Recently, I’ve been using the HyperJuice Plug 15,600 mAh external battery pack, and even though it isn’t a battery case per se, I’ve found that it suits me perfectly for longer trips. Let’s take a look at it. And yes, we’re giving it away to one of you!

Introduction

The HyperJuice Plug is manufactured by a Chinese company called Sanho Corporation, which mainly focuses on Apple accessories and also makes external batteries for the MacBook; for which the company has won several accolades in design and engineering.

The HyperJuice Plug is available in two configurations: 10,400 mAh and 15,600 mAh. The 15,600 mAh model is priced at $159.95 and is $30 dearer and slightly longer than its lesser-capacity brethen. To be honest, I question the need for the 10,400 mAh model and would recommend paying the extra $30 for the peace of mind. You can get them in six attractive colours options from their online store.

Competition

The external battery pack idea is neither novel nor recent. The current market is riddled with battery packs of varying capacity and gimmicks, all designed to complicate the decision-making process for the consumer.

TYLT’s $89.99 Powerplant has a 5,200 mAh internal battery pack, which only provides two full charges and is oddly shaped like a brick. It does however, feature a Flex Arm with built-in Lightning connector.

New Trent’s iCarrier is a serious contender. At $76.95, it’s less than half the price of the HyperJuice Plug, and features a 12,000 mAh internal battery.

The HyperJuice Plug

To recap, the exact model that we’re reviewing is the HyperJuice Plug 15,600 mAh in Jewel, which is currently one of the highest capacity external Li-Ion battery packs I’ve encountered. It’s about the size of a small book — 155 x 88 x 20 mm; and weighs 453.5 g. On its own, it might feel rather heavy but didn’t notice it at all when placed in a backpack along with the rest of my gear. It doesn’t really add a substantial amount of weight. The HyperJuice Plug also has 5 LED indicators to display the amount of remaining charge it holds.

What makes the HyperJuice Plug stand out among its competitors is its built-in retractable wall plug. This negates the need for an additional cable to charge the battery pack. Instead, all you do is slide the wall plug out, and plug it into a wall socket. The only downside to the idea is the fact that the retractable wall plug isn’t interchangeable and comes with a US-style 2-prong plug head. While this may work well in the US, you will need an adapter in other parts of the world. I’ve tried using this in Australia with the supplied US-to-Australia adapter, and the HyperJuice Plug is simply too heavy to stay plugged in firmly to the wall socket. My solution is to charge it by connecting to a powerboard and placing it on the floor.

Unlike most external battery packs with only one specified high-output USB port, the HyperJuice Plug features an Intelligent Power Distribution System. Basically it shares the 15W of power between two USB ports. It will deliver 5W (5V, 1A) of power to any port connected to smartphones, and 10W (5V, 2.1A) to any port connected to a tablet. If two tablets are connected simultaneously, it will share its maximum power of 15W equally between the two ports i.e. 7.5W (5V, 1.5A) and 7.5W (5V, 1.5A).

The 15,600 mAh HyperJuice Plug claims to be able to provide the first and second generation iPads with an additional 23 extra hours of battery life, the third generation iPad with 13 extra hours, and can fully recharge an iPhone up to 11 times. Although I haven’t personally tested their claims on the extended iPad battery life, I have used it to recharge my iPhone 5. Realistically, the HyperJuice Plug is able to perform 7-8 complete recharges before requiring a recharge itself.

When that happens, just slide the plug out and find the nearest wall socket. Because it’s quite heavy, the HyperJuice Plug might sag slightly when connected to an international socket or when using a travel adapter. In fact, you might even think that the two prongs will break from holding its weight. Rest assured that the construction is quite solid. If you’re concerned, it might help to use something to prop it up and support its weight. From experience, it takes between 12-18 hours to fully charge the HyperJuice Plug. So charge it well before an upcoming trip.

Should you buy the HyperJuice Plug?

For short trips, I’d arm myself with an iPhone battery case, like the mophie Juice Pack Helium (which we’ll be reviewing soon). But if I’m travelling for more than a week, I’d definitely take the HyperJuice Plug with me. It manages to pack in enough juice to recharge my iPhone 5 at least seven times.

Moreover, I love its design: it’s slim and conveniently shaped like a book so it’s easy to store. Plus, since it features a built-in retractable wall plug, it means I won’t need to bring along an additional cable to charge it. The only down side? It’s a US-style plug.

How do I win the HyperJuice Plug?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

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This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, May 17th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

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The post HyperJuice Plug Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

To start, the Nuova Pelle isn’t cheap. At $80, it’s a quite a bit to pay for an accessory, especially one that doesn’t have any special, standout features. It’s main selling point is its ultra-low profile — Vaja claims that the Nuova Pelle is the slimmest leather case in the market today. Most folio cases, like the BookBook or HEX Axis Wallet Case incorporates some form of storage (cards, cash) and tend to add a bit of bulk. I’m not really a fan of those. Plus, it’s generally not a good idea to keep your credit cards and identity cards together with your phone, for the sake of security. The Nuova Pelle does away with the extraneous storage and maintains a simple design. However, in doing so, they’ve made some compromises.

The entire case is constructed out of a single piece of high-quality Argentinian Bridge leather, hand-stitched to perfection. As with all leathers, you can expect an initial break-in period, and the colour does get warmer over time. Although it wasn’t my first colour choice, I received a Forest Night unit (in my mind, it’s simply olive) which personally, I’m not quite fond of. However, Vaja does offer the Nuova Pelle in several more attractive colour schemes, descriptively named Black, Blue, Caramelo, Chili, London, Orange and Pinecone. If you can be bothered to wait an additional 30 days and pay an extra $20, Vaja will also allow you to customise your case in a different colour.

Irrespective of the colour scheme you ultimately pick, the Nuova Pelle is lined with brown leather on its interior, embossed with the company’s logo and name on the left (flip) side.

In order to attach the case to the iPhone, the Nuova Pelle employs clever use of a strong adhesive backing. I have to say that I’m a nutter when it comes to things like alignment, and the Nuova Pelle nearly killed me. Lining up the case and the iPhone was counter-intuitive and definitely not easy, even with the provided instructions. No matter how hard I tried, I could never get the edges of the case to properly align the the iPhone. Strangely, that’s when I inadvertently put the adhesive backing to the test. The adhesive is supposedly reusable, and you should be able to apply and remove it without leaving any sticky residue as long as the iPhone’s surface is clean. I’m happy to report that the claim is true, and the adhesive backing was able to withstand multiple applications. I think I may have repeated the process about 10 times.

After managing to align the case as close to the iPhone’s edges as possible, I succumbed and decided to proceed with my review. The Nuova Pelle flips open and close beautifully, and remains shut (attached to the iPhone’s front surface) by using magnets; similar to Apple’s Smart Cover. And despite the numerous application attempts, the adhesive backing remains perfectly intact.

From here, I noticed several inadequacies. Firstly, the lack of side protection is worrying. While the Nuova Pelle will guard the iPhone against bumps and scratches on the front and back surfaces, the sides are completely exposed.

It gets more evident when the case is turned over — the edge housing the iPhone’s camera is absolutely unprotected. Personally, I reckon that’s one of the most important areas of the entire phone, and definitely also the most prone to scratches.

Using a folio-style case takes a bit of getting used to. For example, the volume buttons are only accessible by flipping the case open. Other one-handed operations now take slightly longer to perform — by which I mean taking the phone out of my pocket to make a call; normally that would be something I can easily do with one hand. Unless you have insanely awesome hand-eye coordination, flipping the case open and tucking it back isn’t an act I’m able to perform single-handedly. But if you’re looking for a folio case, I assume you must have thought about this at some point.

Perhaps it’s just me, and my unfamiliarity with folio-style cases, but I probably do have to note that taking photos is somewhat cumbersome. If you think about it, the most natural way to hold this case is by tucking the flap back, right? Launch the Camera app and what do you see? Nothing. That’s because the flap is obstructing the camera lens. In order to take photos with this particular style of case, you would either have to hold the case/phone ensemble like an open book with two hands, or have super flexible fingers.

Should you buy the Vaja Nuova Pelle iPhone 5 Case?

I’m beginning to think that Vaja designed the Nuova Pelle case for a very niche clientele. Probably people who either don’t drop their phones very often or don’t care even if they do. For me, I’d rather use a case which protects. For the most part, I don’t have anything against this particular folio-style case, just all folio-style cases in general. The Nuova Pelle is beautiful and slim, and if you can afford it, by all means buy it. But sadly, it doesn’t really get my blessing mainly due to the lack of side protection, especially where the camera is housed.

How do I win the Vaja Nuova Pelle?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

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This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, May 17th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

The post Vaja Nuova Pelle iPhone 5 Case Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

There are plenty of great games in the market today, but our Best Linux Games page focuses on titles that are popular in the Linux world. Most of them are cross-platform, so you’ll be able to enjoy them on Windows and Mac PCs as well. And yes, we’ll curate similar specialised lists for Windows and Mac games as well — so that’s something that you can look forward to in the coming months.

In the meantime, I hope that you’ll appreciate our Best Linux Games page. We’ll update it constantly and your suggestions are most definitely welcome! So please, fire away in the comments section.

And remember, please share the page with your friends using the social networking buttons on our Best Linux Games page.

The post Introducing Our Best Of Linux Games Page! appeared first on MakeUseOf.

To remedy that, the market is currently flooded with various tablet keyboard cases. Some are quite innovative, others are meh. So how does the ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case fair? We’ll first take you on a walkthrough of the ClamCase Pro; then, you guessed it, offer it up in a giveaway!

Introducing the ClamCase Pro

The $169 ClamCase Pro is actually the company’s second attempt at an iPad keyboard case. The first version, known simply as the ClamCase didn’t fair well due to its cramped keyboard which was nearly impossible to type on. Despite that, it’s still available from the company’s website for $149.

The ClamCase Pro addresses the whole typing issue; not only that, the keyboard section of the case is now enveloped in aluminium. At first glance, the case and iPad ensemble is slightly reminiscent of a MacBook Air. The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, and is compatible with the iPad 2, 3 and 4.

If you’re looking to spend less than $169 for an iPad keyboard case, and that’s completely acceptable, you might want to consider the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio which is $40 less than the ClamCase Pro at $129. It features a full QWERTY keyboard and is solar-powered for perpetual preparedness. It’s also cleverly designed to adapt multiple positions for typing and media consumption.

If that’s not up your alley, then you might be interested in Belkin’s upcoming Ultimate Keyboard Case — a thin and lightweight keyboard case which folds flat to allow you to hold the iPad like a tablet. In this arrangement, the keyboard actually faces the back of the iPad — a clever design that’s not only prettier, but also minimises accidental keystrokes. The Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case will be available in May for $99.

Who’s it for?

Granted, a keyboard case with over 60 buttons and an additional battery needed to power it will ultimately add bulk to the ensemble; and is therefore not for everyone, especially if you don’t intend to do much typing. Using the ClamCase Pro is invariably a trade-off between portability and typing speed.

But if the iPad is your go-to device for work and play, then you’ll enjoy the ClamCase Pro. One particular group of people I can think of who will be able to appreciate the ClamCase Pro are students who prefer tablets over laptops. The ClamCase Pro will make note-taking in class much easier, and they’ll still get to play Angry Birds during breaks.

Initial Impressions

The ClamCase Pro is essentially a two-piece case attached by a hinge in the middle. It’s basically made of plastic, but the keyboard is graced with an aluminium surface. At 680 grams, the case weighs quite a bit; and as you might have guessed, most of the weight is attributed to the keyboard. However, it also acts as a counterweight for the iPad so it doesn’t topple over.

You’ll find the usual suspects on the iPad side of the case: camera, dock connector, and speaker cut-outs; volume rocker, the works. It’s also probably a good idea to mention that the ClamCase Pro supports the auto sleep/wake feature on the iPad, so shutting the case would automatically put the iPad to sleep.

The case opens and close as a laptop would. There’s no fancy swirl or twist mechanisms here. It’s a simple hinge, and the case goes from fully shut to quarter-way open, which is ideal for typing; then swings back and acts as a stand for your iPad; and finally, all the way back so that the keyboard and the iPad are now back to back for tablet operation.

When in tablet mode, however, the keyboard is completely exposed and must be disabled to prevent accidentally pressing on the keys. It’s also pretty uncomfortable, not to mention tiring, to hold single-handedly since it’s both heavier and thicker with the case on. And if I’m honest, I don’t enjoy holding it with the keyboard against my fingers — it’s just uncomfortable.

Things start to look better in typing mode. It seems as though it’s calling out for some work to be done. The case features a full QWERTY keyboard with several dedicated keys which perform specific functions i.e. check battery level on the ClamCase Pro, simulate the iPad’s Home button, invoke Spotlight, increase/decrease volume, start a photo slideshow, play/pause, etc. There are even buttons to help make Cut, Copy and Paste operations a one-touch affair.

I can also appreciate the weight distribution better with the iPad in the case. There’s no doubt about it, it’s heavy; but the whole ensemble feels very stable in the typing position. However, the hinge is slightly too “sticky” for my liking, in the sense that it requires quite a bit of force to get it moving. But I guess it plays a role in helping the iPad stay in a particular position.

Setting up the ClamCase Pro

The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth. In fact, if you didn’t already know, that’s the only Bluetooth function that the iPad can perform. Anyways, setting up is rather easy: turn the keyboard on and switch it into Discovery mode. Enable Bluetooth on the iPad and pair the devices together. Bingo bango.

Typing with the ClamCase Pro

Now, let’s take a look at the core function of the ClamCase Pro — typing. As soon as my fingers hit the keyboard, I’m stricken by the familiar feeling of physical keys, which is kind of satisfying. Then, I start to realise how small the keys are. They measure (w) 13 x (h) 14 mm whilst the keys on an Apple keyboard are 15 x 15 mm. If my calculations are correct, the keys on the ClamCase Pro are 20% smaller. Nevertheless, it’s still very usable albeit a little cramped. I can’t imagine how the first rendition was like to use.

Naturally, typing speed improved while using the ClamCase Pro. More importantly, punctuation keys are more easily accessible, because they’re where you’d expect to find them on a regular keyboard. In fact, the ClamCase Pro keyboard also includes Control, Option and Command buttons — and they too, perform exactly as you’d expect they would on a desktop. They keys are a little springy and much narrower than I’m used to but overall, it’s a major improvement compared to typing on the screen. And before you ask, no they’re not backlit.

There is however, one problem with using the ClamCase Pro — my finger keeps reaching for the trackpad except, there isn’t one! I have to persistently remind myself that I’m typing on my iPad and I need to reach for the screen instead.

Power and charging

The ClamCase Pro boasts a respectable 100 hours of uninterrupted use before requiring a recharge. A full recharge would take merely 120 minutes and the device is able to hold that charge for 6 months. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to personally put these claims to the test but during the entire period I was reviewing the ClamCase Pro, I never had to recharge the keyboard case once.

The case can be recharged using the supplied micro USB cable. For the road warrior, this may mean an additional cable to bring along but the battery in the ClamCase Pro is so efficient that charging it just before a trip should suffice. Well technically, it should survive a 10-day trip quite easily even if you’re chugging away at the keyboard 8 hours a day.

Should you buy the ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case?

Personally, I don’t do much typing on my iPad but I do see the value of a keyboard case. Typing on physical keys is less awkward and generally more efficient time-wise. But the question here is, should you buy the ClamCase Pro? My main concern is the steep $169 price tag, and I can’t be certain that paying that amount of money is justifiable. For me, a better choice would be the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio, save myself $40, and never bother with charging it. But it could just be that I’m a nut for anything solar.

The ClamCase Pro is a good idea, but the overall added chunk puts me off. The keyboard position in tablet mode isn’t ideal. I’d wait to see how the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case turns out.

How do I win the ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, May 3rd. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

The post ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

This is Gaming Month, and we’ll be reviewing 2 headphones, starting with the $199.99 Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless Headphones. And oh, we’re giving it away!

Check out the other giveaways we’ve organised this Gaming Month!

Introduction

Creative’s Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega (long name, indeed!) is a $200 pair of wireless, gaming headphones. It’s also cross-platform, which means to say that it works for PC/Mac as well as Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. In fact, since it accepts the traditional 3.5mm audio port, it’s capable of connecting with almost any audio device.

The Tactic3D Omega is a high-end specialist headphone designed specifically for gaming. Therefore, it comes with a noise-cancelling boom microphone and supports in-game voice chat functions on every platform — Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The microphone is removable and the Tactic3D Omega can also be used to enjoy music and movies with on your computer or TV like any other regular pair of headphones, which is perfect because after forking out $200 for it, it had better be useful even if you’re not gaming with it!

To sum up, the main features of the Tactic3D Omega are its wireless capability, cross-platform support and a removable microphone. So what are its competitors? First up is the Sennheiser U 320 which goes for $169.95 — it’s also cross-platform but it’s neither wireless nor features a removable microphone. Also in the same price range is Razer’s $199.99 Chimaera 5.1 which looks quite promising and super sexy. It’s cross-platform and wireless but might not have a removable microphone.

A few competitors come into the picture when the budget is raised slightly. A pair of headphones from Turtle Beach stands out, and that’s the wireless, cross-platform Ear Force XP500, which is available for $269.95. We’ll be testing it out and reporting back to you via a review in the near future, so stick around for that.

Next is the Astro A50 and at $299.99, it’s the most expensive pair of gaming headphones which rivals the Tactic3D Omega. It does everything the Tactic3D Omega is capable of — it’s wireless and supports PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PS3. I’m not too sure if the boom microphone is removable though. And there’s a possibility that it requires an optional $7.99 cable in order to play and charge at the same time.

So for $200, I wouldn’t say that the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega is value for money, but it does look like the most promising pair of gaming headphones here, which can also be used to enjoy movies and music with.

If you’re on a restricted budget, we do have some headphone recommendations for you: 5 Quality Headphones That Cost Less Than $50.

What’s in the box?

The packaging for the Tactic3D Omega is quite impressive in the sense that Creative managed to fit a pair of full-sized headphones, a transceiver, a boom microphone, some cables, documentation, as well as a headphone stand all in a single, recyclable box!

Initial impressions

The Tactic3D Omega is undoubtedly good looking. It’s quite easily mistaken for a pair of regular headphones without its boom microphone attached, and that’s what I like most about it — the fact that you can use it sans microphone without drawing too much attention.

The case is completely plastic, but with a nice, matte finish. I have to say that I did initially have some concerns about scratches because the surface looks quite prone to getting a scuff or two. As it turns out, it held up rather well. The earcups pivot so that they rest flat on any surface. Plus, it comes with a stand to mount on when not in use.

Design

The headphones is quite light and the closed circumaural earcups rest on the ears quite comfortably. The earcups and headband paddings are lined with soft faux-leather, which I prefer to velour. The adjustable headband has a solid steel core that helps the headphones stay on without exerting too much pressure.

The left earcup is the business-end of the Tactic3D Omega and plays host to a bunch of integrated controls for volume adjustment and muting the microphone, as well as the power button; not to mention the microphone, Xbox controller and microUSB ports. Even so, unbelievably, its weight distribution between the left and right earcups is perfectly even.

Inside the closed circumaural enclosures, Creative implanted 50mm Neodymium magnet drivers with full-range frequency response of 20Hz – 20KHz (everything that the human ear is capable of perceiving). I’ll reveal how these headphones perform in terms of audio quality slightly later in this review. I’d also like to point out the blue ambient lighting fixture enclosed in clear plastic on the outer aspect of both earcups. It glows blue and pulsates when the headphones are in use — a gimmick, for sure, but a very cool one.

The Tactic3D Omega is charged simply by connecting a microUSB cable to the left earcup and the other end to your PC, a powered USB hub, or the transceiver. It can still function while charging, so there’s minimal downtime even when its batteries are running low. When charging, the power button illuminates but it’s missing an essential component here — a battery indicator. So it’s difficult to tell if it’s fully charged or close to empty.

Setup

The complete Tactic3D Omega ensemble features the wireless headphones, a stand, and a transceiver which sits snugly at the base of the stand (but is portable). The headphones operate on 2.4GHz uncompressed wireless technology, which has a longer range compared to Bluetooth and is generally more dependable. The headphones and transceiver is factory-paired and works right out of the box so there’s absolutely nothing to configure. However, the connection between the transceiver and audio source is not as simple.

In order to properly understand how this setup works, we must first take a look at the transceiver. At the front, you’ll find a switch to toggle between console and PC gaming. This is important because when in PC gaming mode, the transceiver relays audio signals via the microUSB port. In console gaming mode, it relays audio received via the 3.5mm audio port. After you understand this, it’s easy to decide which position the toggle should be in order to receive audio input from, say, your media player, or iPod touch.

At the rear, you’ll find a few ports and if it looks daunting, don’t worry, I’ll explain them to you. Starting from the left, you’ll find a USB port for charging the headset. Next is the microUSB port which transmit audio from your PC or Mac to the transceiver in PC gaming mode, and is also required to power the device. Finally, you have the 3.5mm audio port which you can use to hook up any audio input. So, cross-platform support. Check.

The eagle-eyed reader would have also noticed an additional button, which is the “Sound Blaster” button at the top of the transceiver. This is used to re-establish the connection with the headphones in case it ever gets unpaired.

Using the Tactic3D Omega with a computer is rather effortless — it’s simply plug and play. My iMac recognised the Tactic3D Omega as an audio output/input source and switched it to it automatically. Of course, the transceiver must be set to PC gaming mode in order for it to work. The headphones does come bundled with dedicated software called Sound Blaster Tactic3D Control Panel. Installing it is completely optional but it does provide some pretty cool features, such as TacticProfiles (basically profile settings), voice mask functions and the audio-enhancing THX TruStudio Pro Settings control panel.

Audio quality

Without having the opportunity to burn in the Tactic3D Omega, I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality. Treble is not harsh, bass is adequate, and the soundstage is fabulous. Volume level was satisfactory, Overall, very well balanced. I’m not an audiophile, but I consider myself a serious audio enthusiast having used a variety of headphones and in-ear monitors.

Voice transmitted by the boom microphone is quite clear indeed, with help from the noise-cancelling condenser. The boom is flexible, so you may adjust it to suit your face and the position of your mouth. It is, however, fixed to the left earcup; and is unable to swivel around.

Real-world testing

Merely reading about what the Tactic3D Omega is capable of is only half the picture. The other half is actually using it. Therefore, without a real-world test, this review isn’t worth much. For the sake of this review, I decided to test the Tactic3D Omega and find out what it’s like to wear for more than 5 straight hours, while completely operational. In other words, I’ll be gaming with it for a long time.

After 5 hours, things weren’t too bad. My ears did pinch a little and felt slightly warm. My guess is that the faux-leather pads aren’t breathable. I’m not sure if the heat was partially contributed by the headphones’ operation but the earcups themselves didn’t feel warm, which was reassuring. Further down, my neck wasn’t tired at all thanks to the headphones’ light construction. After taking a short 10 minute break (could have been less), I was ready to go again.

Battery-wise, again, the Tactic3D Omega performed really well. If used for movies and music, it can operate for more than 10 hours on a single charge. For gaming with voice, that duration drops to 6-8 hours depending on the intensity of the game. If it ever needs more power, the Tactic3D Omega can be recharged by plugging a microUSB cable directly into the charging port on left earcup. And gaming can go on while it’s recharging.

Wireless versus Wired

Some audio enthusiasts will claim that wired headphones will always be better. Personally, my choices are often dictated by my needs. Sometimes sacrifices need to be made. Wireless headphones are definitely more convenient in some aspects. For example, it’s easier to just get up and go to the kitchen to make yourself a sandwich while wearing wireless headphones and not miss a beat. Of course, the fact that it will eventually run out of battery can be a real downer. Not to mention the maintenance. Wired headphones require less maintenance — it doesn’t matter if you don’t use them for months. If you need to, you can still pick them up, plug them in and enjoy. Sadly, I can’t say the same for wireless headphones. Plus, the battery might lose its capacity to store a charge after a few years.

And yet, I find myself yearning for a decent pair of wireless headphones. I like the fact that it’s cable-free. I enjoy being able to see a movie and sit or lie wherever without ever caring if anyone will trip over the headphone cable.

Should you buy the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega?

If you’re in the market for a decent pair of wireless gaming headphones that can double as a regular pair of headphones, essentially stretching your dollar because you’re getting two devices for the price for one; then the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega is a good choice. Considering its competitors, the quality of the product, the features that it brings to the table, and of course, its price; I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise, have a look at the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones that Danny reviewed.

How do I win the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless Headphones?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, April 26th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

The post Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless Headphones Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

Today, SugarSync 2.0 has been redesigned to be even easier to use. It’s more intuitive than ever before and provides better control over shared files and folders compared to its major competitors, including Dropbox. I’ll take you through the new interface in just a second. You’ll also stand a chance of winning one of 25 SugarSync annual plans (first year free), with 30 GB of storage.

Why SugarSync?

I needed a simple, out-of-the-box solution to sync multiple, specific folders with several computers. So that excludes the biggest player at the time, which was Dropbox. In addition to syncing files and folders outside of a dedicated “sync folder”, I also needed to control which sub-folders to sync. This is a feature called selective syncing, which is the ability to exclude certain folders from being synced to the cloud. Until today, SugarSync is the only file syncing service I know of that provides this feature. To top it off, SugarSync has an array of mobile apps aimed to provide remote access to synced files on the go.

Plans and pricing

SugarSync’s free account generously provides 5 GB of storage space. If that’s not enough, $74.99/year will buy you 60 GB of storage. 100 GB and 250 GB plans are also available at $99.99/year and $249.99/year respectively. For most people, the free account is pretty much adequate. Plus, there are always ways to earn free extra space.

SugarSync 2.0

SugarSync’s desktop client has been recently facelifted, and is quite an improvement over the previous design. Known only as SugarSync 2.0, this new client for Windows and Mac features a simplified view with 4 major tabs for easier navigation. The first tab is called Cloud, and is basically a list of every synced folder spanning all of your computers and devices. Through the drop-down menu, you can also view synced folders from individual computers.

Syncing new folders in SugarSync 2.0 is now a matter of dragging and dropping the folder into the drop zone at the bottom of the window.

Clicking on any folder on the list will allow you to access its Info panel, revealing every detail about the folder; including its size, which computers its currently syncing with, and most importantly, the option to manage sub-folders (this is selective syncing feature I mentioned earlier).

I’ll skip the Sharing tab for the moment and move on to the Activity tab, which displays a list of recently synced files. Options to reveal the file (in Finder or Windows Explorer) and to publicly share it appear upon hovering over each individual entry.

Next, we have the Search tab. To be honest, I was quite impressed with the Search feature — it’s faster than I anticipated, and is really handy when I need to instantly access synced files which are located deep within several folders and sub-folders.

Sharing with SugarSync

Alright, now we shall return to the Sharing tab and even though I don’t mainly use SugarSync for this particular purpose, I’ll show you how easy (idiot-proof, really) it is to share folders with specific people or publicly.

For better organisation, the Sharing tab is sub-divided into 3 sections: files which you’re shared with others, files which other people are sharing with you, and your contacts.

To share a file, or in this case, a folder full of pictures, just drag it over the drop zone and let go. Without wasting any time, SugarSync will start uploading the files in the background while you decide how you’d like to share them.

When it comes to sharing, there are generally 2 options to choose from:

• Private sharing: by selecting this, you will need to nominate specific people to share with, and decide if you’d like to provide them with the option to edit the shared files, or just view them.
• Public link: this is the less secure option of the two, and anyone who has the public link can access the shared files, albeit to view only.

For the purpose of this review, I’ve chosen to share the folder publicly. And as expected, it now appears under the “Share by Me” section as a public link. It’s interesting to note that SugarSync informs you (in real-time) of the number of times any file within a shared folder has been downloaded. If you’re the type of person who likes to keep track, that’s a bonus for you, really.

Just like any other synced file or folder, you have access to the shared folder’s Info panel where you can copy the public link again if you have to, and change the edit/view permissions on privately shared folders. You also have the option to switch sharing modes between public to private or vice versa, so you’re not exactly doomed for choosing the wrong sharing option at the start.

Here’s a stark contrast between SugarSync and Dropbox. Say you’re sharing a folder in Dropbox, and you accidentally drag the folder out of Dropbox’s sync folder — what happens? That folder is no longer synced, correct? In SugarSync, you have the freedom to move shared folders to new locations without the slightest disruption to sharing. Even if a shared folder was inadvertently deleted, SugarSync will simply revert to Cloud-only sharing so your public links will still be accesible. I found this redundancy feature very clever.

As for the shared folder, SugarSync determines if there are photos within the folder and automatically displays them in Gallery view, which is, lacking a better description, quite pretty. Visitors can either download the entire folder, compressed for their convenience; or individual images.

Wrap up

I’m thoroughly impressed with SugarSync 2.0. I found the new desktop client to be more intuitive compared to its previous rendition, and substantially more user-friendly. Although this review was a moderately complete rundown, there are still several useful features which I didn’t manage to cover. So if you’re keen to learn more about SugarSync, please read Aaron’s article SugarSync: The Most Well-Rounded Free File Backup & Syncing Service.

How do I win a 30 GB SugarSync account?

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Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

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This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, April 12th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

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The post SugarSync 2.0 Sports New Look, Even Easier To Use [Giveaway] appeared first on MakeUseOf.

More experienced webmasters will agree that switching web hosts is a excruciating process — one that must, if possible, be avoided at any cost. Therefore, selecting the right web host at the very beginning is crucial. So today, we’ll show you what you can expect from SiteGround — one of the most respected web hosting service providers in the market. We’re also giving away 25 1-year shared web hosting accounts from SiteGround valued at $1185!

SiteGround

SiteGround offers a variety of hosting options: from shared hosting which starts at $3.95/month, to more powerful dedicated hosting, and of course, everything in between. Let us begin by elaborating on the type of hosting featured in this review, SiteGround’s affordable shared web hosting plan.

This plan costs $3.95 a month, supports one domain to be registered for free, an unlimited amount of web space and traffic, plus an unlimited number of subdomains. It also allows the freedom for unlimited FTP accounts with brilliant FTP management, and unlimited MySQL databases. Lastly, provided with even this entry level shared hosting plan, is the infamous cPanel.

Test website: forthefoodie.com

For the purpose of this review, I decided to migrate my wife’s WordPress-based food journal, ForTheFoodie, from MediaTemple to SiteGround; illustrating the setup and migration process, as well as highlighting a couple of key features you may be interested in. At this point, I’d just like to note that ForTheFoodie is currently hosted on MediaTemple’s dedicated virtual (dv) server, which costs $50 every month — and is definitely overkill for the amount of traffic that it brings in. Plus, it’s not a very hefty site — with only a handful of posts, migration should be a piece of cake.

If you’re also looking to migrate your website to SiteGround, they provide free transfer service (a feature most web hosting providers charge for) and will handle the nitty gritty if you’re not so inclined. But as for me, I’ll be using WordPress’ Import/Export feature for the migration in order to avoid dabbling with databases. This convenient method is perfect for smaller websites with databases less than 24 MB in size and only involves transferring the entire WordPress site with just one XML file.

Auto-installation

Let’s get started. After signing up for an account with SiteGround, I’m presented with the setup wizard. In this step, a few relevant information about my website is required in order for SiteGround to properly determine the type of software which needs to be installed i.e WordPress, Joomla, etc. SiteGround prides itself with its in-house website setup tool which supports a variety of blogging and CMS platforms, as well as a multitude of shopping carts and e-commerce solutions.

In addition to speeding up the initial process of setting up a website (in particular, WordPress), allowing SiteGround to automatically install the appropriate blogging software brings another understated benefit — it also updates the software/platform automatically. Maintaining an up-to-date version of WordPress is vital for security reasons, but most webmasters often put it off. SiteGround’s auto-update feature is invoked whenever a new version of WordPress is available. Additionally, it performs a backup of the entire site before carrying out the update. In case anything goes wrong, the previous version can be safely restored.

After completing the wizard, SiteGround installs the latest version of WordPress, creates the appropriate database entries and directs me to my account dashboard. In essence, my new WordPress site is ready! But in my case, we’re not quite there yet because migrating a WordPress website involves overwriting a few files, which requires FTP access. And this takes me to cPanel.

cPanel

cPanel is a highly-acclaimed proprietary web hosting control panel which provides its users with the tools required to efficiently manage hosting of a website. Many web hosting services will charge extra for cPanel, some don’t even offer it. Even paying $50 every month to my former host, MediaTemple, didn’t equip me with cPanel when I needed it most. SiteGround offers it for free, even with their entry-level hosting plan — and that is truly a blessing.

Support

After setting up FTP access, importing the required WordPress files and redirecting the nameservers, we’re back in business. My wife’s food journal is now fully hosted by SiteGround. Now, I realise that even though you may aspire to start your own website or blog, you may not fully understand how to set up a new site or migrate one, for that matter. In fact, I wasn’t completely sure of the process myself. So it’s rather good to know that SiteGround is fully prepared to assist by providing a complete range of tutorials on hosting, sitebuilding, SEO, SSL, e-commerce — you name it.

And if you still have questions left unanswered, SiteGround’s capable customer support team is available all around the clock, every day of the year via their ticketing system, by phone or live chat. To be thorough, I reviewed the quality of their support as well. In fact, I bombarded a customer support representative with several inane questions about WordPress, what I should do next in the migration process and whether I’d be able to start publishing new posts right away. I even went to the extent of pretending to be slightly obnoxious. The representative seemed unfazed by my behaviour, and responded both professionally as well as courteously. To say that their support is impeccable is an understatement.

Speed

Finally, I’ll slightly touch on a very important criteria i.e. speed. It is common knowledge that shared hosting is often sluggish. SiteGround curbs this issue by having 3 data centres on 3 different continents (North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific). They’ve also partnered with CloudFlare to distribute copies of my website to 23 additional data centres globally. As a result, ForTheFoodie loads faster than 33% of the websites tested by Pingdom

Overall, SiteGround proves to be one of the best web hosts available today, with their brilliant customer support and superb lineup of features. And it’s affordable too — you can get started with just $3.95 a month with no setup fee for plans above 12 months, and free domain registration. Sign up for an account here.

Eager to start your own website? Win a year’s worth of hosting for free by joining our giveaway below.

How do I win a copy?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

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Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, March 22nd. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post Affordable, Secure and Fast Web Hosting by SiteGround [Giveaway] appeared first on MakeUseOf.

Two years later, I compared a Nexus 7 against my iPad mini and immediately, the improvements and refinements to the operating system were prominent, I figured that I could finally succumb to using an Android device after all these years with iOS. So when the opportunity to review the Nexus 4 presented itself, I leaped at the chance. We’ll be giving this review unit away, so stick around if you want it!

Introduction to the Nexus 4

The Nexus 4, according to my colleague Erez Zukerman, can be described as a unicorn running Android. I suppose he meant that the combination of LG-quality hardware and vanilla Android OS makes the Nexus 4 so desirable and yet, it’s almost impossible to get hold of. In fact, the Nexus 4 was in short supply worldwide ever since it was launched. Generally, it was not an easy phone to come by for the past few months. Today, things are looking better. Units have shipped out to the new owners and orders are being fulfilled in about 10 days.

If you do want one, your best bet is probably to place an order from Google Play Store. The Nexus 4 comes in 2 configurations: 8 or 16 GB; and is priced reasonably at $299 and $349 respectively, unlocked. I know what you’re thinking: 16 GB in a modern day smartphone just doesn’t seem enough, does it? 8 GB is downright laughable. And it doesn’t have a microSD expansion slot, either. However, there are a couple of nifty features that help alleviate this particular issue of space, which I will touch on later in this review.

The only thing missing from the Nexus 4, besides sufficient storage, is an LTE radio.

The Nexus 4 is quite an advanced smartphone for its price. It has a 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor running vanilla Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, with 2GB of RAM; a beautiful 4.7-inch True HD IPS PLUS display with a resolution of 1,280 x 768 pixels which packs 320 pixels per inch. Camera-wise, this beast features a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, and an 8 MP camera at the rear. Other trickeries include a multitude of sensors i.e. accelerometer, compass, ambient light, gyroscope, barometer; GPS, wireless charging, Miracast wireless display, and NFC.

The only thing missing from the Nexus 4, besides sufficient storage, is an LTE radio. For those accustomed to LTE connectivity speeds, this will undeniably be an issue; probably not so much if you haven’t used an LTE-capable phone before. But the real question here is: why wasn’t it included? The Nexus 4 could have easily been the best smartphone ever made in recent times, if only it had supported LTE. If this is as much of a deal-breaker for you as it is for me, then you might want to check out the LG Optimus G — it’s essentially the same phone but includes an LTE radio, and it features a microSD expansion slot as well.

Design and Initial Impressions

The Nexus 4 has a solid yet elegant feel contributed by the sheets of Corning Gorilla Glass 2 on the front and rear, softened by the device’s curves. At 139 grams, it’s a hair heavier than the iPhone 5 (112 grams) but that’s reasonable, considering that the Nexus 4 is quite a bit larger. The glass protecting the 4.7-inch True HD IPS PLUS display tapers off on the left and right edges, and swiping feels more natural due of this.

Overall, the device looks and feels very well built. Personally, I gauge the quality of a phone’s make by how well it holds up without a case. As for the Nexus 4, if you’re careful, it does rather nicely. The rear Gorilla Glass is very resistant to scratches, and there are very few dust-trapping gaps. The chrome and soft rubber-coated side lining may get a few scuffs over time, but that’s perfectly normal. If you’re pedantic about that, I reckon you should get a bumper case.

However, I did notice that the rear Gorilla Glass panel is quite slippery. Whenever possible, avoid placing the Nexus 4 on smooth, uneven surfaces; or it will slip right off and hit the floor. This is the reason for many reported instances of Gorilla Glass shattering.

Other than that, the usual suspects i.e. volume control, headphone jack, micro SIM tray are basically where you’d expect to find them. Following in the iPhone’s footsteps, the Nexus 4 doesn’t have a removable rear panel, hence the micro SIM card has to be placed on to a tray which slots into the side of the device. Google provides a micro SIM tray remover tool, which is ever so slightly smaller than the iPhone’s — if you happen to lose it, a pin would do just fine (unlike the iPhone, paper clips won’t fit).

As it happens, I have a minor gripe about the power button, which is located on the right side of the device. This is the only button which is able to wake the Nexus 4; and because of where it’s placed, it becomes impossible to wake the device with one finger when it’s lying flat on a table — something I’ve become accustomed to on my iPhone. Like I said, it’s a minor gripe.

A more significant complaint would be the incomprehensible placement of the speaker — which is on the rear aspect of the phone. It is quite easily muted either by holding the Nexus 4 with my left hand, or by placing it on a table. When this happens, there is a moderate decrease in volume and audio clarity. The speaker itself, when unobstructed, produces reasonably clear and loud audio.

Initial Use

To me, the most impressive Android feature I’ve come across is automatic backup and restore. In essence, Google backs up my app data and other settings and restores it to any Android device I may own. In my experience, the process, unlike iCloud, is quite seamless. After powering on the Nexus 4, the Android operating system automatically downloads previously installed applications from Google Play Store, making the phone instantly useable. Contacts were immediately retrieved from Google Contacts, as were photos from Google+ Photos. And since I use Chrome as my desktop browser, bookmarks and passwords were instantly synced as well. The fact that I was previously an iPhone user didn’t quite seem to matter — Android 4.2 Jelly Bean makes new users feel at home.

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean makes new users feel at home.

Since most of my vital data was retrieved from the cloud, and with the automated backup process, there wasn’t really any reason to sync the Nexus 4 with my iMac. If you haven’t already realised, the Nexus 4 aims to be completely wireless, hence the wireless charging support and NFC. If you do need to retrieve files from your desktop, use Dropbox. In fact, Dropbox is so tightly integrated with Android it’s amazingly impressive; and more than makes up for the lack of internal storage space.

Transitioning from an iPhone 5 with a 4-inch Retina Display, to the Nexus 4 with its beautiful 4.7-inch True HD IPS PLUS display was like a breath of fresh air, purely due to its size — both displays have roughly the same pixel density. The Nexus 4 may look much wider, but it’s still quite comfortable to hold. Plus, the rubber-coated side lining provides the needed extra grip. The additional screen estate helps where it counts: browsing, reading emails, enjoying photos and watching videos, especially in 720p HD.

Living with the Nexus 4

Unfortunately, large 4.7-inch screen is both a blessing and a curse. Even with its brightness level set at 50%, it draws a considerable amount of power. With careful use, I managed to go just over a day without charging. Generally, battery performance was rather disappointing, albeit expected of the Nexus 4′s a non-removable 3.8 V, 2100 mAh rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery. Like most smartphones, it needs daily recharging in order to operate optimally.

I’ve also noticed that the device tends to heat up after a bit of activity requiring mobile data connectivity, particular around the earpiece. And as iFixit has illustrated with their teardown of the Nexus 4, this area plays host to the majority of vital components, including the 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and Qualcomm MDM9215M 4G GSM/UMTS/LTE modem.

Camera woes

I wanted to love the 8 megapixel camera in the Nexus 4, I really did. But the native camera application let me down, hard. Even though it is capable of taking panoramas and photo spheres out of the box, image quality was below par; and its extremely fickle autofocus was nothing less than annoying (issue also reported on the XDA Developers forum). While it may not be immediately evident, most of the photos I took with the Nexus 4 turned out to be out of focus. I realised it only after photographing a few receipts in Expensify, a habit which I’ve cultivated for nearly 2 years on my iPhone.

Switching the camera to panorama mode reduces its resolution, resulting in a 2448 x 584 pixel image. To give you an example of the image quality, here’s an image of Aldinga Beach in South Australia, taken with the Nexus 4:

(click to enlarge)

The image below was taken with my iPhone 5, which had to be resized because the original panaroma was 8160 x 2518 pixels:

(click to enlarge)

Random thoughts

Overall, the Nexus 4 is a great piece of kit. I can’t say that it’s the best Android phone there is because the LG Optimus G exists — an exact replica of the Nexus 4, except it’s better. The only thing the Nexus 4 has going for it is the fact that it runs a vanilla version of Android OS, and I believe this is also what let it down.

Notifications, for example, was an issue for me mainly because the screen didn’t light up with new events, except for incoming calls. When set in silent mode, the pulse notification light and a few vibrations were the only form of alerts available. To me, that’s inadequate.

Lastly, I have some beef with the Maps application — it displayed ads whenever I searched for a location. Why, Android? I can’t, for the life of me, figure out why it needs to do this. It’s not just annoying, it’s embarrassing — Google Maps for iOS doesn’t display ads, so why must the Android version?

Switching from an iPhone

Finally, I’d like to convey my experience with using the Nexus 4, coming from 5 years of being in the iOS camp. Overall, it was a smooth process — smoother than I had originally anticipated. The fact that Android automatically retrieved my data from the cloud meant no setting up was required, hence, not requiring me to sync with my iMac. I do have to admit that I made a few preparations: my Address Book was synced with Google Contacts and I use Chrome as my desktop browser. Still, it was rather impressive.

On the surface, iOS apps seemed to be just a little more polished, based on my encounter with apps that I use in my daily routine i.e. Expensify, Evernote, Facebook, Instagram, and a couple of banking apps. But I’m equally as impressed with the number of Android app updates that occur every single day — and to top it off, updates are automatic!

If I’m brutally honest, I could have stuck with the Nexus 4 for the foreseeable future, unlike my colleague James Bruce who switched back to iOS after just a few months of using an HTC One X (sorry, James, I just had to out you). Unfortunately, it’s back to iOS for me, for now. My main reason for switching back? iMessage and Photo Stream.

There are some things I can’t live without and iMessage is one of them. For the entire testing period, I was cut off from my family and friends who use iMessage. I felt disconnected. Even with the capable Nexus 4, there was no way I could rejoin the group iMessage conversations with my family. I also missed Photo Stream — it’s probably the easily way to share photos with friends and family in iOS. While I was on my honeymoon in Hong Kong, I mostly took photographs with my iPhone 5 even though I had a perfectly capable camera with me. And it was mainly attributed to the fact that I could so easily share it immediately with Photo Stream.

Should you buy the Nexus 4?

Despite its shortcomings, which are the lack of LTE support, the poor battery life and inconceivable speaker placement; the Nexus 4 is a fantastic device. It’s fast, powerful, highly capable, and sports a gorgeous 4.7-inch HD screen. It runs vanilla Android OS, which is great if you love hopping on the latest version of Android. It’s also unbelievably affordable. I may have been extremely critical in my review, but having lived with this device for the past few weeks, I have come to love it; despite being an iPhone user.

Now the time has come to part with it, so if you’d like to be its new owner, join the contest!

How do I win the Google Nexus 4?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, April 5th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post Google Nexus 4 Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

Today, almost every cloud service is accompanied by some sort of mobile platform for easier access on the move; and Bitrix24 is no different. In this review, we’ll take a look at their free Android application which is available from Google Play. What’s more, we’ll also be giving away 25 Bitrix Startup licenses, and a HTC Butterfly!

Bitrix24′s Startup account is an exclusive customised account that’s only available through this giveaway, designed to offer the best of their Basic and Professional accounts, which is perfect for small companies and teams. Here’s what it includes:

• Up to 12 users
• 5GB of online storage
• Social communication tools
• Task and project features
• Calendar tools
• Files & documents sharing features
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Extranet
• Time management tools
• Meeting tools
• Reports
• The ability to use your own domain name

The license is valid for 12 months, at the end of which your options are to either downgrade to the free Basic plan or to upgrade to the Professional plan and receive a 50% lifetime discount on your subscription.



Bitrix24 for Android

In order to use Bitrix24′s free Android application, you’ll need an existing Bitrix24 account, which means signing up for the service. Their Basic plan is free, so sign up to give it a go. After you’ve registered for an account, download the free Android app from Google Play and log in with your credentials.



The Bitrix24 Android app represents the cloud version quite closely. As soon as you log in, you’ll be presented with the Activity Stream, which is basically an overview of everything that’s going on i.e. recently created tasks, projects, events and discussions.



The notification bar at the top of the screen will alert you of any unread chat messages, and any tasks requiring your attention. As you can clearly see in the screenshot below, I’ve just been assigned a new task by The Boss which I can quickly tend to. According to the app’s description on Google Play, notifications are pushed, but I didn’t manage to receive any outside of the application, while testing on a Nexus 4 running 4.2.2.



The sidebar can be invoked either by tapping on the sidebar button or by swiping right, and allows you to quickly explore other sections of Bitrix24, as you would on the cloud platform. During testing, the app loaded each section smoothly, albeit with a slight access time of around 3 seconds. Since the app retrieves the data from Bitrix24′s servers, the wait time is dependant on their server load as well as your mobile data speed. As far as I know, the app doesn’t store any data locally.



The Bitrix24 Android application is designed to enable its user to access most of the features found on the cloud platform. At its core, the app provides the means to track and assign tasks as well as events on the go. So we’ll take a closer look at those features.

The Tasks section provides an overview of the various tasks assigned to you and by you. Overdue tasks are identified by a red label.



Much like the cloud platform, assigning new tasks on the mobile app is a very simple and time-efficient process. However, the only thing holding it back is the way deadlines are inserted.



As you can see in the below screenshot, the Deadline field is highlighted and the keyboard is currently displaying an alphabetical layout. To me, this is pretty counterintuitive because date formats vary from country to country. For example, 11/3/2013 would be interpreted as 3 November 2013 in the US, whereas in Australia it’s read as 11 March 2013. A calendar will work better here.



Speaking of calendars, the Bitrix24 Android app can integrate your company’s calendar on Bitrix24 with the calendar on your Android device. Personally, two-way calendar syncing is a convenient feature that I highly appreciate.



When creating a new event, you may also opt to be reminded, or add locations as well as attendees. Again, the process is quite streamlined.



However, when selecting the start and end date for the event, I’m presented with a date scroller. This works slightly better than a keyboard, but is still less efficient than an actual calendar, which I would have preferred.



Lastly, we mustn’t forget that Bitrix24 is also a social intranet which can be used to promote employee interaction. The mobile application includes a chat feature as well as the ability to share updates and photos.





In conclusion, I feel that the Bitrix24 Android app is a good accompaniment to the cloud platform. Use it to compliment but not replace, the web version.

In order for your to enjoy this application, we’re giving away 25 Bitrix24 Startup licenses, and a HTC Butterfly. So join the giveaway to be in the running to win!

How do I win a free Bitrix24 Startup account and the HTC Butterfly?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

The giveaway is over. Here are the winners:

• Aaron Sanches
• Anna Prigkipaki
• Ashraf Mohamed Yousif
• Bill Vrachnos
• Brane Koritnik
• David Cook
• David Phetteplace
• Emmanuel Olalere
• Genevieve Halton
• Glen Coulthard
• Gurudutt
• Jeff Weinman
• Jerry Culala
• Joses Lemmuela
• Krzysztof Krupnik
• Lorenzo Lago
• Margaret Simonson
• Markus Buergi
• Mary Wehring
• Michael DaPore
• Ruben Valenzuela
• steve
• Suresh K. Volam
• Tom Sheely
• Vicky Gregory Moss

HTC Butterfly winner: Justin Gantz

Congratulations! If you were selected as a winner, you would have received your license via email from jackson@makeuseof.com. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with Associate Editor Jackson Chung before March 31. Enquires beyond this date will not be entertained.

Step 2: Share!

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In the comments section below, submit a short sentence that’s less than 140 characters with a creative description of Bitrix24.

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Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

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This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, March 22nd. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

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Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post Bitrix24 Android Application Review + HTC Butterfly Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/bitrix24-android-application-review-htc-butterfly-giveaway/feed/ 377 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-saturn-watch-review-and-giveaway/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-saturn-watch-review-and-giveaway/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:30:18 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=134201 The last time I reviewed a ZIIIRO watch, I absolutely fell in love with it. To be honest, I nearly didn't want to part with it. Now, the designer watch company has just released a brand new model called the ZIIIRO Saturn. Will it fill the void left by the ZIIIRO Celeste? How will the ZIIIRO Saturn, a somewhat digitised version of the ZIIIRO Celeste, hold up against my expectations? Will I like this €179 watch as much, and be willing to recommend it as highly as I did for its predecessor? We'll just have to find out. We're also giving away this designer watch away, so read through the review for more details about how you can win it!

The post ZIIIRO Saturn Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> The last time I reviewed a ZIIIRO watch, I absolutely fell in love with it. To be honest, I nearly didn’t want to part with it. Now, the designer watch company has just released a brand new model called the ZIIIRO Saturn. Will it fill the void in me left by the ZIIIRO Celeste?

How will the ZIIIRO Saturn, a somewhat digitised version of the ZIIIRO Celeste, hold up against my expectations? Will I like this €179 watch as much, and be willing to recommend it as highly as I did its predecessor? We’ll just have to find out. We’re also giving this designer watch away, so read the review for more details on how you can be the one who wins it!

ZIIIRO takes the mundane act of time-telling onto a whole new level of excitement. And as you may have read in my review of the Celeste watch, its unique clock face design is not just pretty to look at, it’s also entertaining. It attracts quite a bit of attention from friends and random strangers. Even though the ZIIIRO Saturn is €30 dearer than the Celeste, it is slightly more subtle — which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your needs and preference.

The Saturn is available from ZIIIRO’s online shop and it comes in three colours. At the time of writing, the black model is unavailable but luckily for you, this is the one we’re reviewing.



Design

The reason for purchasing a geeky designer watch such as this is to enjoy its quirkiness. There’s no point in buying this watch only to be frustrated from deciphering it. Absolutely none — you’d be better off with a regular watch. Luckily though, the Saturn is quite accommodating in the sense that it is rather similar to any analogue watch in the way it tells time. The Saturn features an always-on monotone LCD which displays time in the form of propelling rings, without any other visible markings. The longer, outer rings indicate the hour, while each individual inner segment represents a minute. Interpreting the time needs a bit of practice, but it’s surprisingly easy to get used to. After wearing it for a day, it becomes rather natural. Unlike the Kisai Online LCD watch which I reviewed earlier, the Saturn’s LCD has awesome contrast, which makes it easy to read even under strong, direct sunlight. It also sports a handy electroluminescence backlight for night viewing — and I must add that the glow of the EL light is bright enough to be seen even during daytime.



Like the Celeste, the ZIIIRO Saturn is very well constructed. Its 45mm case and strap are both made from stainless steel and feels very solid. Although the watch is supposedly unisex, it may not be suited for ladies simply because of how large the case is. The weight is distributed fairly evenly across the entire ensemble, assisted by the fact that the case is only 10.5mm thick, which is roughly the same thickness as your average luxury watch.



The strap is identical to the one fitted on the Celeste — a stainless steel mesh design with an adjustable buckle and a hook-on clasp. Being adjustable, you’ll find it amazingly easy to reposition the buckle to fit your wrist without a visit to the watch shop, saving you both precious time and money. I haven’t had any issues with the mesh strap catching the fine hairs on my wrist. However, the mesh design has a tendency to trap water droplets, and therefore, takes a long time to dry after washing my hands. The watch is also waterproof up to 3 ATM, and is able to withstand perspiration, rain and washing but should not be worn while swimming.



As you may have noticed, this is a digital watch; and as such, doesn’t feature a crown. Instead, the time is adjusted by pressing on two buttons on the back of the case. This is fine if you only need to set the time once, but for me, I travel quite a bit. It can get rather tedious having to search for something pointy to set the time with. In those cases, I’d much rather wear an analogue watch — digital isn’t always better.

Living with the ZIIIRO Saturn watch



Overall impressions? I’m happy with the watch. I love the way it looks and feels on my wrist. I enjoy the fact that it’s something different, and catches the attention of the people around me. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for ZIIIRO’s customer support. You see, this particular watch has a minor flaw — it has a pretty large speck of dust in the case, just under the glass. It may not be visible in these photos, but trust me, it’s there. According to ZIIIRO’s Returns & Exchanges Policy, I’m entitled to an exchange if I’m unhappy with the purchase (which is the case) within 14 days of receiving the watch. The first part of the procedure is to obtain a Returns Number by contacting ZIIIRO’s customer support. I sent an email on 2 January 2013 but to my disappointment, I have yet to receive a response. The company’s live chat support is never attended to, regardless of the time of day. And there’s no other way of contacting them other than email or the contact form — the company doesn’t publish a physical address or telephone number, which I find to be really dodgy.

So while the quality of the watch is great, their customer support is dismal. After paying €179 for a watch, I expected a whole lot more. Come on, ZIIIRO. Buck up!

Should you buy the ZIIIRO Saturn watch?

Despite their nightmarish customer support, the watch itself is great (if there isn’t any dust in it). It’s well built. It’s beautiful, elegant and geeky at the same time. So I find no reason not to recommend it.

MakeUseOf recommends: Buy it!

How do I win the ZIIIRO Saturn watch?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide*.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

The giveaway is over. Congratulations, Dan Nguyen! You would have received an email from jackson@makeuseof.com. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with Associate Editor Jackson Chung before Feb 20. Enquires beyond this date will not be entertained.

Step 2: Share!

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(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

*Exclusions apply. See giveaway rules for further details.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, February 8th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post ZIIIRO Saturn Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-saturn-watch-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 96 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/nexus-7-vs-ipad-mini-a-comparative-review/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/nexus-7-vs-ipad-mini-a-comparative-review/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:30:27 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=133420 If you're shopping for a 7-inch tablet, there's absolutely no shortage of options. It's undeniable, however, that the leading choices are Apple's iPad mini and Google's Nexus 7. We've reviewed both of these devices individually, but it's time to put them head-to-head. We're also extremely pleased to announce that we'll be offering five 32GB Nexus 7s as a hardware Rewards. If you're unfamiliar with our Rewards program, head over to our gaming guide and Rewards FAQ to find out more.

The post Nexus 7 vs. iPad Mini: A Comparative Review appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> If you’re shopping for a 7-inch tablet, there’s absolutely no shortage of options. It’s undeniable, however, that the leading choices are Apple’s iPad mini and Google’s Nexus 7. We’ve reviewed both of these devices individually, but it’s time to put them head-to-head.

Some might say that comparing the iPad mini to the Nexus 7 is like comparing apples to oranges. They’re very different devices, with different ecosystems and an even more contrasting user base. So comparing specifications simply does not make sense. Instead, I’ll be comparing certain important aspects which matter in everyday use.

We’re also extremely pleased to announce that we’ll be offering five 32GB Nexus 7s through our Rewards program. If you’re unfamiliar with our Rewards program, head over to our gaming guide and Rewards FAQ to find out more.

Price and storage



Let’s begin with the most obvious comparison: price. If you’re on a budget, the Nexus 7 is the clear winner. The 16GB model is available at just under $200; whereas the iPad mini (Wi-Fi only model) in the same capacity is $130 dearer. In fact, the price difference gets even steeper as we move higher along the product line.

16GB Nexus 7: $199
16GB iPad mini: $329
Price difference: $130

32GB Nexus 7: $249
32GB iPad mini: $429
Price difference: $180

32GB Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi + cellular): $299
32GB iPad mini (Wi-Fi + cellular): $559
Price difference: $260



It doesn’t take much to see that the Nexus 7 offers better value. However, it’s important to note when making your decision that both devices do not have storage expansion slots. So if you need more than just 32GB of storage (actually less after taking into account the operating system) or if you think you might in the future, only Apple offers the iPad mini in 64GB configurations for both Wi-Fi and cellular models.

The display

I’ve been criticising the iPad mini’s screen since I first heard that it wasn’t a Retina Display. Apple took a step backwards with that decision. The iPad mini is more expensive than its competition, so it’s only fair to expect a better display. Instead, the Nexus 7 packs more pixels into a smaller screen. To be more specific, the Nexus 7 has a 7-inch 1280 x 800 display, with a pixel density of 216 pixels per inch. As noted by my colleague James Bruce, the screen is “…bright and clear, with crisp and vibrant colours and text, even outdoors.” and I’ll have to agree with him.



The iPad mini, however, has a larger 7.9-inch display with a lower resolution of 1024 x 768 at 163 pixels per inch. With both devices side by side, the difference is quite apparent. The colours of the iPad mini seem more washed out compared to the Nexus 7′s vibrant display. As a result of higher pixel density, text is rendered more clearly on the Nexus 7, which makes it ideal as an electronic reader.



Another important point to consider is the fact that the iPad mini’s display is not only larger, it has an aspect ratio of 4:3 while the Nexus 7′s display carries an aspect ratio of 16:9. Basically, the iPad mini is wider — and that makes web browsing more enjoyable because more elements can be displayed.

But is it too wide? I had difficulty grasping the iPad mini in my hand, but then again, my hands aren’t that large. Ultimately, I’ll just say that it’s too wide to hold with one hand, but I’m happy with the trade off for a slightly larger screen.



In contrast, the display size and aspect ratio of the Nexus 7, coupled with the soft buttons, does hurt it slightly. The soft buttons at the bottom of the screen (back, home, multitasker) take up about 0.6″ when they’re visible, and that’s more or less all the time. I’ll admit the Nexus 7 is easier and more effortless to hold with one hand, and that’s partly attributed to its rubberised, dimpled rear panel.



Dimensions and design



The differences between both tablets in terms of dimensions is negligible. They weigh roughly the same, but the iPad mini is noticeably thinner (although longer and wider). The Nexus 7 doesn’t feature any hardware buttons on its front surface, which often begs the question, “Which side is up?” To answer that, you’ll have to search for evidence of its front-facing camera. On more than one occasion, I’ve picked up the Nexus 7 and fumbled around feeling for the power button, which camouflages with the rear rubberised panel. It’s not a device that you can easily wake from sleep unless you pick it up, unlike the iPad mini which has a home button on its front surface.



Between the two, the iPad mini, with its glass and aluminium construction, is slightly more appealing. It feels more expensive, if you get my drift. And because of that, you’re more likely to purchase a case for it and eventually, add a bit of bulk to the package. Not so with the Nexus 7, which gives off a sturdy aura — it can stand up for itself without a case. The iPad mini also sports a rear-facing 5MP camera, which you will want to protect.



Battery Life



Subjectively, I can tell you, even without any thorough testing, that the iPad mini’s battery life is more superior than the Nexus 7′s, despite having similar batteries (Nexus 7: 4325 mAh; iPad mini: 4440 mAh). On standby with Wi-Fi enabled, the Nexus 7′s battery will drain in just a couple of days whereas on the iPad mini, the battery meter wouldn’t have even flinched. If you think it’s weird, this is actually a known issue. As a result, uptime on the Nexus 7 is significantly reduced when Wi-Fi is enabled. Some users have reported that a system reset rectifies the issue, but that’s unproven.

Ecosystem

As a seasoned iOS user, I’m more comfortable with using the iPad mini; simply because I’m able to download every purchased app from the iTunes Store free of charge to new devices. Prior to this, I haven’t used very many Android apps, and most of them were free. From my observations, apps from Google Play, more specifically free apps, aren’t really up to iTunes Store standards.

Take for example, the Facebook app. On the iPad mini, the Facebook application mimics the desktop layout as closely as possible. On the Nexus 7 however, it’s merely a blown up version designed for Android smartphones.



Admittedly, Google Play’s selection of books and magazines are pretty impressive, and most of them are significantly cheaper than the iBookstore. So again, the Nexus 7 wins the battle of electronic readers. As you can probably tell, I’m personally coming to the conclusion that the Nexus 7 is ideal as an ereader, disappointed only by the lack of great apps from Google Play. Unfortunately, that’s a shame because its Tegra processor is capable of so much more.

The bottom line

The Nexus 7 is a great, affordable 7-inch Android tablet, let down only by the lack of properly designed applications on Google Play. Before you decide on which tablet to purchase, you need to know what you’ll be doing with it: consuming or creating? Although the iPad mini has a superb selection of apps to fall back on, the Nexus 7 is a great all-rounder with excellent hardware specs.

Advantages of the Nexus 7:
- affordable price
- crisp, high definition display
- solid design
- capable hardware (including NFC)

Disadvantages of the Nexus 7:
- cramped display
- lack of hardware buttons
- lack of high resolution rear-facing camera
- needs better apps
- battery life could be better

For more in-depth reviews of either device, please read Apple iPad Mini Review and Giveaway or Google Nexus 7 (16GB) Android Tablet Review and Giveaway

How can you get one?

There are only five Nexus 7s up for grabs. So if you’re interested in getting one, you’d better hurry to our Rewards page and exchange your points! If you haven’t a MakeUseOf account, create one, earn points then exchange your points for one of these tablets! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Where will we ship to?

Since this is a physical product, it is subject to local import tax laws. In any event, the claimant is responsible for all taxes and fees related to the import of the product. We will deliver to any fixed physical address for free.

We reserve the right to evaluate each address on a case by case basis. If we refuse delivery to your provided address after you’ve submitted a claim, you have the option of providing us with a US, UK or Australian shipping address within a 72-hour grace period. You will bear the delivery cost to your country of residence. Upon expiry of the allocated grace period, the claim is void. All point exchanges are final and no reimbursements are allowed.

What products would you like us to offer as part of our Rewards program in the future? Tell us and we’ll try our best to make it happen!

The post Nexus 7 vs. iPad Mini: A Comparative Review appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/nexus-7-vs-ipad-mini-a-comparative-review/feed/ 231 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tokyoflash-kisai-online-lcd-watch-review-and-giveaway/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tokyoflash-kisai-online-lcd-watch-review-and-giveaway/#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:30:14 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=130707 A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed the minimalist designer watch ZIIIRO Celeste and I absolutely fell in love with its geeky, quirky take on time. Today, I'll be looking at something similar from the renowned geeky watchmaker, Toykoflash -- the Kisai Online LCD watch, a $169 watch with an emphasis on design. Does this futuristic watch deserve a spot in your watch box? Does it look as good in person as it does online? Is the design practical and suitable for everyday use? If you're aching to find out if you should spend $169 on this watch, find out in the details in my review. Plus, we're also giving this Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch away!

The post Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed the minimalist designer watch ZIIIRO Celeste and I absolutely fell in love with its geeky, quirky take on time. Today, I’ll be looking at something similar from the renowned geeky watchmaker, Toykoflash — the Kisai Online LCD watch, a $169 watch with an emphasis on design.

Does this futuristic watch deserve a spot in your watch box? Does it look as good in person as it does online? Is the design practical and suitable for everyday use? If you’re aching to find out if you should spend $169 on this watch, find out in the details in my review. Plus, we’re also giving this Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch away!

While the ZIIIRO Celeste came packaged in a stylish circular box, this Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch was shipped in a plain carton box. So, in terms of packaging, it was a total let down, hence the lack of unboxing photos here. No matter, since all we’re interested in is what the box contains so I’ll look past the unattractive packaging and go straight to the watch.

If you’re a seasoned online shopper, the fact that some products are made to look better online and in photos, from capturing them at the right angles and image editing, probably isn’t much of a surprise to you. Unfortunately, the Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch was poorly (falsely?) represented online. In person, it was pretty much a disappointment.



What you can’t see from the product images on Toykoflash’s website is that the watch is really quite thick. And it wasn’t until I put it on that I realised just how heavy the 160g watch is. In my mind, I was expecting a watch with finesse and a futuristic, elegant design. Instead, in all honesty, I received a product which pretty much looks like a counterfeit watch you might find in an Asian night market.



This Toykoflash Kisai Online LCD watch features a black or silver stainless steel case with an adjustable bracelet strap. Each design is sold in one of 3 LCD colour options: natural, blue and red. The case is also made of stainless steel, with what I’m assuming is a plastic face cover, and measures 33mm x 51mm x 14.4mm — that’s right folks, the watch is over 1cm thick. The steel used to construct the watch doesn’t exude a quality finish either. In fact, I’m sad to say that it sounds and feels rather plasticky, hollow and cheap. Due to the largeness of the case and the relative skinniness of its strap, I found the watch to be quite top-heavy and not at all comfortable to wear.



What initially attracted me to this watch was the LCD display and its vertical line design. On paper, the cool cryptic pattern has the potential to turn something as boring as telling time, into an interesting, head-turning event that people will enjoy talking about. In reality, I’m afraid that it doesn’t even come close.



The red on black colour scheme not only makes the lines and “digits” difficult to discern, it can sometimes be impossible to read in certain conditions. Even though the LCD is constantly on, there isn’t enough contrast between the lines and the background, so they blend into each other — another aspect of the watch which was falsely represented by their manipulated product images. In low-light conditions, this turns into a nightmare. The fitted electroluminescent light source isn’t even close to bright enough. So don’t bother looking at this watch if you expect to read the time at night.

One of the main selling points of this watch is a cryptic mode, which adds even more lines to its already complicated design. This is achieved using an accelerometer — swing the watch towards you to reveal the time, swing it away from you to enable the cryptic mode. In the image below, I have the watch upside-down and as you can see, when the watch is in cryptic mode, it’s impossible to tell the time. Fantastic.



Along with the current time, the Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch also has a date indicator and an alarm, which beeps like a cheap watch and is dreadfully impossible to set. So my advice to you is: never use it.



Should you buy the Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch?

As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, Tokyoflash is a respected geeky watch maker. Several of their designs have made it to well-respected designer blogs. So, as a consumer who paid $169 for the Kisai Online LCD watch, I expected more. I would have preferred the LCD to be easier to read. The case could have been slimmer. The stainless steel finish could have been better. The EL light could have been brighter. The entire watch could have been lighter.

Overall, manipulated product images on Tokyoflash’s website made the watch look better than it actually is. Additionally, its shortcomings prevented me from utilising the watch to its fullest potential.

MakeUseOf recommends: don’t buy it.

Do you think my review was too harsh, or do you agree with me? Either way, we’re still giving this watch away!

How do I win this Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD watch?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide*.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

The giveaway is over. Congratulations, George Tanaka! You would have received an email from jackson@makeuseof.com. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with Associate Editor Jackson Chung before Feb 20. Enquires beyond this date will not be entertained.

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

Like it

Tweet it

Tweet

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(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

*Exclusions apply. See giveaway rules for further details.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, Jan 11th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post Tokyoflash Kisai Online LCD Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tokyoflash-kisai-online-lcd-watch-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 77 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-celeste-review-and-giveaway/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-celeste-review-and-giveaway/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:30:58 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=129868 I'm not much of a watch person. Between 1995 and 2012, I've only owned two watches, and both of them were relatively nondescript, plain and unattractive. Recently though, my watch-wearing philosophy was completely overturned after trying on and falling in love with the ZIIIRO Celeste designer watch.

The post ZIIIRO Celeste Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> I’m not much of a watch person. Between 1995 and 2012, I’ve only owned two watches, and both of them were relatively nondescript, plain and unattractive. Recently though, my watch-wearing philosophy was completely overturned after trying on and falling in love with the ZIIIRO Celeste designer watch. ZIIIRO watches are beautiful to look at, with minimalism at the heart of their designs.

We’ll take a closer look at this (dare we say geeky?) watch and we’ll be giving it away at the end of this review. So if you’re looking to own a ZIIIRO Celeste watch, read on and join the giveaway.

Initial impressions

At €149 a pop, I wouldn’t say that the ZIIIRO Celeste is an affordable watch. It may be relatively inexpensive compared to other designer brands, but for an unknown, the price may cause some potential buyers consider their purchase. With that said, there are currently a few geeky designer watch brands available online. Kisai instantly comes to mind, with watches from $99 to $199. We’ll be taking a look at a couple of watches from Kisai in a future article.



The ZIIIRO Celeste was delivered in a boring white carton box, but its contents is rather interesting. The watch is nestled in an attractive clear plastic case, with the Celeste peeking through.



The ZIIIRO Celeste is available in two themes: mono and coloured — and that just refers to its face. Each theme comes in two different colour options. You can get the mono design in either black or gunmetal (which is the one featured in this review). The coloured design comes in gunmetal or chrome.



Design

After unwrapping the thick plastic film protecting the ZIIIRO Celeste, I finally establish physical contact with the watch. Instantly, I feel its weight and its remarkable build quality. There’s some substance there and I’m really quite drawn to it. Some products look really good in photos, but after they’re shipped to you, they turn out to be rather disappointing. Most of the time, they feel cheaper than they look. Not with the ZIIIRO Celeste. It seems to be both beautiful and well-crafted at the same time.



Some product feel cheaper than they look. Not with the ZIIIRO Celeste.

Fundamentally, ZIIIRO watches display no markings or hands on the clock face, in keeping with their minimalism motif. Instead, these watches implement moving rings to indicate the time. For the first few hours, guessing the time may be slightly tricky, but once you get into the groove, you’ll start appreciating how cool the design is. And others will too, I’m sure.

The stainless steel 40mm watch case sports a matte finish in gunmetal. Over on the other side of the watch, you’ll find a polished stainless steel case back. I really can’t iterate enough just how beautiful the watch is from every angle. The ZIIIRO Celeste is water resistant, up to 3ATM or 30 meters of water. Generally, that’s sufficient to withstand rain, perspiration and hand washing but the watch is not suited for swimming.



The bracelet is made of stainless steel mesh and features a hook-on clasp, and it should fit any normal adult wrist. It’s adjustable simply by shifting the position of the buckle on the bracelet. You’ll find complete step-by-step instructions on how to do this in the product manual.



The issue I had with the bracelet (and possibly metal watch bracelets in general) is the fact that it isn’t adjustable on the go, unlike straps. So it’s essential to adjust the position of the buckle to fit your wrist before leaving home, otherwise, you’ll have to endure an ill-fitted bracelet for the entire day, like I did.



Internally, the ZIIIRO Celeste is fitted with a Japanese Miyota 1L-26 quartz movement, with a two-pole stepping motor and is accurate to +/-20 seconds per month under normal conditions. It’s estimated to be off by about 4 minutes a year, but I haven’t had the time to personally test that yet. Read the Celeste’s specifications, if you’re so inclined.

Living with the ZIIIRO Celeste watch

I’ll admit, I quite like it. The ZIIIRO Celeste is a fashion statement. It’s the kind of watch you’d want to wear if you like people staring at you, and if you enjoy looking at their faces while they try to figure out the time. And that’s another thing I like about this watch — it’s geeky.



The mesh bracelet can take rather long to dry after getting wet. Most of the time, I’ll resort to removing the entire watch and wipe it dry. The clasp is quite easy to unbuckle — it doesn’t require fingers the size of toothpicks to get it off, which is nice. The case is pretty solid and is quite resistant to scuffs. Apparently, the glass is made of hardened mineral crystal, whatever that means.

Should you buy the ZIIIRO Celeste?

As you can probably tell by now, I’m completely sold on the watch. I absolutely love it. Even though it doesn’t display the date and second, I still love it. It’s meant to be a simple, minimalist watch; and it checks all the right boxes in my book.

MakeUseOf recommends: Buy it, if you’re geeky.

Now that you’ve read my praises, I’m sure you’d like to try your luck at winning this ZIIIRO Celeste mono watch in gunmetal. If that’s the case, then join the contest!

How do I win the ZIIRO Celeste?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide*.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.

The giveaway is over. Congratulations, Joseph Grey! You would have an email from jackson@makeuseof.com. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with Associate Editor Jackson Chung before Dec 31. Enquires beyond this date will not be entertained.

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

Like it

Tweet it

Tweet

+1 on Google

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

*Exclusions apply. See giveaway rules for further details.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, December 28th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post ZIIIRO Celeste Watch Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ziiiro-celeste-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 137 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/itwin-securebox-review-and-giveaway/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/itwin-securebox-review-and-giveaway/#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:54 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=130423 A few months ago, Joshua reviewed the iTwin -- an interesting device ($99) which when plugged into a computer, automatically creates an unlimited and secure file sharing network. Now, the iTwin has been updated to include SecureBox, an encryption feature which utilises Dropbox. We'll take you through iTwin SecureBox and show you exactly how it works. We're also giving away 5 iTwins at the end of this review! So if you're into file security and encryption, or if you're someone who values privacy, you won't want to miss this giveaway.

The post iTwin SecureBox Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> A few months ago, Joshua reviewed the iTwin — an interesting device ($99) which when plugged into a computer, automatically creates an unlimited and secure file sharing network. Now, the iTwin has been updated to include SecureBox, an encryption feature which utilises Dropbox.

We’ll take you through iTwin SecureBox and show you exactly how it works. We’re also giving away 5 iTwins at the end of this review! So if you’re into file security and encryption, or if you’re someone who values privacy, you won’t want to miss this giveaway.

What is an iTwin?

Although my colleague Joshua Lockhart published an extensive review on the iTwin, I’ll briefly go over its features again, just to help you understand what it actually does. Basically, the iTwin is a coupled USB hardware key — it’s made up of two halves, joined together in the middle. No data is stored on the iTwin, it merely helps to create an instant, configuration-free, secure file sharing or remote access connection between the two halves of the device when connected to two different computers. So the idea is to plug one end of the iTwin into one PC, load it up, then break off the second half and plug that into another computer and instantly share files between the two computers.



The file sharing connection/network created by the iTwin is virtually unlimited, so you can share as many files necessary without having to worry about storage limits. Shared files remain on the host computer and nothing is stored on third-party servers. In addition to that, the iTwin encrypts all data before performing any transfers. In theory, using an iTwin is more secure than utilising any cloud storage or file sharing service available online because both halves of the iTwin are required to initiate the file sharing connection. But is it perfect? Short answer: No, and I shall explain the caveats towards the end of this review.



iTwin SecureBox

SecureBox is a new feature implemented by the iTwin developers which utilises Dropbox in order to provide seamless file encryption, using either half of the iTwin as the access key. So the function of SecureBox is not file sharing per se, but rather securing online/cloud storage via Dropbox. If you’re thinking that the iTwin SecureBox can encrypt every existing file in your Dropbox folder, I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you. Instead, SecureBox merely utilises Dropbox as a form of syncing, the encryption/decryption process is handled by the iTwin device and client, which you’ll have to download and install before the iTwin can be used. We’ll go through the process now.

Very simply, think of SecureBox as a virtual briefcase in conjunction with Dropbox, and the iTwin device is the key.



The first step is to initialise the iTwin device and install the client, and this is done by plugging either end of the iTwin (both halves must be connected) into any USB port on a Windows or Mac computer. On a Windows PC, the auto-installer will automatically run. On a Mac however, it needs to be manually launched in Finder. The installer requires an Internet connection in order to download the necessary files from the iTwin server.



Once the client is installed, the setup process begins. You will be prompted to name the iTwin device and set a password. Once this process is complete, the iTwin will be fully initiated and can then be used to securely access and share files between 2 computers using both halves of the device. However, this review will focus on the new SecureBox feature. If you’re interested to learn more about iTwin’s file sharing features, please read Joshua’s review.



As mentioned earlier, in order to use SecureBox, you will need a Dropbox account. During the setup, you will be asked to associate your Dropbox account with the iTwin device in order to allow it to upload encrypted files to your Dropbox.



Once the setup is complete, a new folder entitled “iTwin Securebox (name of device)” will be created within your Dropbox folder. Be warned, you should not edit this folder directly. SecureBox uses this folder to store and sync encrypted files. Any direct manipulation will cause SecureBox to function improperly. To make life easier, it’s better to entirely forget that this folder exists (and don’t use it!).



Instead, you should really be more interested with the SecureBox drive that has just been created (bottom window in the screenshot below). It appears as a mounted drive, and every file that needs to be encrypted should be copied to the SecureBox. Drag and drop any file over the SecureBox window and it will automatically be copied, encrypted, and synced with Dropbox. Files which have been successfully encrypted are indicated by the lock icon. Subsequently, the encrypted version is copied to Dropbox (top window).



As I said, it’s better to forget that the companion folder in Dropbox even exists. However, I’d like to illustrate what happens in the background. When a file is added to the SecureBox, it is encrypted with an AES 256-bit encryption key stored in the iTwin device (hardware encryption), then the encrypted file is copied to the folder in Dropbox, which will sync with Dropbox’s servers. Your file is now encrypted and in the cloud. If anyone somehow manages to gain access to your Dropbox folder and tries to view the encrypted file, all they’ll see is gibberish.



So in essence, iTwin SecureBox combines the security of its 256-bit AES hardware encryption with the flexibility and accessibility of Dropbox. Not a bad combination altogether. And since it utilises Dropbox, it only makes sense that the encrypted files have to be completely uploaded before they can be accessed anywhere else. Otherwise, you’ll be prompted with this error message:



How secure is the iTwin SecureBox?

If you think about it, the iTwin uses a combination of security practises to protect your data. In order to access your files, first and foremost, you will need to physically be in possession of the iTwin (or one half of it). To use it though, you will also need to know the password created during the setup process before the client can be accessed. So even if your iTwin is stolen, your data will still be protected until your password is cracked. Rest assured, each iTwin device can be remotely disabled, so in the event of theft, simple disable the iTwin and your files remain secure.

Complete security, however, comes at a price — and the price in this case is convenience. Since the iTwin utilises hardware encryption, you will never be able to access your files on a mobile device e.g. tablet, smartphone because the iTwin client needs to run in order to decrypt your files.

I’ve also found the iTwin’s device to be lacklustre. The amount of exposed components is slightly worrying. Plus, there’s just no easy solution for transporting the iTwin. It doesn’t come with a case, nor does it provide a way to attach it to a keychain. I fear it will be quite easy to lose simply because it’s such a small device.



Should you buy the iTwin?

What I like about the iTwin is the fact that no data is stored on the device. So even if it gets lost or stolen, my data remains relatively safe. The iTwin provides a simple way to securely share sensitive files between 2 or more people, with zero configuration. Requiring a hardware key (the iTwin) makes the entire file sharing system more secure. SecureBox is a lovely addition to the iTwin and will be really handy if and when the device is redesigned. Otherwise, it’s just a hassle to carry around. The $99 price may be slightly too high for consumers, even after taking its features into consideration.

In conclusion, I think the iTwin is great in terms of functionality, but is let down by poor design, and a high price point.

MakeUseOf recommends: don’t buy it (yet).

We’re giving away 5 iTwins this week! If you’re looking for an effortless encryption and secure file sharing solution, this is it!

How do I win an iTwin?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide*.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

The giveaway is over. Here are the winners:

• Steve Cowing
• Gregg Cameron
• Jonas Eikeland
• Tim Bovey
• Bernard Wang

Congratulations! You would have received an email from jackson@makeuseof.com. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with Associate Editor Jackson Chung before Dec 31. Enquires beyond this date will not be entertained.

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

Like it

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(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

*Exclusions apply. See giveaway rules for further details.

This giveaway begins now and ends Saturday, December 22nd. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.

The post iTwin SecureBox Review and Giveaway appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/itwin-securebox-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 70 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/introducing-our-new-best-web-hosting-services-page/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/introducing-our-new-best-web-hosting-services-page/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:30:39 +0000 Jackson Chung http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=129836 Are you itching to start a new website or blog of photoblog? Well, in most cases, the first thing to do is to get yourself a decent web host in order to get your very own personal space on the web. With so many web hosting service providers available today, how do you know which is the best one for you? Introducing our new Best Web Hosting Services page!

The post Introducing Our New Best Web Hosting Services Page appeared first on MakeUseOf.

]]> Are you itching to start a new website or blog of photoblog? Well, in most cases, the first thing to do is to get yourself a decent web host in order claim your very own personal space on the web. With so many web hosting service providers available today, how do you know which is the best one for you?

Introducing our new Best Web Hosting Services page! We’ve done the research, and even though we haven’t personally tested every web hosting service provider, our experienced team members shared their feedback on most of the popular web hosting services, including some obscure ones. Finally, we managed to put together this list of the best web hosting services for your convenience.

We’ve categorised the entries into 3 groups based on functionality and of course, budget: shared hosting, Virtual Private Server hosting (or VPS), and dedicated hosting. We’ve also listed their pricing scheme, which is accurate at the time of publication.



This page will be updated every few months, so we’ll definitely appreciate your comments between updates. Tell us if you like your current web hosting provider. Let us know what about them that keeps you happy and a loyal customer. Share your hosting nightmares! If you don’t see your favourite web hosting service provider on our Best Web Hosting Services page, submit a comment to let us know why is should be added.

So head over to our new Best Web Hosting Services page and look around for your next web hosting provider! If you find the page useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends using the social sharing buttons.

The post Introducing Our New Best Web Hosting Services Page appeared first on MakeUseOf.

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