Tech Weekly May 1-7, 2013

WEEK 18, MAY 1 - 7, 2013

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CAT B15, a heavyweight smartphone

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TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 1

4/27/13 12:33 PM

IFC AD + HOME SCREEN 42.indd 2

4/27/13 12:35 PM

Issue

42

Home Screen

PC displays: What’s next?

Marketing giants like Apple have been able to make it with their marketing might, but screen technology has finally entered the tech-buying public’s consciousness. Apple began growing the advantages of In Plain switching (IPS) screen tech with the introduction of the iPhone 4 and the iPad. Since then, everyone in the mobile market has been at it.

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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.

IPS awareness increased and we saw the technology more broadly used in PC displays, but that raises the question of whether PC displays can expect to follow other trends seen in the mobile market. The most obvious development here is ultra-high DPI panels. This year, for instance, 1,920x1,080 pixels has become the norm for high end smartphones.

Meanwhile, 10-inch tablets with 2,560x1,600 pixels are coming up too.

But for PC users, the numbers are depressing; currently, for PC monitors up

to 24 inches, the norm is 1,920x1,080.

You will have to step up to 27 inches to get 2,560x1,440 and 30 inches for 2,560x1,600. Unfortunately, this isn’t going to change any time soon, Kilroy, UK manager of Iiyama says, “Both the consumer and small and home office markets for monitors are shrinking as people increasingly buy laptops and tablets. Screen substrates are produced in long sheets. And you can cut more screens for tablets out of a single sheet than for monitors.”

The result is that high-DPI panels will remain the reserve of ultra-mobile devices for some time to come. Kilroy reckons that within a few years, only the most extreme budget end of the market will continue to use Twisted Nematic display (TN), an inexpensive and common display. Yes, TN technology has improved in recent years, so that may not have the dramatic impact on image quality you might assume.

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TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 3

4/27/13 12:33 PM

4

news WEEK 18, May 1 - 7, 2013

Apple profits drop Apple, the smartphone and tablet producing giant has announced its first quarterly drop in profits in over a decade, yet has still made a net profit of USD9.5 billion (3.6OR billion), even though Apple shares fell below USD400 last week on the news.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, officially announced the availability of the fourth generation of Galaxy S smartphones, the GS4, in Oman. Consumers will be able to buy the S4 from all major retail outlets from April 27th. The flagship S4’s people inspired innovation will bring you closer to what matters in life and bring your world together.

While that sounds bad, it should be pointed out that Apple still managed to trump analysts’ expectations by making USD9.5 billion, with sales of iPhone and iPad boosting its revenues to USD43 billion. During the last three-month period, Apple said it had sold 19.5 million iPads and 37.4 million iPhone worldwide.

Apple has also moved to increase investor confidence by boosting its share repurchasing program

by USD50 billion. “We are pleased to report record March quarter revenue thanks to continued strong performance of iPhone and iPad,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services and we are very excited about the products in our pipeline,” he added Apple has seen greater competition in the smartphone and tablet markets it has traditionally dominated. However, the tech firm’s cash pile stands at around USD145 billion so it’s hardly cash strapped. There have also been rumours that Apple is working on a smaller, more affordable version of the iPhone, which would help it compete in markets where cheaper handsets dominate sales, such as China.

GTA 5 coming out later this year

GTA 5, the next instalment of the insanely popular open world video game series is due to land this September. Grand Theft Auto V is set in the fictional South Californian city of Los Santos and all the hills, countryside and beaches around it.

Much like Liberty City was based on New York.

Developer Rockstar claims it represents the ‘largest and most ambitious game’ it has undertaken yet. You can expect the same mix of gun fighting, car-jacking and policebaiting action.

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Samsung introduces Galaxy S4 in Oman

“With the launch of the Galaxy S4, Samsung is continuing to enhance the way that people live by offering the best-in-class hardware and the most advanced software to provide a true life companion for consumers in the region,” said Mr. Hayssam Yassine, head of telecommunications group at Samsung Gulf Electronics. Following the successful Galaxy S series, this phone is yet another great proof point of people-inspired innovation.

Facebook home downloaded 500,000 times in two weeks

Oman Web Awards 2013 announce over 100 winners About 300 participated at the Oman Web awards 2013 held recently under the auspices of Dr Salim al Ruzaiqi, CEO, Information Technology Authority (ITA), at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Over 100 winners received awards in 26 categories. The awards are aimed at bringing together web design companies, freelancers and web owners in a competition for the best website in 26 categories, including the newly-added ‘.om’ domain category.

The competition was hosted by Oman Web Awards Committee and SJS Group (Oman).“The awards have been gathering steam year after year and fostering strong competition

among website developers, who are encouraged to showcase their proficiency on a levelled platform. This prestigious event is aimed at setting new standards to the web industry in Oman, which in turn will benefit web designers with the latest developments in the field,” Ahmed Saleh Baabood, executive chairman, SJS Group (Oman), said.

Oman Web Awards winners can compete with those from other Arab countries for the annual Pan Arab Web Awards. The ceremony was held under the auspices of e-Oman and supported

by KOM as the strategic partner and Telecommunications Regularity Authority as the lead partner.

POLL Receiving mixed reviews from users, with an average rating of 2.2 out of five stars, the free to download app effectively replaces the phone’s home screen with a Facebook feed and chat options.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said it could “change the relationship” people have with their mobile devices. Some of the 11,000 reviews left for the app on Google Play mentioned issues with battery life and there were complaints that once Facebook Home is installed, widgets - which can be used on Android phones to customise other applications no longer worked.

While many agreed that it is a “good start” for the social network giant’s new approach to its mobile presence, lots of reviewers also admitted it is only likely to appeal to Facebook’s most dedicated users. “If you’re someone who constantly wants to be in the loop with what’s going on, then this is for you,” wrote one user on the reviews page. Another wrote that the app was “smooth and pretty fast”, but agreed “good friends” were required to keep the constant access interesting.

Which is your favourite still camera?

Seen by

26,640 people

as of 12pm, April 27 1,033 voters

Canon

60.79%

Nikon Sony Others

Next Week’s Question

22.46% 10.94% 5.81%

Fujifilm, Fujitsu, Lumix, Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung

Which is your favourite brand of A/Cs? Poll closes every Saturday 12pm of the previous week.

To participate log on to facebook.com/techoman

4/27/13 12:33 PM

photography

5

TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

Telephoto shot This flagship Fujifilm didn’t stop surprising us during our hands-on experience

W

e had the opportunity to test the new Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR, a big camera with an impressive zoom lens. It is styled like a digital SLR, comes complete with manual control over the zoom and covers a surprising 24-1,000mm range. Additional features like a sharp EVF, varied-angle rear display and a very sensible control layout make the 16 megapixel shooter

an appealing choice for photographers in search of a camera that can capture wide landscapes and distant objects. It’s a good camera, but can’t match Fujifilm’s top-end super-zoom, the X-S1, which features a similar manual zoom lens or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200, which manages to maintain a wide f/2.8 aperture throughout its 24x zoom range.

Performance and Conclusion

Design and Features The HS50EXR has a deep handgrip, an eye-level electronic viewfinder and a big lens with manual focus adjustment. Unlike other digital SLR cameras, this doesn’t have an interchangeable lens system and you won’t benefit from a huge image sensor. The HS50EXR uses a 1/2-inch sensor, which is a little larger than the 1/2.3-inch design used in most compact and long zoom cameras. The HS50EXR lens covers a 24-1,000mm, a 35mm equivalent zoom range.

The HS50EXR delivers an impressive 42x zoom range in a form factor that’s about the same size as a DSLR with a 3x zoom lens attached. Its electronic viewfinder is quite sharp and its optical stabilisation system is effective. It doesn’t do as well at higher ISO settings and its zoom lens isn’t as fast or sharp at the telephoto end. If you prefer a camera with a built-in, mega telephoto lens and let’s not forget, a reasonable price, this camera is for you.

Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR

Price: RO240

Dimensions: 10.2x13.4x14.4cm

Lens: 24mm to 1000mm

Weight: 771g

Image Stabilization: Optical

Optical Zoom: 42x

Type: Superzoom

Touch Screen: No

Megapixels: 16MP

LCD size: 3-inch display

Sensor Type: CMOS

LCD Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Sensor Size: 6.4x4.8mm Media Format: Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Secure Digital Extended Capacity Battery Type Supported: Lithium Ion Maximum ISO: 12800

Viewfinder Type: EVF EVF Resolution: 920000dpi Video Resolution: 720p, 1080p Interface Ports: Proprietary, micro HDMI, Mic Boot time: 1.5 seconds

Available at Photocentre, 24565305

WEBZONE www.uncyclopedia.wikia.com

Wikipedia’s Parody U

ncyclopedia is an encyclopedia full of misinformation and lies. Absolutely no POVs are enforced at Uncyclopedia. You can make sense if you want to, be sarcastic if you want to, be dry or even informative; everything goes. If you have a question about it, it’s probably okay unless you’re destroying things.

It’s ridiculous, over the top, nonsensical and absolutely addictive

The mission of Uncyclopedia is to provide the world’s misinformation in the least redeeming and most searingly sarcastic and humorous way possible. Offense is exceptionally likely, expected and to be renowned while reading the Uncyclopedia.

Perhaps the only rule at Uncyclopedia is to avoid mass spamming so that the pages can be hated by specific groups on their own basis.

Do not read the Uncyclopedia if you’re easily offended or nursing an insane mad scientist. But if you enjoy being bizarre and being a part of things that would only make sense on Mars, this is the place for you and your boredom.

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4/27/13 12:34 PM

mobilezone

6

WEEK 18, may 1 - 7, 2013

Throw whatever you like at it; this smartphone from the industrial machinery company can take a punch

I

t’s evident that desk-dwelling users like us will never need the kind of smartphone reinforcement found on the new CAT B15. It’s an Android smartphone by a company better known for manufacturing industrial machinery.

It is a rubber and anodised aluminium chassis, Gorilla Glass display and IP67 waterproof rating. Raising the bar from other rugged devices like the Samsung Galaxy Xcover Extreme S5690 or the Sony Xperia Go, the B15 should really be your go-to choice.

Rather predictably, the CAT B15 doesn’t boast the greatest spec sheet but focuses instead on offering the most effective choice for a niche customer. Impervious to dust and waterproof up to one metre for 30 minutes, the CAT B15 has been drop tested on concrete from 1.80m.

CAT B15 Price USD456 (RO175) Operating system Android 4.1

Despite looking so different from the current crop of svelte handsets the CAT B15 hasn’t been beaten with the traditional ugly stick for rugged gadgets.

Give it time and you start to appreciate the look of the device.

The LCD display on the CAT B15 has wet finger tracking, allowing you to use it in the rain. However, the 800x480p resolution is nothing compared with the other smartphones coming out this year.

Processor Dual core, 1GHz The B15 offers a 5MP rear-facing snapper and a front-facing VGA lens for video calls.

The middle button of the three on the right hand side of the phone serves as a dedicated camera launch hotkey.

The CAT B15 is unquestionably one of the best rugged handsets we’ve looked at and will stand up to the rigours of outdoor usage whatever the weather.

Apps this week 1

2

Rocket Riot

Asphalt5

5

3D Paperball

6

Little Sailor (Free)

A clever take on the popular classic it’s a twist on the usual paper flicking operation, with a 3D environment meaning you can bounce the paper ball off all surfaces to get it into the basket Platform: Windows Phone

8

Little Sailor is a sailing and motorboat simulator where you can learn the basics of sailing and compete against up to six virtual competitors in a yacht race Platform: iOS, Android

9

Wellness Diary Beta

Shazam

You can record details of your physical activity each day, the idea being that you get into a healthy routine over a period of time with this app Platform: Windows Phone

The app identifies song names and artists simply by listening to what you are listening to as well as play videos Platform: iOS, Blackberry, Android, Windows Phone

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 6

(USD3.5)

EA updates Tetris with some new games with a space age looking reworking of the popular puzzle game in classic marathon and quick fire versions Platform: Windows Phone, Android

(Free)

A fun game for the casual gamer; it enables you to race the usual coveted cars and even go online to compare career scores Platform: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry

(Free)

Tetris Refresh

Why struggle along with the aging Windows Mobile interface when this Shell could do it all Platform: Android, Windows Phone

(USD3)

7

3 (USD15)

An immensely enjoyable world where you have rockets instead of legs that enable you to fly - a little pepper pot in the sky and shoot at other legless people Platform: Windows Phone, iOS

4

We bring them, you’ll want them

SPB Mobile Shell

(USD3)

Display 4-inch, 800x480p resolution

(Free)

Vlingo: Voice App (Free)

This app enables you to control your Nokia handset with your voice so that you can speak to your handset Platform: Windows Phone

4/27/13 12:34 PM

COVER STORY TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

7

Budget plasma With excellent picture quality and uniform characteristics, this TV is a great buy

TV type: Plasma

Panasonic TC-P42S60 Price: Approx. USD660(RO254) on pcrichard.com Screen size: 42-inch

Weight: 18.5kg Dimensions: 995x256.5x650.2mm

W

e can’t overstate the importance of the Panasonic S60 series. In a dark room, its inky-deep black levels, accurate colour and perfect uniformity can make it look almost as good as flagship models that is priced reasonably.

The S60 comes in a 42-inch size, offers a refreshingly simple take on Smart TV and most importantly has a great price tag. For buyers on a tight budget who still crave superb picture, can control room lighting, and don’t need extra features or

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 7

inputs, the Panasonic S60 is our favourite pick of early 2013.

Although not quite as admirably features-bereft as the U50, a TV released last year. It lacks the 3D and fancy Smart TV of the ST60 series, although it does offer a refreshingly basic assortment of streaming-video services as well as built-in WiFi. Picture-related improvements over the entry-level X60 series include 1080p resolution and a better contrast ratio specification. The S60 is also the least expensive 2013 Panasonic plasma to

Motion enhancement technology: 600Hz sub field drive

Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, 2x HDMI input, 2x USB 2.0, digital audio output, composite video/ component video/audio input, network

support the optional touch-pen accessory, which, as you might guess, makes it possible to draw on the screen. It works well, but we don’t see it’s importance unless in a presentation.

Panasonic calls the S60’s Internet-connected content suite ‘Online Movies’ instead of Smart TV but is better in many ways.

The S60 offers just six apps: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu Plus, and CinemaNow. Each one is a useful streaming-video source, and I’m guessing most people won’t want any more.

Features: Audio return channel, HDAVI control Native resolution 1,920x1,080, 1,080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratios

While it’s not the best-performing plasma this year, the S60 delivers a remarkable picture nonetheless. Its black levels are exceedingly deep, its colour performance is likewise superb and of course its uniformity and off-angle fidelity are perfect. In these areas it defeats all but the most expensive LED and LCD TVs, but it also has one big weakness. It doesn’t do well under the lights. It has decent video processing too. But they can’t stop the S60 from earning an excellent from us.

4/27/13 12:34 PM

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 RO248

RO240

RO241

RO200

RO156

50

Blackberry Z10

Samsung Note II

Nokia Lumia 920

Samsung S III

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

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

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 RO100 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

RO140

RO200 Asus TF-101 10.1-inches 1280x800, Android honeycomb OS, Nvidia Tegra 2, Dual Core, 1GB RAM, 16GB Storage, Bluetooth, 5MP camera

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7-inch display1280x800, 16GB built in memory, Wifi, Dual Speaker Dolby, 1.2Ghz Dual Core processor, HD camera

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

Computers

N

RO470

Sony Vaio SVT13117FAS 13.3-inch, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Intel Core i7-3517U 1.9GHz with turbo boost up 3GHz, Windows 7, HDD 256GB + SSD 32GB, 4GB RAM

RO330 HP 11-g0003 11.6-inch display, 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z2760, 2GB SDRAM, 64GB SSD Hard drive, WiFi, 8MP Camera, 1080p HD Webcam, Windows 8

RO300

N

RO315

RO200

Samsung XE500T1C-A01

Dell Inspiron 5523 0395

Toshiba SAT C850-B887

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

15.6-inch TN LED glossy, Intel Core i5-3317u 1.8GHz, 6144MB DDR3SDRAM, 128GB Hard disk, 1.3MP webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 8 Pro

15.6-inch HD LED screen 1,366 x 768Â , Intel Core 13-3210M, 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 8, 5 in 1 Multi Card Reader

Compact cameras

N

RO70

RO200

Casio Z3000

Sony Alpha NEX-F3

16.1MP, 8x optical zoom, 25mm wide angle lens, 3-inch LCD, HD movie, CCD Shift Stabilization

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

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 8

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

N

RO180

Olympus TG 810 14MP, 5x Optical Zoom, 5-25mm lens, 3-inch LCD touch screen, Full HD movie, GPS, 10m Water Proof

4/27/13 12:34 PM

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.

Prices as of April 24, 2012.

Updated

Pro cameras

RO822 Canon 7D 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

RO240

N

Fujifilm Finepix HS50EXR 16MP EXR CMOS II, 42x zoom, 24mm wide, 3-inch LCD screen, iso12800, full HD movie *Photocentre

RO500

RO260

RO400

N

Canon 650D

Nikon D3200

Samsung NX20

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

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

20.3 MP, 8 FPS, Wifi, 3-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 18-55mm Lens, 1/8000 fast shutter, 8 frames/shutter, smart compact camera system, CMOS sensor, dust reduction, optical image stabilisation, WiFi, USB 2.0

Televisions

RO450

RO270

RO300

RO600

RO1,400

LG 47LM5800

Samsung UA40EH6030

Sony KDL40EX650

Sharp LC-60LE630

Samsung UA55ES8000

47-inch LED 3D, 2MP Full HD, 3HDMI PC in/AV in, USB port, DIVX HD, 200Hz True Motion, Intelligent sensor, Energy Saving

40-inch LED TV, 2MP Full HD, All share/ 200Hz clear motion rate, 1 USB Port, 2HDMI, Connect share movie, SRS HD Theatre sound

40-inch Edge LED TV, Motion Flow XR 100, X-reality Picture Engine, Wifi, Dolby Digital Plus, 3D combo filter

60-inch LED TV, 2MP, full HD, USB movie playback, 3 HDMI, XGEN Pannel with UC2A Technology, Low power consumption

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

apple

Courtesy: Gadgets, Muscat Grand Mall

RO128

RO265

N

4

RO119

RO65

N

RO449

N

iPad Mini WiFi

iPhone 5

MacBook Pro MD 101

iPod Touch

iPod Nano

16GB, 7.9-inch LED-backlit, multi-touch with IPS technology, 1,024x768p, Dual-core A5, Bluetooth, built-in 16.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery

16GB, 4-inch, 1,136x640p, Retina display, 8MP iSight, 1.2MP Facetime, Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Bluetooth, WiFi

13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 2.5GHz dualcore, Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3 memory, 500GB storage, 720p FaceTime HD camera, WiFi, Bluetooth

4-inch widescreen Retina display, Multi touch IPS, 32GB, 5MP iSight camera, LED flash, HD video recording (1080p) up to 30 frames per second with audio, with Apple EarPods

2.5-inch display, 16GB, VoiceOver gesture-based screen reader, accelerometer, Nike+ support, Bluetooth 4.0

TECH RECOMMENDS

Panasonic EH-SE60VP Heated Eyelash Curler

Atari - Flashback The Atari Flashback 2+ delivers the classic gaming sights, sounds and action that introduced so many people to the world of video games.

It features the same wood grain paneling and look of the Atari 2600 and captures the feel through two classic joysticks for multi-player competition and vintage controls. The system comes pre-loaded with over 30 classic games. No new purchases are required; just connect it to your TV and play!

The system that brought you hits like Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Lunar Lander, Millipede, Missile Command, Combat and Pong now has them all collected on one handy system. Give in to nostalgia!

This gadget for the techno ladies uses gentle heat and rotating action to curl lashes. It is safe and comfortable - no pinching or squeezing. The eyelash curler has a 360 degree reversible, rotating comb which works to lengthen and lift lashes for either a natural or well-defined curl. Its compact design and cap make it perfect for travel use or a quick touch-up anytime, anywhere.

RO26

RO10 Seen at Emax, Muscat City Centre

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 9

4/27/13 12:34 PM

10

audiozone WEEK 18, may 1 - 7, 2013

Air Play

Harman Kardon introduces new audio and video receivers, with AirPlay streaming, DLNA media sharing and more

B

oth new AVRs deliver an exquisite audio experience to serve the increasing appetite for entertainment convenience and flexibility while also offering limitless connectivity and networking ability.

AVR 2700 and AVR 3700 are powered by the acclaimed Harman Kardon high-current, ultra-wide bandwidth amplifier design for top sonic performance. To accommodate the latest high-definition audio and video sources, each is equipped with eight HDMI inputs with full 3D compatibility and highresolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio format decoding.

Easy-to-use on-screen menus make setup and navigation simple for everyone in the family. A free, downloadable app for Apple and Android smartphones or tablets controls both the devices as part of the extensive range of connectivity features available. Both devices also feature Apple AirPlay and 4K video scaling, as well as a sleek, modern design.

Highlights The Harman Kardon AVR 2700 delivers 7.1-channel surround and fantastic sound.

Along with eight HDMI inputs with 3D, Deep Color, CEC and Audio Return Channel, the

Price: Approx. USD800 (RO308)

AVR 2700 also features Dolby Volume and EZSet/EQ technology to maximise audio performance. The device includes built-in DLNA-certified 1.5 Ethernet connectivity and Apple AirPlay, supporting connectivity for the iPod, iPad and iPhone. The AVR handles high-resolution Dolby and DTS audio formats to ensure good sound from music sources, video game systems or 3D and high-definition movies and boasts 4K video pass-through and up scaling.

100 Watts per channel 8 HDMI inputs with 3D, Audio Return Channel, CEC and Deep Colour Powerful 7.1-channel surround system Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding

VIDEOZONE

Real glass deal T

his TV is most certainly ‘normal’ in many ways. For starters, the fact that the screen goes black when the TV’s not on means the DesignLine set looks like a gorgeous, high-gloss, monolithic sculpture when you’re not using it. Next, mounting the screen atop a single sheet of glass floor stand creates the impression that the TV is unfeasibly slim and light, moving closer toward that grand TV design idea of a picture that’s just floating in the air.

This ‘floating’ impression is taken to a whole new level, moreover, by the way the black glass gradually fades to see-through glass over the stand’s bottom third or so. This fade to transparency is also outrageously stylish and makes it absolutely clear.

There’s another rather attractive benefit of the transparent bottom section of the stand too, since it allows you to see the coloured light thrown out by the three-sided Ambilight system, Philips has tacked onto the back of the DesignLine. This Ambilight system also casts coloured light from the set’s other edges.

This remarkable, single sheet of glass will be the centre of attraction in your living room

Ambilight is predominantly intended to make viewing your TV a more relaxing experience, but with a TV as slim, tall and handsome as the DesignLine, the Ambilight system also works as a sort of ‘spotlight’ for the TV’s super stylish design. The DesignLine can be fixed on a wall, though its best setting is when sat directly on the floor, leaning well secured, slightly against the wall.

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 10

4/27/13 12:34 PM

COMPUTING TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

11

Tilt. Slide.

LG tempts us with the efficiently designed Windows 8 Slider

T

he Tab-Book H160 is the newly unveiled, first of its series convertible tablet. The star of the show is the button on the left side of the chassis, which activates a spring-loaded mechanism to slide up the display. It’s like magic.

In fact, LG’s effort makes other sliders from the likes of Sony and Toshiba look like algebra equations.

It also benefits from a sharp and bright IPS display with wide viewing

angles, along with a keyboard that really makes the most of the deck.

LG will also sell an Ultra version of the Tab-Book overseas with a Core processor, technically making that model an Ultrabook.

Perhaps, the only drawback of this compact design is that there isn’t a built-in touchpad or a pointing stick.

Although, there is a touch screen there for a reason, but accomplishing tasks like selecting text could be really difficult for some people.

Tab-Book H160 sports an 11.6-inch capacitive multi-touch (5 points) touchscreen display of HD native resolution, a Solid-State Drive with a storage capacity of 64GB and 2GB of internal RAM. Furthermore, it packs an Intel Atom Z2760 (Clover Trail) System-On-Chip that incorporates two physical cores operating at 1.8GHz and an integrated graphics controller clocked at 533MHz. The 0.6-inch thick tablet offers USB and HDMI connectivity, a microSD

LG Tab-Book H160 Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Display: 11.6-inch, 1280x720p Memory: 2GB RAM Storage: 64GB eMMC card reader slot, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth adapters. Apparently, the H160 weighs 1.05kg with the builtin battery that lasts for around 12.5 hours on a single charge.

Dimensions: 286x192x15.9mm

Even with its certain minute caveats, we believe other companies should take a cue from LG’s design.

Price: USD881 (RO340) aprox.

Processor: Dual-core Intel ATOM Z2760 at 1.8GHz

SPACETECH

The Kepler Breakthrough

Most Earth-like Planets found to date, at right distance from sun to support life, scientists say

P

lanet hunters are significantly closer to their goal of finding an ‘Earth twin’ with the discovery of two planets similar in size to our own, astronomers with NASA’s Kepler mission announced last week. The planets, described at the NASA press conference, orbit a sun that’s cooler than ours but is at the right distance to allow water to remain liquid, which is considered essential for a planet to support life. And because of their sizes and orbits, the newfound planets are likely either rocky - like Earth - or watery.

The Kepler Mission is an exploratory endeavour involving the Nasa space observatory platform, Kepler, aimed at discovering Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. Both worlds, which Nasa has dubbed Kepler-62f and Kepler-62e, are slightly larger than Earth and orbit a star - named Kepler 62 - that’s 1,200 light years away from Earth.

“These two are our best candidates that might be habitable,” said William Borucki, Kepler science principal investigator at

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 11

NASA’s Ames Research Centre, “It might be warm, maybe even a water world and may experience flashes of lightning.”

“If you were on Kepler-62f and looking at the sun, it would be a little less yellow than ours,” Borucki continued, whose announcement also coincided with the release of a study on the topic, in the journal ‘Science’. “And at sunset the sky would be redder. But otherwise it would basically look and feel the same,” he said. “I would call this a breakthrough discovery.”

4/27/13 12:34 PM

TIMEZONE

12

WEEK 18, may 1 - 7, 2013

Ultra-thin black beauty

Designed and built at the brand’s manufacture in Nyon, Hublot’s ‘Classico’ feels super-thin with 2.9 mm in thickness

B

lack is the colour of the contemporary times. This year, during the Geneva watch fairs, Hublot introduced another model in a black ceramic case. It looks sleek and stylish.

The case of the Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black retains the Hublot legacy with its large diameter of 45mm, but has a case thickness of just 8.3mm. The ceramic used in the case and bezel has a glossy finish. The crown has a Hublot emblem for which polished ceramic is used. The lugs are made of black composite resin. Six of Hublot’s ‘H’-shaped titanium screws are countersunk into the bezel that contrasts well with black in the background.

Designed and built entirely at the brand’s manufacture in

Nyon, Hublot’s manual-winding HUB1300 ’Classico’ caliber or the skeletonized movement, is composed of 130 parts, including 23 jewels. It feels super-thin with 2.9 mm in thickness. Wearers can view the watch’s regulating organ at work as the movement has an open worked structure even while they’re reading the time. The Classico beats at a frequency of 21,600vph (3Hz) and enjoys a 90hour power reserve.

Classico Ultra-Thin All Black Price: USD18,300 (RO7,046) Case material: Ceramic Case diameter: 45mm Case thickness: 8.3mm Strap: Black alligator leather on top stitched to black rubber underneath Power reserve: 90 hours

The sapphire dial has a lustrous Hublot logo at the top with blackcoated, polished hands and indices.

The shape of the hands will remind you of some of the earliest Hublot watches. The strap is a combination of materials, with black alligator leather on top stitched to black rubber underneath, attached to a polished, satin-finished, black PVD steel buckle.

special feature

Super charged B atteries have been shoved well and truly into the spotlight this week. From sulphur and voltage spikes, to a battery technology breakthrough that could produce cells which fully charge in minutes and last for days rather than hours.

If that wasn’t exciting enough, we’ve got black holes, super nano suits and the real reason we love laptop coolers, all waiting for you next week.

Microarray batteries could charge 1,000 times quicker Scientists may have finally made the massive breakthrough in battery technology we’ve all been waiting for. Miniaturisation is the key here; essentially researchers have created ranks of micro batteries, producing many, many 3D electrodes combining intertwined anodes and cathodes at the micro scale. That creates a much higher surface area to volume ratio, and means that electrons don’t have far to flow to complete the circuit and therefore output power quicker to where it’s needed.

The result is a battery that fully charges in minutes and lasts ten

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 12

The batteries that charge 1,000 times quicker and last 10 times longer

times longer than current lithium-ion cells, something that would certainly boost battery life by miles in our smartphones. Unfortunately, the battery isn’t quite ready for primetime, given a few safety concerns including a flammable electrolyte, but this could be the breakthrough that finally brings batteries up to scratch with the rest of the modern technology.

Next-generation batteries could stink like rotten eggs Miniaturisation may be the next hot battery technology, but sulphur might be the new material to boost it even further. A new technique called inverse vulcanisation creates new polymers out of a liquid sulphur mix, creating a new material for the potential construction of cathodes. Current generation sulphur-based batteries, although they provide good power density and low rates of self-discharge, quickly eat up their sulphur cathodes. The hope is that this new cathode sulphur polymer will solve that issue, beating lithiumion batteries in almost all respects.

While more research is clearly needed, soon your batteries could be sulphurpowered as well as being tiny.

4/27/13 12:34 PM

DASHBOARD TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM

13

eXstasy Following the huge success of the X-series, BMW has decided to pop-in the all-new X4 to complete the range

T

he story of BMW light trucks took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). This concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW SAV with the character of a BMW Coupe for the first time. The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW SAV took to the stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have on a upward curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV.

the kidney grille and stylised twin circular head-lights give the nose a clear identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it.

Move to the rear, and the car looks a bit like the new 3 Series GT. The bumper is a lot deeper, though and features some rugged underbody protection and two large exhaust pipes.

With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW SAV can blend wîth the genes of a BMW Coupe.

BMW has altered the dimensions of the X3 to help create a more dynamic look for the X4. It’s exactly the same length, at 4,648mm, and has the same 2,810mm wheelbase, but it’s 53mm lower and 34mm wider. This gives a similarly planted look to the X6.

The front-end styling of the BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence of a BMW SAV in equal measure. Classic BMW features such as

That extra width could be added to the track of the X4 – as it is in the X6 – which could help make it feel a little more stable through corners. Add the lower roofline and lower centre of gravity, and the X4 looks set to be one of the best-handling SUVs in the BMW line-up.

The car will probably share engines with the X3, as the X6 shares X5 engines. BMW does offer a rear-wheel-drive version of the X3, but hasn’t confirmed whether a 4WD X4 will be available. The company will be hoping to continue the success story started by the X6, which has consistently sold well since it was introduced in 2008. For every two-and-a-half X5s that found homes globally last year, BMW sold one X6. Similar sales figures for the X4 are likely.

The car will be built alongside the X3, X5 and X6 at the Spartanburg plant South Carolina, US. Prices are expected to start at around RO17-19,000 when order books for the X4 open early next year.

TIMEZONE + DASHBOARD.indd 13

4/27/13 12:37 PM

14

NUOVOTECH WEEK 18, may 1 - 7, 2013

Irresistible gadgets for daily use

Your life will seem incomplete without these gadgets now

Never Ending Story eBook Cover

iRing Stylus Everything we have these days has a touch screen and they all rely on fingertips to do the walking. Unfortunately, sometimes fingers get cold and dry and don’t always work on these screens.

Made of aluminium and rubber, this gadget can be worn on your finger or a cord around your neck, so you’ll always have it handy. It goes with whatever you’re wearing and saves you from embarrassing capacitive touch screen accidents.

So scroll and swipe to your hearts content and look cool doing it.

Your digital book reader can hold thousands of books all in one package, so why not style your eBook reader in clever and nostalgic fashion with The Never Ending Story cover? Capable of fitting over kindles, nooks, iPad minis and many other devices, this cover is a must have. Customize your reader with a cover that will bring back the nostalgic moments of luck, dragons, noble warriors and epic quests.

Price: USD13 (RO5) Available on amazon.com

Price: USD59 (RO23) Available on etsy.com

iCarta 2-Bluetooth Toilet Paper Holder

Reinventing the Wheel Bored with driving? The RITW is a steering wheel cover that lets you entertain yourself by playing a drum set along with whatever you’re listening to on your car stereo. Made by the Smack Attack Corporation, the device fits around an ordinary steering wheel, turning it into an electronic drum set that can play eight different drum sounds, do karaoke and connect to your iPod.

Price: USD150 (RO58) Currently not available online

Magic Wand TV Remote Harry Potter fans can now control any TV with the flick of the wrist with this magic wand TV remote control. The wand can be programmed with up to 13 different infrared control codes that are not limited to the television but can be applied to basically any apparatus that’s remote controlled. So next time your muggle friends come for a visit, whip out your trusty wand and let the magic commence.

Price: USD90 (RO35), Available on thinkgeek.com

This nifty little gadget allows you to listen to your favourite tunes while in the bathroom! It wirelessly streams your music from up to 10 feet away. Play music and podcasts from your iPhone, iPod or even your Android Smartphone. The unit has two 4 watt speakers, powered by four AA batteries and works with mobile devices that run Bluetooth 2.0 or higher and also has an LED indicator for both power and pairing status as well as volume controls.

Price: USD60 (RO23) Available on amazon.com

Moviezone

The Call

A tense, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, extremejeopardy thriller that kicks off with a 911 call

T

he Call stars Halle Berry (Storm from the X-Men Movies) as Jordan, a veteran operator at a California 911 call center.

Always calm, collected and smart in her interactions with PR’s (person reporting), Jordan’s world is rocked when she takes the tragic call of a young girl who is being abducted by a sadistic killer. After that ordeal, Jordan takes a more hands-off role teaching incoming operators.

However, fate is not done with her yet, it seems, as she receives a panicked call from a different young girl named Casey (Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine and Zombieland), who has been abducted by a man who fits the same profile as the predator that scarred Jordan’s life.

The Call is a B-movie thriller that’s as cliched as they come, but thanks to director Brad Anderson (The Machinist) and a truly frightening villain effectively portrayed by Michael Eklund, the film manages to actually deliver good thrills for most of its runtime. While the

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 14

progression of the story is definitely predictable and overly familiar, Anderson and screenplay writer Richard D’Ovidio (Thir13en Ghosts, Exit Wounds) come up with enough ways to stage each rescue attempt and nearsave with an exciting and surprising precision that is hard not to respond to.

In the end, The Call is a mix of good and bad elements that still manages to accomplish the primary task of delivering good thrills and while riddled with holes, the movie does provide a level of cathartic payoff by its abrupt finale.

Director: Brad Anderson Genre: Thriller Cast: Halle Berry Abigail Breslin Michael Eklund

4/27/13 12:35 PM

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24212421

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

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

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24488795

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TW42 1 What is the technical name for the ‘tower’ of a desktop computer?

System Unit

A

Outputting

B

Mainframe

B

Uploading

C

Hard Drive

C

Sharing

for business professionals?

EMAIL: TECH@DEENARMEDIA.COM Previous quiz answers: 1 – B, 2 – C, 3 – B, 4 – A NOTE: Employees and family members of Deenar Press and Publishing cannot participate in the quiz. Judge’s decision is final. Please email the answers to tech@deenarmedia.com or fax this page to 24693569 by the deadline. Correspondence after the deadline will not be entertained. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified.

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NUOVOTECH + MOVIEZONE + QUIZ.indd 15

computer called?

A

3 What social networking website is designed FAX: 24693569

2 What is the process of sending files from your

4 What is Visual Basic?

A

Facebook

A

Touch screen interface

B

Linkedln

B

Operating system

C

MySpace

C

Programming Language

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4/27/13 12:47 PM

16

GAMING WEEK 18, may 1 - 7, 2013

The legendary Final Fantasy’s genre returns with a massive multiplayer platform and persistent online shooting

S

et in and around a futuristic version of San Francisco that’s been mangled by alien terraforming, Defiance puts you — a lightly customizable human or Irathient being — in the role of an ark hunter. Your job? To collect the powerful space tech that rains from the skies during dynamic Arkfall battles and a generous helping of story and side missions.

In practice, the game plays like an openworld third-person shooter. You explore the terrain — filled with crumbled highways and rolling hills peppered with alien plant life — seeking out missions, tackling events and encountering potentially thousands of other online players. You’ll also spend much of your time emptying clips into all sorts of nasty alien bugs, cybernetic gangs and hulking robotic walkers. Between the loot, the frequent shootouts and your many firearms (machineguns, grenade launchers etc, with varying attributes and elemental properties), the experience comes together like a less-stylized, online-only riff on Borderlands.

however, that’s an unproven aspect. The initial episodic missions don’t stand out from the other narrative quests, aside from the sights and sounds of two TV stars and the in game events that lead into the show’s first episode are totally inessential.

of aggressive creatures spawning from massive space rocks. The spontaneous camaraderie, scale of the battles, the experience points and gear you’ll earn in the process make for moments worth tracking down anytime they pop up.

It’s the aforementioned Arkfall events that make the biggest impression, as they appear randomly throughout the world and draw nearby hunters to their glow. You’ll band together with potentially dozens of other players to bash waves

Defiance really does have a distinctive pull that’s unlike any other shooter. It’s exciting to start a mission alone in the world and see other online players hop in at random, where they become makeshift comrades fighting for the same cause.

Score: Plot.............................................. 6/10 Gameplay .............................. 7/10 Visuals....................................... 7/10 Overall................................................7

Publisher: Trion Woods Genre: Science Fiction, Third person shooter Developer: Trion Woods Platforms: Xbox 360, PC, PS3

On the surface, Defiance’s biggest hook is its crossover with the Syfy live action series, via special missions featuring characters from the show. As of now,

techRADAR

ESRB Rating: Mature

Summer approaches with gadgets guaranteed to win you over

Samsung Galaxy S4 The Samsung Galaxy S4 brings a huge Full HD screen, an improved camera, faster innards and fits it all in a chassis the same size as the Galaxy S3. However, many will still struggle to tell the difference between the S4 and its predecessor. Coming in white frost and black mist colours, a larger screen and a lighter weight than the S3, albeit with a plastic feel.

Coming to stores on April, 27th.

iPhone 5S After the release of iPhone 5 a few months ago, Apple is already preparing for their next product. iPhone 5s is rumored to be released in June 2013 and it’s been predicted that it will be equipped with super HD camera and screen with a better batterly life, RAM, NFC (Near Field Communication) with 128 GB data storage capacity. And like the iPod Nano, iPhone 5s may be available in 5-8 colours.

TW42 WEEK 18 Final.indb 16

Sony C650X Odin Since leaked shots and specs of the C650X Odin surfaced online months back, Sony’s smart phone has gained serious buzz. The device is rumored to feature a 5-inch 1080p screen, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset and 2GB of RAM. Granted, the Xperia series continue to struggle on the domestic front, but the Odin has the potential to keep Sony in the Android hunt.

4/27/13 12:35 PM