Have You Smelt This Photo?

That perfectly instagrammed slice of luscious blueberry cheesecake together with a freshly brewed coffee is just *bite lip* beyond irresistible! Scroll some more and you’ll find yourself starving. Oh, Food Porn! Knowing how the social media crunches on the internet, images are likely to pop out. There are even mobile accessories that can turn your mobiles into a microscope! How awesome is that? On a lighter note, there are photos that can be a fad for a moment, and there are also those ones that have a lasting impact. But if Food Porn kicks in, you might be tempted to just… drool!

Photography, as vastly known, is the art of practice of taking and processing photographs. This art is being practiced to this day since it’s the best representation of a vivid memory there is. And who couldn’t agree more? Those memories caught on camera never fail to take us back to where the photo was taken—figuratively.

Yet J.A. Gottfried, a neurological psychologist, once said that “memories of images begin to fade days or even hours after viewing, whereas recall of smells remains unimpaired for as much as a year.” An eyebrow strikes up for skepticism? Well, how detailed can you articulate the image of an apple in your head than knowing how it smells? Also, did you know that aromas cannot just elicit memories, but they can also excite our emotions, and diminish stress even?

But in the technological sphere, it’s inarguably noticeable that something smells fishy. Try to sniff this to remember: You need not be nosey, because oPhone device together with the oSnap iPhone app can let you smell that photo of luscious blueberry cheesecake, and oh! The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee!

All foodies rejoice, since professor David Edwards along with a team of students of Harvard University have made food porn more realistic than ever! With the oPhone device and the iPhone app oSnap, you can now send out scented photos of your favorite treats to your close circle!

Here’s how it works: Snap a photo, select from the collection of scent notes on the tagging menu that will appear, and the message termed oNote is all set to be sent! As of the moment, there are eight different scents that can be combined. There’s butter, red wine, cocoa beans, and the list goes on. And it also allows you to create over 300,000 unique aroma combinations to your liking. But it won’t work if the recipient does not have the scent-transmitting machine oPhone.

Sadly, we can’t bite to it just yet, because the oPhone is only available at the Museum of Natural History and Le Laboratoire in Paris. Yet, that doesn’t stop Edward and the oNotes team. They are now on their Indiegogo campaign to raise a support on mass-producing the oPhone. Their goal is to reach up to $150,000.

What is it actually for? Well, imagine you’re in a restaurant. Everything in the menu are flat-out mouth-watering. With everything new to you, you choose… this one? No, this one. It really does look tasty, right? And when it was served, all you did was pick your nose as you swallow it with your eyes shut tight! Hope you just knew how it smells, right? With only just a scent, your olfactory system can help you imagine how good it tastes. And maybe someday, we could actually taste it, eh?

These magical machines can do so much; even quitting a bad habit like smoking with your phone is made possible. Who knows? Maybe one day they could send out real foods! Yu-uhm!

Stay connected, stay in love with Couple App

If you’re looking for a private and intimate way to stay connected with your special someone, then here’s the perfect app for you. Available in iOS and Android platforms, Couple app has more than 2 million downloads. It’s free, it’s private, and it’s fun! It is indeed the best way to share your thoughts and stay in-touch with your better half.

Cross-platform and completely Free

There’s nothing to lose but a lot to gain with Couple. You can download it in your iOS or Android device for free and enjoy the best private messaging experience. After downloading, it will ask for your partner’s email address so when he/she registers, it will be automatically redirected to you.

  

Your moments kept safe

Whenever you share photos and videos, these treasured moments will be neatly organized in one place. It will also take note of all important dates—i.e. anniversary date and couples’ birthdays, making sure you’ll never forget to drop by the mall to buy him/her something. Speaking of gifts, Sneaker apps are also trending nowadays which can help you pick matching sneakers for you two—now that’s effort.

Stay away intruders!

Your private messages, photos and videos will stay private with Couple’s passcode feature. Get peace of mind even if you forgot your phone at home or at your desk while in a meeting. The app will prompt a notification requiring your 4-character password when you click the icon after minimizing it. Rest assured your partner’s sweet woos will be for your eyes only.

Thumbkiss ™

This feature may not replace the actual kiss but—heck! it’s better than nothing. It works by inviting your special someone to Thumbkiss ™ then when both of you are live, just touch the same spot on your screens then your phones will simultaneously vibrate. What a romantic gesture made possible by Couple.

Sketch

There are times when moments are best described through a personal sketch. Get your girlfriend all giggly and blushing by drawing her cute and colourful flowers or send your boyfriend a finger-drawn smiley to cheer him up for the day. Personal touches are best appreciated.

Real time messaging

See your partner’s activity or location real-time with Couple. Whether your special someone minimized the app or is online, whether he/she is taking photos or typing, at home or at your favourite restaurant—all these you’ll know at a glance.

Secret photos

One of the fun features of Couple. This lets you customise your photos by locking or unlocking them. Other options include viewing the photo just once or adding a fixed time before it disappears. A really fun way to send embarrassing photos to your special someone!

Couple app and couple case

To add more romance to your relationship, why not buy a cool protective case for his/her smartphone? There are really trendy couple cases which are sold online today especially the ones sold by E_cell. And if you want to get extreme, there’s this really unique case called Dokkiri Hand Case featuring a severed hand design you can hold while calling or texting.

LG G3 versus Apple iPhone 5S

LG, a South Korean mobile giant, is coming with a stronger and bigger flagship of smartphone this 2014 in the name of LG G3, the upgraded brother of LG G2. However, Apple - another mobile phone manufacturer global giant is still sailing smoothly in the sea of smartphones with its Apple iPhone 5S.

Apple iPhone 5S is getting a year older this year, while LG G3 is still fresh in the market. While it is true that LG G3 is newer and younger, this does not automatically mean that iPhone 5S is already outdated. If you are torn between these two smartphones, here is a treat for you as we get them side by side.

Screen size

LG G3 sports a 5.5” Quad HD display with a 2560 x 1440 pixels. It also has a 538 ppi pixel density. On the other hand, iPhone 5S comes with a smaller screen size of 4” retina display. This is not a bad thing though, especially for people who have trouble grasping a bigger smartphone. iPhone 5S comes with a lower ppi of 326 and a 640 x 1136 pixels. Undoubtedly, iPhone 5s looks inferior in both screen quality and size next to LG G3.

Design

The iPhone 5S still remains at the apex of precision and metal engineering, it is one of those smartphones that feel incredibly premium and class in your hands. It sports an aluminium unibody. It is also incredibly lighter and thinner. It is also available in three classic colors – Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.

LG G3 also looks premium with its metal-effect skin. It is not actually metal, though. The rear cover is also removable. It is understood that it is heavier compared to iPhone 5S due to its enormous size. It also includes very tiny bezels and also comes in many colors - Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red.

Camera

LG G3 boasts its 13MP rear camera powered with a Laser Auto Focus, which measures the distance of the subject using laser technology. This improves focus speed and object detection even in a low-light environment. It also comes with a Dual-LED flash. Its 2MP front camera is also great for selfies.

The Apple iPhone 5S sports an 8MP iSight camera with True Tone flash and dual. It also claims to have larger pixels and larger aperture, which are needed to get in more light. It also comes with the famous panorama mode and slow-motion video mode. However, if you want external hardware here, you can always improve the photo quality through various detachable camera lenses for iPhones.

Hardware and software

The iPhone 5S is the first 64-bit smartphone in the world, it’s a desktop-class architecture in a super slim iPhone. It can fire apps and allow you to multi-task seamlessly, thanks to its improved A7 chip. The A7 chip improves the CPU and GPU performance. It is coupled with an M7 coprocessor designed to measure motion data. This makes your battery even more efficient. It has 1.3 Dual-Core CPU with 1GB of RAM.

The iPhone 5S comes ready with an iOS 7. This user interface is more fluid, and simplicity is the name of its game. It comes with a reliable feature called Control Center.

LG G3 has its strong hardware and software too. LG G3 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, clocked at 2.5GHz. It has 3GB of RAM for 32GB version, and 2GB for the standard 16GB version. Nominally-wise, the LG G3 is so much better!

LG G3 comes with the latest version of Android OS Kitkat. It is highly-customizable and intuitive.

Other Features

Personally, I am hoping that the iPhone has this Knock On feature to  wake up the phone, so you don’t have to press either the lock/unlock button and home button. Both smartphones have unique security features. The Apple iPhone 5S has its famous Fingerprint scanner while LG G3 has its Knock On code. Both are very efficient in protecting your phone from unwelcome users.

Battery

LG G3 comes with a massive 3,000 Mah battery, but it also comes with a larger screen which can drain the battery rapidly. It supports wireless charging and the battery is removable. The iPhone 5S has non-removable Li-Po 1560 mAh battery which is impressive enough.

Both handsets are great phones, like luxury smartphones with great specs. I also reckon they would also adopt new inventions for smartphones. While you are torn between the two, I must say that the choice is still personal. If you want simplicity and more premium fuels, the iPhone is for you, but if you are after a larger screen size and more processing power, definitely go with LG G3. 

Useful Smartwatch Apps

Some years ago, we may have sworn that smartphones were the best tech devices ever made in this lifetime. Who could blame us, a smartphone now possesses all the possible things we need in our day to day lives. Just so you know, there is an app for everything, from entertaining games to fitness programs to even security systems. And yet, as much as we love our smartphones to bits and pieces, another tech device is stealing the limelight and wants to make a name for itself. The advantage? It’s wearable. Lo and behold, we are looking on the age of smartwatches.

 To prove this point, you may well observe that top tech giants such as Sony, Samsung, Casio, etc. are releasing their very own line of smartwatches. And with this amazing wearable tech comes the apps that aim to make our lives a tad easier. And here are just some of the smartwatch apps that can be handy.

Wunderlist
With Wunderlist, you are presented with the easiest way to manage your schedule and tasks at hand. Simplicity is always the key. This app provides you with the most essential functions and commands sans the complicated and superfluous extras. From making a grocery list to taking notes in your meeting, this app will be of great help to you plus it will just be around your wrist so it will always be within your reach.

Google Maps

For a fellow traveller, Google Maps is one of those apps that you can’t leave home without. I know it’s exciting and fun to be lost for a while and finding your own way out of it. But it’s not every day that you have the pleasure of time by your side. Google Maps is the most extensive of all navigational applications, getting through an unknown abyss with this trusty app will be definitely an ace to your travel.

Moves

Enough of all the fitness apps you get online when you can just have one. Moves is a fitness app that is not just a simple pedometer. It also includes a sort of fitness diary to keep track of your daily activities and automatically records any walking, cycling, or running that you do including the distance, duration, steps, and calories burned.

Starbucks App

I don’t know about you, but for me, coffee is not just a drink. It’s a morning hug that makes everything so much better afterwards. And so, how cool is it to have a Starbucks app that satisfies all your coffeeholic whims?

BBC News Apps

No matter how busy you are, it pays to be always in the loop with what is happening with the world. Just a quick peep of the breaking news and trending topics can keep you well updated and keeps you connected.

A smartphone can be your bestfriend for now, but who knows in a couple of years we might be opting for a new bestfriend. A smartwatch is a promising replacement don’t you think?

Stores to Enjoy

People nowadays have so much to do. So little time yet so many duties to comply with. With all the hustles and bustles the city keeps on feeding the humanity, ever thought if people still has the time to get their free time? Apparently, they still do and they still need some. They’re humans, not robots. Guess they still cry out for some time to forget all the paper works, reports and all sort and find a moment to relax and enjoy bang-up things this world has to offer.  But what if that free time you were given only seems to be so limited? Like you can’t even go on out-of-town trips or spend the whole day catching up with your friends?

At this moment in time, people are privileged with a lot of choices on how to spend their “limited” free time. So enjoying your not-so-sky is the limit free time is indeed imaginable. Thanks to the ever reliable smartphones. A lot of this kind of gizmo has spread in the market, so bet you got one. And since you are fortunate enough to have one, your problem on how to enjoy your limited free time is now solved.

Apps are one of the main reasons why smartphones are always put to use. Bazillion of them are always available on your smartphone. So there’s no reason for you not to find any app that will give you the fun you deserve. Currently, there are two big names which are always mentioned when asked where you can best download apps – Play Store and App Store. But what difference do they have?

Apart from Play Store being available on Android OS gadgets and App Store for Apple gizmos, what else could they offer to suppose that they got the upper hand?

Samsung, LG, Sony are just some of the gizmos that has the Android running as their OS. If you got Android as your OS, you definitely got the Play Store to download a lot of free apps to entertain you. Games, books, music, name it. Downloading apps from the Play Store can be so convenient. As long as you got your Gmail account already logged in into your device, you’ll be getting the app you want in no time without the need to sign up or logging in into other websites. Plus, these apps that they got are just a dime a dozen.

Here’s more. The Play Store would even show you the apps you might be searching though you have misspelled its name or category. That’s one great convenience in finding the app you want.

Now, if personalizing your device’s appearance is what gives you fun, then the Play Store is the perfect store for you. Play Store offers apps such as Go Launcher Ex and Go SMS Pro that lets your device be you.

Apple on the other hand has the Apple App Store which is only exclusive for Apple gizmo users. Unlike the Play Store, the Apple App Store has a lot more to offer than its competitor talking about the number of apps available. The App store is assumed to be the leading provider of smartphone apps, so whatever category of your ideal app is, the App Store definitely has it for you.

Apple apps may not be at a rock-bottom price but rest assured that the apps you’re gonna get for its price is worth it. In addition, your security is one of Apple’s top priorities so rest assured that the app that you are about to download from the App Store is secured and protected.  

Unfortunately, Apple won’t let you download anything that can make your phone be you. You can’t personalize messaging, or even choose different kinds of themes. So as much as you want your phone to reflect your personality, sad to say but you can’t do that with Apple. Guess Apple just want to keep its sophisticated, elegant look. But hey! Don’t feel bad. After all, there are a lot of iPad and iPhone accessories you can always use to dress up your phone like you.

Play Store or App Store. That doesn’t matter. What matters is you find the app that will definitely let you enjoy your limited free time and quench your boredom. Besides, you deserve to enjoy and feel like a kid again who doesn’t have to worry with stress your duties bombard you. 

Is Apple iPhone 6 worth the wait?

Apple iPhone 6 Concept

 Choosing the right smartphone is not as easy as choosing an outfit of the day. It requires a lot of consideration and compromise because nowadays, smartphones are not just mobile devices, they are personal assistants, they are best friends, they are even lifelong partners for some. Thus, when getting a new smartphone, it is not advisable to follow your impulse. Now hold your horses people, just because a new phone was released and it’s your favourite colour doesn't mean you have to buy it immediately, compatibility and chemistry is key.

But the question that looms and is left hanging in the background at present is whether or not to wait for the new iPhone 6, or just settle with the available top notch smartphones from the other tech giants like Sony, Samsung, HTC, etc. In the hunt for a new mobile device? Let’s have a look at the points we should consider if indeed iPhone 6 is worth the wait.

1.    Design

We all know that the most celebrated iPhone is no inferior when it comes to this department, in fact Apple devices are considered to dominate all other devices because of their sophisticated design. Their robust body and sleek minimalist build make these devices a step higher from the rest. For people who would not compromise design in choosing for a new smartphone, then it may interest you that the iPhone 6 is rumoured to be the thinnest smartphone ever when it gets released.

2.    Screen Size

With the current trend of mobile devices getting released in the market nowadays, screen size is one of the essentials, and unfortunately it is the one thing that Apple devices gets left behind. In comparison with the other big players of the tech world releasing 5-inch to as big as 6-inch screen displays, Apple was stuck with 4 inches. You may be very happy to know that Apple finally decided to up its game by participating in the frenzy of having bigger screen displays. Rumour has it that the iPhone 6 will be released with two variants, one with a 4.7-inch display and another with a 5.5-inch display.

3.    Operating System

The operating system is the heart and soul of a mobile device. If you currently love your iOS 7, wait till you come face to face with iOS 8 which, according to rumours, is set to be released readily installed in the upcoming Apple iPhone 6.

If Apple follows tradition, we may get our hands on that most coveted smartphone of the year this coming September. You think you can handle to wait three months for it?

The Gaming Empire That Flappy Bird Could Have Built

Ever since virtual markets showcasing a plethora of apps have emerged and became popular, a broader opportunity for exposure and profit-making has been graced to third party software developers. As the market penetration for feature-packed smartphones and tablets all over the world continues to rise, there exists a tremendous growth in software downloads on app stores as a consequence. As it turns out, all one needs to do to find his success is to build a good app with a catchy name and wish for a bit of luck.

Who would have thought that the rivalry between a bunch of suicidal birds and thieving green pigs can reach epic proportions? The game Angry Birds took off and brought Rovio, its developer, up the ladder of success. Now, the company has an entire anthology of games and revenue streams that generate a huge amount of cash even outside the Angry Birds game per se. You can be able to see a whole collection of merchandise in the likeness of those vengeful birds on colorful shirts, fluffy pillows, ceramic cups, protective phone cases, and whatnot, and that is but a testament of how big Rovio has become over just a short span of time.

It just started with one hit game, and the rest is history. However, as it turns out, not all are after the fame and success of app development; some allegedly choose a simpler life over the attention brought by success. Dong Nguyen, 28 years old, from Hanoi, Vietnam, famous for being the creator of Flappy Bird, is an exemplar. Despite reports that the game is generating $50,000 in ad revenue daily, he still decided to remove Flappy Bird from iTunes App Store and Google Play. His reason is that the game had started to ruin his simple life. Be that as it may, it is undeniable that the mini game has managed to be downloaded more than 50 million times. That amount is already enough to build an empire.

Most people who have heard of or played the game were devastated when its developer took it down in February, but recent reports indicate that it is bound to return. This came to be after Nguyen said in a tweet, “Yes. But not soon,” in response to the tweet of an avid gamer asking if he will be putting Flappy Bird back in App Store. Until now, there is no update unto when Nguyen plans to bring back the app; all we know is that it is coming.

Meanwhile, there are rumors revealing that Nguyen is working on another game called “Kitty Jetpack.” It will be a vertical flying game that is quite similar to how Flappy Bird works. However, the anticipated launch date is still unknown. Nonetheless, we can be certain that we will be soon under the spell of another addiction. Who knows, the combined success of the two games (if realized) might just be the golden opportunity for one indie app developer to build a multi-billion gaming empire.

Is It Worth Upgrading Your HTC One M7 to HTC One M8?

After much speculation and anticipations, HTC has finally unveiled their latest flagship phone, the successor of last year’s multi-awarded phone HTC One M7, the HTC One M8.

True to HTC’s promise of delivering breakthrough designs and smartphone technology, HTC One M8 is built to deliver an unparalleled smartphone experience this 2014.

Surely, there are improvements on HTC One M8, but is it really worthy upgrading your HTC One M7 to HTC One M8? How much has changed and improved with the new HTC One M8?

DESIGN

Both designs sport solid aluminium body and front-facing speakers at the top and at the bottom. However, take note that HTC has made the successor with more solid design through its machined aluminium rear  that extends around the side. The newer mobile beast is also wider, taller, and heavier than its older brother -- but only by a fraction.

DISPLAY

HTC One M7 and HTC One M8 offer the same 1920 x 1080 pixel display resolution and the same Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen. The younger mobile beast has gone slightly bigger, though. It sports a hefty 5-inch screen while the older HTC One has 4.7-inch screen. However, the older brother has a higher pixel per inch at 469 compared to HTC One M8 which has 440 ppi. This means that the original HTC One has slightly sharper images in terms of numbers.

SOFTWARE

For anyone who loves to multi-task and hates lags, processor and speed are very important factors. Both HTC Ones are gifted with powerful processors, but HTC One M8 takes the lead here as it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.3 GHz compared to its older brother which has Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core clocked at 1.9 GHz. Both devices hold 2GB of RAM, though.

When it comes to UI, the newer HTC One comes with the latest Android version, Kitkat, coupled with Sense 6.0. The older one will eventually get an OS update to bring it on par with the new version.

CAMERA

With the continuous technological convergence, smartphones continue to cater users’ craving for better cameras that can capture priceless moments. HTC Ones are built with 4MP UltraPixel rear camera  with f/2.0 aperture. The original HTC One has back-illuminated sensor which is not present in the new version. The newer HTC One has dedicated depth sensor above the main camera lens. It also features U-Focus which allows you to select the focal points.

HTC One M7 versus HTC One M8

If you are part of the “selfie” generation, then you might be glad to hold the new HTC One M8 as it has a 5MP front camera. Your portrait photos will surely be as clear as you want compared to the old HTC One’s 2.1MP front camera.

SPEAKERS

Both devices have dual front-facing speakers. The speakers are not branded as powerbeats anymore; HTC has its own BoomSound. If you are an audiophile, you may find the newer version cooler as it is 25% louder and prouder than its older brother. You can even enjoy this through HTC mobile accessories like HTC BoomBass and stereo headphones.

MEMORY

Surely, both devices can meet your basic needs for memory storage, but if you are someone who wants to store hundreds of movies and apps, you can opt for the newer One which has 128GB memory card slot. But seriously?

BATTERY

Given the increased size and upgraded OS, the newer version is more power-hungry; thus, it has a bigger battery capacity, which is 2,600 mAh, 300 mAh more than its predecessor.

HTC One M8?

The new HTC One is truly impressive. It is premium, and it works like a mobile beast. But the older HTC One is still efficient in handling everyday tasks and more demanding tasks with ease. If you are going to think about it, there are very few upgrades in the newer version that you can still live without. For smartphone users who bought the previous One, this is the upgrade to skip. For everyone else, the HTC One M8 is simply one of the best smartphones you can buy.

The Best Sketch and Paint Apple Apps for Artists

Move over pen and paper because this time we replace our good old canvas with a trusty tablet, and a paintbrush with an awesome stylus. As the world of the best smartphones and tablet arises, it's the perfect time to breed a new generation of artists who are open and willing to take their skills to the next level.

It is undeniable that Apple’s iPad is the favoured platform of multimedia practitioners since it is tailor-made to have the best touch screen capability among any other tablet in the market. And now that there are rumors that a possible Apple stylus is about to be released, who knows what artistic wonders one can make with a winning tandem. But first, let us be acquainted with some of the highest rated art apps that you can try your hand on.

Procreate 2

First on this list is the new entry by Savage Interactive that is popular to top-rated artists including Pete Fowler. Procreate 2 is the second version of an accurate and precise drawing and painting app. This cool new app is set to make you capable of creating striking new artworks yours to brag. It is packed with features such as GPU accelerated filters, 4K canvases, and 64-bit support to compliment the new iPad. The best thing is, if you are currently a user, upgrade is totally free!

ArtRage

Next in line is the ArtRage, this particular art app is dedicated for the talented painters out there. This app is equipped with all the possible tools you need in order to create a breathtaking masterpiece. Upon opening this program, you will be introduced into a virtual artist’s studio, with a myriad of tools and a treasure trove of colours that you are welcome to play with. The sensitivity and interaction is impressive, it’s almost like you are doing it real time!

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro

Now if you are more in to sketching and drawing, this next app is the perfect partner for you. The Sketchbook Pro is a clever app that offers a whole range of professional-level drawing and sketching tools. It also includes a set of high-quality brushes that allows you to work in a multitude of layers that makes your work more attractive. This app will make a “pro” out of you!

Now that you have an idea of the coolest and latest art apps there is, all you have to do is download one of these, and let your creative juice flow. Enjoy!

Curious Makes Learning Fun and Easy with the Use of Your iPhone

From the wise words of Lev Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist, “Learning is more than the acquisition of the ability to think; it is the acquisition of many specialized abilities for thinking about a variety of things.” And yes, there's no sense in learning if the knowledge you gain only remains in theory; rather, it should yield to the application of what you learned.

With traditional education, we acquire a variety of concepts and know-how within the four corners of the classroom. It was believed that the presence of spatial isolation creates an atmosphere conducive for enhancing focus and attention, so to speak. But over time, it was found out that immersion to the physical entity of the subject matter at hand is the most effective. In addition, the feeling of wanting to learn as compared to having the need to learn can very much be an impetus to acquire knowledge.

It's a fact that not everything we learn from school is worth learning. Just how in the world can calculus help you with cooking a delectable pot roast, or is being familiar with the history of the Babylonian civilization going to make you better in locating a shop within the busy streets of New York City using your smartphone in a mobile car holder? Well, they just aren't that all useful and practical. So, why do we ever need to allocate a portion of our brain cells for storing those information? That's definitely beyond our control, but here's the good news; you now have a choice on what kind of knowledge and skill set you want to learn. With the help of Curious, a program that advocates lifelong learning for people of all race and creed, we can now be better than ever. And now that it has been made a mobile app that is available to the ubiquitous smartphone, learning has just become a tap of a finger away.

Curious App

The Curious app contains a broad category of educational categories, be it arts and crafts, cooking, DIY, home and garden, music, software, foreign languages, photography and filmmaking, academic, health and fitness, sports, and life skills that you can learn from. All you have to do is browse from its over 3,000 bite-sized lessons that range from 5 to 15 minutes, and you're set to make more sense of the world you live in—or simply learn how to dance the salsa. It packs a number of features to enhance your learning experience, such as providing you with supplemental information (images, files, and links), allowing you to pick up lessons where you left off thanks to the LearnSync feature, and not to mention giving its users the assurance that everything in its collection of video lessons are safe and relevant.

Surely, this innovative step from its makers will bring forth a future of skillful individuals. It's no surprise that the Curious app is named one of the 50 Best Apps in 2013 with its uncommonly inviting, unique, and “better way to learn” interface. But sadly, it's only supports iOS for now; hopefully in the near future, it can already be made available for Android users. Be that as it may, just remember, for as long as you're curious, you'll definitely learn. So, stay curious!

Watch TV on Your iPhone with These Apps

As a kid, we've probably said that TV is our life. As a couch potato patootie, from the morning shows till the late night shows—excluding the news programs, of course—we've been always seen catching up with our favorite cartoon channels as we sing along with the official soundtrack of the cartoon flick. Ah! The good ol' days…

Now that we are considered as grownups, we've come to realize that TV is no longer our life—or at least for most busy people. More often than not, we are found tiring our eyes out on our computers, not to watch but to learn, and on our books for studying. More especially if someone is dominating the TV. (ehem, *insert your family members here*!) And also, let's not drift our thoughts away from the handheld device at hand that keeps most of us busy—our smartphones (or could at times be our tablets). Whose eyes aren't glued to their smartphones?

If you've been missing how it was to catch up on your favorite shows, then know where you should glue your eyes at. And actually, you don't have to look anywhere else, because that self-luminous, rectangular gadget we call smartphone can give you what you've been looking for. There is so much that it can do; it can in fact be a TV regardless of its screen size. Yes, regardless, so long as it has the right apps. Do you have your iPhones with you? Connect it to the cloud giving nothing away, and let's spin with the apps below that can make our day!

#1: DIRECTV App

If you've been itching to watch something, wouldn't you go directly on your TV? I would! And so, if you are digging for an ultimate video experience, then DIRECTV App for your iPhone is your way to go. With this app, you can stream live TV anywhere in your home using your trusty iPhone. Just like a TV should be, it has available channels so you get to switch and choose a show to your liking. Now, if you want to record your favorite shows, just set the DVR and you're good to go. But, what if you're not good on catching your favorite flicks? Fret no more because DIRECTV can actually let you find whatever you want to watch on your iPhone—not to mention with a voice command. Who wouldn't get this app that is absolutely free?

#2: U-Verse App

Watching the TV is like watching the universe. It may have been just a portion of it, but at least you know what has been happening on remote places. The point is that you know what's been hitting the headlines. And so, to keep you updated, why don't you load your iPhone with the U-Verse App? And again, it does what a TV does, only on a smaller screen, and you can also watch live TV and on demand shows. Moreover, this app lets you download the flick you have been streaming in order for you to resume your marathon anytime, anywhere. It's absolutely perfect for people who have on-the-go persona. This app also costs nothing, so get your iPhones all set for this app!

#3: Netflix

I don't want to watch myself being hit by tomatoes thrown by the mob, so here goes the app that most of you might have been using already: the Netflix. Same as the first two, with this app, you'll be able to stream your favorite TV episodes and movies in just a few taps. It's actually the world's leading subscription service for watching movies on your handheld devices. It’s one of the best, inarguably, but here's the catch: it only has one-month free trial for you to enjoy, and you must be a Netflix member in order to take pleasure with what this app can offer. It's not just your ordinary TV, I say. It lets you search for your preferred movie and watch it right off the bat. This app also offers unlimited TV shows, so you won't get bored on looking for an interesting show. What are you waiting for? Be a Netflix member and start downloading this app for free.

See? There's not so much need of mobile phone accessories to make the most out of your phone. Gotta love the apps, and have fun streaming!

Here is Yet Another Smartphone with a Fingerprint Sensor

The fingerprint scanning technology is slowly gaining popularity and receiving impressive commendations within the tech sphere. It has revolutionized how a user can access his handheld device without the use of passcodes or linear pattern combinations. Furthermore, this technology is deemed to have brought forth a solution to the unyielding contention of mobile consumers against hacking activities and identity thefts. And so, this is what led other smartphone manufacturers to look into this innovation and apply it on their own devices.

One of the first companies to emulate the Touch ID feature of Apple's iPhone 5s is HTC. In fact, the smartphone of this Taiwanese tech giant in the name of HTC One Max that sports the same technology was announced only a month after the launch of Apple's flagship phone. Therefore, it's so much possible that HTC has been eyeing on the said technology even before the word was out that the iPhone 5s will be integrated with the Touch ID. Be that as it may, considering the nature of technology and the dynamic smartphone market, whoever releases it first gets the credit. And in this case, Apple gets it.

Although the One Max has a fingerprint sensor on its own like the iPhone 5s, the placement of the contraption is at the dorsal part of the phone below the camera lens. Since this particular handset is classified as a phablet, with a display measuring 5.9 inches, its makers see the fingerprint sensor as more of a convenience feature than a security one. Instead of using your thumb or index finger to access the phone, you may use your other fingers to simply unlock or open apps in an instant. Each of your three registered fingerprints will be programmed for a specific purpose.

Aside from the fingerprint sensor, let's talk about the technical specs of the HTC One Max. The humungous smartphone is powered by a 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB of RAM. It runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS. Also, it is integrated with an UltraPixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel front camera. You will be able to choose between 16GB or 32GB internal memory, though that won't really be an issue because the One Max supports a memory card to expand its memory capacity.

The HTC One Max is not yet available in the U.S. market, unlike its siblings, the flagship HTC One and their smaller brother, the HTC One Mini. The One Max is said to be out in the U.S. in time for the holidays. And as of its price, it has never been announced yet, though it will likely be comparable to the $300 Galaxy Note 3 and the Motorola Droid Maxx. Anyway, if you aren't much of a fan of giant smartphones, you can always have the One or the One Mini. The bad thing is, they aren't equipped with the fingerprint sensor unlike their big brother. Also you might want to consider getting a cool back case protection for this giant beauty.

The Kurio Smartphone is the Start for Rearing Techie Kids One Step at a Time

Technology is a way of life. It is the continuous improvement, modification, and progression that ultimately lead to its application to solve a problem or improve a pre-existing solution. As we move ahead into the future, we gradually assimilate technology into our lives; thus, we advance to become a more improved specie.

In this digital age, we are surrounded by a plethora of technological advancements that come in both tangible and intangible means. And because technology is vast in nature, it gets to affect us in one way or another, whether we like it or not. Given this, we can let it take us to where it’s headed, or we can illogically quarantine ourselves from it and live in total ignorance and barbarism. This is not just an isolated case that affects a certain age group; it affects absolutely everybody, even our kids. So, might as well lead them on how to embrace technology safely and wisely.

There will come a day when you’ll come across one of the hardest questions to answer from your child, and it’s, “When can I have a mobile phone?” Yes, we understand that we all have to face this sooner or later, but is giving in to their demands really appropriate? If you tend to be too liberal, your child might find a way into wrongful use of technology, but if you restrict him from what he desires, a number of consequences await as well.

 

Don’t stress yourself getting away from that sticky situation, for Kurio has a solution for you in the form of a cool smartphone. The company’s objective is to “incorporate new technologies with learning and the development of childhood comprehension.” And this is what motivated them to release the innovative and successful Kurio product range.

According to Pieter van den Bosch, strategic director of the KD Group, “Kids want cell phones, but with access to this technology comes great responsibility. Kurio Phone includes additional parental controls to address safety concerns that come along with giving a child a mobile device, but they also promote the child’s independence and help foster an open parent-child dialogue.” He adds, “In fact, on the smartphone, the child will be able to monitor his or her own phone usage and see the parameters that mom and dad have set.”

The handset, which is known as the Kurio Touch 4s, is the safest smartphone for kids. It integrates a comprehensive array of robust parental controls and a built-in modified platform geared for learning. It allows you to customize the quality and quantity of their engagement to their very own phone. You can be able to control the number of minutes your child can use his device and block his access to non-kid friendly sites. In addition, its GPS can inform you of your child’s location every 15, 30, or 60 minutes; plus, a geofence feature can be activated to let you know if your child enters a certain restricted area.

The Kurio Phone is built with standard hardware specs. It runs in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, powered by a fast multi-core processor and 1GB RAM, and has 8GB integrated memory that can be expanded up to 40GB with a Micro SD Card. It is 3G, Bluetooth, GPS, FM, and Wi-FI ready. It has a 2-megapixel rear and 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera. All those decent specs are put together in one compact device that boasts a 4-inch display. As of now, its price hasn’t yet been announced, but it’s expected to cost below $200, unlocked.

The Kurio Touch 4s is truly the ultimate Android handheld device for kids. Support your kid’s passage to independence, and help cultivate a relationship based on trust and confidence with the Kurio Smartphone.