Top 5 hottest headphones for you this summer

With the Summer season upon us, and tablets coming out left and right, smartphones launching up and down, isn’t this also the right time to consider getting a new (and perhaps better) pair of headphones? I mean, there will be a lot of blockbusters coming out, a lot of cool music and a whole lot of our existing games that need to be heard in the best possible way.

With that in mind, today I’ll be looking at some of the best headphones you can find in the UAE nowadays. The list is a mix & match for the audiophiles; those who love to listen to their music, enjoy their moves and games as well. Stereo drivers and 5.1 outputs included.

So without further ado, I’ll bring your attention to the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones. This is literally the best headphones Sennheiser currently make.

“The Sennheiser HD 800 provide a level of transparency between you and the music like you’ll have never experienced before. From the lowest level of volume to as high as your ears can handle, the HD 800 will surround you in pitch-perfect music. Basically once you splurge on the HD 800, you’ll not need another pair of headphones for years.”

You can read the full review here and find out in detail why the Sennheiser HD 800 deserves top spot on our list.

Microsoft, AMD and ARM – The Future of Fusion

“AMD bringing Microsoft to their recently announced Fusion Developer Conference makes sense. ARM? Well, it gives a nice insight into where AMD’s Fusion APU strategy could take them, powered by a heterogeneous compute platform: OpenCL.”

Article Link: http://www.rage3d.com/articles/microsoft_amd_arm_future_of_fusion/

Windows 8 to have roaming feature

Folks over at MyDigitalLife have uncovered a new Windows 8 feature that suggests that Microsoft is toying around with an ‘account roaming’ feature that will, much like browser-syncing, allow users to carry their personalizations and settings across multiple computers.

The ‘Roaming Options’ includes settings for the desktop background, application settings and search history, language profile, Taskbar, mouse settings, on-screen keyboard, speech recognition settings, etc. The feature will only be available for “linked accounts”, meaning that it could be a tie-in with one of the Windows service such as Live.

This looks like an interesting feature and will be welcomed by users wanting a singular desktop environment across multiple computers. What we are curious to know is if this will carry over to the Windows Phone operating system, and if so, what sort of syncronization options will be available? I guess we will leave that for the next leak.

Windows 8 is slated for release early 2013, and by the past leaks, looks to pack a serious punch.

Sony getting sued over PSN data breach

Apparently the first lawsuit is hereby knocking SCEA’s doors, as the electronics giant is getting sued over the ongoing PlayStation Network breach.

The lawsuit was filed against the corporation by Kristopher Johns from Birmingham, Alabama, allegedly for failing to take “reasonable care to protect, encrypt, and secure the private and sensitive data of its users.”

Johns, 36, he demands in his lawsuit free credit monitoring and monetary compensation. Moreover, he seeks to hoist the suit to class action status.

“This action arises from SONY’s failure to maintain adequate computer data security of consumer personal data and financial data, including, but not limited to credit card data and the reasonably foreseeable exploitation of such inadequate security at defendant SONY by computer ‘hackers,’ causing the compromise of the privacy of private information of approximately seventy-seven (77) Million consumer credit card account holders,” reads the lawsuit.

“Plaintiff is informed and believes that this breach of security was caused by SONY’s negligence in data security, including its failure to maintain a proper firewall and computer security system, failure to properly encrypt data, its unauthorized storage and retention of data, its violation of Payment Card Industry Data Standard(s) and rules and regulations it was bound to obey for the benefit of consumers concerning the storage of consumers’ private identifying transaction and credit card information, and its violation of California laws requiring the implementation and maintenance of security for customer information.”

The story derives right following an overwhelming setback to Sony after a weeklong of network outage.

The company came clean yesterday and warned its PSN users that their personal information, along with addresses, customer names, e-mail addresses, account’s passwords and perhaps credit card information may have been illegally obtained by an “unauthorized person”.

Monster iClarityHD Bluetooth Speaker 100 Review

The iClarityHD Precision Micro Bluetooth Speaker 100 from Monster is the first Bluetooth system that I have looked at feels equally comfortable in your home as it does in your car. Monster, the company behind the awesome beats by Dre series of headphones, claims “Big, Clear, Stero Sound” from this dimunitive box that also features a built-in microphone and can be used as a hands-free Bluetooth solution in your car.

Inside the packaging, you get the iClarityHD with a USB cable that can be used for charging and a puch to carry it along. The USB cable can be plugged into a USB port but plugs for AC outlet or your car are not included. A Quickstart guide is also included that gives you a quick and easy walk-through on setting the iClarityHD up in your car or at home. I generally skim through the quickstart guide of a product before reviewing it to make sure that I don’t miss any feature worth talking about. At times, these QuickStart guides can be mildly amusing- especially the ones that come straight out of Taiwan. However, going through the Monster iClarity HD’s quickstart guide made me smile for a separate reason. The entire guide has instructions to set up the speakers on Apple products- from the iPhone and iPad to the iMac. “If you have a Bluetooth equipped Windows PC, please consult your owner’s manual for pairing instructions.” For almost all other products, it’s generally the other way around.

The iClarityHD unit has a bit of a cheap feel to it, like something you would see at Dragon Mart- definitely not the quality you expect from Monster. The back side has an on/off switch along with the USB port for charging as well as a 3.5mm jack for connecting it to non BlueTooth devices. On the right, you have four buttons- two to control the volume, one to answer and end calls and a power/pairing button that is used to pair or reconnect devices if need be.

The front of the unit has the speaker grills- behind which sit two 35mm full range drivers and a passive radiator subwoofer. Also on the front is the blinding LED that shows you Bluetooth connection status or pairing. I really don’t know why companies chose to equip their products with such bright LEDs. I had the iClarityHD connected to my iPhone in my bedroom but had to get up and switch it off because as soon as I turned off the lights the blinking blue LED was extremely loud and annoying. I recommend putting a tape or something on it if you plan to keep the iCalrityHD in your bedroom.

My expectations from the sound produced by a unit of this size weren’t sky high with the iClarityHD. Thus to say that the iClarity didn’t disappoint isn’t really saying much. The music lacked levels in bass and treble but that is to be expected from a unit that is so small in size. Though I must say that out of the few portable speakers that I have tested, the iClairyHD does sound better than all of them.

The iClarityHD also supports HFP and HSP Bluetooth profiles besides A2DP and AVRCP allowing it to be used as a handsfree solution in your car with it’s built-in noise-cancellation microphone. Sound quality during calls was fine at either end, but then again, you woudn’t necessarily buy the iClarityHD purely to be used as a handsfree solution for your car. A good idea might have been to provide an audio-out 3.5mm plug that you could have used to connect your car’s speaker system to.

Battery life on the iClarityHD is quoted at five hours, however, I did not get a chance to drain the battery out. Priced at AED 484, the Monster iClarityHD is quite a bit on the expensive side.

iPad 2 officially arriving in the UAE on 29th April

The UAE will see the official launch of the iPad 2 in just two days as per the press release posted on Apple’s website. The prices mentioned in the PR are the same as US- so $499 (AED 1,832) for 16GB, $599 (AED 2,200) for 32GB and $699 (AED 2,567) for the 32GB versions of the Wi-Fi only models. Add US$130 or AED 477 to each one of those for the Wi-Fi + 3G model.

While this will certainly excite the buyers, except resellers like Jacky’s and Souq to start panicing on their grey imports with insanely high prices. I see a “Deal of the day” on the iPad 2 coming pretty soon.

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CUPERTINO, California—April 27, 2011—Apple® today announced that iPad® 2, the second-generation of its breakthrough post-PC device, will arrive in Japan on Thursday, April 28 and Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and eight additional countries on Friday, April 29. iPad 2 will be available at Apple retail stores at 9 a.m. local time, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and online through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com) beginning at 1 a.m. Additionally, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China beginning Friday, May 6.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life* that users have come to expect.

Pricing & Availability
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in Japan on April 28 and Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and UAE on April 29 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China on May 6, and further international availability will be announced at a later date.

iMovie® and GarageBand® for iPad apps are available for $4.99 (US) each from the App Store℠ on iPad or www.itunes.com/appstore. The Smart Cover is available in a range of colors in vibrant polyurethane for $39 (US) or rich leather for $69 (US).

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
—–

Rumor: Sharp to produce LCD for iPhone 6

While Apple has yet to officially announce the iPhone 5, rumors of the iPhone 6 are already making the rounds.

According to AppleInsider, Sharp Electronics have been selected to produce LCDs for Apple’s next-next iPhone. The information comes via Japanese newspaper Nikkan, who said that Sharp will be making p-Si LCD displays for the iPhone, and not OLED as previously (hoped) rumored.

p-Si LCDs are supposedly lighter, have higher aperture ratios, better durability and few connecting pins. The report states that Sharp’s Kameyama Plant No. 1 will be making the displays.

There is no word on the size or pixel density yet, but you know...iPhone 5 is yet to release.

EVO to launch online Apple store in the Middle East

EVO, an Apple retailer in the UAE, today announced it will soon launch its own online Apple store in the Middle East.

The portal, www.applemall.ae, will be an extension of EVO’s existing retail outlets in Dubai and will sell new and used Apple products. For used products, the website will offer a classified-esque section were users must fill a form detailing the product they want to sell, which will then be approved by the PRO Assist team and posted on the site.

The website will also facilitate authentication, repair and upgrade services, which will be offered by Pro Assist, and Apple-authorized service center.

“As EVO continues to grow its brand and customer base, we seek to develop AppleMall.ae as a common platform to showcase all the Apple products, accessories and services for all our customers to find the best Apple devices that match their lifestyle and needs. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to smart phones and service plans, due to the incumbent varied consumer demands as well as rising competition which is why AppleMall.ae is committed to delivering an experience that makes it easy to find the right solution for individual needs,” said Jamal H Maraqa, managing director, PRO TECHnology.

AppleMall will employee UPS and Aramex for shipping and delivery.

Microsoft slips on Windows Phone v7.5 update

A plethora of information regarding Windows Phone 7′s next update has been leaked, much thanks to the team’s newsletter guy.

A newsletter meant exclusively for developers was mistakenly sent out to the community, causing much of the hush-hush new features to be known. Having been in-charge of the website’s newsletter for almost a year now, I just know how embarrassing and demoralizing that is when it happens.

Anyway, the slip has let us known that the upcoming ‘Mango’ update, now official Windows Phone OS 7.5, will bring multitasking support, IE9 and HTML5, deep Twitter integration and a bucket load of improvements for the developers. Microsoft also suggested a OS-wide chat system and better utilization of the hub when it said it would bring “support for real time communication and messaging and a broader connectivity to Skydrive.”

Additionally, the Windows Marketplace will also get a design refresh with “an improved design with panes and more panoramas, a better search experience with autocomplete queries and search results grouped by app, music, or games sections. A new jump list and a soft-search button will make it easier to find installed apps on Windows phones.”

Microsoft also said that it will be extending the Marketplace to 19 additional countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan. (No UAE -  not that the phones are available.)

The Mango is slated to release sometime in May.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class off roads into Qatar

Press release:
Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the exclusive dealers of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has taken the Qatar off-road experience to a completely new level with the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. A true off-roader with a lot of class and elegance, the stunning GL’s underlying theme can be summed up in one single word: More, for more power, more luxury, more technology and more presence. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class comes with a 5-year service cover.

The GL boasts a commanding shape and muscular lines that demand attention and exude authority. To further accentuate its look, the finest materials and gleaming chrome highlights adorn a model that remains matchless when it comes to both size and versatility. Inside, the GL-Class pampers up to seven occupants with its elegant design and exceptional comfort. For the driver, instrumentation offers the unique blend of freedom, super performance on and off the road and luxury.

Khaled Shaa’ban, General Manager of NBK Automobiles said: “The Mercedes-Benz GL is the perfect fit for a great out-door experience when on the road or embarking on an off-road adventure. It offers its driver extreme power, perfect performance and handling and first-class luxury and elegance. Qatar is famous for its fascinating sand-duning experience and the GL is a strong vehicle that makes it all the more exciting while providing a very safe environment for everyone inside.”

“Our customers take pride in setting themselves apart. They also enjoy the finer things in life. It’s what anyway should expect from Mercedes-Benz. A passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail is what sets Mercedes-Benz apart from all other manufacturers. This passion drives us to set new standards in design, performance, comfort and safety. We continually build on the legendary traditions of Mercedes-Benz and aim at providing our customers with ownership experience unlike any other.” added Shaa’ban.

The GL-Class’ exterior combines smooth curves with distinctive contours and noticeably powerful elements. On the front end, the radiator grille, bumper, and under-guard give the GL-Class a commanding design, emphasizing the vehicle’s functionally significant and domineering character. The solid, imposing side view gives the impression of extended length, and ensures good visibility from every angle. The rear section of the GL-Class evokes a sense of calm, assured power on the road. Not to be outdone by the standard LED daytime running lights and Bi-Xenon headlamps, the bold disposition of the GL-Class is set off by a number of chrome highlights that give the GL-Class its regal appearance.

Everything inside the GL-Class is focused on the comfort and well-being of its passengers. Up to seven people can relax in the splendour of the GL-Class’ full-sized, ergonomically optimized seats. Both the driver and front passenger will revel in the heated, 10-way adjustable seats boasting 3-position memory settings. There is also ample head and leg room, coupled with amazing all-around visibility for all passengers result in a relaxing and exciting journey particularly when going on off-road adventures. The GL-Class features a wide array of interior finishes, including interior chrome accents, rich wood trim and hand-fitted leather upholstery. The dual-zone “Thermatic” automatic climate control comes standard, and allows the driver and front passenger to control individual settings. For an even more ideal environment, passengers can upgrade to the GL’s three-zone “Thermotronic” automatic climate control system which provides rear climate controls, additional climate control booster and sensors to monitor sunlight intensity and moisture, as well as a sophisticated air filter for dust and pollutants.

Technology and convenience go hand-in-hand to offer GL’s driver and passengers the most advanced features and functions available. All cockpit controls can be surveyed in a single glance owing to the GL’s multifunctional COMAND display screen in the centre console. The COMAND APS with hard-drive based navigation ensures the driver never loses the way. The integrated Media Interface gives 3 different connection cables, for iPod,®, for USB input and for auxiliary audio input. All the devices can be controlled using the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel or via the in-dash stereo featuring a 610-watt harman/kardon® LOGIC® surround system and an MP3-compatible 6-disc DVD changer. Other premium interior features include: Bluetooth connectivity and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The GL-Class also features impressive cargo storage facilifties.

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s leader in all-wheel drive technology. Its award-winning 4MATIC™ permanent all-wheel drive system sends power to each wheel independently, giving maximum control in all seasons and road conditions. 4MATIC™ works in concert with the GL’s 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and anti-lock brakes with skid control (ASR) to maintain stability and traction on all types of roads.

Additionally, the GL 450 4MATIC™ features an exciting, high-displacement 335 hp V-8 engine that matches big power with a quiet ride. It gives superior output and smooth torque delivery while maintaining moderate fuel consumption levels. The GL’s 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission has the uncanny ability to shift gears imperceptibly, even under rugged driving conditions. The GL-Class is smooth on any road thanks to its AIRMATIC air suspension. This self-levelling suspension system is designed to keep the ride height constant at all times.

In the GL-Class, safety has been primarily emphasized with a host of security and safety features such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), the Brake Assist (BAS) and the ESP® trailer stabilization function.

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can be customized to suit all tastes and is available for test-drives.

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