An important update to Google Maps app for Mobiles ...
Not sure I liked this update at first but I have got used to it now! I recently tried a "turn by turn directions" comparison between my Tom Tom and Google Maps. I found that the Tom Tom was still much better as it gave clearer instructions, more warning and all street names. I found that Google Maps treated a roundabout as a left, then a right turn - it did not tell you which exit to take!
Google Revamps Android Maps App, Drops Latitude | News & Opinion | PCMag.com:
An increasingly common task ...
Identical functionality to this Wi-Fi File Transfer app is also included in my favourite Android file manager called File Expert. Nevertheless this is a great "how-to" article using this standalone Android app.
Transfer files between your Android tablet and PC using Wi-Fi - TechRepublic:
Interesting thoughts regarding Android and Chrome ...
A blend of Android OS and Chrome OS sometime in the future - who knows?
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie: Chromed-Out Jelly Beans Anyone? | sidhtech:
Microsoft is in a difficult position with Windows RT ...
The Haswell chips from Intel could really "put the cat amongst the pigeons"! Microsoft went down the ARM route to get tablet styled battery life. They may not have needed to do this at all!
What's next for Windows RT? - TechRepublic:
Computer Talks on Community Radio Alive 90.5 FM ...
Since January 2013, I have been a regular guest on the local Community radio station, Alive 90.5 FM. These sessions have been during Tony Jenkins' Morning Magazine each Thursday morning. Currently there are 27 podcasts on varying topics at the link below. The podcasts range from 15 to 30 minutes.
Check it out! Comments welcome!
http://alive905.com.au/listen/listen-again/computer-talk/
Beware fake emails - as always, be suspicious ...
Phishing attempts using fake emails are nothing new but they still manage to catch lots of people entering personal data into a website they got to by clicking on a link in a fake email.
Fake emails on the rise, warns Telstra - spam, email security, Telstra - Computerworld:
4G Status of the four Australian Mobile carriers ...
Probably only of interest to keen mobile users but, nevertheless, a very good article. Personally I am enjoying the additional capacity on Telstra's 3G network as more and more users migrate to 4G!
UPDATED: 4G in Australia: The state of the nation - 4g, Australia, coverage, optus, mobile, Telstra, Vodafone Hutchison Australia - Computerworld:
Don't get taken for a ride with this piece of malware ...
Examples of "ransomware" surface from time to time in various guises but this one is using ACMA and AFP logos to convince you that it is genuine.
ACMA issues ransomware warning - online security, scam, AFP (Australian federal police), ransomware, ACMA - Computerworld:
LG's current offering in 55" Smart TVs ...
After our CNet videos on Smart TVs this is a good example of what is on offer from LG.
http://techguide.com.au/reviews/televisions/1913-lg-55la7400-smart-tv-review
Pure Android software on top HTC phone hardware ...
This Google Play Edition (GPE) HTC phone is not running the HTC Sense software but is loaded with pure "unadulterated" Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It appears that both HTC and Samsung will have GPE versions for Android purists who want non of the clutter that normally comes with manufacturer's own flavour of the Android software. This allows these phones to get the very latest Android software updates as soon as they are publicly available from Google.
HTC One Google Play Edition Review - Watch CNET's Video Review:
Another five alternatives to Google Reader ...
Whilst this article is now a few weeks old it is still useful for those looking for an alternative to the now defunct Google Reader.
Five more apps to replace Google Reader | TechRepublic:
Last on the series of 5 videos on Smart TVs ...
This has been an excellent series of videos on Smart TVs. Watch the earlier 4 videos from my blog on 14th July.
Smart TV 101: downloads and upgrades - TVs:
Google Now moves onto Android tablets ...
This is a great smartphone service that will now be available on Android tablets.
Take advantage of Google Now on your Android tablet | TechRepublic:
My favourite Lenovo resumes top position in PC sales ...
Second quarter PC shipments drop 11.4% compared to previous year but Lenovo regains the No.1 position globally.
PC shipments drop 11.4 per cent in Q2 as Lenovo surpasses HP - Dell, IDC, hardware systems, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard - Computerworld:
Google Reader finally closes down ...
As announced by Google earlier this year, the Google Reader service was shut down on 1st July. Millions of users had to find alternatives to this great service. I, like many others, have migrated to Feedly who has done an excellent job of picking up where Google Reader left off! Most of the articles I have published on this blog have come to me via Google Reader and now will come via Feedly.
Google closes book on Reader service, including RSS feeds | Information, Gadgets, Mobile Phones News & Reviews | News.com.au:
Google+ stores unlimited 'standard sized' photos for free ...
Standard size means that the longest dimension of the image must be less than 2,048 pixels. This means that the image is about 3 megapixels depending on the ratio of the sides. This is a great 'how-to' tutorial for setting up your Android or iOS phone.
Quick Tip: Back up your photos to Google+ | TechRepublic:
A show phone and now a glove phone ...
Get Smart made a big deal about his show phone, I bet he would have loved this glove phone!
Meet the Glove Phone, the opposite of hands-free - Mobile Phone Accessories:
Now a pill to remember your password ...
It doesn't actually say how you get the password into the username and password login screen?
Forgotten your password? Take a pill - World News | TVNZ:
Chromebooks are looking more and more attractive ...
This Samsung Chromebook for $349 is certainly going to attract attention! It has limited storage (16GB) but eveything else looks very good. The Acer Chromebook has a 320GB hard drive and Ethernet for $299! Just think, I could by 4 Acers for the price of one MS Surface Pro!
Samsung Chromebook review:
How to use the Google Authenticator app ...
A good tutorial in the use of the Google Authenticator app.
Use Google Authenticator to securely login to non-Google sites | TechRepublic:
An interesting review of the Microsoft Surface Pro ...
Well worth a read if you are thinking of buying one! The conclusion is a good summary. I really cannot get over the high price. I would much rather have standard Core i7 15" laptop at about 2/3 the cost!
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 128GB:
Outlook 2013 removes some functions ...
Of interest to those MS Office Outlook enthusiasts!
10 things that are missing from Outlook 2013 | TechRepublic:
Understanding Smart TVs in this great series ...
This is a must if you are thinking about buying a new Smart TV. There are five videos in the series - at the time of writing, 4 were included at the link below. Hopefully the 5th will be added in due course!
Smart TV 101 - TVs:
Don't think we needed Research to work this one out ...
Undoubtedly true, parents and grandparents should resist accepting their progeny's cast-offs and go out and buy the latest and greatest!
Parents getting hand-me-up gadgets from their kids:
These are really impressive numbers from Samsung ...
Whilst not official Samsung numbers, it is still impressive for Samsung to manufacture 20 million Galaxy S4 handsets in two months! These 4G handsets have go out 1.7 times fater than the previous S3 model!
Samsung Galaxy S4 hits 20 million milestone: report - android phones, samsung, mobile phones, smartphones, Android, Samsung Galaxy S4 - Good Gear Guide by PC World Australia:
Windows 8.1 - when do we get it? ...
Definitely the last word (for the time being!) on the likely timing of the Windows 8.1 release. Looks like it will be publicly available as a free Windows 8 update in or around October 2013.
Microsoft slates Windows 8.1 RTM for late August - Computerworld:
Commercial perspective of Windows 8.1 ...
Maybe the last word on this subject for the time being! Note the graphic shows new Start button leading to various options including Shut down!
Windows 8.1: Why the return of the Start button won’t kickstart enterprise rollouts | TechRepublic:
Another perspective of what Windows 8.1 brings ...
Apologies for this series of articles on Windows 8.1 but it really is big news at the moment and it is interesting to get different commentator's views and hence the likely market reaction!
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Preview - Operating Systems:
Microsoft "spin" of Windows 8.1 Preview (beta) ....
I like Microsoft's, Steve Ballmer quote "Windows 8.1 is a refined blend of our desktop experience and our Modern user experience" compared to Gregg Keizer 's summary, quote "refined blend" of what many critics had called a jarring disconnect between its two radically different user interfaces" unquote!
Microsoft restarts Windows push with 'refined blend' Windows 8.1 beta - Computerworld:
Windows 8.1 changes now detailed ...
Detailed article about the changes coming in Windows 8.1. The writer, Woody Leonhard doesn't appear to be overly impressed!
Windows 8.1 Blue preview: It beats Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows, Windows 8, Microsoft, Windows, software, operating systems - PC World Business:
Not sure I liked this update at first but I have got used to it now! I recently tried a "turn by turn directions" comparison between my Tom Tom and Google Maps. I found that the Tom Tom was still much better as it gave clearer instructions, more warning and all street names. I found that Google Maps treated a roundabout as a left, then a right turn - it did not tell you which exit to take!
The Haswell chips from Intel could really "put the cat amongst the pigeons"! Microsoft went down the ARM route to get tablet styled battery life. They may not have needed to do this at all!
Phishing attempts using fake emails are nothing new but they still manage to catch lots of people entering personal data into a website they got to by clicking on a link in a fake email.
Examples of "ransomware" surface from time to time in various guises but this one is using ACMA and AFP logos to convince you that it is genuine.
After our CNet videos on Smart TVs this is a good example of what is on offer from LG.
Whilst this article is now a few weeks old it is still useful for those looking for an alternative to the now defunct Google Reader.
This is a great smartphone service that will now be available on Android tablets.
As announced by Google earlier this year, the Google Reader service was shut down on 1st July. Millions of users had to find alternatives to this great service. I, like many others, have migrated to Feedly who has done an excellent job of picking up where Google Reader left off! Most of the articles I have published on this blog have come to me via Google Reader and now will come via Feedly.
Standard size means that the longest dimension of the image must be less than 2,048 pixels. This means that the image is about 3 megapixels depending on the ratio of the sides. This is a great 'how-to' tutorial for setting up your Android or iOS phone.
Get Smart made a big deal about his show phone, I bet he would have loved this glove phone!
It doesn't actually say how you get the password into the username and password login screen?
Well worth a read if you are thinking of buying one! The conclusion is a good summary. I really cannot get over the high price. I would much rather have standard Core i7 15" laptop at about 2/3 the cost! 
Of interest to those MS Office Outlook enthusiasts!
Undoubtedly true, parents and grandparents should resist accepting their progeny's cast-offs and go out and buy the latest and greatest!
Whilst not official Samsung numbers, it is still impressive for Samsung to manufacture 20 million Galaxy S4 handsets in two months! These 4G handsets have go out 1.7 times fater than the previous S3 model!
Maybe the last word on this subject for the time being! Note the graphic shows new Start button leading to various options including Shut down!
Detailed article about the changes coming in Windows 8.1. The writer, Woody Leonhard doesn't appear to be overly impressed!