Pro Camera app you can manually adjust settings such as ISO, flash as well as the exposure.

Overall it could be said that in terms of the camera capabilities, this phone has no peers in the current market. Certainly, Nokia has targeted the camera enthusiasts with this particular smartphone offering and I don't think they will be disappointed. However, the less than stellar apps and the inability to expand the storage do count as drawbacks. In terms of availability, it's only available with AT&T for $299 on a two year contract. Yes, it is a pretty big commitment but as I said earlier if the camera is your main focus then this phone is definitely  for you. 


* Images courtesy piercedavid

Pikmin 3: Fruit Foraging is Super Fun

The ever lovable Pikmin have returned in Pikmin 3, which will be released for the Wii U in North America on August 4th. The strategy game which casts you as a group of explorers having crash landed on an alien planet is back for its third installment. So, let's delve a little deeper shall we?

The basic storyline is that you command three explorers that have left their home planet in search of food. Unfortunately, the ship that they're travelling in crashes on an alien planet. The planet however, has an abundance of fruit which your team determines to harvest and carry back home. This is where the Pikmin come in to play. An agreement is struck between your team and the Pikmin where the Pikmin will help you gather fruit and spaceship parts, while you protect the Pikmin. In your role as protector, it is imperative that you gather all the Pikmin into the ship before nightfall. Failure to do so results in a frightening scene where predators devour your precious Pikmin.

 

Pikmin Trailer Courtesy Nintendo

The Pikmin themselves are of many different types. There are red Pikmin which are impervious to fire, white Pikmin which are very quick runners as well as many other types. Two new types to the franchise are rock Pikmin which can be thrown at your enemies and flying Pikmin that can reach otherwise inaccessible areas. It is up to you to decide which Pikmin to use at what juncture in the game in order to progress.

The different areas of the Pikmin world constitute the levels in the game. The main game itself lasts approximately ten hours which, to many gamers, will be dissapointingly short. There is however a mission mode which is ostensibly more difficult than the main game and definitely forces you to devise a proper strategy to complete. In addition to this, there is a multiplayer mode where you can go up against a friend. 

Overall this game is quite a well made one with beautiful scenery and awe inspiring monsters to challenge. The variety of Pikmin available also challenges one to develop the required strategy so as to defeat the varied enemies and complete in game puzzles. For those of you that have enjoyed previous versions of Pikmin, picking this game up is really a no brainer.

For info on pricing and more, check  it out here. Hope you guys enjoyed this post and don't forget to leave a comment below.

Evernote 5 Beta Overview

{Credit:Evernote}

Evernote has released the beta version of Evernote 5 for Windows desktop. The very popular notetaking software is currently allowing users to try it out before its full release later this year. One of the first things that is noticeable with Evernote 5 is that the user interface has been redesigned to give it a more modern appearance.

Additionally, there are quite a few new features one of which is named Card View. Basically, the notes have been redesigned to appear as cards with a picture and some text below it. It looks beautiful and it definitely seems very Pinterest like.

Another interesting upgrade is termed Atlas. This new feature catergorizes notes based upon the geographical location where they were first taken down. Again, the Evernote designers have chosen to use cards as the display mechanism. One thing that is disappointing though is that there still isn't any right to left button although this could change as Evernote 5 is still in beta mode.

Evernote 5 Promo

For those of you that wish to check out all the new features as well as download the beta version of Evernote 5, you can check it out here. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to use the comment box below.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Unboxing

Samsung have just released another tablet onto the market with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. It's got three different versions with a 7 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch screen. Yes, they  are releasing a lot of these devices basically flooding the market but if there is a demand then Samsung will surely continue to supply them. So, how does it stack up you ask? Well, let's take a deeper look into the 8 inch version of this tablet.

The Tab 3 runs on the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system and it has a 1.5 GHz dual core processor. It comes with 1GB of RAM and 16 GB of memory. This could be increased using a 64GB SD card. In addition to the above, there is a 1.3MP front facing camera and a 5MP rear camera.

Taking a look at these specs, one could say that it isn't exactly earth shattering and one would be right. I would say though that the performance of the Galaxy Tab could prove to be surprising so only after some time using it under various conditions would we get the full picture. For now though, let's just watch the unboxing vid courtesy of Technobuffalo. Hope you guys enjoy.

*Image courtesy jfingas

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Specs

Ever wanted more from the camera on your phone? Then the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom might be for you. It's basically a fusion between the Galaxy S4 Mini and the Samsung camera. Yes, I know, it sounds a bit strange but let's take a look at its specifications and functionalities to see if we can understand it better.

 

S4 Zoom Unboxing courtesy Phonedog

First off, it runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean  and boasts a 1.5 GHz Dual Core processor. It has a 4.3 inch qHD Super AMOLED display with a 2330mAh removable battery and 1.5 GB of RAM. In terms of its design it looks like the S4 mini when viewed from the front while it takes the look of a camera when viewed from behind. While the aforementioned specs aren't anything to write home about, this phone really is all about the camera, which we'll take a look at now.

The S4 Zoom has a 1.9 MP front facing camera for self portraits and video chat while it sports a 16MP rear facing camera with f /3.1-6.3, 24-240mm and 10x optical zoom. You won't find any other smartphone with that amount of zoom so the pictures you take will look quite a bit better than your usual smartphone in normal light conditions.

There are also a ton of scene modes to select on this device. Modes like HDR, Panorama, Fireworks, Drama and Landscape are available on this device. There is also a Smart Mode Suggest feature which takes a look at the scene you wish to capture and then suggests the appropriate mode. All these features are quite good and do add a lot to this phone.

Since this phone is an Android device, there are many apps that you can download to edit and share your photos. This gives it an added dimesion when compared to your normal point and shoot camera and is a definite advantage.

The Zoom sports a larger CMOS sensor than normal smartphones but when compared to DSLR cameras it really comes in as just about average. I guess this is to be expected since this is also a phone and not a dedicated camera. The downside to this phone's philosophy is that it gets caught between two worlds's, is it a smartphone or is it a camera. In the end, it just averages in both departments so only those of us that are really interested in the S4 line of devices would probably pick this one up.

Do you like the S4 Zoom? Give your feedback on it in the comment section below. 


*Image courtesy Samsung Belgium

Cool Tricks to Extend Battery Life on the S4

For those of us that have the awesome Samsung Galaxy S4, a major question is how to extend its battery life. The S4 comes with a removable 2600mAh battery which does work very well in most cases. However, for the power users among us, more capacity may be required. Let's take a look at the options we have below.

Firstly, there are some general guidelines to use when trying to extend your battery life. The S4 comes with an option to go into power saving mode. Obviously, this could be the first thing you do and for some it's all that is required. In this mode the screen brightness is reduced and the colours will change among other things. Considering that the Super AMOLED screen is the major battery life hog on this phone, using power saving mode will definitely improve your battery's performance.

In addition to power saving mode, disabling some of the flashier features on this phone can go a long way in improving battery performance. Some of these extras are things like Air Gesture, GPS and Sync. In order to do this, swipe down from the top and tap the upper right hand corner. All the features will come up on the screen and you can then disable the ones you want to.

There is also the option of purchasing an extended battery. These are batteries made by various manufacturers for the S4 specifically. These batteries are usually larger than the original and often you may have to use the case provided by the company for the battery to fit properly. This should not be a surprise as extended batteries offer increased capacity and consequently will be larger in size.

A good example of an extended battery is ZeroLemon's offering for the Galaxy S4. It comes in at a whopping 7500mAh which is approximately three times the original value. So far this is rated as the largest extended battery on the market and users have noted that even with heavy usage the S4  is still funtional for days on end. These extended batteries tend to come with full warranties and are usually available for many different carriers both locally and internationally.

Okay guys, that's about it for this post. I know that there are many more tips to extend the S4's battery life, so please feel free to include them in the comments section below.

 *Image courtesy Janitors

 

Ouya Console Specs

The $99 dollar Ouya console has hit stores  for some days now. It got its initial funding from Kickstarter of approximately $8.6 million. The Ouya console was billed as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive consoles such as the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. Before we check out the unboxing vid, let's examine some of the Ouya's specs.

The Ouya console runs on Android OS and has a NVidia Tegra 3 quad core processor as its powerhouse. It has 1 GB of  RAM with 8GB of storage which you can increase using a USB. While that's not bad, it's also not that great either. Julie Uhrman, CEO of Ouya, has stated that there will be hardware updates on an annual basis to ensure that the console is kept up to date.

The design of the console is indeed very attractive. Designed by Yves Behar, the Ouya is a surprisingly small box with beautiful curved edges and  its overall size is comparable to the Roku. It has  a USB port, ethernet, power cable port and a port for the HDMI cable which ships with the console. The controller has two analog sticks, a directional pad, a touchpad in the center,shoulder buttons and trigger controls at the back. Some consumers have complained about the touchpad being too sensitive to use for navigation while there are no uses for it in gameplay as there aren't any games using the feature yet. This may change in the future though as developers come to terms with what they can accomplish on the Ouya.

Speaking of game developers, one of the main features of the Ouya is the fact that it runs on Android which is an open platform. It can therefore be heavily modded if you know what you're doing and this is also great for independent game developers. Ouya has made it possible for anyone to publish a game which in my view is great and will encourage creativity in the kind of games being published. There is one restriction in game development in that users must have the opportunity to download and play a free demo version of any game before they decide to make the full purchase.

There are currently about 200 games in the Ouya store and while many of them are currently not up to scratch, there are a few nice titles. First off we have the more well known titles such as Final Fantasy, Sonic the Hedgehog and You Don't Know Jack. Added to these are games like Beast Boxing Turbo and Chrono Blade. Yes, pretty slim pickings as of now but I do expect this to pick up in the future.

Overall the Ouya console is okay but it falls short in a few categories most notable of which are the games being currently offered.  Since it is a new platform, I expect this to pick up soon so the Ouya does indeed have great potential. It is certainly priced right and for the hackers and indie game fans among us, it is a great buy. For the general consumer though, it needs more time to develop. As promised earlier, check out the unboxing vid courtesy of IGN below and feel free to leave your questions and comments.

*Images Courtesy Urustar

Ys: Memories of Celceta Trailer

At the recently concluded E3, game publishers Xseed games, released a trailer for their upcoming title Ys: Memories of Celceta. This game will be released later this fall on the Playstation Vita. It is something of a remake of Ys: IV which was originally released nearly two decades ago.

The Ys series is a vey popular Japanese action RPG series, which is based around the main character Adol. In this particular version, Adol has lost his memory and he has to explore the Celceta forests to regain it. Most of the gameplay is centered in these forests with some citites that have to be explored as well.

The gameplay consists of using a party of three players in real time combat. Everyone has special skills which can be used to defeat the monsters they face along their journey. Timing in this game is crucial as a properly timed dodge or special attack can get you greater experience points or monster drops. Adol himself wields a sword while the other two characters possess magic and hand to hand combat skills.

The game is visually stunning and the colours really do pop on the Vita screen when playing. In addition to this, everything runs smoothly without any hiccups which is great considering the beautiful animations and scenery present.There is also a beautiful soundtrack to this game which really does draw you into the storyline as soon as you hear it.

Overall I would say that Ys: Memories of Celceta is quite an exciting prospect for those of us that own the Vita and are fans of the action RPG genre. Smooth gameplay, beautiful visuals and a nice soundtrack certainly auger well for its American release. For now though, check out the trailer below courtesy of IGN and if you want further info on this title, check it out here.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Specs

Samsung's flagship smartphone for 2013 is the Galaxy S4. Recently released in the United States, this phone has garnered a great deal of attention both from Samsung's core base as well as the wider tech community. I've already reviewed the HTC One, so let's now take a look at the S4's credentials.

First off it boasts a 1.6 GHz quad core processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. This can increased however to 64GB with the use of a micro SD card. Due to the RAM and the processor, this phone flips through apps and whatever other screens you are viewing with ease. There really isn't any lag to speak of with this smartphone. It runs on the Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 operating system.

On to the display. The S4 has a 5 inch HD Super AMOLED 1920*1080 display. This works out to a pixel density of 441ppi. Needless to say, these specs make the screen display look absolutely stunning. Colours are bright and true, with everything reproduced sharply on screen.

The S4 comes with a 2MP front facing camera and a massive 13MP rear camera. Obviously, the rear camera takes fantastic pictures. Added to this is the HD video recording and playback capabilities and you have a winning combination. This phone also has the added functionality of allowing you to take pictures with both the front and rear facing cameras on at the same time. One point though, in low light conditions I would say that the HTC One takes better pictures. Maybe there really is something to their Ultrapixel language after all.

Let's move on to what is one of the most important aspects of any new phone, the battery. The S4 comes with a 2600mAh removable battery. The fact that it is removable is already a great deal better than the HTC One's battery configuration in which they made it near impossible to remove. In terms of battery life, the S4 does very well and even after a full day of installing apps, watching videos and surfing the internet consumers have reported that there was still some power left.

In terms of the S4's construction, there is some room for improvement. Plastic was used in the construction of this phone and unfortunately when you hold the phone it feels a little flimsy. Compare that to the aluminum construction of the HTC One and you can realize the big difference it makes. It is however very light and thin, which allows someone even with medium sized hands to comfortably hold the phone. Not bad for a screen size of 5 inches.

One of the really nice features of this phone is the IR blaster. What this basically does is that it allows your S4 to be transformed into a universal remote in conjunction with Samsung's WatchON app. It works really well and is extremely convenient. Those of us who are constantly struggling with many remotes can breathe a sigh of relief with this feature.

The S4 is also packed full of great features. Firstly, there is Samsung's Air View which allows you to hover your finger over emails, images and other files to see a preview without actually opening the file itself. Also, there is Samsung's Smart Scroll which first recognizes the postion of your face and allows you to scroll up and down by just moving your eyes. There are quite a few more features in addition to these two so you're certainly not going to get bored with this phone.

Overall this phone is fantastic. If you are looking to get a smartphone for the first time or going for an upgrade, the S4 is a good choice. It's currently being offered on all the major carriers as well as being sold factory unlocked. For more on this phone, check it out here.



*Images courtesy Janitors

Tekken Tag 2: Devil Jin

Today I've got a great tutorial concerning one of the top tier characters in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Devil Jin. (You can check out the video courtesy of LevelUpYourGame at the end of this post.) Devil Jin is the evil transformation of Jin Kazama who was of course infected with the Devil gene in an earlier version of Tekken.

As a result of this, Devil Jin is obsessed with power and this really shows in Devil Jin's exceptional combo ability. At first these combos may be a little difficult to pull off, but with practice and patience you get the hang of it. After that, the sky is the limit really with Devil Jin, especially due to the fact that his combos have great wall carry along with massive damage output.

In terms of his ranking versus the other Mishima characters, he definitely has the best overall game. Along with combo potential, his poking and punishment is quite good. He has the mighty electric wind god fist and his laser is great in certain situations. Also, unlike Kazuya, he does not have to transform to use the laser moves.

He also possesses wonderful low moves that are both hard to punish and have great crushing properties. His db+2 is the best example of this. Compare this to Heihachi, who does not possess low moves with these properties and Devil Jin's superiority in this regard becomes apparent.

In conclusion I would say that if you're looking for a complete player to use in Tekken Tag 2, then Devil Jin is the character to use. Yes, you would have to practice for a while upfront, but it is well worth it in the end. So, as promised, check out the tutorial below and sound off in the comments section below with regards to your best Tekken Tag 2 character.

*Image Courtesy FXMislang

Forza 5 Gameplay Video

At the recently concluded E3, we got a  look at the gameplay for the Xbox One launch title, Forza 5. The makers of this game, Turn 10 studios, have set out to create an awesome and engaging racing title and so far it looks very impressive.
One of the first things you notice is the paint detail on the cars. This is in fact an upgrade from previous versions in that the paint is made up of a base coat, metal flake and a clear coat. Any imperfections on the car's surface are also noticeable as well as changes from the paint to the carbon fiber components. Details such as the rims and tires are also very clearly shown. Another striking aspect is that when you've chosen the cockpit view while racing, the details on the dashboard and windscreen are quite life like. You can see the reflection of the dashboard on the windscreen and as you race past different areas this reflection also changes.
Possibly the most eye popping component of the game might be the views along the racing tracks. Details such as trees and crowds are beautifully represented along with the panoramic views of the surrounding city. The tracks themselves have details such as tire marks, oil stains and marbles.
In terms of the cars Forza 5 has a great variety. Not only do they have cars like the McLaren MP-1 or the Pagani Huayra, but also a lot of lower level cars that are favorites of many car enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to this, open wheel racing is also set to make its debut on the franchise which has excited quite a few of the Forza fans.
One of the most innovative aspects of Forza 5 is the use of the cloud to create what is known as your Drivatar. The game monitors your driving habits and then creates an online persona which drives just as you would without any involvement on your part. This allows you to earn money which can then be used to purchase more cars. This is really next gen stuff.
In conclusion, I would say that this game truly is setting the bar high for next gen racing games. The graphics and the use of  cloud processing really stand out to me as I review this game. As the clock winds down to November 30, more aspects of Forza Motorsport 5 are expected to be released. For now though, enjoy the gameplay video below courtesy of MotoGamesTV.

*Image Courtesy tarciltarcil

Roku Private Channels

So, you've bought your new Roku and have already searched through all the free and paid options as regards to channels. You now find yourself realizing that there are channels that you wanted but there are no options to purchase them. What do you do? Do you just give up on these channels? No, there is a way you can access these private channels on the Roku thereby significantly enhancing your overall set top box experience.
Firstly, what are private channels? Private channels are basically channels that Roku have not reviewed and approved so as to be listed in the Roku channel store. Roku currently offers about 700 channels, so even without the private channels you will not be struggling for content. However, if you do see a channel you like, then to install it on the Roku you would first need the channel code. You can get a huge list of channel codes by clicking here. Once you have the code, simply navigate to the Roku website and login. Then, click manage account and  add a private channel and you will have the option to enter the code you acquired previously. That channel's app will then be downloaded to your Roku and you will now be able to view its content.
It should be noted that many of the private channels are run by independent developers, so your viewing experience may not be as crisp as some of the officially approved Roku channels. Additionally, these channels do sometimes get terminated by the developers. Therefore, it is up to you to choose wisely in this regard.
In conclusion I would like to say that the Roku really is a great device for those wishing to end their dependence on network television. The flexibility it offers is unmatched in my opinion and as it is constantly adding new channels to the channel store, its ratings are definitely only going to increase.

Next Google Pagerank Update

Many people are wondering when the next Google pagerank update will be. While we can't say for sure the exact date, we can say that it usually occurs within a timeframe of 3 months apart. Therefore, since the first pagerank update of 2013 was on February 4th, the second update should have been in May. Unfortunately for those of us who were eagerly anticipating this, it still has not yet arrived.
As of today, June 19th, it is now expected that the pagerank will be updated by July 15th. I'm certainly keeping my fingers crossed that this date will prove to be true. Now, it must be noted that pagerank in and of itself is not a determining factor for Serp positioning or for any traffic to your website at all. Many bloggers tend to get carried away with achieving a high pagerank only to be very disappointed when the expected flood of traffic does not arrive. In fact, I've seen PR2/3 websites outrank PR6/7 websites for competing keyword terms!
Hence, for great Serp positioning it is far more important to have great content and backlinks from authority sites in your niche. Social media backlinks are also proving to be worth your while, as it not only shows Google that your website has social signals but you can get a great deal of traffic from these sites as well.
So, in summation, it would be nice to have the pagerank update by mid July, but if this does not occur one should not be too disturbed. As a blogger in the post Panda and Penguin period, content is really and truly king.

HTC One Tips and Tricks

 

Hey guys, today I've got a great video for you showing many awesome tips and tricks for the htc one. If you're one of the lucky ones that have gotten this amazing smartphone, then you know that there is great scope for customization with this phone.  We'll be going through things like blinkfeed customization, widget tips as well as a full walkthrough of the app drawer. Check out the video below courtesy of Motodroidlife and don't forget to check out our rewards section. All you have to do is connect using  your facebook account and the opportunity to access various prizes is unlocked. Ok guys, see you later. 

 

 

E3 First Day Full Wrap Up

The first day of E3 is over and quite a few big announcements were made. First off, let's get straight to the point, the Playstation 4. Sony made their big announcement of the PS4, which is supposed to be released later this year, and with it took shots at Microsoft's Xbox One. The PS4 design looks a bit similar to the PS2 and in all honesty isn't anything overly special. What the Sony execs did do however was to reveal that there will be no restrictions on selling and renting of games, as well as to say that unlike the Xbox One, a daily internet connection will not be necessary. On top of that the PS4 will come in at a retail price of $399, severely undercutting Microsoft's price of $499. This news will be very much welcomed by many gamers and it seems that Sony have definitely won this round of the console battle. Microsoft's strict policies as regarding games may need to be reviewed and reshaped as we go further into round two.
In the games department Sony revealed that games such as The Order: 1886, DriveClub and Killzone: Shadowfall will be launch titles for the PS4. It seems that some of the bigger game titles will be released 2014.

Microsoft's conference was filled with more details of the games it plans to offer consumers by first showing a trailer for Metal Gear Solid V. Also revealed was Ryse: Sons of Rome and an interesting game called Project Spark which allows gamers to basically construct their own world to explore. The zombie game Dead Rising 3 was also revealed. Furthermore, it was stated that the Xbox One will be released in November later this year.
Third party game publishers Ubisoft and EA also held conferences on the first day of E3 revealing their new line up of games. Some notable titles for EA included Fifa 14,Star Wars: Battlefront and Mirror Edge 2 while Ubisoft wowed the crowd with Watchdog, Assassin's Creed IV and Tom Clancy's The Division. All good stuff and will no doubt be good sellers when they hit the shelves.
In conclusion it would be safe to assume that Sony stole all the headlines on the first day of E3 2013. They certainly went after the hardcore gamers and seemingly got them on their side. As E3 continues it would be fascinating to see how things continue to play out. That's it for now and I hope you guys enjoyed the review. Don't forget to check out and participate in our rewards program for great prizes. Until next time.

*Photos courtesy NewGameNetwork

High Quality PS3 HDMI Cable

If you're looking for the best video and audio output for your PS3, then you need an HDMI cable. The difference between standard definition and high def is quite remarkable, not only for your games but also for blu ray. The question then becomes, what is the best cable to buy? There are many different cables available for sale from the very cheap to the very expensive. What's the difference? Well, for starters, it should be noted that all hdmi cables produce the same output. 1080p on a $5 cable looks the same as 1080p on a $60 cable. So from that perspective obviously you would just go for the cheaper alternative, an example of which is found with Intec ps3 hdmi cable.
That being said, all hdmi cables are not the same. The issue of durability comes in to focus when paying for a more expensive hdmi cable. More expensive brands just last longer, period. Many gamers have experienced flickering issues with their lower priced hdmi cables and while one cannot guarantee that you will never have this issue with higher priced ones, certainly the probability of this occurring is much reduced. Add to this the lower levels of quality control with cheaper cables and you can understand why some go for the higher priced option. In the end, it is up to the consumer to decide. A quality brand for slightly higher priced hdmi cables is Monster. Check out their offering here.
Finally, if you are having problems installing your new hdmi cable, then check out the entertaining video below courtesy of Howcast, which shows how to connect your ps3 to the hdmi cable.

Okay guys, that's about it for this post. Hope you enjoyed it and don't forget about our rewards program. We've partnered with Punchtab to bring you great rewards for participating on this blog, so don't miss out!