To build this
WEEK 15, APRIL 10 - 16, 2013
AN AL ROYA PRESENTATION
OMAN’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE, NOW A TABLOID
Email us at quadratec@deenarmedia.com TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM
CANON VS Nikon We find out which DSLR camera suits you in the Advance Amateur category
Superman’s Ride Cape crusader’s possible ride
Highpowered firework HTC One
Perpetual Cartier The ultra complicated watch
Do you want to make this
into this?
For all your parts needs email us at quadratec@deenarmedia.com
Issue
39
Home Screen
Chase or catch up When the going gets tough, well, just keep going. Seems that’s the mantra these post-crisis days. Everyone’s become smarter, cautious and more discerning. We are in this business to give you the news and keep you all going with the little time we all have today. But does that mean we have to be more cautious too, or will being bolder help? We are going to try a few new things to keep our readers more excited starting off with more factual analysis and upfront reporting of info and news in Oman. Perhaps, you will notice and actually take action for your own benefit.
Produced by
Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24696868, Fax: +968 24693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
Printed at Ruwi Modern Printers
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 compare two digital SLR cameras from Nikon and Canon, and are convinced that if you are an advanced amateur, you will like the Canon experience. Our radar spots the best and most desirable gadgets of this month, and we give you a
round up of the most hilarious April fool pranks in the technology and web world. In our TECH Selection segment we observe a rather drastic drop in the price of the Blackberry Z10 and aren’t surprised. In mobile zone, we feature the most sought after Android phone with a stunning body and heavyweight features. We love watches; and this week we present to you an exquisite timepiece from Cartier. We adore our DC superheroes just as much, and are excited as Kia along with DC Entertainment have unveiled an eight-vehicle partnership Kia Optima based on seven superheroes for a worthy cause. The director of Tron brings us one of the most anticipated science fiction films of 2013, Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. Finally, in gaming, we review the newest edition of Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel.
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4
news WEEK 15, APRIL 10 -16, 2013
Blackberry R-Series leaked UK - Your dear old BB is up to no good – in a good way. They have been working on the BB10 R-Series smartphone. We aren’t fans of these toys, but we are excited. Could this be the rebirth of BB itself? A purported image of the R-series phone popped up on the BlackBerryOS forums. The image doesn’t show much other than the familiar BlackBerry QWERY keyboard and screen. But further details about the new phone may have been revealed by blog site BlackBerry Empire. An alleged sketch of the R-Series phone
Hyundai & Kia recall US - Hyundai and Kia said in filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that about 1.7mn vehicles in the US could have a faulty switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating and trigger other problems. When a driver presses the brake, the switch is supposed to turn on the brake lights and turn off the cruise control. Also, the driver must have the brake depressed to use push-button start or shift a car out of park. A defective stop lamp switch could cause the brake lights not to illuminate, the cruise control not to deactivate or the push-button start to work erratically, The defect also could prevent a car from shifting out of park. For Hyundai: The recall covers the
2007 to 2009 Accent and Tucson; the 2007 to 2010 Elantra; the 2007 to 2011 Santa Fe; the 2008 to 2009 Veracruz; the 2010 to 2011 Genesis Coupe; and the 2011 Sonata. For Kia: The recall covers the 2007 to 2010 Rondo and Sportage; the 2007 to 2011 Sorento; the 2007 Sedona; the 2010 to 2011 Soul; and the 2011 Optima. Hyundai and its Kia affiliate filed notices with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week. They were posted on the agency’s Web site on April 3, 2013. Hyundai and Kia said they would start notifying owners of the recall by June, once enough replacement parts are available. Dealers would replace the stop lamp switch for free.
Suzuki US files bankruptcy US - A US court has approved Suzuki filing for Chapter 11. The Bankruptcy plan will make them stop selling cars in the US and concentrate instead on the company’s power-sports products. Suzuki has called it quits on the US market. Suzuki will now sell its motorcycle, ATV and marine divisions to the newly formed Suzuki Motor of America subsidiary under the Suzuki name. Suzuki Motor Company will wholly own the new company. This is the final piece of the company’s restructuring puzzle. Once it exits bankruptcy protection, American Suzuki Motor said it would focus on selling Suzuki
shows slots for a Micro SIM card and a SD card on the left side. The Micro SIM slot is a new feature for BB phones and is likely geared for travellers who need to easily swap their SIM cards as they trek from one country to another.
UK - Like Goldilocks, did you find the Samsung Note 2 too small and the Note 10.1 too big? Samsung seem to be out to kill Apple with the new iPad Mini-sized Note 8. We don’t know when it will come here, but for now it’s selling in UK for about RO200 for a 16GB unit.
US - Apple has plans to introduce a radically different design for its mobile operating system with the launch of iOS 7. The company’s design chief Sir Jony Ive is said to have overhauled the platform, implementing a flat design that is starker and simpler than its predecessors. However, inside sources say that the new operating system’s development has fallen behind schedule. Apparently, MAC OSX engineers have been pulled into iOS to speed it up. Apple could lift the lid of iOS 7 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, where unveiling of the rumoured iPhone 5S is also a possibility.
The phone will reportedly come with 8GB of memory, half the amount offered by the BlackBerry Q10 and Z10 devices. The R-Series phone will likely sport fewer features than found on other BB10 devices but also be more streamlined and easier on the wallet.
Optimus 5-inch out
Japan - Following Korea, LG’s Optimus G Pro is now in Japan. The 5-inch ’Pro with Snapdragon 600 Quad-Core, sports a smaller form-factor than the device that was launched in Korea, and is designed specifically for the Japanese market. The Optimus G Pro shows off its Full HD IPS Display with Zerogap Touch. The large,5-inch (440ppi) display provides rich, crisp text, sharp images and wide viewing angles. Optimus G Pro has functions such as Dual Recording, which users to place themselves in a video as they record with the front and rear cameras simultaneously, and VR Panorama, which provides a full 360 view of one’s surroundings, not just a wide landscape view.
POLL motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine outboard engines. The bankruptcy and reorganisation are unrelated to its parent Japan-based Suzuki Motor Corp., which intends to buy the American subsidiary’s remaining businesses and automotive service operation.
Which is your favourite smartphone?
Seen by
14,048 people as of 12pm, April 6 914 voters
18.4%
Apple iPhone 5 Blackberry Z10 Google Nexus 4
Note eight
iOS7 running behind schedule
HTC One X+ Nokia Lumia 920
4.1% 3.1% 2.9% 8.6% 49.9%
Samsung Galaxy S3 Sony Xperia Z
Next Week’s Question
13.2%
Which is your favourite TV brand? Poll closes every Saturday 12pm of the previous week. To participate log on to facebook.com/techoman
TECH RADAR TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM
April’s must-haves
5
Retail therapy for the techoholic that you are
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9
Native Union Switch
Amazon has added fuel to the Kindle fire with a 8.9-inch tablet upgrade. It has the screen size of your favourite Samsung products. Its specs include a 1920x1200 resolution, ten-hour battery and a 1.8GHz Dual core with SGX544 graphics chip. Amazon’s slick content delivery system and hefty media catalogue continue to be the main reasons to buy, with 22 million movies, TV shows, songs, apps, games, books and magazines to raid. Price: USD392 (RO151) on amazon.co.uk
Arriving fashionably late to the Bluetooth speaker party, and dressed as an oversized Lego brick to boot, this pounds out 14 hours of battery-based music time from three internal speakers including an active subwoofer with ‘enhanced bass-reflex system.’ At 19cm high, Skream and Benga are unlikely to be rocking their next dubstep party using it, but if they did, they’d be able to break off from “dropping mad science” easily to take a call from their mum, as the Switch doubles handily as a speakerphone. Price: USD198 (RO76) on nativeunion.com
BMC Impec Lamborghini Edition BMC is crafting a meagre 50 of these cycles to celebrate Lambo’s 50th year. Each model is built to order, with handlebars, gearing and stem length all configured to match your spindly frame, and with a choice of racing-or performancecarbon frames. The bike weighs in at just 6.85kg, with a saddle made from the same leather as the seats in Lambo’s Aventador; there’s about as much passenger space too. Price: USD32,014 (RO12,326) on bmc-racing.com
Tylt Vu No, it’s not a fun slide for mice; it’s the Tylt Vu, and if your smartphone charges wirelessly using the Qi standard, it’s your next must-have accessory. Drop a handset into its 45-degree cradle and microscopic nanobots pass from the 5W charger directly into your battery and restore it to health. It comes in yellow, blue, red or black, for whatever phone you use. Price: USD75 (RO29) on tylt.com
humour
Tech pranks
April fool jokes and pranks break out every year. We list out the three most outrageous pranks in web history
BBC says penguins can fly In an attempt to publicise the newly created iPlayer, BBC enlisted Terry Jones to ‘report’ on a discovery of flying penguins. Using some top-notch CG, the film showed a whole host of penguins flying north for the winter to the rainforests before basking in some rays.
Download your brain IWOOT were still having fun designing crazy products back in 2006, when they released the Memory Stick that lets you download your thoughts onto a 2GB flash drive. The idea was you could back up all your thoughts onto your PC to stop you forgetting them in your old age. But what if you lost the flash drive?
Internet Spring Cleaning All the way back in 1997, when the internet was a tiny little network of around 10 people, there was a hoax going round that ‘net-lovers needed to disconnect from the world wide web for 24 hours. This was because ‘‘during that 24 hour period, five powerful Internetcrawling robots situated around the world will search the Internet and delete any data they find.’’
6
COVER STORY WEEK 15, APRIL 10 -16, 2013
War of the DSLRs Two giants in the camera market fight spec-to-spec to be the ultimate DSLR
T
he advanced amateur market is a defining point for both the contestants since cameras sold in this segment are often the start of a long-term commitment to a brand. Cameras such as the Nikon D5200 and the Canon EOS 650D offer more than the basic cameras in each of the company’s line up. Deciding which one to buy can be difficult, especially if you don’t already own any lenses. Here we take a look at the key differences between the two cameras.
Canon Canon, offering the largest range of lenses of any manufacturer, seems the obvious choice if you are an amateur or conversely want something fairly specialised. From the 65mm MP-E Macro to the 800mm f/5.6L monster, you are almost certain to find the lens you need in their range. The L series lenses are high quality, especially in their latest iterations and represent the pinnacle of image quality for many users. They are the everyday pillars for many working professionals and are complete with weather sealing. Their ability to offer this huge lens range may stem from their share of the DSLR market. This also means that a vast range of aftermarket accessories and third party lenses are also available. In the filmmaking sphere, their dominance since the Canon 5D Mark II started revolutionising filmmaking at all levels in 2008 has meant that the majority of third-party filmmaking lenses and accessories are designed for compatibility with Canon products. It is also possible for you to start out really cheap with Canon. The EOS 650D is priced at RO500 with two lenses (1855mm+ 55-250mm) and is a great deal.
Specification
Canon EOS 650D
Nikon D5200
Effective pixels
18 megapixels
24.1 megapixels
Image ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
3:2
Sensor type
APS-C
APS-C
ISO range
100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
100-6400 (expandable to 25600)
Sensor resolution
18 million pixel APS-C
24 million pixel DX APS-C
JPEG settings
Fine, normal
Fine, normal, basic
Lens mount
Canon EF/EF-S mount
Nikon F mount
Built-in flash
13m at ISO 100
12m at ISO 100
Minimum, maximum shutter speed
30sec, 1/4000 sec
30sec, 1/4000th sec
Digital zoom
No
No
Metering modes
Multi, center-weighted, spot, partial
Multi, center-weighted, spot
Rear screen
3-inch fully articulated LCD
3-inch fully articulated LCD
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video format
H.264, motion JPEG
H.264, MPEG
Weight (Body only)
575g
505g
Price
Emax: 18-55mm, RO390; with 55-250mm, RO500 GENETCO: 18-55mm, RO389
Emax: 18-55mm, RO350, Camasura: 18-55mm, RO380
Nikon Nikon are next in line in the market share and are Canon’s biggest competitor. This allows them to get all the same third-party lenses from companies like Sigma and Tamron, which offer good image quality for around half the price of the high-end first party ones. Nikon’s own lens offerings seem rather complex with a big list of suffixes behind most lenses (the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX), but realistically are sortable and comparable to other manufacturer’s offerings through the focal length, aperture and price point.
th
Nikon has a long history of optical equipment manufacturing and unlike Canon has used essentially the same lens mount for their cameras since the 1950s. This means that many old Nikon lenses work on new Nikon cameras. If your work allows you to use manual focus, this opens up a huge range of lenses for very affordable prices. Nikon offers a similar upgrade path and price points on the bodies as Canon, from the entry-level to the professional monsters. Unless you’re going to be heavily into video, where for the time being it’s best to go Canon.
Canon EOS 650D
Nikon D5200
COVER STORY TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM
Sensor
world’s first touchscreen DSLR. This is particularly useful when shooting in Live View mode, because you can set the autofocus point quickly, or even release the shutter itself through the screen. The Canon 650D screen also has a higher resolution than the Nikon D5200’s, with 1040k dots compared with 921k dots.
This year we have seen a trend with high-resolution sensors and the Nikon D5200 features a 24 million pixel DX (APS-C) sized sensor. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 650D has a more conservative offering, with its 18 million pixel APS-C device. Both have a pretty high pixel count that is sufficient for the average user.
Autofocus In terms of autofocus points, with 39 to rival the 650D’s mere 9 points the Nikon SLR is a winner. However, both have 9 cross-type points. Canon debuted its hybrid autofocus system, which later made its way onto the Canon EOS M, in the 650D. This combines both phase and contrast detection, and is designed to make focusing in Live View and video mode quicker and more accurate. Nikon has stuck with the more usual contrast detection AF in Live view mode.
However, one should bear in mind that the 24 million-pixel Nikon sensor gives you the manoeuvrability to crop into images and still retain a high pixel count. It is useful for shooting distant subjects with a short focal length lens. On the other hand, increased resolution also increases the risk of higher image noise.
Processor Both the D5200 and 650D feature each company’s latest generation image processing engine. This facilitates Full HD video recording and helps keep image noise to a minimum when shooting at high sensitivities. In terms of frame rates, Nikon offers greater choice with 60i and 50i available alongside 30p, 25p and 24p. The Canon meanwhile only offers 30p, 25p and 24p.
Dimensions and weight Both of these cameras are almost identical in size and weight, with the Canon camera being just a couple of millimetres wider and 70g heavier.
Price Canon has a great advantage over the price factor as they offer the 650D with two lenses, 18-55mm and 55-250mm at RO500. The price of the 55-250mm lens when bought exclusively is RO145. Nikon D3500 fetches RO380 at Camasura.
Screen Both the D5200 and the 650D feature a fully articulating 3-inch screen. However, the Canon 650D trumps the Nikon D5200, since it’s the
Verdict Both the cameras have small but real feature differences. Canon has it’s famed image processing that maintains a fast frame rate. It is a ‘point-and-shoot’ DSLR and therefore users tend to zone towards Canon. They
minimalise post-processing but a lot of advanced-level photographers are put off by Canon’s in-camera adjustments. On the other hand, Nikon’s image processing is not as fast, and tends to have more fringing and less ‘smoothing over.’ Also, Canon’s pre-dial setting
reduces the time it takes to set-up shots and is a great advantage over Nikon. But Nikon trumps minimal-light performance. Finally, we note that the lower-end consumer market favour Canon’s telephoto range and constant aperture whereas pro photographers prefer Nikon’s wider and brighter glass.
App mania 1
5
Tom and Jerry
2
3
BBB: App-ocalypse
(Free)
(USD1.27)
(Free)
This is one of our favourite apps for one amazing reason and that is, you can watch all the old Tom and Jerry cartoons for free
Gridrunner takes place on a grid. Initially, snake-like foes lumber back and forth, like glued-together extra terrestrial invaders from space
Tower defence games, where you place artillery around a game map to stop the onslaught of enemies travelling from one side to another
Platform: Windows phone
Platform: iOS
The Impossible Game
6
Great Big War Game
7
Dropbox
(USD2.55)
(Free)
It’s like time wasting on the Internet came to your phone. This game is about trying to play something that’s so simple in construction but very hard to play
Each turn, you get some money as you conquer enemy buildings; eradicate enemy soldiers and vehicles, and trying very hard to not get shot
Dropbox’s attempts to ensure you’re never without your files have predictably spread to the BlackBerry OS
Platform: iOS
4
Layar (Free) Layar is an augmented reality web browser that brings the Internet to the real world and allows you to search exactly what you see
Platform: Android
Platform: Windows phone
(USD1)
Platform: Windows phone
From a price, image-processing, user-friendliness and post-production point of view, Canon takes the trophy. Let’s not forget its compatibility with a wide variety of third-party lenses and stunning performance in terms of cinematography.
This week’s most popular apps will keep you entertained
Gridrunner
8
Wikipedia (Free)
Platform: Blackberry
7
A free app that offers precisely what you ever wanted. Stick it to you Start screen and never have to worry about tapping that bookmark to the main site. Platform: Windows phone
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 RO245
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
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
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
RO170
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 April 4, 2012 except where mentioned
U Updated
Pro cameras
RO822
RO530*
RO500
RO400
U
RO260
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 Samsung Tab 2 10.1 Even though Jelly Bean is around and the Tab 2 10.1 comes with Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung has done a good job of implementing Android 4.0 onto the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Movie playback is decent, with the large 10.1-inch, 1280x800 screen doing feature films justice and the front facing speakers delivering sound directly at you instead of behind the tablet. Even though the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 only comes as a 16GB option, the inclusion of a micro SD card slot on top of the tablet will keep the majority happy.
RO200
Tomb raider Xbox 360
RO35
This is the perfect charging dock for all Apple devices with a standard 30-pin port including iPad 1 & 2, iPhones, iPod touches and more. The sliding backrest design allows for customising the depth of the dock, allowing you to adjust to the perfect viewing angle. It has two docks for charging an iPhone, iPad or iPod at the same time. It also has two USB ports for charging two extra devices via cable, horizontal viewing stand for the iPad and a 100/240Volt AC Adapter. The dock delivers 2.1A on each connector for fast charging.
We reviewed Tomb Raider in issue 36 of TECH and thought it was brilliant. We think this game holds the same place in video games as Godfather to cinematography. We love the kind of physical torment Crystal Dynamics puts Lara Croft through. The developers put her in a blood-soaked prison cell filled with human carcasses, force her to walk slowly through a tight tunnel filled with human body parts. We highly recommend you buy this game.
Seen at Emax, Muscat City Centre
Power View Pro S
RO28
MOBILEZONE
10
WEEK 15, APRIL 10 -16, 2013
Alpha smartphone This brilliant smartphone’s features make us weak in the knees and is guaranteed to turn HTC’s fortunes around
T
he HTC One needs to be the best smartphone that HTC has ever made and also has to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4. The HTC One is a smartphone that has been built with one purpose, and that is to revive the ailing fortunes of its maker by not only being the best Android smartphone out right now, but also by remaining the best handset in months to come.
Features The One comes with an almost unrecognisable Android 4.1.2 thanks to HTC’s latest version of its Sense UI. Whereas with the HTC One X you could still see hints that Google’s operating system lurking underneath the One has almost entirely ditched all of this for a cleaner experience that offers less hassle. The most notable addition is BlinkFeed, a news aggregator that can be customised using your social networks and by adding a number of compatible news sources.
Size and build Well to start off, Apple should develop a complex because in terms of build quality, the HTC One is almost flawless. A precisionmachined aluminium body is then seamlessly joined to the rest of the phone using a technique that leaves no gaps, and we mean none at all. It’s certainly on a par with Apple’s own standards and even though we’ve only had a short time with the S4, we’re going to go ahead and say that its got that safely beat.
HTC One Dimensions 137.x68.2x9.3mm Weight 143g
Screen
Operating system Android v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean, upgradable to v4.2.2)
The HTC One comes with a 4.7-inch 1080p Full HD display sporting a ludicrous 468ppi. When you first look at it the effect is actually underwhelming thanks to the large black expanse of an, as yet, unused BlinkFeed. However, take a few pictures or head over to YouTube and you’ll soon realise the error of your judgement.
Display Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen, 1080x1920p resolution, corning Gorilla Glass 2 Sound Beats Audio sound enhancement Memory 32/64GB, 2GB RAM
Camera The HTC One sports a 4MP Ultrapixel camera. Yes, you saw it right, Ultrapixel, not Megapixel. All camera sensors are broken up into tiny photosites, each photosite then translates into one pixel so while the HTC One has less of these than most of its rivals, it’s actually still taking up the same amount of physical space as the photosites are much bigger. This means it can collect a lot more light and then in turn produce much better looking photos.
Verdict With the Galaxy S4, things have changed, HTC has been suffering from declining sales and in order to regain a fraction of its lost market share, the company needed to not only create the best phone it has ever made but also the best Android phone. Although all these factors remain, the HTC One is the best Android smartphone you can buy.
Camera 4MP rear, 2.1MP front-facing Processor Quad core 1.7GHz Krait 300 Available in black, silver and red Price TBA
TIMEZONE TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM
Seamless function Perpetual Calendar Chronograph makes up for the anomalies of Gregorian calendar
C
artier has unveiled Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which combines Cartier’s ultra-complicated Rotonde de Cartier Double Mystery Tourbillon that made a lasting impact at this year’s SIHH. Built on the base movement (Caliber 1904CH MC) of Cartier’s existing Calibre de Chronograph watch, Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar Chronograph watch carries its functions seamlessly. It includes a skeletonized rotor and two barrels, lending the watch a power reserve of 48 hours.
The movement incorporates an in-line, flexible lever that helps to bring down the stress on the bearings of the hand shafts when the chronograph counters are reset to zero. The latest generation of vertical clutch helps the chronograph to start with no hand jump and run at a stretch without affecting the torque. The calendar mechanism makes up for the anomalies of the Gregorian calendar, such as 30-and 31-day months and leap years. At the heart of this complex system runs a wheel that completes one revolution every four years. The wheel has 48 indentations of various depths on its circumference that indicate, via a feeler, the length of the current month (30, 31, 28, or 29 days). The dial features guilloché and sunray patterns in Roman and Arabic numerals, and sword-shaped (for hours and minutes) and hammer-shaped (for the date and day) hands in blue steel. Cartier says both watches will be available at retail in April.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Case material: Rose gold Case diameter: 42mm Strap: Black or brown alligator strap
Case back: A sapphire window offering a view of the movement Price: USD74,000 (RO28,490)
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12
CONCEPT WEEK 15, APRIL 10 -16, 2013
Super Optima
The Kia Optima Hybrid Superman project car was unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show in the US
U
nveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, this Optima Hybrid signals the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one. Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve as a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to
people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org). Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications at Kia America, recently said, “As the most recognised Super Hero in the world, Superman is a symbol of strength and integrity, making him the perfect character to join forces with Kia’s first-ever hybrid to create a customised ride powered by a robust and efficient powertrain.” Working together, Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine designed and built the Supermanthemed Optima Hybrid, a one-of-a-kind Kia that represents the strength and fortitude of the world’s most iconic Super Hero. The Optima has been widened with custom fenders, giving the vehicle a muscular appearance, and it features an adjustable suspension system that can raise and lower the vehicle with the push of a button. The stylised color scheme on the hood spotlights Superman’s unmistakable chest emblem while an eye-catching red paint design extends to the trunk, evoking the look of his crimson cape. The beveled front grille resembles Superman’s belt, and the red headlights glow with the same intensity of his heat vision. The interior of the Optima Hybrid is upholstered
with custom materials chosen for their unique appearance and texture to reflect Superman’s impenetrable battle armour. And Superman’s iconic ‘S’ shield is integrated into the seats and steering wheel to give it the right heroic touch. The powertrain of the US Optima Hybrid consists of a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder paired with an Atkison Cycle hybrid system. Overall output is rated at 154kW and 265Nm.
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Well Trodden
T
he Pathfinder has been a staple bread-and-butter product for Nissan for almost a decade. Incidentally, it has been as much Oman’s car too. Hence, Nissan have put all they’ve got into this vehicle and it shows.
generation back to a body-on-frame, and now the fourth back to a unibody. We can’t understand Nissan’s thought process behind this constant change but they must have their reasons – the last one seems to have weight as a target for this change.
The Pathfinder was born as a rugged utilitarian vehicle and should be considered as one of the first SUVs around, even ahead of the Jeep Cherokee or the Ford Explorer both of which fit into Pathfinder’s segment. It was launched as a body-on-frame and as a two-door. They later made it a four-door but concealed the rear door handles to the C-pillar – a tradition that saw it continue for the next 28 years until the new fourth generation was launched. Another interesting note is that the second Pathfinder switched to a unibody, the third
Nissan R52 Series Pathfinder design direction is now similar to the Ford Explorer’s. They both were built as off-road performers earlier, but now carry an ‘off-road’ capable tag. Nissan figured that they’d better cash in on the consumers who want a more capable on-roader with moderate off-road prowess. A point to note however is that these are not along the lines of, say, the GMC Acadia that is simply an AWD with more ground clearance. We finally got our Pathfinder to
experience it more than just a drive around the block. The first thing you’d notice is Nissan’s now ubiquitous CVT gearbox – except here it’s a chain-driven instead of steelbelt. While there are few other car manufacturers who are experimenting with CVT, namely Honda City and Kia Cerato, Nissan are focused to have it all across their range. Due to this, the new Pathfinder can now claim the highest fuel efficiency of any SUV out there – thanks also in part to the 200-kg weight loss programme. While personally we don’t enjoy the ‘feeling’ of a transmission that never shifts or has the torque multiplication of an automatic, this seems to be a way of the high-gas-price future. The Pathfinder has a beautiful drive feel with its extremely wellsprung suspension most visible at work during the road undulations. However, this SUV isn’t a handler much like it Japanese compatriots. We found its body roll around corners a bit excessive, which could be due to better off-road capability. We were not allowed to test it off-road, so we will refrain from that speculation. The fit and finish are very good, and so is the ergonomics of the driver’s cockpit within comfortable interiors. Ample legroom up front and fully adjustable steering made it a welcome transporter. This one is a seven-seater and appears to have enough leg and headroom. This car is not a bad bet, given Nissan’s quality and reputation, and you can actually expect the Pathfinder to hold a better resale value too. But
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The new Pathfinder might well be Nissan next big hit. We find out just how much
we don’t expect the third generation Pathfinder owner’s to fall for this car immediately, but we do think Nissan has built it specifically to find a new niche of SUV-buying consumers.
Nissan Pathfinder Engine: 3.5-litre, V6 Power: 260hp@6,400rpm Torque: 240lbs.ft@4,400rpm Price as tested: RO13,200 Highs: Good-looking SUV that makes you comfortable too Lows: Off-road prowess has been designed out Verdict: Good bargain for the money
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nuovotech WEEK 15, APRIL 10 -16, 2013
We are always on a quest to search for the coolest and quirkiest gadgets online. We list out a few we put on our wish list
Gadget hunt Click & Grow
Click & Grow is a designer of indoor smart gardens, and their latest creation is the Smart Herb Garden that has been unveiled on popular crowd funding website Kickstarter. The Smart Herb Garden is no ordinary garden, but rather is a high-tech, self-watering plant system that is capable of growing multiple herbs simultaneously. Click & Grow has looked towards the Kickstarter community to obtain support from technology enthusiasts, travel fanatics in order to gain enough funds so that it can roll off the production line in due time.
Lomography Belair X 6-12 Trailblazer On this Lomography’s classiest retro film camera yet, the polished aluminium and chocolate leather bring the chic, while a choice of 90mm and 58mm lenses offer glass with class, a 114mm is also available separately. It’ll reel off photos in three formats, too: regular 6x9, 6x6 squares or 6x12 panoramas.
Doctor Who alarm clock The Doctor is in, especially if you are a huge fan of the Doctor Who series. Well, we are quite sure that you will not find it difficult to wake up from your sleep in order to catch an episode of Doctor Who on TV, but sometimes, getting up from your bed so that you can arrive at your office on time is far more of a Mission Impossible than anything else. Perhaps you would need something from the world of Doctor Who to help you be fully awake.
Game golf Amiigo fitness bracelet and shoe clip With a raft of tracking devices set for 2013, this wearable device that has raised over USD270,000 on crowd-funding website, Indiegogo hopes to appeal to the healthy masses with its ability to track over 100 activities. As well as running, it will also monitor swimming, cycling and specific weights workouts. It will also record vital data such as blood oxygen levels and skin temperature and will sync the information via Bluetooth to supporting Android and iOS apps.
Jambox and Ouya designer Yves Béhar, unofficial king of the crowd-funded tech project, has the ear of pro green-stealers Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood. Just clip the little red box to your belt, attach the cufflink-like sensors to your clubs and go about your 18 holes like any other Sunday as Game Golf tracks you via GPS, motion sensors and NFC. You can then review your round on any iOS device, sharing it with friends and the golfing world. It’ll help you improve in time for that invitation to Augusta National.
Moviezone
OBLIVION
A story of redemption as the protagonist battles to save mankind ‘Oblivion’ pays homage to science fiction films of the 1970s – that is how Joseph Kosinski, its director would like to present this upcoming 2013 science fiction film to its audience. In 2073, a veteran exmarine commander, in his late thirties, named Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth, which was nearly destroyed after war with alien Scavs six decades earlier. The commander resides in an airborne ‘town’ floating thousands of meters above the Earth. It is his job to repair the drones which patrol the skies and protect the planet from warring aliens. He is on a mission here. He is to lead a massive operation to haul out the planet’s remaining vital resources. When the mission is nearly accomplished, instead of gratification, Jack feels curious when he rescues a 22-year-old young woman from
a downed spacecraft. The arrival of this stranger triggers a series of events that compels him to question all that he believed about the war and its aftermath, his mission and himself. The situation becomes doubly intriguing after he is being captured by an insurgency led by 102-year-old Malcolm Beech (Morgan Freeman). Jack is told that the society in which he lives may in fact be a police state that exerts totalitarianism and social control. This sci-fi is one man’s confrontation with the past that leads him on a journey of discovery and salvation as he battles to save mankind. The film was initially scheduled to release on July 10, 2013. Since the 3D re-release of Jurassic Park was set for a July 19, 2013 release date, the project was moved forward to April 19, 2013.
Director Joseph Kosinski Genre Sci-fi Stars Tom Cruise Morgan Freeman Andrea Riseborough
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16
GAMING WEEK 15, april 10 -16, 2013
The elements that made the previous games interesting are missing. However, this game makes a functional shooter
Publisher Electronic Arts
A
Genre Third-person shooter
rmy of Two: The Devil’s Cartel is a mostly competent consumer product, the kind that might briefly satisfy your craving for action because it’s new, if not special or memorable.
drug cartel is bad and so you must shoot every acquisitive that stands between you and their boss. The narrative throws a few surprises at you near its conclusion, but in effect, it doesn’t seem as stimulating.
The two heroes are Alpha and Bravo, whose function is to make the stars of the previous two games seem spectacular by comparison; even their very names give off the generic vibe the rest of the game so curiously exudes. If you’re a returning fan, you are going to be glad that Salem and Rios have parts to play and provide the only sparks of energy in a story otherwise lacking in momentum and wit. For the majority of the game, the story can be summed up briefly: the ostensible
The path winding towards that nostimulating effect has Alpha and Bravo making their way through the usual places you visit when dealing with gaming’s many drug cartels: dusty brown streets littered with cars that exist purely to catch on fire, weathered Mexican villages with graffiti scrawled across the walls, scrap yards loaded with rust-coated bins and barrels, and so forth. Previous Army of Two games stood
apart in their own ways, not always excelling, but still willing to hew their own paths. Engaging the opposition in a Shanghai zoo, escaping across a collapsed skyscraper, saving civilians from menacing threats--these are small but meaningful moments that might be etched on your psyche from the series’ past. There’s nothing here to make a mark: no creativity on display, no clever competitive modes, no sense of accomplishment. There’s only a seven-hour campaign, optional missions in which you try to keep the overkill meter consistently replenished, and the knowledge that in a month, you won’t remember having played Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel.
Gaming potential Will the Ouya become one of the gaming super powers? We find out All eyes are on Ouya to see if it can really shake up the video game market.
atypical systems like the Wii U and Nvidia’s Project Shield.
While it’s doubtful that the Ouya will become the third superpower in the PlayStation 4 vs Xbox 720 console war, it has a good shot at carving out its own niche market amongst
The Ouya console is smaller than you’d think; it’s about the size of an apple. It’s sleek, not flashy, but is high on design. Its brushed aluminium body is sleek and we imagine it’ll look nice sitting on your average entertainment centre. Despite having actually touched and played an Ouya, the console still feels enigmatic. Great games could be coming; Ouya says it has enlisted the support of Kim Swift of Portal fame and the developers of Papo and Yo. If there’s one thing that the Ouya has proven to be good at are surprises. We are optimistic about this device, but we aren’t sure for how long.
Developer Visceral Montreal, EA Montreal Platforms PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 ESRB Rating Mature Score Plot.............................................. 6/10 Gameplay ............................. 5/10 Visuals...................................... 5/10 Overall............................................... 5