iPhone 4 is Better Off Without iOS 7

It has always been a tradition for the smartphone giant Apple to keep its goods to the company alone. One might even say they are a lot like BlackBerry at that particular facet because both had something original that no other tech giant possessed and held close for quite a period of time. And for this reason, every time Apple launches its latest operating system after testing the software on their newest flagship, it does the same experimentation with their previous versions.

It is still remains a question what makes people grab onto Apple like it is the last fruit in the tree, but it is common knowledge that Apple adds only but a little to their flagship devices. If anything, there’s only but a slight tweak in the capabilities of the OS and a couple of built-in apps that enhances the smartphone experience. Nevertheless, there’s just something about Apple that distinguishes it from all other mobile phones, and it might not be the operating software after all. Why? Well, its latest iOS 7 has been nothing but amazing for the iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C users. Will it be the same for its latter versions, like maybe the iPhone 4?

Before the release of iOS 7, Apple raised the flags for its iOS 6 that boasts two exceptional built-in apps, allowed for retrieving essential documents like loyalty cards, admission tickets, and etcetera through its Passbook app, and an upgraded personal assistant in the form of Siri that enabled reservations and give updates on your favourite social networking sites and detailed reviews on movies and sports. These are just but a few of its features.

As tradition, this iOS version was experimented on the oldest iPhone flagship, the iPhone 3GS, that supported the operating system. With no derogatory, iPhone 3GS was able to run the previously mentioned features that only the iOS 6 owned then. Apple users with the 3GS in hand became happy.

Now we’ve been introduced to the iOS 7, with its revamped user interface and notable improvements to the operating system’s overall functionality. This time, the iOS 7 can support versions iPhone 4 to the latest flagship devices – iPhone 5S and 5C – and then iPod Touch (5^th generation), iPad 2, iPad (3^rd and 4^th generation), and the iPad Mini. To continue the tradition, the iOS 7 was tested on the iPhone 4 and here’s what was disclosed:

1.       Some of the best features of the iOS 7 are inaccessible to the iPhone 4. It’s either the hardware or the system-on-chip that holds back the precious device from delivering these features to the highest grade. The iPhone 4 just isn’t cut out for them. These features will include:

·         3D Flyover (Maps)

·         Panorama mode/Filters in the Camera

·         AirPlay Mirroring

·         Siri

·         AirDrop

·         Graphical effects (translucency effects, live wallpapers, and the parallax effect on the Home screen)

2.       The hardware integrated to the iPhone 4 is weaker and slower than the A5, A6, and A7. This is also the reason why the graphical effects are dismissed with the iPhone 4. Nevertheless, the updated apps, Control Center, security updates, APIs, and other technologies are available.

3.       Applications run with the iOS 7 are approximately a second and a half slower for the iPhone 4. This is due to the long-duration animations that iOS 7 utilizes.

4.       As for the battery life, there is a slight decrease in the duration-about eleven minutes or so-but unnoticeable all the same. Better ready a portable charger to refresh those lost eleven minutes.

In conclusion, installing the iOS 7 to your iPhone 4 might not be a good idea after all especially when you’re after the quick-paced processing power Apple’s operating systems are known for. I could suggest you get yourself an iPhone 5 or any of the newest flagship smartphones if you so wish to acquaint yourself with the iOS 7. Laters!

iPhone Food Apps that Satisfy Your Cravings

 Let’s say you went on a trip and visited a place that you only know by name. Well, of course, the first thing you want to know is where would be the great place to stay and the landmarks you shouldn’t miss. But when your stomach starts growling, and your knees begin buckling, can you even think straight of what food should you choose? And to ask some serious questions, do you know where the great place to eat is? Should you find a restaurant and munch to your satisfaction or just to cook a meal for yourself? Hmm, if you’re hungry enough, you can try a fast food chain, which by the way, isn’t healthy. It will help you if you have your own car, but if you have to comb all the restaurants here and there, you’ll most likely end up finding a dish that is just good in presentation, but not as good  as it tastes and isn’t worth the splurge.

Save your piece of dime and your energy; let the magical device we call smartphone do its way. But of course, the great iPhone can't do it all alone. With the right apps, you can stop that stomach from growling as you stop those knees from buckling—and most especially, prevent the dreadful hunger pangs. Are you already aching to taste these apps for food? Get your taste buds all set with these apps that would make you drool:

#1: Urbanspoon

To have some bits and bites with Urbanspoon, it has been one of the first apps available in the iTunes app store. Yet still, it has remained one of the most popular apps on iTunes. Won’t you swallow that spoonful of *insert your all time favorite food here*? In order for this app to classify restaurants, it bases on three factors alone: neighborhood, type of cuisine, and price. Do you know how a slot machine works? You can resemble Urbanspoon’s interface with slot machine’s pretty neat and fun design. Shaking your iPhone isn’t hard especially if you are already shaking with hunger. And here’s how it works: when the column stops, the app will search for restaurants and present you with a result that meets all three criteria. It then displays the restaurant’s phone number, address, and user reviews. And if the result doesn’t do much for you, rather than shaking your head, shake the iPhone instead.

#2: Epicurious

You are craving for a specific food that your taste buds itch to taste. Well, what do you know! You have all those ingredients needed sitting on your fridge! All you have to do is… there you go. You’re already stuck in a rut. Turn on your laptop, search for the recipe, print it and start cooking! But what if you changed your mind? Will you, again and again, and again repeat the process? With Epicurious, you can have the recipe in just a simple tap. It will even help you plan out a full menu as it gives you access to thousands of recipes, which you can find from the website Epicurious.com. If you’re about to shop for the ingredients, you don’t need to create a grocery list as this app details all that you need with its interactive shopping list.

#3: Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner

Adelle Davis once said, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” But, with Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner, you’ll most likely include snacks before meal and midnight snacks! (Hey, shouldn’t the name be all-food spinner then?) Get your tummy prepared as the website hosts more than 40,000 user-submitted recipes. From appetizers, desserts, poultry, brunch, and you name it. Out of all the recipes, you’ll be left with a bursting tummy. This app helps you choose a recipe with, yet again, three categories: dish type, ingredients, and “ready in” time. You just have to choose something in each category, and spin the dinner spinner. What’s great about this app is that you’ll know how much long will it take for the food to prepare. And if you’re just in for randomness, shake the phone for it to make a complete random search.

So, what are you waiting for? Know what’s cooking and have your empty, growling stomach filled! What’s more appetizing than knowing that these apps for iPhone are actually free? But make sure you have pumped your phone up with enough battery energy through your portable charger or it will be left starving more than you do.

Dangers of Using Phones: Walking and Talking

Almost all people know the dangers of using mobile phones, or any radiation-emitting gadgets. The cell phone radiation can increase the risk of having brain tumors. What’s even surprising about it is that if a person—specifically men—carry their phones on their belt or in pants pocket, they are more likely harming their reproductive health. There has been a research that indicated that the exposure of men to cell phone radiation may lead to decreased sperm count, sperm motility and vitality, and the damage of sperm. Ooh, that sure is something that is real alarming. But we’re not going to talk about that in this article. Apparently, we’re going to tackle about the misuse of smartphones.

So how could a cheap mobile phone put our lives in danger, you ask? It’s when we accompany texting or calling with driving—that’s pretty usual nowadays, huh? But what about walking? The National Electronic injury Surveillance System revealed that there were a total of 1,506 emergency room-worthy injuries from people who were texting or calling while walking in the year 2010. Back in 2004, there were only 559 pedestrian phone-related injuries reported. See how much the number blew? I’m not saying that it is all the smartphone’s fault, neither am I pinpointing that it is the lack of coordination and general stupidity of these people. What I’m trying to say here is that people should be aware enough of their surroundings. Better if you hang up your phone first and look left and right before crossing the road, or even when you’re just making your way through the crowd. Also, it has been reported that two thirds of the injuries between 2004 and 2010 happened to people under the age of 25—evidently, younger and younger people get to have their own phones at their early age—which is quite alarming with the result.

When you talk over the phone or texting while walking, you are putting yourself in so much trouble. You become distracted as you devote your attention more on your screen’s phone than being mindful of where you are heading. You might not notice that there is a pothole in the sidewalk, oncoming cyclist, people who are heading to the direction opposite to you, and people you may bump into right in the corner of some street. Basically speaking, you have a massive blind spot as your focus gets limited on your surroundings. You might not know that there are people who have malicious intention to your pristine phone. And because you are so busy tapping and toggling that screen while walking, someone snatches it from your hand, and runs away with it. Wouldn’t that be a real bummer? There was even a study in Injury Prevention that shows people who are texting while crossing took 18% longer than usual.

You have been eager to charge your phone with the portable charger just to put your life in danger? Come on! Because of injuries regarding this matter, some cities considered walking and talking on the phone as a crime. And unbelievably but real, there has been an app created for this: CrashAlert. It uses a camera to let you know if you are going to bump into an upcoming obstacle. But why don’t you just put your phone inside your pocket instead?

 

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Perfect Tablets for Youngsters

Kids of today’s generation just love to try out all technologies that the digital era produces, don’t they? And so, no gadget is safe from them. Even your two year-old-kid knows already how to tap and toggle that phone and tablet of yours. Goes to show that today’s generation can swiftly keep up with the advancement of technology.

But you know kids. They can be as clumsy as they get, rendering your pristine, hard-earned tablet be full of scratches, smeared-up, and full of fingerprints. It seems like no eBook accessory could save your tablet from the ‘wrath’ of kids. Yikes! Itching to know a better idea? You can buy your child a tablet of his own! Good luck if you have more than one child. But if money is an issue to you, hope you could find a tablet on the list that is wallet-friendly. Check out these perky tablets below:

#1: LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra

The thought of your kids being brainwashed by technologies builds apprehension on your side? Fret no more, since this LeapPad Ultra is most practically about learning. It is best for the kids with the age of four to nine year olds because it has 11 preloaded apps to support your child for learning. You think these apps aren’t enough? You can still download over 500 more apps to your liking. Each app then charts the progress of your child, and you can even share it with your friends and family so you can share the joy of your kiddo’s progress. The gadget is also equipped with a front and back shooter so your kid could take pictures and record videos of things that catch their interest. Its key feature is the Zui, which is the secure browser that allows kids to explore online content in safety. Although apps are a little bit expensive as they range from £5 to £15, this tablet is still perfect for kids who are new to tablets. [£119.99]

#2: Hello Kitty Tablet

Your kid is a fan of Hello Kitty?  We have one especially for her. Say hello to Kitty! Although this tablet isn’t running the latest OS of Android, you can still say hello once more to this tablet as it runs Android 4.0 that saves you from the bugs of the Android 4.2.2 version. Besides, as long as your little girl gets busy playing the Hello Kitty tablet, she’ll definitely love this Hello Kitty-inspired tablet! This 7-inch tablet has child protection filters and oh-so cute handy homescreen widgets. They are the tablet’s best features. It’s just perfect for your little girl, don’t you think? The only downside of this tablet is that it doesn’t have a pre-installed Google play. So, native apps would only be limited. [£125]

#3: VTech InnoTab 2

All the aforementioned tablets were kind of pricey? Take a shot with VTech InnoTab 2. What’s even greater about it is that it is encased in a robust shell, and it is available in blue or pink. It has a 1.3-megapixel shooter at the back that is rotatable so your kiddo could take pictures of their friends or turn it around to snap a picture of them. This five-inch LCD touch display features also an eReader, MP3 player, and art studio. It is also perfect for budding camera enthusiasts. [£55]

Pick out the best tablet for your kid, and let him or her have some fun and learn more with tablet! Just make sure your kid brings portable chargers so your kid won’t be totally draining his or her tablet out.