Tech Weekly April 3 - 9, 2013

WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

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Dynamic Sportback Audi A7

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Exclusive Interview

Waleed Heloo, FVC, GCC and Pakistan

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38

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IT Extravaganza Last week, in the light of Comex we observed great response in both the retail and business section. Although we have seen the number of stalls drop at Comex, a few stole the show with great product launches and impressive bargains. We expected more retail chains at the expo, considering Comex is the biggest IT and telecom show in Oman, but it was obvious the biggest stall at the expo stole the show.

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2013 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible if factual errors in product and pricing occur. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. Please check any quoted hardware specifications and pricing with your supplier before purchase.

This week, we pin down the highlights of Comex and feature an exclusive interview with Dr. Waleed Heloo of FVC. HP unveils the business-oriented ElitePad that sports interesting smart jackets and accessories. We recommend three extremely functional gadgets and the Adidas Sennheiser ear buds are our favourite. Since the iPhone 5 didn’t seem to impress us, our mobile zone evaluates the rumours related to the next generation iPhone that has a lot to live up to. We list out the ten most

popular apps this week and showcase an immaculate, vintage-designed timepiece.

We see the gorgeous Ryan Gosling in a bad-boy avatar along-side Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes in critically acclaimed, The Place Beyond the Pines.

Canon does not fail to impress us with a camera made for every photographer, be it a professional or a rookie and this time around, they unveil the world’s smallest DSLR. In our gaming section we review BioShock Infinite, a game with information and an ideology you can’t unlearn, and finally a limited edition joy pad designed to memorialise the gaming world’s favourite adventuress, Lara Croft.

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NEWS WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

Facebook’s own Android Facebook sent out invites for an upcoming event focused all on Android, and the rumours have been swirling. According to the New York Times, Facebook will be announcing their own version or flavour of Android next week, one that will obviously completely cover up stock Android in favour of Facebook.

Sources are reporting that Facebook will have their own skin, or basically their own version of Android much like Amazon’s Fire UI that will resemble and be all about Facebook. HTC is said to be on board as the first to partner with their new UI. On first boot you’ll be instantly greeted with your news feed, full of details from your friends and family. Then all of the core apps will feature Facebook instead of regular Android.

OUYA begins shipping with 100 games

Blackberry posts profits The Z10 handset is seen as crucial to the future of Blackberry, which has struggled to keep up with new Apple and Android phones. It has been on sale for a month in the UK, Canada and other markets. It went on sale with little fanfare a week ago in the USA, Blackberry’s most important market.

Lets face it; the Blackberry Z10 has had a poor show in Oman since it’s launch.

However, BlackBerry has posted a net profit of USD98 million for the quarter ending March 2013, this is an USD89 million increase over last quarter where the company made a profit of just USD9 million.

The company’s return to profit has been put down to a year of cuts along with strong initial sales for the BlackBerry Z10 which has shipped around one million

handsets in this first quarter alone. BlackBerry also shipped five million non-BlackBerry 10 smartphones and just under 400,000 BlackBerry PlayBook tablets, the latter of which is rumoured to be getting an update to BlackBerry 10 sometime this year.

CEO Thorsten Heins has also confirmed that now BlackBerry 10 has been successfully launched BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis has decided to retire as Vice Chair and Director of the Company. Widely regarded as the inventor of the BlackBerry Lazaridis has confirmed that he is stepping down to move onto a new venture.

Amazon aiming at the Kindle smartphone launch Amazon’s rumoured Kindle smartphone will be launched in the next couple of months with a 4.7inch screen. According to Digitimes, an industry supply chain source said that Amazon’s first smartphone would use a 4.7-inch screen, after plans to launch with a smaller 4.3-inch display were abandoned.

According to the source, this happened after the company saw an

increase in consumer demand for larger screen s.

Digitimes did suggest that Amazon might struggle to ensure the smartphone launches within the second quarter, as the company is currently aiming to do. According to the paper, the main issue is problems at its manufacturing partner Foxconn.

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Starting without any delays, the OUYA team shared the news on their company blog and begun with a thank you. They are thanking the backers for backing them and making the gaming console a success.The OUYA team managed to drive enough buzz and enough hype to convince developers that it will be worth their time to bring games to the console.

According to details coming from OUYA, they were able to launch the console with 100-plus games. Regardless of the specific amount, some of the game titles new OUYA users can look forward to playing include one called Save the Puppies as well as Final Fantasy III, Beast Boxing Turbo, Stalagflight and Knightmare Tower.

Time will tell which, and how many additional games will follow. OUYA has also said they signed up over eight thousand developers. The eight thousand developer count makes it seem like additional games are a given, however looking at this from the other side brings us to wonder why eight thousand developers and only 104 games.

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LG: Patent infringed by Samsung While these two Korean’s flareup is in its infancy, it could also go a bit out of proportion. LG has claimed the Samsung infringed technology meant for the LG Optimus G Pro called ‘Smart Video’ and put it on Samsung’s S4 calling it ‘Smart Pause’. LG says they were the first to develop this

idea and says it applied for a patent to protect the feature back in 2009. Samsung meanwhile filed for a patent for ‘Eye Pause’ in February 2013. There’s no real evidence to prove LG’s claims nor to defend Samsung, but our check of their respective Newrooms yielded no results – seems they definitely don’t want to announce this just yet.

This isn’t the first time LG and Samsung have released similar products. Samsung has previously slammed LG with a patent lawsuit regarding its LCD displays, and at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung unveiled curved OLED TV just hours before LG touted what it called the world’s first curved OLED TV. It now seems there might be few punches in the South Korean technology ring to look forward to. We will keep you posted next week as we find out more.

5

Biggest cyber-attack in history

Now, about Apple’s new patent

The Internet around the world has been slowed down in what security experts are describing as the biggest cyber-attack of its kind in history.

A row between a spam-fighting group and hosting firm has sparked retaliation attacks affecting the wider Internet. It is having an impact on popular services like Netflix and experts worry it could escalate to affect banking and email systems.

The patent is described as: “To allow a user to control media

Five national cyber-police-forces are investigating the attacks.

Spamhaus, a group based in both London and Geneva, is a non-profit organisation that aims to help email providers filter out spam and other unwanted content.

Duncan Kerr and Nick King were credited for the invention of using the touch-screen surface for functions during the lock-mode. That is, it could still be used as an input source for certain functions that do not require visual input. And example is a circular clockwise motion for increasing the volume or other double-tap features on an iPod.

playback using a touch sensing device without requiring the selection of displayed options, the electronic device can include a mode or configuration for which the touch sensing device can sense touch events, but not display any content on a display. For example, an electronic device with a touch screen can have a mode in which no content is displayed on the touch screen (e.g., the touch screen remains dark), but the touch screen is operative to detect touch events of the user.”

Last week at COMEX Lenovo Yoga launched at Emax stall

We wrap up the highlights of Oman’s biggest technology expo

Emax drew huge crowds at COMEX this year. What created a bigger buzz was the launch of the new Lenovo Yoga Range of Laptops.

Introduced for the first time within the region, the Lenovo Range of Laptops. Ujjawal Tankha, operations head of Emax said, “The Lenovo Yoga 13 and its smaller screen size counterpart, Yoga 11 enthralled visitors at COMEX with their exclusive features. We are extremely excited to be launching the world’s first 360-degree revolutionary Ultrabook in the Sultanate of Oman.”

Great discounts at Nawras This time around, Nawras invited visitors to discover how life got faster with the latest technology at the company’s eye-catching stands in the centre of the exhibition. Visitors could take advantage of great discounts on a number of smartphones.

COMEX visitors received a discount of RO20 with the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II, Nokia Lumia 920 and the latest BlackBerry Z10 handsets with a Nawras Ajel Nojoomi plan. The versatile post-paid options give customers more call time minutes, SMS and data in packages tailored for different usage styles. Fahmy Al Ruwahy, Nawras Product Manager said, “We are ready to showcase the latest developments that include faster 3G and even faster 4G mobile broadband. This year it is all about speed and enabling Nawras customers to get more for less with smartphone deals including value packed data plans.”

TECH reviewed the Lenovo Yoga 11 in our first weekly issue and we are glad it made its touchdown sooner than expected. The starting price of the Lenovo Yoga 11 is RO319, while the Lenovo Yoga 13 starts at RO425.

Demonstration of innovative technology Solutions at Microsoft Microsoft Oman, Participating as the lead sponsor, got visitors closer to the latest innovations across the Windows platform and the Cloud computing portfolio. COMEX gave Microsoft a platform to demonstrate innovative technology solutions and scenarios, and highlighted the increasingly important role that technology plays in shaping people’s lives.

“We are pleased to be present at COMEX for the 4th consecutive year; this yearly participation comes as part of our commitment to the Sultanate and our local partners, to continually bring the latest in technology that help improve people’s lives and empower businesses in order to support the economic reform mandated in the Vision 2020,” said Tareq Hijazi, Regional Country Manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain last week.

Also on the stand were some of Microsoft

Partners in Oman, such as Exceed IT Services and Training, Advanced Control Systems & Communication (ACSC), International Information Technology Co. and Nokia.

6

INTERVIEW WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

Unified communication Primarily focussed on unified communications, information security and advanced networking FVC and Omantel take a leap forward. Dr. Waleed Heloo speaks to TECH

F

VC is one of the leading value added distributors across the Middle East and North Africa. Their business strategy is built around key drivers for their partners; these include demand creation or evangelisation of emerging technologies with end users, and enablement for education, training and technical competence to support these end users. Amidst the bustling technology expo, COMEX 2013, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Waleed Heloo, general manager of GCC & Pakistan with a great sense of humour. His experience has been built bottom up, growing the potential of both emerging and mature markets across the Middle East and Africa region.

Before joining FVC in 2010, Waleed worked

with Microsoft. Starting his career there as a Services & Partners Manager, he moved up to be its Regional Business Unit Director owing his consistent and outstanding performance. In his time with Microsoft, Waleed oversaw key business units and helped in the rapid growth of its Middle East & African operations. He led the partner ecosystem, which involved building new alliances with hundreds of solutions providers, resellers, distributors, channel, ISVs and oversaw the business unit P&L, while setting up vertical specific solutions.

Waleed earned his PhD from UCLA-Anderson Management University with major in Business Management and Organizational Strategy.

He also holds a MBA from UCLA-Anderson

We focus on three clear areas of enterprise computing: unified communications, information security and advanced networking

Management with major in Business and Enterprise Management, as well as Masters degree in Computer & Communications engineering and Bachelor in Computers Sciences from the Lebanese American University and is a Certified PMI Instructor.

On the March 26, Omantel, the integrated telecom service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, signed a memorandum of understanding with FVC, to set up and launch Managed Video as a Service in the Sultanate. The new service that is to be launched soon will allow businesses in Oman to access tele-presence and video-conferencing services in a ‘pay-as-you-go’ model.

To that, Waleed said, “This is a great opportunity for us to partner with a visionary like Omantel. This new service will definitely widen the adoption of video conferencing as an invaluable communications tool for businesses in the Sultanate.”

This would provide Omantel’s customers with a unified service that includes bandwidth, bridging services, and device management. The VNOC service is powered by expertise from FVC in successfully delivering video conferencing and VNOC services.

“FVC has established itself in Oman in the past 12 years. We have numerous partners we deal with, and keep building on our main channel ecosystem. We provide solutions for customers with specific needs. We focus on three clear areas of enterprise computing: unified communications, information security and advanced networking. We enable our partners, support them end-to-end and we fill the voids until they are self-sufficient. What differentiates us from the rest is that we provide direct support to customers as well,” says Waleed.

Uniquely in the region, FVC’s combination of full support for their channel partners and marketleading solutions from emerging technologies provide both partners and their customers with the full confidence to invest in integrated nextgeneration IT and networking solutions. With new technologies and solutions driving the pace of change of businesses in the region, FVC has built a successful business by drawing on the best of global solutions.

COVER STORY TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

Business tablet This tablet is a great tool for the business-oriented and the Smart Jacket ecosystem is perfect for computing solutions

E

rgonomically shaped to fit in the hand, the HP ElitePad offers a 10.1inch display, weighs just 680g and is 9.2mm thin. The 16:10 aspect ratio maximises the display area for ideal viewing of traditional business applications, as well as video content. Precision crafted, with an eye toward fit and finish, the HP ElitePad uses stylish, premium materials such as CNC-machined aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass 2.

Powered by next-generation Intel mobile processors, the HP ElitePad delivers PC productivity for those on the go and Intel x86 compatibility for existing business application support. It is optimised for Windows 8 and supports touch, pen or voice-based input. The HP ElitePad also provides power efficiency and smartphone-style convenience with compatibility for traditional Windows applications, as well as easy integration into existing IT environments.

The HP ElitePad tablet’s 1080p front-facing video camera and 8MP rear camera with an LED flash, and CyberLink YouCam software help users easily communicate face to face, create high-definition web videos or record training videos without high production costs. The HP PageLift is an application that automatically trims, and correctly lights and orients a captured image of a whiteboard, paper contract or other document so it is ready to use or share without requiring manual editing.

Users can easily print directly from their HP ElitePad to any ePrint-capable HP printer or to a networked HP printer without the need for downloading drivers. HP ePrint software allows users to print remotely at more than 24,000 public locations such as hotels and business service retailers. The HP ElitePad also helps small workgroups connect with HP Wireless Hotspot, a desktop application that allows users to share a wireless Internet connection and network bandwidth.

Information management is made easy with Evernote, which captures, saves and synchronises information across devices with impressively quick search capability, and Skitch software that eases collaboration with colleagues by quickly marking up images with captions or sketches.

Operating system Windows 8 Pro Performance Dual core Intel Atom, 1.8GHz

HP Smart Jackets and additional accessories • Productivity Jacket: Includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles.

• Rugged Jacket: Added protection HP ElitePad Docking Station with an added keyboard and monitor that also charges the tablet.

• Expansion Jacket: USB, HDMI, longer battery life when bundled with the HP ElitePad Jacket battery.

• Tablet Pen: Write messages and notes screen, then save or convert to typed text for use in other applications.

Dimensions 178x261x9.2mm Weight 680g Display 10.1-inch, 1280x800 resolution Cameras 8MP rear and 1080p HD front facing Storage Up to 64GB Price TBA

7

SELECTION

This section showcases our selection of electronics in the market today. Let us know if you have any favourites on tech@deenarmedia.com

Smartphones RO270

RO250

RO241

RO210

RO156

U

Blackberry Z10

Samsung Note II

Blackberry 10 OS, Dual Core 1.5GHz, 2G/3G/4G, 8MP primary and 2MP secondary camera, 16GB storage, available in black and white

Android OS v4.1, Quad Core 1.6GHz, 16GB storage, up-to 32GB, 3G, WiFi, A-GPS, 2MP camera

Nokia Lumia 920

Microsoft OS Windows 8, Dualcore 1.5 GHz Krait, 8MP, dual LED flash, 32GB storage, 3G, WiFi, A-GPS, NFC

Samsung S III

Android OS v4.0.4, Quad Core 1.4GHz, 8MP camera, 16GB storage, 3G, WiFi

Samsung Galaxy GRAND Android OS v4.1, Dual Core 1GHz, Dual SIM, 8MP camera, 8GB storage up-to 32GB, 1GB RAM, 3G, WiFi, A-GPS

Tablets RO220 RO285

RO250

Microsoft Windows Surface

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (N8000)

10.6-inch screen, Quad Core, 1.3GHz, 2GB RAM, 32GB HDD, Nvidia Tegra 3, WiFi, Bluetooth, 8MP camera

10.1-inch 1280x800 screen.

Android 4.0.4, Samsung Exynos 4 Quad Core 1.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 5MP camera, Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, A-GPS

Apple iPad Mini 7.9-inch 1024x768 screen, iOS 6, 1GHz Dual-Core processor, 16GB, WiFi, Bluetooth, HD camera, 4G, 3G

RO270

Apple iPad 4th Generation 9.7-inch, Retina display, LEDbacklit, multi-touch display.

2048x1536 screen, iOS 6, 1.6GHz Dual Core processor, 16GB, WiFi, Bluetooth, HD camera, 4G, 3G

RO140

Toshiba Excite AT200 7.6-inch screen, Android, 1G (LPDDR2), 1066MHz, Nvidia Tegra T305L, WiFi, Bluetooth, 32GB. 2MP front and 5MP back camera

Computers

RO1,150

RO470

U

RO275

RO375

Apple Macbook Pro MD-976

HP Spectre XT 13 2100

Samsung XE500T1C-A01

Dell Inspiron 5520 0378

15.4-inch Retina Display, Intel Core i7-Prom, 2.6GHz, 8GB RAM. 512GB, 1.3MP webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD drive, 1GB graphics, Mac OS

13.2-inch display, Intel Core i53317U 1.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 128GB HDD, WiFi, Windows 8

11.6-inch LED HD, Intel Atom Z2760, shared graphics, 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 8

15.6-inch HD WLED, Intel Core i73612qm 3.1GHz, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB HDD, 1GB VRAM, webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 8

RO349 Toshiba LX 830-B132 23-inch HD LED screen, Intel Core i3-3110M, 2.4GHz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 1.3MP webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 7 Home Basic

Compact cameras

U

RO60

RO230

Casio JE 10

Sony Alpha NEX-F3

16.1MP, 5x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, HD movie, Make-up mode

16.1MP, 5.5FPS, 18-55mm lens, 3-inch LCD touch screen. Full HD movie

RO200

RO120

Samsung Galaxy camera GC100

Canon PowerShot SX240

16MP, 21x optical zoom, 4.8-inch LCD touch screen. Full HD movie, Android, WiFi

12.1MP, 20x optical zoom, 3-inch HD movie, Full HD movie, image stabilizer

U

RO199

Sony TX200 18.2MP, 5x digital zoom, 3.3-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, CMOS sensor

N New

Disclaimer: Prices quoted in this tabloid may be subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for the current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.

Price as of March 29, 2012 except where mentioned

U Updated

Pro cameras

RO822

RO530*

RO500

RO400

U

RO240

Canon 7D

Fujifilm XE-1

Canon 650D

Panasonic Lumix G5

Nikon D3200

18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors.

19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors in center at f/2.8 and f/5.6 and AF area selection modes

16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor, ISO 200-6400, 2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder, new kit zoom: 18-55mm F2.8-4R, 2.8inch 460k-dot LCD, Built-in popup flash, full HD movie recording

18MP APS-C ‘Hybrid CMOS’ sensor, Phase detection AF, continuous autofocus, 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor, ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded, 5 fps continuous shooting, 9 point AF system, 1080p30 video

16MP, 6FPS, 3-inch LCD touch screen, 14-42 + 45-150mm lens; 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD Video Recording; ISO 160-12800; Shutter: 1/16000; Burst: SH : 20.0 frames/sec, H: 6.0 frames/ sec(with AFS)

24.2MP, 4FPS/11 AF point, 3-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 18-33mm lens; ISO 100 to 6400; Shutter: 1/4000 to 30s; TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor; Hi-Speed USB

* Photocentre

Televisions

RO400

RO300

RO400

RO800

RO1,400

LG 42LM6690

Samsung UA40ES5600

Sony KDL 40HX750

Sony KLV 60EX640

Samsung UA55ES8000

42-inch LED Plus, Smart Energy Saving Plus, built-in WiFi, USB port movie playback (DIVX HD)

40-inch full HD Smart TV, smart contain, full web browser, 3xHDMI, 2xUSB video and movie playback, 1000Hz motion flow

40-inch 3D dynamic Edge LED TV, 2MP, full HD, 400Hz, built-in WiFi, full web browser, 2xUSB movie playback, 4xHDMI, X Reality with Blu-ray 3D player

60-inch dynamic LED TV, 2MP, full HD, 200Hz, WiFi ready, 2xUSB movie playback, 4xHDMI, X reality

55-inch 3D LED Smart TV, 2MP, Full HD, Smart interaction (face, voice, motion), Smart evolution and content, micro dimming ultimate, built-in camera, 800Hz, Dual Core processor

TECH RECOMMENDS Sixth Generation Apple iPod Nano The iPod Nano dazzles in terms of its responsive and crisp resolution. You will be upgraded to the newest Apple ear buds, and fundamentally, the sound quality of this Nano is hard to complain about. Apple rates the Nano’s battery life at 24 hours of continuous audio playback. We expect that estimate will ring true, provided that the screen is switched off. Like any touchscreen device, the more you fiddle with it, the faster you can expect the battery to drain. Nevertheless, it is the perfect player for fitness freaks.

The touch screen doesn’t require too much attention and ensures that you focus on your workout.

RO35

RO63 With an ergonomic fit these lightweight premium ear buds deliver clear and natural sound.

Designed in conjunction with Adidas these headphones are durable and reliable. They boast Sennheiser quality sound and can keep up with your workout. It has a moisture protection system which means you can exercise in the most challenging conditions. You can rinse them under running water too. It is made with special material that absorbs shock and minimises wear and tear.

The Dell XPS 14 is a worthy MacBook Pro rival with its beautifully minimalist yet incredibly solid aluminium chassis and stylish lines. The soft-touch keyboard surround and gripped rubber base elevate it a step above. The range of available specs is equally impressive for the price and battery life is top of its game, though at just over 2kg you’d expect no less. If you aren’t interested in buying a touch a touch screen Windows laptop, the Dell XPS 14 with a 14-inch display makes a good choice.

RO580

Its noise isolation and comfort is achieved with a choice of ear-bud sizes so you can hear just musical detail and not the surrounding noise. You can also adjust volume, skip tracks, answer phone calls and activate Siri with the smart remote for iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Seen at Emax, Muscat City Centre

Adidas Sennheiser OCX685i

Dell XPS 14

MOBILEZONE

10

WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

iPhone 6 check We round up the seemingly logical rumours on the iPhone 6

T

he Apple iPhone 6 is probably the most anticipated upcoming gadget in the market. If for any reason it isn’t, it’s larger siblings, the iPad 5 or iPad Mini 2 most definitely are.

The tech world is constantly looking for the next big thing; rumours and speculations precede the launch of any big product. Apple however has the policy of releasing zero information prior to a launch. That makes sense, as it starves a rumour camp fire of oxygen and the mystery makes everyone uncomfortable.

Speculations started as soon as the iPhone 5 was launched and let’s face it, the iPhone 5 wasn’t half the phone we anticipated it to be.

Many saw the increased 4-inch screen size on the iPhone 5 as a move on Apple’s part to keep up with the screen sizes of the larger Android-powered

phones. However, the premium screen size right now is 5 inches and we might see Apple making a move in that direction.

Some reports suggest that Apple may launch phones with different

P A

P

1

Real Racing 3 Real Racing 3 packs in 46 licensed vehicles, more than 900 events, nine real-world tracks and, for the first time, is free-toplay, with cars and tracks Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android

2

5

Artfinder Find a masterpiece to hang up in the home by searching for prints and originals depending on how much you are willing to spend Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android

3

sized screens, which would come in a range of colours and would be another departure from what we’ve seen before. The prediction comes courtesy of analyst Brian White at Topeka Capital. Another analyst told Mac Rumours that Apple could be looking to implement a 4.8-inch

We line up the top 10 apps we couldn’t get enough of

Vector The slick endless runner takes you up to the rooftops testing your parkour-style skills to evade ‘Big Brother’ from returning you to a life where you do as you’re told Price: Free Platform: Android

8

Enter your in or out-goings using the built-in calculator.

Generates reports for days, weeks and months so you can see where it all went wrong Price: Free Platform: Android

Evernote Food Never forget a great meal. Note it down, adding pictures, captions and Foursquarepowered location data, then share with fellow foodies Price: Free Platform: Android

6

Comics Creator Upload doodles and build your own comic strip with help from a huge library of backgrounds, characters and dialogue bubbles. Just Dandy.

Price: Free Platform: BlackBerry

7

Metal Slug X Metal Slug 2 gets ported and revamped with a new Mission mode to replay missions and multiplayer over Bluetooth Price: Free Platform: Android, iOS

Simple Money

4

Retina+ IGZO screen made by Sharp, which will make the iPhone display thinner, brighter, much clearer and boast better than HD resolutions.

At the moment, we aren’t sure what to believe, but we only hope Apple really is keeping a watch on what its competition is rolling out.

Apps this week

S

Some hearsays raise serious eyebrows like this one: Apple will launch a budget iPhone, possibly called the iPhone 5s which will revert to the plastic chassis found on the iPhone

3G and the iPhone 3GS. We think that’s far from Apple’s philosophies. Apple making a plastic phone? Definitely not!

Weave

9

Football Week New footie companion app from Future and the Press Association, this serves up real-time game stats as well as pre and post-match news and info Price: Free Platform: iOS

A huge database of interesting websites and blogs, customisation options and a fantastic live tile make this the best news reader on WP Price: Free Platform: Windows Phone, iOS

10

Pulse Pulse is one of the best looking and easiest news reading apps to use on the Android Market – you’ll wonder how you lived without it for so long Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android

TIMEZONE TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

This impeccable vintage design showcases the Swiss brand’s craftsmanship and technical skills

C

uervo Y Sobrinos (CYS) is unique among Swiss watch brands as it is the only one founded in Cuba. Popularly known as ‘Swiss brand with Latin soul’ it finds its inspiration from history and lends personality to shapes and models from the past.

Among the new watches to be unveiled in Baselworld watch fair in April this year, comes the latest model from the house of Cuervo Y Sobrinos, named Historiador Flameante.

Classical by looks, this ultra-thin watch is based on a 1950s design. It derives its brand name from the distinctive flame pattern on its dial, encased in rose gold. The Historiador Flameante connotes ‘flaming’ in Spanish. The case is big (40mm diameter) compared to its thickness that is only 6.2mm. The inside is also thin, making

manually wound movement, based on an ETA 7001, measuring only 2.5mm thick, driving the hours, minutes and small seconds.

If you want to see the movement’s detailed embellishments, then take a look at the watch’s sapphire exhibition case back. It includes a ‘fanout’ côtes de Genève pattern on the movement plate, an anthracite-treated balance bridge and blued screws. Engraved around the fringe of the movement is the motto “Testimony of Style Since 1882.” The watch comes with either a silvered ‘argenté’ or gunmetal gray dial, and a brown Louisiana alligator strap that completes the look of the Historiador Flameante. The aficionados of fine mechanical watches will certainly be enchanted by this vintage design for its great technical and aesthetic finesse.

Historiador Flameante Movement: ETA 7001, manual-wind, 17 jewels; anthracite-treated balance bridge and fan-out côtes de Genève pattern on movement plate; “Testament of Style Since 1882” engraved around movement Case diameter: 40mm

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds on sub dial at 6 o’clock Dial and hands: Argenté or gunmetal dial with ‘flameante’ pattern, Cuervo y Sobrinos logo embossed on dial at 12 o’clock, hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova Strap: Louisiana alligator strap with 18k rose gold buckle

Case thickness: 6.2mm Water-resistance: 30m Power reserve: 42 hours

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12

nuovotech WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

Gadgets of the week

We feature the quirkiest and bizarrely convenient gadgets online

Cordless back pain reliever

The Cordless Neuromuscular Back Pain Reliever will boast of a streamlined cordless electrotherapy system that delivers hours of drug-free pain relief from lower back pain. It is touted to be as powerful as professional equipment, where the device itself employs Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which are actually harmless electrical pulses, that block pain signals which pass through nerves to the brain. These adhesive electrode pads remain in place for up to five applications.

Portable power

GoalZero, innovators of portable power systems has created this easily portable gadget that gives you 150 watt-hours of power, that is enough to run your laptop all week. Run or charge devices via outlet, DC power or USB. To be ultra-prepared, invest in the attachable 15-watt solar panel to fill up on power when other sources don’t exist. Wall charging takes about four hours and solar will take a good part of a sunny day. Being portable, the Yeti 150 becomes not only a natural disaster savior, but also perfect for camping, picnics or wherever power can’t reach.

Approx. price: USD200 (RO77)

Approx. price: USD400 (RO154)

Camping stove

The BioLite Camping Stove is capable of cooking, heating and charging your electronic devices, where it does so by using renewable biomass including twigs, pinecones, wood pellets in addition to other easily attainable flammable materials. A built-in fan will create the necessary airflow required, where it merges with the fuel chamber so that an ultra-efficient combustion fire is produced. All generated heat will be converted into electricity thanks to the Power Module that is then stored in the lithium ion battery, or it can be output to charge smaller devices.

Odor-free

SteriShoe may be a product that some might think is taking things too far. However, if you’ve ever worn work boots or know someone that does, I doubt you question that it’d be a great idea for some people. You just wish you could get rid of the smell and you really do wonder sometimes how much bacteria gets built up inside of a pair of shoes you never wash. The average person’s foot sweats up to a half a teacup per foot on a daily basis. It’ll make sure to kill microorganisms that cause athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and of course shoe odor. To use it, just flip it on for 45 minutes and the ultraviolet light will do the work.

Approx. price: USD130 (RO50)

Approx. price: USD193 (RO74)

Moviezone

The Place Beyond the Pines A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child

T

he title of the movie is loosely derived from a Mohawk word for “place beyond the pine plains” which suggests the city of Schenectady, New York. In this crime drama film (2013), directed by Derek Cianfrance, written by Cianfrance, Ben Coccio and Darius Marder, a motorcycle stunt rider, Luke (Ryan Gosling), drives through the backstreets of Schenectady, New York, trying to connect with a former lover, who secretly gave birth to the stunt rider’s son. To provide for his new family, Luke quits the carnival life and turns to bank robberies. While his superior riding ability comes to his aid, his decision puts him on a collision course with a rookie police officer, Avery Cross, (Bradley Cooper), striving to make

it to the top of the police department riddled with corruption.

The sweeping drama takes us to the present day lives of two high school boys, whose memories are haunted by the guilt of what happened fifteen years ago. The place beyond the pines is their only retreat.

Broadly speaking, the movie received critical acclaim though Henry Barnes of The Guardian gave a mixed review, writing, “The Place Beyond the Pines is ambitious and epic, perhaps to a fault.

It’s a long, slow watch in the final act, a detour into the next generation that sees the sons of Luke and Avery pick away at their ‘daddy issues’ together.”

Director Derek Cianfrance Genre Crime drama Cast Ryan Gosling Bradley Cooper Eva Mendes Ray Liotta

DASHBOARD TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

Pilot lessons

P

orsche was the first of the premium brands to reinvent the car-shape. That isn’t really surprising given they have never built cars, although the companies they owned did. The 911 guys approached the car in a totally different perspective and were able to build something beautiful.

Whether or not Audi derived the inspiration from Porsche remains a guess, but they too have re-thought the three-box sedan format. In some ways they have gone back to the 1970s when fastbacks and sloping rears were an art. Audi’s A7 has hit that art completely on the head, especially with the rear. Although we do wish the front of the A8 was not stuck to this car – no matter how

much of a family affair that might be.

The most impressive part of the A7 is its performance. If you were told it was a 3.0-litre and you dismissed it, then the drive would make you smile. With supercharging and direct fuel injection, the six-cylinder pumps out a whopping 305hp flat between 5,500 and 6,500rpm. The torque is something else at 324lb.ft. The A7, even in its entry-level engine spec can slam your skull to the headrest.

There can’t be another car that can handle as well as a Quattro. No matter if BMW brings their X-drive or Merc their 4-matic. The all-wheeldrive system of the Audi always set their sedans apart. The A7 can change lanes on emergency braking or defence driving. We have driven

13

The Audi A7 has left us speechless. It doesn’t stop surprising, and sometimes it shocks too

the A5 too, and the A7 seems only a tad bit slippery compared to its smaller brother.

Interior is where Audi usually score the points. The fit and finish is better than a BMW and Merc. The padding, textures and colours work very well to provide a home that has a moving view. The model we tested came with all the goodies including A2DP Bluetooth, Navigation and six-DVD changer in glovebox. It was odd that the track-change button was only available on the centre console and not on the steering wheel – requiring you to remove your hands off the wheel and feel your way to the button. The other quip we had was the inability to switch of the DRLs. They are called Daytime-Running Lamps for a reason aren’t they?

You can’t park a running A7 quietly without attracting attention.

The A7 now comes with Start-stop function that stops the engine within three seconds in traffic.

It works quite well too – if you are aware that it’s in process. Or else you would notice it as a slight jerk or delay when you hit the gas.

To buy or not to buy? Well, if you have RO31,000 sitting around this car fits very well for an young executive with four-member family. It turns heads, drives like a dream, and has the space of a station wagon. Then there is the four rings on the grille.

Audi A7 3.0T Engine: 3.0, V6, Turbo, direct injection Power: 305p@5,500-6,500rpm Torque: 324lb.ft@2,9004,500rpm Available features: 4-zone AC, LED headlights, Ceramic brakes Euro-NCAP: Not tested Price as tested: RO31,000 Highs: Amazing road performance and comfort Lows: Looks don’t agree with everyone Verdict: Has class and sportiness too

14

photography WEEK 14, APRIL 3 - 9, 2013

Mini EOS

Canon is out with another powerful performer. It’s light and small but shouldn’t be underestimated

O

ver the passed couple of years, the interchangeable lens camera market has shifted. The bulky DSLR camera was the indisputable king and now, smaller, more compact system cameras are stealing the crown. Last week, we featured mirrorless cameras that put DSLR cameras in the backseat, but Canon has introduced the smallest and lightest DSLR. This 25 per cent smaller and 28 per cent camera has a lot to offer. We examine its potential.

The 100D has the traditional DSLR styling but a majority of the interior electronics have been downsized. The sensor remains the same size and features 18 million pixels. Canon says that this is

Canon 100D

a new sensor but can be put in the same kind of performance as the 650D or 700D. It has a hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, a secondgeneration type of sensor that was found in the Canon EOS 650D and Canon EOS M. As the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR, the first thing you notice about the Canon EOS 100D is its size.

Despite its size, it doesn’t feel cramped and has a good grip. This makes shooting single-handedly very convenient. Performance wise, it is similar to any of the Canon EOS models. If you are convinced that the mirrorless cameras are not the ideal option, you may purchase this compressed DSLR.

Canon 700D

• Weight: 400g

• 1080p30 video recording, monaural microphone (stereo input jack)

• 18MP APS-C sensor with 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor • Hybrid CMOS AF II system with 80 per cent frame coverage • Continuous autofocus • ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)

• 3-inch fixed capacitive touch-screen • 9 point AF • Creative Filter controls, previewed live onscreen

• 4fps continuous shooting

audiozone

Orb resonance Planet LW is a class act with striking looks, excellent performance and great build quality

L

ike the Philips AW9000, your music is locally streamed; the difference, much like Sonos, however, is that this is done neither using AirPlay nor your home network. So, just how does Elipson think it can get away with charging £1200 for the privilege when the competition runs at more like half the price? The answer, it turns out, is all down to class.

Out of the box, you get a set of brushed aluminium rings for these globes to rest upon but, for an extra accessory outlay, you can pick up a set of floor stands, invest in a wall mounting kit or even have the swinging from the ceiling, provided your plasterwork is up to the task.

The Elipson Planet LW speakers are easy to use. It’s the Apple market that’s very much in mind even though they are PC compatible. Included with the pair are two vital accessories in the shape of wireless dongles adapted to the 30-pin connector and one for USB too.

Once plugged into an iPhone, iPod, iPad, PC or Mac, they automatically set up their own dedicated network between the speakers and device from which they can stream what ever you would like to play.

Elipson Planet LW In fact, you don’t even have to bother with your PC or Apple device any longer if you don’t want to. The Elipson Planet LW speakers come with a wafer thin remote control that’s compatible with any kind of player. You can skip tracks, change the volume and turn the speakers on and off no matter what software you’re trying to talk to.

System: 2 ways

Terminal finish: Silver plated

Frequency range: 42 - 20000 Hz

Internal wiring: 99.99 per cent OFC

Max music power: 100W Voltage: 220-240VAC W Integrated Amplifier power: 100 Terminal type: Single-wiring

Enclosure: Bass Reflex Dimensions With grill and terminal: 290x290x290 mm

GAMING TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

15

Publisher 3K Games Genre First-person shooter Developer Irrational Games, 2K Marin, Human Head Studios

This astounding game portrays a beautiful and broken city that will stir your every waking thought

Platforms PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X ESRB Rating Mature

W

hen we think of BioShock Infinite, we wonder what drives a man of faith to wash away the sins of his past and worsen ten-fold. We see a freedom fighter whose virtues and righteousness is replaced by a desire for vengeance.

What does a privileged society do when the foundation of its prosperity is shaken? BioShock Infinite dares to explore these heady themes and many more, giving you glimpses at just how the seemingly smallest of decisions can forever alter our realities, and our hearts.

As an agent provocateur in the floating city of Columbia, your actions bring turmoil and strife to a seemingly idyllic landscape. It’s immensely fun to make trouble, and even more engaging to see how boldly BioShock Infinite portrays a society torn apart.

This devastating adventure and its

phenomenal final minutes are worthy to be discussed about and dissected for some time to come. This game is guaranteed to haunt you but you will play it again.

It starts with you entering a lighthouse as former private investigator Booker DeWitt, that you have been hired to retrieve ‘the girl’ who is a mystery.

Even the person who has hired Booker remains a mystery. At the top of the light house is a chair and once Booker is strapped into it, he is fired into the sky towards a city called Columbia. It incorporates the classical architecture of the 1893 Columbian Exposition.

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter but you aren’t armed just with machine guns, pistols, shotguns, and the like; you also have vigors. They are like the original BioShock’s plasmids and are seemingly magical powers

Xbox 360 Raid Celebrate Lara’s reboot with this limited addition joy pad that looks like it was put through a lawn mower The Xbox 360 Tomb Raider Limited Edition Wireless Controller, designed in collaboration with publisher Square Enix, captures the outrageous nature of Lara’s latest adventure. It features a small climbing axe logo between the D-pad and right analogue stick, several scratch marks, fingerprints, and textured bandages with mock blood spots. In short, the gamepad looks like it went through as much agony as Lara.

The Xbox 360 Tomb Raider Limited Edition Wireless Controller’s battery pack makes the gamepad a little heavier than the standard Xbox 360 wired and wireless controllers, which is to its benefit. It has a certain weightiness and sturdiness that feels good in hand. One can play Tomb Raider for hours without hand cramping or a wireless signal drop.

Price: USD60 (RO23) on microsoftstore.com

that you can fling at your enemies.

BioShock Infinite could make you feel uncomfortable. As the story circles back on itself, you’re left wondering whether redemption cleanses us of our atrocities or it just makes up commit greater sins.Once you are met with the finale, you will want to play it again and you will watch each event and never un-learn. Once the finale comes, you will want to play again, watching each event and image through the lens of information you can never un-know. BioShock Infinite is more than just a quality game: it’s an important one.

Score Plot Gameplay Visuals Overall

9/10 9/10 9/10 9

LISTING Company

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Service Dept.

Bahwan Electronics

Asset, Carrier, Toshiba, Seiko, Casio, Titan, Sony Ericsson, Benq, Daewoo

Ruwi 24796629

24501965

Emax Electronics

Multi-brand retailer

MCC 24558062

n/a

Extra

Multi-brand retailer

24212421

n/a

Genetco

Sanyo, Hitachi, Gree, TCL, Finlux, Canon, Asus, Lenovo, RadioShack

Qurm 24568806, Al Araimi 24561948, Seeb 24422797, MCC 24558418

24503653

HiTec Centre

Boston Acoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio

Azaiba 24497384

24497384

Jumbo Electronics

Sony, VAIO, Blackberry, Supra, Casio, Brother Sewing Machines, Acer, HP

MBD 24818358, Al Araimi 24565845, QCC 24470529, MCC 24558291

24814815

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Daewoo Electronics

24488795

24488795

Muscat Air-conditioning & Electronics

Sharp, Midea, General, Wansa, MDV

24796591, 24796202/31/40

24562943

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Ruwi 24702982, 24780407 Sohar 26845647, Salalah 23291617

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Al Khuwair 24636015

24818018

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Bose, NEC, JVC, Nakamichi, SONOS

Qurum 24565490, Connexions 24558529

24830606

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Sharp, OMEC

HO 24706004, Ruwi 24832891, Sohar 26840763, Salalah 23291405

24704494

OMASCO

Panasonic, Yamaha, Stanley, Black and Decker, GE, Aftron, Raymond Weil

Qurum 24564310, Ruwi 24833630

24560232

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LG, Bosch, White Westing house, Pearl, Prolux

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24810522/80075545

Photocentre

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Qurum 24565305, Al Khuwair 24479296

24571708

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Samsung, Technoflame

Ruwi 24593025

24593025

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22009280

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