2013
Compression comes to Google Chrome for IOS
Most mobile users have some kind of capped data plan and being frugal with every megabyte is important to keeping costs low. Google is now enabling compression for their Chrome browser on IOS. I have been testing this compression feature on the Google Chrome beta on Android for some time and am very happy they are making it available on IOS. It basically passes all traffic through a Google proxy that removes non-essential content from web streams (i.e. whitespace, comments, metadata, etc).
Microsoft will host a Surface Launch event on Sept 23
With steep price cuts and the upcoming release of Windows 8.1, it was widely expected that Microsoft would host some type of launch even in September for its next generation surface devices. On September 23rd (in the big apple) we find out what updated devices Microsoft hopes to steal the 2013 holiday season with.
Loksak keeps your valuables dry even when diving
As a world traveler, I am always on the lookout for tools and accessories that will make my life easier, safer or more enjoyable. Like most travelers, I now travel with a handful of gadgets (smartphones, tablets, external batteries, GPS, etc) and need to keep these devices working regardless of the situations I may encounter. What could I have possibly encountered you ask? Let me tell you my friend, tornadoes, earthquakes, sleet, snow, severe rain, tsunami, etc. Having spent the better part of my career travelling, I seem to have been in one too many "
Real world review of the Leap Motion Controller
Leap Motion Controller Review I love new tech and am an early adopter. I saw the Leap Motion Controller demo about a year ago and got swept up in Minority Report type computing dreams. Oh the things it would be able to do. I could think of a dozen ways it would make my computing life so much better and I waiting anxiously for the product to hit the market. The cool factor There is no denying this is cool technology.
How to improve you luck immediately
There are times when you feel you have run out of luck. When things just aren't going your way and you need a little push. Sure you could carry a dismembered animal foot (aka rabbits foot) but there is a new product to the rescue called Insta-Luck. The Insta-Luck container contains a genuine real four leaf clover preserved using a proprietary 5 step process to ensure it lasts a lifetime. You could try finding a four leaf clover yourself but
Childbirth simulator with baby, placenta and fluids
Childbirth is a wonderful and beautiful life event. Then I see something like this and all I can wonder is why why why... This Childbirth simulator is strange. The MamaNatalie® birthing simulator comes with a baby, placenta, umbilical cord, fake blood and other fluids. All I can say is oh my and how weird and WHY! <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/39132a6315.jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7a18f1310e.jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7ce0849d59.jpg" alt=""> http://www.laerdal.com/us/mamaNatalie
Bose SoundLink Mini is the best mid-size Bluetooth speaker
Bose SoundLink Mini review I love audio devices. I own several dozen headphones, amps, speakers and audio players. I have a music collection in tones of formats from MP3 128-bit all the way to lossless ALAC and FLAC. I love testing speakers and particularly Bluetooth speakers I can take on business trips. I recently had a chance to test he Bose soundLink mini and was pleasantly surprised. It fast became my favorite mid-level Bluetooth speaker (more than the UE Boom or Jawbone Jambox).
FCC leaks Nexus 5 information
Google published a video this week that showed the unveiling of the Android Kit Kat statue in front of the Googleplex. The above snapshot shows a new unannounced Nexus phone, which may be why Google quickly pulled the video. Site S4Guru discovered an FCC filling for a new LG device whose shape seems to match that of the mystery phone shown above. Could this be the next Nexus (Nexus 5)? The FCC filling shows that the device will support these bands:
Review of the Fitbit Flex fitness tracker
Fitbit is one of the early pioneers in mass market self measurement devices. to stay current and hip, they released the Fitbit Flex bracelet style tracker and I went hands on. In the bracelet style health monitors, the 3 main players are Jawbone UP, Nike Fuelband and the Fitbit Flex. The Fitbit Flex is cheaper than its competitors but seems to offer more value for the money. <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/a8446c809a.jpg" alt=""> The design The design a a clean bracelet style tracker that is easy to wear but that loses the instant feedback the other Fitbit devices offer with their screens.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 first to support LTE Advanced
With all the glitzy showmanship at the Samsung event at IFA (In Berlin), you would be forgiven for missing one of the coolest new smartphone features launching on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It is support for the new and upcoming LTE-Advanced standard. Even though no carriers currently offer LTE advanced support, this means your phone investment dollars will go much further. The LTE Advanced support comes from the Qualcomm MDM9x25 baseband which also supports 6 LTE bands. This means your phone will support more carriers.
The best tablet you can buy today
Review of the New 2013 Nexus 7 The 2013 Nexus 7 is the best mini tablet you can buy today. Why is it the best? It is the best combination of price, screen, speed, and battery life. The original Nexus 7 was the first Android device that made me want an Android device. Its newer brother is a little easier to hold. Ports The 2013 Nexus 7 has the same number of ports as the older version: a micro USB an earphone port Screen The new screen is a [better than than iPad mini] 1920x1200 IPS LCD panel which is a huge improvement from the original 12080x800.
CloudConvert will convert between 140 file formats
There are a couple of situations every week where I have to convert files from one format to another. So far my go to site has been ZamZar but I recently learned about another player called CloudConvert. Like Zamzar, CloudConvert is web based which means no installation, constant updating and worries about configuration. CloudConvert supports the conversion of 140 different filetypes. and using it is wonderfully simple. You visit the site (which is responsive so it works on your smartphone too), select the file, choose the format to convert to and allow it to send your converted file to Dropbox / GoogleDrive.
New Apple TV secretly shipped to US
Everyone is exciting about the new iPhone 5s that will be announced September 10th. I'm here to remind you that Apple will likely release an updated Apple TV. Unfortunately we haven't heard too many rumors about what will be updated, it is safe to assume it will get a faster processor and better graphics processing unit. <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9e0c991d20.jpg" alt=""> Panjiva is reporting that a large shipment of set-top boxes (for Apple) has landed in the US.
Android 4.4 is code-named Kit Kat
Contrary to long running rumors, the next version of Android won't be called Key Lime Pie but rather Android Kitkat. The goal of KitKat will be "It's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody." It's fun to see all the desert names Google has used in the past: Cupcake Donut Eclair Froyo Gingerbread, Honeycomb Ice Cream Sandwich Jelly Bean No word yet on how Android 4.4 will improve the user experience but I'm sure rumors will start swirling as we get closer to the (maybe) launch of the next Nexus phone.
Amazon launches Kindle Matchbook
Years ago, Amazon launched their AutoRip program which gives customers free digital versions of CDs they had already bought. Now Amazon has extended this idea to book through its new Kindle Matchbook program (launching October). If you have bought an eligible book, you will be able to download a digital Kindle version for $2.99 or less. <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/44a98e7075.jpg" alt=""> Check out Amazon's Kindle Matchbook here
Get $110 if you bought a Nexus 4
I was one of the first Canadian blogs to write about Google's hugely discounted Nexus 4 promo on the Google Play store. The 8GB Nexus 4 was $309 and all of a sudden was reduced to the very affordable price of $199 (16GB went from $349 to $249). Some of you may have been frustrated to see such a price drop, if you had recently bought a Nexus 4 but rest easy, Google has you covered with its price protection policy.
It's time to relax and meditate with Calm.com
Meditation and relaxation have many health benefits including reducing stress, reducing pain and making a bad day a little more bearable. Calm.com offers guided mediations (in 2,5,10,15 and 20 minute lengths.) <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9a1a9e6947.jpg" alt=""> The first icon is (mediating man) is where you set the length of the guided meditation. The second icon is (alarm clock) a timer. The third icon is a link to their free IOS app (level 1 free, other levels at $5 and up)
Free Android Apps of the day
Cut the Rope- Free today - Normally $0.99- Click here SwiftKey- Free today - Normally $3.99-Click here Angry Birds- Free today - Normally $0.99- Click here Shazam Encore- Free today - Normally $4.99- Click here World of Goo- Free today - Normally $2.99- Click here Jamie Oliver’s 20-Minute Meals- Free today - Normally $7.69- Click here Paper Camera- Free today - Normally $1.99- Click here Drawing Pad- Free today - Normally $1.
What is the dark web
Everyone knows what the world wide web (web for short) is and we all know it is incredibly massive containing most of our human knowledge. There is a part of the internet that we call the Dark web which is not indexed by search engines. This is a part of the web you can only get to if you know exactly where it is. Search engines (like Google) collect their information using a tool called spiders and crawlers. These crawlers read web pages and follow links in the pages to index the known web.
Samsung's Gear Smartwatch app leaks
I'm naturally pessismistic when I hear the term smartwatch because of my horrible experience with the Pebble smartwatch. The Pebble was a cool concept but I found the execution bad and the product not very useful in my everyday life. Rumors have been swhirling about a Samsung branded smartwatch nicknamed "Gear". The company's Lee Young-hee confirmed a September reveal for the smartwatch (at IFA in Berlin). Now everyone's favorite leaker, EVLeaks, shared the enclosed screenshot of the devices companion app. It's coming.