When Will Apple Launch The New iPhone? Sooner Than You Think!
April 3rd, 2013 by ChristenWhen Will Apple Launch The New iPhone
The Wall Street Journal says Apple is set for a possible summer launch of the next iPhone, rather than a fall launch like the last two models. Question is, how many models will be revealed?
Rumors have been buzzing about a cheaper iPhone model that could win Apple some market share in developing countries (or in the words of The Wall Street Journal – for unnamed people “familiar with the device’s production”.) I would assume that a cheaper model would not only do well in developing countries, but also for younger consumers who A. Don’t have the disposable income for a $600 smartphone or B. Whose parents aren’t thrilled about forking over $600 for a kid’s smartphone.
When Will Apple Launch The New iPhone
Hopefully in addition to a cheaper version, Apple will shock the masses by skipping the minimalist upgrade iPhone 5s by launching a redesigned and feature-packed iPhone 6. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is out, it should be easy for Apple to create a killer product – they’ll just have to include an improved version of every feature that the S4 has.
When Will Apple Launch The New iPhone
Look out for an announcement of the latest Apple advancements by June. If Apple was to launch a new iPhone 6 – what features would you like to see inside?
When Will Apple Launch The New iPhone
When Will Apple Launch The New iPhone
Are Gadgets Keeping You Up? 4 Tips to Improve Your Sleep Quality
March 14th, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffAre you guilty of it? Nestling with your phone as you get cozy in bed? You’ve probably been found with your eyes closed, phone still in hand as if you were scrolling down your Twitter timeline, until you drifted off into dreamland. Although we are all guilty of it at one point or another, the question that comes up once you’ve entered dreamland is whether or not your sleep is meeting your needs? Sleeping with our smartphones, tablets, and laptops is not healthy. All of this can be detrimental to our sleep patterns. Here are some important stats from multiple studies, and compiled by Online Psychology Degree.
Who doesn’t want to be well rested every morning? A good night’s rest is great because it allows us to feel like we can conquer the day and are less likely to have to drag ourselves out of the bed. Getting sleep of bad quality doesn’t just affect our desire to go about our day, but also creeps into other aspects of our life. When not well rested, folks are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, at work desks, and later in life are more likely to have a heart attack. Take these tips and decrease your risks.
1. Try sleeping with your phone, tablet, or other device on your dresser or nightstand instead of in bed with you. It will be less likely for sleepers to be woken up by texts and emails if their phone is further away from their beds.
2. Unplug from all devices an hour before sleeping. This allows people to live a bit without their devices attached to them.
3. Pick an unwind routine that works for you. If you live with people, use this time to have undistracted conversations. Or, you know that book you’ve been saying you’d read? Use this time to turn some pages in it. Maybe you could even prepare your lunch for the next day, or do some yoga.
4. Avoid caffeine within three hours of intended bedtime. That way, you won’t be wired and needing to get work done on any of your many devices.
Health.com reported on how celebrities find the time and get their rest. Check it out here!
Do you think your phone, tablet, or computer has an effect on your sleep? Have any tips to add to the list?
Five Artists On The Rise To Add To Your Digital Playlist
March 1st, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffThere’s nothing better than something new and new music is always “music to my ears”. (A phrase coined to describe news that is pleasing.) Music, too, should be pleasing to the ears in the same way that good news is when someone uses that phrase. If you feel the radio waves are not delivering the best right now, like we do, here are some up-and-coming artists whose music will definitely bring fresh sounds of pleasure to your ears. Here are five artists on the rise to add to your digital playlist, now!
1. B.J. the Chicago Kid
B.J. the Chicago Kid has been in the music industry for a while but has always been in the background as a back-up and songwriter. Finally the South Side Chicago-bred guy is now at the forefront. Signed to Motown shortly after being featured on some Kendrick Lamar records and releasing his debut album Pineapple Now-Laters, B.J. the Chicago Kid seems to have a promising future. Download Pineapple Now-Laters and other tunes from B.J. the Chicago Kid on iTunes orAmazon.
2. Marian Mereba
Marian Mereba is an Ethiopian-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has been honing her artistry in Atlanta, GA. She’s gained a diverse fan-base from her fresh sound and intimate presentation. With production assistance from Berklee College of Music graduate John Key and Wondaland Arts Society‘s young prodigy Roman GianArthur, Marian has created a one-of-a-kind sound with the Room for Living EP. This is the first release from the independent artist, and was recorded entirely in her living room! These are the type of albums that will resonate with music lovers across the world. Download it on her Bandcamp!
3. Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ is young and talented. Born in 1995 and raised in Brooklyn, New York the rapper has been described as “nice.” He is an independent artist and producer who is also a member of the hip hop collection Pro.Era. With the release of his mix-tape 1999, released in June of 2012, Joey Bada$$ received a lot of recognition and offers from record labels. He is still independent but with all he has his hands in we can expect to see much happen in 2013. Download 1999 on DatPiff.
4. Ab-Soul
Top Dawg Entertainment signee Ab-Soul is just that; Soulful in the way he delivers lines. From Carson, California he is ¼ of the Black Hippy movement. You’ve probably heard Ab-Soul, who calls Kendrick Lamar one of his inspirations, on Kendrick’s Section.80. Download Long Term and Long Term 2 on DatPiff. Download Control System on iTunes.
5. Jhené Aiko
This Los Angeles based artist has been seen opening for Nas and Solange for some time now. She considers herself a writer, a singer, and a student of life. Aiko was signed by a record label at the age of 12, but is coming into her own and garnering support in her early twenties. Her Facebook page reads, “sailing soul(s) is my first of many offerings to any and everyone who will listen and pay attention.” Download her offering on her official website.
Have you been playing any of these artist in your ear buds? Who are some new artists you have been listening to lately?
Prepaid Carriers Could Start Selling iPhones Extremely Cheap
March 1st, 2013 by ChristenCould your favorite prepaid wireless companies start selling iPhones extremely cheap soon? If you’ve always wanted to own an iPhone or buy one for your kid – but didn’t want expensive calling plans or contracts, you may be in luck to get your hands on the lowest priced iPhone yet.
Due to weak sales, many prepaid wireless companies could be forced to lower the price of the iPhone just to get rid of overwhelming inventory.
Cricket Wireless started offering the iPhone last June, making it the first prepaid carrier in the U.S. to do so. Unlike the other major U.S. carriers, Cricket sold the iPhone at a higher upfront fee — starting at $399 for an 8 GB iPhone 4 — but then let customers sign up for a much cheaper prepaid data and calling plan that cost $55 a month. Other prepaid carriers followed suit, including Virgin Mobile USA, which undercut Cricket by offering prepaid plans as cheap as $30 a month. At the time, the thinking was that making the iPhone available on these prepaid carriers would help Apple to appeal to a new demographic of customers who either can’t afford more expensive carrier plans, or simply feel uncomfortable committing to a contract.
Prepaid wireless companies are planning to ramp up its marketing efforts as well as providing additional financing options for consumers and perhaps even lowering the upfront price of the iPhone. With all the mobile options and prepaid plans out there today, how much would you pay for an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s?
iPhones Are Becoming Cheaper And Will Soon Be Arriving At WalMart Stores Nationwide
January 9th, 2013 by ChristenIt’s been reported from several sources that Apple has decided to manufacture a more cost-effective version of the next iPhone device. (I guess if you can’t beat em with quality, at least kill em with price…*shrugs*) According to WSJ.com Apple is developing a cheaper version of its iPhone and could launch the new device as early as this year.
The tech giant has been exploring a lower-end iPhone for years but plans have accelerated as Apple’s supremacy in smartphones has slipped, sources told the Wall Street Journal. The less expensive phone is likely to resemble the standard iPhone, but with a different, cheaper body. Making the shell out of polycarbonate plastic rather than the aluminum casing of the iPhone 5 would allow Apple to lower the cost.
In the works: The less expensive iPhone has been in the works since at least 2009, with Apple seeing it as a way to grab market share and introduce people to the brand.
Not only does Apple have plans of developing cheaper phones but they’ll be available via WalMart’s pre-paid phone plans on Friday! No, seriously! According to various sources online, Straight Talk Wireless has announced that customers have been able to enjoy the iPhone experience on Walmart’s Straight Talk ”BYOD” phone plans for quite some time now, but the prepaid provider will begin directly selling the iPhone 5 – as well as the iPhone 4 – on January 11th. The iPhone 5 will be offered in 16GB and will be sold for $649, while the iPhone 4 will come with 8GB storage and go for $449. If you don’t want to pay the entire cost up front, you can take advantage of Walmart’s monthly installment-financing plans for $25.
This can only lead to two ending results later this year and depending on your preferences both options will be bad. 1. Apple will lose its grip on the lifestyle marketing chokehold it once had on technology and mobile consumers. (Remember a time when Baby Phat, Guess & FUBU were hot commodities sold only at fine department stores? Now you can only find them at discount stores with “manager’s special” tags on them.) Because Apple products are becoming the norm and available to everyone, it will lose its position as a coveted product that everyone wants, WHY? Because everyone will already have it (or have access to it!) So once the mass appeal weakens, what’s next? Say goodbye to celebrity endorsements in commercials.
Remember those entertaining Apple commercials starring Siri with Samuel Jackson and Zoey Dechanel? They’re most likely to be replaced w/ the likes of Sweet Brown or worse, one of those computer happy weirdos from MTVs Catfish.
Now that Apple has made their move, I wonder what Samsung and Windows has in store next? What’s the next go-to lifestyle smartphone that true techies will turn to? Can you guess which device will become the next great lifestyle phone? Share your thoughts and opinions below…
Finally! Apple Confirms Products Coming To T-Mobile In 2013
December 6th, 2012 by Christen
If you’re one of the few T-Mobile customers holding their breath for an iDevice…you can finally breath a sigh of relief.
Apple has confirmed news that T-Mobile will be carrying the company’s products in 2013.
The news came as part of a press release by T-Mobile parent company Deutsche Telekom this morning. Apple representative, Natalie Harrison confirmed it earlier today.
In the coming year, T-Mobile USA will continue to reinforce its market presence with additions to its rate plan and product portfolio, including Apple products. “Following on from the preceding steps such as the spectrum swap with Verizon, the towers deal with Crown Castle and the transaction with MetroPCS that we have announced, we have now added the final piece to the jigsaw to boost the competitiveness of T-Mobile USA sustainably,” said René Obermann.
T-Mobile representative Michelle Taylerson reiterated that the company would bring Apple products to the carrier in 2013. “Additional details will be made available at a later date,” she said.
There was no mention of which Apple products T-Mobile would carry, but you’ll probably see the iPad and quite possibly the iPhone 6 make it’s debut next year…(don’t act like you’re not expecting it…LOL)
What do you think? Are you a T-Mobile user waiting on Apple to make the switch?
In Love With Tech? What’s Your Gadget Attraction?
December 4th, 2012 by Tech StaffYou may or may not not be the “techy type”, however you probably have several girlfriends who are. Had it not been for my own gadget girlfriends, I wouldn’t have the slightest interest in the latest and greatest technology. I decided to go on a search of my own, just to see what could possibly peak my interest for my or my gadget girlfriends’ Christmas lists. Here are a few things that I found worth sharing.
How much FUN is this toaster?! While getting your morning coffee/tea ready, you no longer have to wonder if your bread is on the proper setting or browning to your likening. From almost any angle in your kitchen, you will be able to see your toast’s transformation. No more burned toast and breakfast just became even more exciting!
You really don’t have to be into gadgets much to enjoy this timepiece. Perfect for your bedside, and the perfect size for stocking stuffing!
If you still have the iPhone 4/4s, don’t fret, many of us still do! This cell phone case is a must-have accessory that will leave you feeling like you just upgraded phones. The case resembles a small journal and provides excellent protection from elements and the occasions that your phone slides from your hand (Even if you never lose a grip on your iPhone, like myself, this case is swanky!)
Here’s the perfect mouse for those of us on the go more than we are home, known as the Arc Mouse. After realizing how much this would simplify life on the go, I had to share this with you! The entire mouse takes the shape of your leg, preventing it from sliding to the floor and makes for a no-hassle, easily-mobile work space.
You don’t have to be a “gadget guru” to enjoy these latest technologies. They are perfect for a self-upgrade, or for stocking stuffers for the crew. Whatever your gadget attraction, there is truly something for everyone!
Tell us some of the latest gadgets that you found and/or favor below… and stay tuned for more gadget updates from the team!
will.i.am iPhone Cases and Accessories For The Rich
November 29th, 2012 by Tech Staff
What is this exactly? It’s a new iPhone accessory that will be coming next year courtesy of will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
The camera case above adds a new sensor, lens, and flash to the iPhone’s camera, increasing the phone’s sensor from 8 MP to 14 MP. The brand, called foto.sosho, will feature two styles – contemporary (black) and vintage (white with gold trim) – and will initially only be available for the iPhone 4 and 4S. iPhone 5 cases are in the works, and are slated to arrive sometime next year. In addition to improving the camera, the foto.sosho iPhone docks also set the iPhone up with a slide-out keyboard, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Those who buy in will also get an i.am account, which is will.i.am’s version of Instagram, providing photo editing options and a social network. How, exactly, i.am differs from Instagram in any other way but name remains to be seen.
The iPhone 4/4S cases scheduled to go on sale on December 6 with a steep asking price – the C.4 will sell for £199, or about $319, while the V.4, incredibly, will have a £100 premium attached, putting its price at £299 ($479) despite apparently having the same hardware.
Black Friday Alert: If You’re Looking For Apple’s Black Friday Deals, Look No Further…
November 19th, 2012 by Tech Staff
What’s under Apple’s tree this season? Could it be the gift of savings? Apple hasn’t announced any deals for Black Friday (yet), but in this season of giving, we can only assume that Apple plans to offer huge savings for Black Friday. If 2011 is any indication as to 2012 savings, we’re in for a treat and it’s safe to write our list for what we want. Last year Apple offered respectable discounted items for the one-day shopping event including iPad savings and savings on the iPod Nano, iPod Touch, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac devices.
We’re checking our list twice and on our list this season, we’re asking the big red man (ahem, Apple) for:
iPad specials: In 2011, the iPad 2 was only a few months old when Black Friday rolled around, and customers enjoyed about a $50 savings. We expect the same level of savings for iPad 3 and older model iPads this year. If you haven’t bought an iPad yet because of the hefty price tag, we suggest waiting until Apple officially announces its specials. Because they will…at least we hope. Apple reduced prices on Mac last year so we predict savings on Mac products as well.
Discounts on Accessories: We expect Apple to reduce prices on accessories. Some stores offer free Apple accessories with your purchase of an iPad so be on the lookout for these savings. There’s nothing better than getting something free especially when it’s from Apple.
Shorter Lines and Less in-store Crowds: Wildly popular is Black Friday so expect to see a lot of consumers. We hope that Apple is well stocked and equipped to handle the influx of customers. How about express lines and customer service oriented sales people to direct the traffic? We don’t want our turkey & stuffing to get cold.
Participating Stores: While Apple is the go-to spot for all things Apple, other retailers like Best Buy will have possible savings on Apple products. Best Buy has its own surge of customers on Black Friday, but it’s a healthy alternative to buying your iPad directly from an Apple store. You can even buy your Apple product online and skip the long lines and overcrowding. However, in store sales seem to be the most lucrative and cost-effective.
You may be wondering about iPhones. Last year there were no iPhone savings, but you never know. These are just our predictions. Apple may have some surprises up its sleeves.
Tell us about your Black Friday experience. Do you plan on going this year? What tech pieces are you looking to get your hands on?
From Smizing To Sexting…There A New App For That!
November 17th, 2012 by ChristenOn average, there are about 300 new apps, created and released every day! There are apps to help you plan your day, meals and even step up your dating & relationship skills. If supermodel/mogul Tyra Banks is known for one thing, it’s inventing “the smize,” or the act of smiling with your eyes. Now a pop culture staple, smizing is no longer an elite skill limited to America’s top models — Tyra has decided to share her smizing powers with us all with the “Smize Yourself!” app.
The “Smize Yourself!” app allows users to apply facial morphing technology to enhance the smizes in their own photos. Users receive training via Banks’ voice-over narration. After taking a photo within the app’s face outline, one swipe will adjust the emotion in the picture’s eyes from subtle to exaggerated. Earlier this week, Tyra stopped by the Wendy Williams show to talk Top Model, Love and “smizing” and based on some of the photos we’ve seen, a good smize could go a long way.
From smizing to sexting, the Vibease has taken sexting to a truly technical level with the Vibease app. Remember that time you really wanted to “get it on,” but your partner was thousands of miles away? A startup called Vibease recently started taking pre-orders for a new long-distance vibrator operated by bluetooth technology. The full bundle includes the free Vibease app as well as what the company calls a “massager,” for about $70.
By connecting the vibrator through bluetooth, women’s partners are able to control the type of massage received through a series of functions on their smartphone. The app also allows couples to chat, send pics or sext through a secure messaging service that requires a security pin for access.
Talk about apps meant for long distance relationships and just in case your mate is on a long business trip, the “smize” app and Vibease app can take you from first base to home plate with literally the press of a button. What will they think of next?
