Apple in the Future

Most of the made-up gadgets above still sound very much like science fiction, but some of them are actually coming to reality. So far we have already heard mobile makers are trying to produce smartphones with foldable screens; and video eyewear products exist no longer only in our minds. We are in the age of technology when every single thought has the potential to be actualized no matter how bizarre it may appear at first. So don’t be surprised if you find one of them becomes available in the market one day.

Even if the technology cannot keep up with our fertile imagination at the moment, we can still make use of some add-ons on the market to further benefit from our cell phone. Many of them, like iPhone 5 accessories, might not be groundbreaking enough blow your mind, but are certainly great complements to make your mobile experience a blast!

The New Android: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

It appears that the new version of the Android operating system is going to be stuck with the current name for a little bit longer. Google has just announced an update on its mobile OS and named it neither Key Lime Pie, nor Kandy Cane, but simply Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. While the lack of newness in the name may let some people down, a number of new features included in the upgraded OS are awesome enough to cheer Android fans up.

1. Photo Sphere Camera

Google has made use of some of its Street View camera techniques and come up with a new camera app, Photo Sphere, in Android 4.2. It allows you to capture 360-degree panoramas. Once you have created your own panoramas, you can choose to share them on Google+ or contribute them to Google Maps for the whole world to see.

2. Gesture Typing

Swiftkey is old-fashioned. Using Gesture Typing, you can now type by gliding your finger over the letters. The smart keyboard will automatically add a space every time you lift your finger after each word. It will also try to figure out what you want to type, so you don’t even have to finish your sentence by typing but by selecting the suggested words.

3. Multiple Users Support

Now this is a really pioneered function that lets the tech giant beat its competitors to the punch. With the innovative feature, everyone is able to set up and customise his/her own account on the same tablet (yes, tablets only). You can have your own homescreen, background, widgets, apps, games, etc on the tablet. And the new Android has made things far easier—you don’t even need to log in and out to switch between users. So stop being stingy and share your tablet!

4. Wireless Display

Whatever it is on your screen, be it a movie, a YouTube video or a game, Android 4.2 allows your device to stream it directly to an HDMI-enabled TV. Get the wireless display adapter ready and connect it to your telly. Now you can enjoy your multimedia collection on the big screen.

5. Google Now

The app tells you all the information you want to know well before you ask! Everything from weather, train information and restaurant reservations to package tracking, surrounding attractions and location-aware show times are covered. With the app, you will never miss a beat in your life.

Fascinating, right? The new OS will first power the LG-made Nexus 4 and the Samsung-made Nexus 10, both of which will be launched in the UK on 13 November. Let’s wait and see how it performs.

Sources:

http://www.android.com/whatsnew/

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/software/android-4-2-jelly-bean-photo-sphere-and-more-new-features-50009631/

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10/29/here-are-the-new-android-4-2-and-google-now-features-including-the-amazing-photo-sphere/

10 Ways to Improve Your Android Phone Security

You may have read the article of mobile malware we delivered last time and are fretting about your Android smartphone being at risk. Well, stop upsetting yourself as today we are going to show you some ways to safeguard your Android handset.

How does malware work on your device?

Before we start, it is better to learn more about our enemy. Mobile malware attacks an Android device by means of attack vectors, which allow hackers to raise permission levels and gain access to the data on the device so as to produce malicious outcomes. Examples of attack vectors are viruses, email spam, bogus SMS, questionable websites and untrusted apps. After the malware gets onto the device, it can jeopardize the user in various ways such as stealing credentials, tallying phone calls then sending them to cybercriminals, as well as sending expensive text messages behind the user’s back. 

Dos and Don’ts

1. Set a PIN, password or a pattern as the screen lock to avoid the wrong people from accessing your phone. Use the built-in encryption to encode your data and settings so that no one can get access to your device via the USB port.

2. Avoid keeping too much personal information on your device. Sensitive personal data such as credit card details and account passwords should be kept in encrypted files.

3. Don’t download random apps. Although the Android OS allows you to download and install apps basically from everywhere, it is unwise to put everything on your device, especially those from unknown sources. Instead, install apps only from the official Play Store. That is not to say that the Store itself is foolproof, but, you know, better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.

4. Read twice before you download an app. There are fake apps created to imitate popular mainstream apps, with their name closely resembling the genuine version. Not all duplicates are evil-minded, but even so, you would want to play it safe and avoid installing them.

5. Disable the ‘Unknown sources’ option in the security settings if possible. This can block installation of non-Market apps on your device.

6. Think twice before you root your device in order to install a custom ROM. While a custom ROM allows more freedom and lets your Android device runs more efficiently, there is always the other side of the coin—malware can manipulate the operating system to obtain root permission and install software on your device without your consent.

7. Avoid using unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots as someone may snoop through your personal data using packet-sniffing software.

8. Install an anti-malware app on your device to make sure it is well-protected. Here are some effective anti-virus and anti-malware apps: Lookout Security & Antivirus, Kaspersky Mobile Security, and McAfee Antivirus & Security.

9. Always keep your device up to date on the latest firmware. Firmware updates can improve your phone performance as well as provide better protection.

10. If you unfortunately lose your handset, use apps such as Lookout, Track&Protect and Where's my Droid, to help you track your phone. You may also use the apps to remotely lock the device or even wipe the data on it.  

Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-apps/how-to-improve-your-android-security-50009497/
http://thenextweb.com/google/2012/10/05/over-60-percent-of-android-malware-comes-from-one-family-hides-in-fake-versions-of-popular-apps/
http://net.cs.uni-bonn.de/fileadmin/user_upload/plohmann/2012-Schulz-Android_Security_Common_Attack_Vectors.pdf

Stocking up on iPhone and iPad Accessories and Apps

There is no shortage of impressive phones on the market these days. Getting your hands on one might make you keen to stock up on some superb accessories that are capable of making the most of your handset. For example, a fitting mobile phone cover can keep your device safe and sound.

In addition to mobile accessories, there are lots of applications available to help you boost the functionality of your handset. Recently, the Guardian ran an article drawing attention to some of the latest, hottest iPhone and iPad apps on the market. Here are a few of them:

Taking astonishing photos

One of the apps it focussed on was Camera+ for the iPad, which has already proved a big hit on the iPhone by racking up more than nine million sales. About the creation, the article stated: “Who takes photos with their iPad? Well, some people, but the real appeal here is the use of iCloud to access photo shots using the iPhone version, with a range of editing features exclusive to the iPad version.”

Putting your dancing shoes on

Another offering featured in the publication was the Fancy Nancy Ballet School app compatible with both the iPhone and iPad. Fancy Nancy is the protagonist of a popular series of HarperCollins children’s books. The star has already featured in two other apps and this version is predominantly an educational ballet app.

The newspaper suggested that youngsters can watch Nancy perform 11 moves and steps, string them together into whatever sequence they like and practice the routines themselves. They can even shoot footage of their own dancing and then digitally insert Nancy into the video to see how accurate their dancing is.

Getting around

Another product that you may be interested in is Insight Guides World Cities, available on both the iPhone and iPad. The travel-guide app is free, with ten city guides available to buy in-app at £3.99 each. They include listings of businesses, tourist hotspots and hotels.

Getting inside Einstein’s mind

NMHMC Harvey is an iPad-only academic app that digitises the images of Albert Einstein’s brain. The pictures are based on the autopsy conducted in 1955 when the organ was segmented into 170 parts for study by neuroscientists. Intended for both scientific experts and enthusiastic amateurs, this app is certainly out of the ordinary.

Getting practical

Another app that you might take your fancy to is FixYa: Solutions for Everything. Intended for both the iPhone and iPad, this app provides information on how to mend things. As the Guardian has remarked, it shows you how to “fix dehumidifiers, lubricate lawnmowers, nail things onto other things without the other things being your own leg.”

Stocking up on accessories

Of course, practical mobile add-ons are just as important as apps. Here at UK.cellphoneshop.net, we understand the importance of having the right accessories for your handset. Whether you need a new iPhone battery, iPad charger or anything else, you should be able to find them on our website. We ensure that you have access to all the best extras for your mobile or tablet so that you can really get the most out of it. Now would be your perfect time to take a look around our online catalogue.



Sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2012/sep/28/best-iphone-ipad-apps-clockwork-orange?newsfeed=true
http://uk.cellphoneshop.net/lowpricguar.html

Staying Safe on the Roads with Mobile Phone Car Kits

You might hate being incommunicado and so whenever your mobile receives a text or call, it is second nature to pick it up and check it. The problem is, if you are driving, this action could be disastrous: You are more likely to be involved in an accident if you use your handset while you are behind the wheel. Also, using a handheld phone while driving is illegal in the UK that you could face prosecution if you are caught.

The stark reality

Recently, the Derby Telegraph conducted an experiment in which their photographers positioned themselves outside city schools to capture bad mobile-phone related driving behaviour. In total, six motorists were spotted holding phones while driving past the schools.

One man was pictured just 50 metres from the front gates of Merrill College near Moorhead Primary School holding his mobile while driving a van.

At the same location over the course of one hour, the photographers spotted three more drivers breaking the law in this way.

A warning

Commenting on the photographs, Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of road policing in Derbyshire, said: “These photographs appear to show people using their mobile phones, which is against the law, but even holding a phone and therefore not having proper control of a vehicle would lead to prosecution.”

 “Using mobile phones while driving is one of the fatal four factors and there is a proven link between serious and fatal accidents when using a mobile phone," added Wilson. “Using a phone means drivers are not able to stop as quickly as when they have their full attention on the road. It’s bad enough that the drivers put themselves at risk, never mind other people and especially young children outside schools.”

Sourcing the perfect products for road safety

The good news is, there is an easy way around this problem. By investing in mobile phone accessories designed for in-car use, you will be able to stay connected to friends, family and colleagues while you are on the roads.

Here at UK.cellphoneshop we sell a variety of products that allow you to use your mobile hands-free in your car, keeping you safe and on the right side of the law. To see the impressive array of items we have to offer, just take a look at the car kits section of our website. Whether you are after HTC accessories, Samsung accessories or anything else, you should be able to find them.

Our car kits and car speakerphones can be easily and securely mounted to your vehicle’s sun visor, air vents, steering wheel and other places without obstructing your view. Meanwhile, the amazing audio quality they deliver will help ensure that you can communicate without difficulty.

Affordable prices

Spending lots of cash on these items may be out of the question for you at present. The cost of motoring keeps rising, so using up even more of your budget on driving-related items is far from ideal.

Luckily, our products represent superb value for money, meaning you won’t have to blow your budget to get what you need.

To check out our full range of products, just take a look around the rest of our website.

Sources:
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/phone/story-17072664-detail/story.html
http://uk.cellphoneshop.net/lowpricguar.html

The Power of 4G

Mobile communication technology is inseparable from our lives in almost every aspect. From taking photos and sharing them on social networking sites to researching and buying products online, our smartphone is always the thing we rely on. 

Engineers and scientists have long been working on ways to enhance consumers’ mobile experience by inventing and improving not just mobile hardware and software but also peripheral accessories. From displays and apps to phone chargers, everything is constantly changing and adapting to the needs and preferences of users.

UK’s first 4G network

And very soon, we will be able to take advantage of another revolutionary mobile innovation. By the end of this month, Britain will have a 4G network as EE, the country’s largest operator, will launch the service in a total of ten cities. This will enable Britons to open web pages in a fraction of a second and watching TV in high definition on their smartphones, an article on the Guardian noted.

As good as desktops

The article went on to state: “In essence, 4G is a way of squeezing larger amounts of data over radio waves. Essentially it turns your phone into a device with links to the internet as good as a desktop computer’s - in theory making watching BBC iPlayer, video calling or multi-player gaming just as seamless on the move as it is at home.”

Meanwhile, James Barford, telecoms expert at Enders Analysis, remarked: “Technology-wise, 4G is an evolution. The latest version of 3G is quite close in performance to the current 4G. That said, EE’s network will be virtually empty for at least six months, so the speeds experienced are likely to be impressive.”

Waiting

However, Ernest Doku from price comparison site uSwitch suggested that many consumers will hold back for a while before jumping onto the 4G boat. He stated: “The early adopters, who have to have the latest and greatest technology, will switch to EE because it has the service first, but a lot of consumers could be prepared to sit on their hands.”

Getting the most from your phone

Whatever phone and network you are using, it is important to make the most of your handset and this is where mobile accessories come into their own. For example, you might want to enhance the look and longevity of your handset by investing in protective covers.

Here at UK.cellphoneshop we sell a whole range of items that may be just what you are looking for.

Competitive prices

Whether you are after iPhone 4 accessories, Motorola accessories or any other items, you can rest assured that you will benefit from excellent value for money.

We offer unbeatable prices and even implement a Lowest Price Guarantee policy, under which we will match any price on the web and even deduct an extra ten per cent from your order on the original price discrepancy if you find the same products are cheaper elsewhere.

See for yourself

To check out our impressive range of items for yourself, just take a look around the rest of our website. You will not be disappointed.

Sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/oct/07/four-g-phone-network-launch?newsfeed=true
http://uk.cellphoneshop.net/lowpricguar.html

5 Best Free Entertainment Apps for iPhone and Android Phones

Having a bad day? CellPhoneShop.net today picks out five best entertainment apps in the marketplaces to gee you up. They are all free apps compatible with both iPhone and Android phones. Get them installed on your device and make your mobile experience a total blast!

1. StumbleUpon
Sometimes you are just too bored yet too lazy to move your body. The only amusement you can think of is to lie on your couch and play with your smartphone. That’s the time when you find StumbleUpon your best pal. The app is just like a map; only it is not directing you in our real-life world but on the Web. Here is how it works. You Stumble through the Interests (500+) that are well categorized by the app and tell it your likes and dislikes by thumbing up or down. Then you wait and let the app do the rest for you. It will show you all the entertaining stuff related to your tastes and interests. Web pages, photos, videos, articles and more, you are ready for an adventure down the road.   

2. Schemer
Remember that time you got so bored but couldn’t come up with an entertaining plan? That won’t ever happen again if you have Schemer. Pick the schemes that you fancy doing and collect them on Schemer. Next time when you are drained of ideas for fun, the app will just come to help. From hiking the ruins of the city to taking a mixology course, Schemer keeps you up to date on new stuff around you. It can even suggest you schemes according to the environment, like watching a film at home if it is a rainy day. Pick a scheme and chill this weekend with your buddies.

3. Stitcher

Would you like to listen to radio on your own schedule instead of the schedule of the stations? Are you exhausted of jumping from station to station just to catch up with your favorite program? With Stitcher, you can create your own customized stations, and listen to them whenever and wherever you like. The smart radio “stitches” together your favorite talk shows, comedy shows, sports, news and so on into personalized stations and saves them for your later access. It also recommends you new shows according to your listening activities. With over 6,000 radio shows broadcast by NPR, CNN, Fox, BBC, WSJ and many others, you got the whole world of talk radio at your feet.

4. ShopSavvy
Amid fragile economy, you would want to save every penny in your pocket. Now you can be really savvy when you do your online shopping with ShopSavvy. The barcode scanner helps you find products at their lowest online or local prices by searching across retailers in North America and Europe. You can also check out shipping promos, coupon codes, discounts, sales and more on the app to get the best value for your money. To make your shopping experience even more convenient, you can either choose to buy online or shop locally. Install the app on your smartphone for smarter shopping today!

5. IMDB Movies & TV
If you are a TV or movie nut, don’t miss out on this app. IMDB Movies & TV is an app carrying the most comprehensive collection of movie, TV and celebrity information. You can find literally everything, such as movie showtimes, trailers, photo galleries, TV listings, recaps of TV shows, latest entertainment news, latest DVD releases and movie reviews. Where else do you need to go when all the information about your favorite shows or actors/actresses is at your fingertips? 


Sources:
1. http://www.stumbleupon.com/about
2. https://www.schemer.com/?lo=1#home
3. http://stitcher.com/LearnMore.php
4. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shopsavvy-barcode-scanner/id338828953?mt=8
5. http://www.imdb.com/apps/iphone/