Sunday, March 25, 2012

New 2012 Tablets (iPad, Nexus, Xoom 2, and more)

Apple iPad (2012)

       I will start off with the most obvious tablet for this list, but there is a very good reason for that.  Which is, everyone compares tablets to the iPad.  Generally people say the iPad is the best tablet device on the market because it most likely is.  Whether you agreed with that statement or not, this is one incredible device.  The biggest improvement to the new iPad is the new retina display, which has four times the amount of pixels then the iPad 2. That is 3.1 million pixels. Yep, you read that right, 3.1 million! There are no words to describe how amazing the display.  Another new feature of the iPad is the A5X chip.  This bad boy is what gives the tablet quad-core graphics and the smooth feeling that makes apple products so magical.


        But before you start complaining about battery life, let me tell you this.  It still has 10 full of available usage. Incredible.  Apple also upgraded the iPad with their iSight camera.  You can record some amazing video with the tablet because it shoots in full 1080p.  The camera only takes 5-megapixel pictures, but that doesn't seem to affect the quality because of the other technology packed in this device.  If you are willing to throw in some extra cash, your new iPad will be blazing fast through the newly available 4G LTE.  It will also be able to turn into a personal wifi hot spot.  This tablet is packed with fantastic new features and perhaps that is why it is the best on the market.  So if you have the cash, hurry to your local Best Buy, Apple Store, or other tablet selling stores, and pick up this beast of a tablet!


Google Nexus Tablet

        This tablet is mainly in the prerelease rumor phase so most information about this device is not confirmed.  But it has an enormous amount of potential because of the nexus phones that have been released previously.  In my opinion the best feature about this tablet is its extremely low price point of $150-$200.  This is about the same price as the Kindle Fire, if not lower.  This device will have a seven inch screen which is expected of a low cost tablet.  Makers have decided to not the Tegra 3 dual-core process which cuts the cost.  Google seems to be getting into almost every technology market, so it makes sense for them to release a great device like the Nexus Tablet.  When more information about the Google Nexus Tablet is known, the people here at Gnome Tech will be all over it, so stay tuned!

Motorola XYBoard 

        Even though some may say the first Xoom tablet was a failure, that doesn't stop Motorola from trying again with the XYBoard.  According to Motorola, this tablet has gotta thinner, brighter, and lighter.  It has a nice dual-core 1.2 GHz processor which will help you run multiple apps without slowing down.  Another pretty cool feature about the XYBoard is the nano-coating.  This makes the tablet almost water proof and will repel spills and rain if they are wiped off before too long.  This device also features MotoCast, which is a wireless streaming service for your computer and tablet.  You can access music, videos, and other documents, that are stored on your computer, right on your tablet.  The battery life on this tablet is around 10 hours, which should be enough time before it can be charged again.  The XYBoard contains a five mega pixel camera with an LED flash.  Motorola is selling this device in 10.1 inch and 8.2 inch versions with 16GB or 32GB of storage. Finally, this tablet is running android 3.2 (Honeycomb) but can be upgraded to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). It looks like Motorola is taking the right steps to selling a quality tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2

        Samsung decided to build on its success from the first Galaxy Tab and make a second version.  They are selling it with a screen size of 10.1 inches or 7 inches.  It has storage of 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB, but it can be expanded up to 32GB more through the microSD card slot.  This tablet is rolling out of the production line with android version 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich).  The camera is only three mega pixels which is less then most of the other 2012 tablets.  The Galaxy Tab only contains a dual core 1 GHz processor.  About a year ago a dual core processor would be a big deal but now it is almost standerd.  This tablet seems to be for the less extensive user because its specs are not as impressive compared to other devices.  This seems like a lot of money for a tablet that has lower specs then most other devices.  But it is still a high quality tablet that should fit the average tablet user's needs.




Asus Transformer Prime

The Asus Transformer Prime is one of the highest powered tablets on the market. If you are constantly multitasking and using your tablet nonstop then this tablet is for you. This device, while docked to the keyboard, has up to 18 hours of battery life. That should be enough for any user. This tablet is so cool because it easily transforms into a laptop like device by connecting it to its keyboard dock (pictured left). You are not going to have to worry about running out of storage on this device because a 32GB and 64GB are available.  It also has a usb and micro SD card slots.  Of course all of these features need to be run with a fast processor so that is just what Asus did.  It is powered by the quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3. Yeah, QUAD-CORE! This thing is without a doubt, a beast.  This tablet is even protected with strong gorilla glass.  It also has two cameras, an 8 megapixel on the back and a 1.2 megapixel camera on the front.  You can record 1080p HD video and take gorgeous pictures.  Of course the Transformer Prime is loaded with android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich).  This tablet is without a doubt a competitor for the iPad.  It even has the same price as the iPad! Except the keyboard dock costs a little more it is definitely worth it.

Thanks for reading and dont forget to subscribe to great people here at Gnome Tech! If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to comment.  I hope you enjoyed the article!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Best Undiscovered iOS Games

Here are some of the best undiscovered apps for iPads, iPhones, and iPod.  These are in no order but they are all high quality apps, so don't hesitate to get them!

1. Fingle - 1.99 - Gameoven 

      Fingle is an app that is always good for a laugh.  This game is basically twister for your fingers.  The object of the game is to move yellow and white squares into the correct place and hold them their for a couple seconds.  But the reason that Fingle is so much fun is because it is meant for two players.  Each player uses one hand and places their fingers on the squares with one player on yellow and the other on white.  Then they slide the squares into the dotted area with lifting their fingers.  This game is a perfect ice breaker and will cause many laughs from the start.  Even the name can be the punch line of very funny jokes.  Sadly, this app is only for the iPad because ten fingers would be hard to fit on one iPhone.


Get this app: http://itunes.apple.com/app/fingle/id490109661?ls=1&mt=8




2. Triple Town - Free - Spry Fox




      Triple Town is very addicting strategy game.  Users place items to match grass which make bushes, which match to make trees, which match to make huts, which match to make...  It all sounds very confusing but after playing for a short time it will become second nature.  Points are rewarded for matches being made.  Mansions are worth the most points.  The more points scored then the better the community is and a better name is awarded.  Examples of the names given are an outpost, or a city.  The only problem is that the app only comes with 2000 moves.  Because the game is so addicting those moves will vanish very fast.  Moves slowly regenerate but the catch it that they can only replenish to up to 150.  Impatience may kick in so there is an option to buy more moves or items in the store.  Hurry and get this app to start matching!

Get this app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/triple-town/id490532168?mt=8




3. MotoHeroz - 0.99 - Ubisoft

      MotoHeroz is a very fun racing game.  There are six different vehicles with five different tracks per vehicle.  Racers speed to the finish trying to beat the one star, two star, or three star time.  Upgrades can be bought with money earned in the races.  These upgrades include top speed, acceleration, and item boost.  There is an option to use cash to buy in game money or a coin multiplier.  The controls on this game are very simple but work perfectly.  Items like boosts, jets, and springs, can be collected during races and used to gain an advantage over your opponents.  This is one of the best racing apps on iTunes and is available for iPod, iPhone, and iPad.


4. Fairway Solitaire HD - Free - Big Fish Game, Inc.

      Fairway Solitaire HD is a relaxing, strategic card game. Players are presented with piles of cards and a deck with one card showing at a time. Then users click cards from the piles that are either one less or more then the card from the deck. If that is not possible then a new card is show while the old one is discarded. The level ends when all of the piles are gone or the whole deck of cards is discarded. This is where the golf part comes into play. A score of -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, ect is given after the level ends based on the amount of cards remaining. Golf themed power ups can be used when they uncovered in the deck. It is extremely hard to put this app down after you start playing one level.



5. Clever Clear Click - 0.99 - FORMAT TECH

      Clever Clear Click is a very simple but very fun application.  The whole point of the game is the try to clear all of the dots off the board.  This is done by clicking a space between two of the same colored dots.  Then the dots are removed and a point is rewarded for each dot taken out.  After the time limit is reached the game ends and the score is show.  The concept of this game is not complicated but it can provide hours of fun.  Users will find themselves not able to stop starting new games to attempt to achieve the high score.  So do not wait to buy this app right now because it is load of fun!



Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this article and will subscribe to us at Gnome Tech! 

PS3 DIY Media Setup

In this video Monty goes over how to use the tech you have to create a PS3 media center.

Instagram for Android, Closer Then You Think

         Well android users the number one photo app on ios should be heading your way pretty soon. If you go to http://instagr.am/android/ you will be able to enter your email and be notified when it is available for download. Maybe in the future we will see it on WP7... probably not! http://instagr.am/android/

How do you use your phone?

        Phones are no longer just phones. They have become media consumption devices that control everything we do. I personally use my phone more then any other of my electronics and it's not because I always have it on me. Even when I get home I prefer opening up safari on my iPhone rather then walking across the room and turning on my computer and waiting for Firefox to start. I use my iPhone for everything, reading, shopping, watching movies, buying tickets, playing games, reading emails, and I even wrote this post on my phone. Another reason I use my phone so much is for its outstanding camera in fact I use my iPhone 4S camera so much that I have retired my Sony cybershot point and shoot camera to the top shelf. So how do you use your phone? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Angry Birds Space Review

Angry Birds Space is the newest addition to the Angry Birds franchise. It brings a refreshed way of playing Angry Birds while still keeping the classic Angry Birds feel. The game launched with the Samsung Galaxy Note and is available in both the Google Play Store and the App Store. This has by far been my favorite addition to the Angry Birds franchise and I think that the team over at Rovio has done a great job with the creation of this title.

Cyanogenmod 7 on the Kindle Fire

My thoughts of cyanogenmod 7 for the kindle fire.
In the past week of using cyanogenmod 7 on my kindle fire, I have had one of the best android experiences out of all the different android devices I have used. Cyanogenmod brings the full functionality of Android 2.3 to the kindle fire and provides a much more fluid user experience. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a fully functional android tablet without the high-end android tablet price.