Banking has come a long way since the images of middle aged men in grey suits, bowler hats and drab coloured high street banks.
It seems Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson is not only planning to shake up the tarnished reputation of the banking industry - but actually make banking sexy.
At least, that is, if last night's official launch of Virgin Money at central London's Senate House is anything to go by.
In town to promote his new banking concept, Richard Branson himself kick-started the launch with a fantastic projection mapping display on the side of the iconic building.
Featuring 20 projectors throwing out a massive amount of light across the 200ft high building, the 270 degree display both looked and sounded amazing.
The two and a half minute ad featured iconic images from the Virgin stable including hot air balloons, trains, planes, even space shuttles. And at the end of the dazzling display the Virgin Money logo appeared with the strapline: "40 years of better. Now in a bank."
Later Richard Branson told the BBC:
"People are suspicious of banks and they have good reason to be after the last few years.
"The Virgin brand is well trusted and has always offered good products in a range of different businesses..We think we can come in and shake up the industry."
Virgin bought Northern Rock at the end of last year and plans to turn all 75 branches into Virgin Money branches during 2012.
Click on the YouTube video below to check out last night's projection mapping display:
Some people buy a vehicle and feel like it has plenty of power and a nice appearance at the time, but they later discover that they would like to make a few performance and cosmetic upgrades. Other people buy a car with the simple intention of turning it into a unique, high-powered vehicle.
The only problem is that people who decide to modify the cosmetic features or performance of their vehicle will find that these upgrades can be quite expensive. Auto supply stores charge a huge mark-up because they are essentially selling their products with the convenience factor of people being able to get what they need today, and the stores also have to pay several employees and a manager. If people want to save money, they should buy their performance car parts online through Prestige Performance Centre.
About Prestige Performance Centre
Prestige Performance Centre is an online auto supply store that specializes in selling performance parts for nearly any vehicle. The nice thing about this store is that it will allow people to do all of their shopping from the comfort of their own home. In addition, this online store has the ability to stock far more parts and a wider selection than any other store since they are not limited on space like a typical retail location.
People will find that this site will allow them to save money on their parts, which is great news since it may allow people to buy multiple parts for the price of one elsewhere. People will find that this site is very organized, and it is extremely easy to find the parts that they are looking for. In addition, everyone knows that different cars have different measurements on parts, and Prestige Performance Center has worked to ensure that the customer will know that they are ordering a part that will fit their vehicle precisely.
This site stocks everything from power-boosting components to car stereos, so people will not have any reason to shop anywhere else. One issue that some people may have against shopping online is that they might get something different than they visualized, but if this is the case, Prestige Performance Centre will give customers a refund, credit or they will exchange the product within the first 28 days.
If people are looking to upgrade their car's performance or appearance, they should shop at Prestige Performance Centre. Prestige Performance Centre realizes that car fanatics want to receive their parts as soon as possible, and they also want to save money when upgrading their vehicle and this store will allow them to accomplish both tasks. With the massive inventory and low prices that Prestige Performance Centre has to offer, people really do not have a reason to shop elsewhere.
Most of us have roughly the same New Year's resolutions: lose weight, get in touch with friends more often, and of course, get reading those excellent novels that everyone talks about at dinner parties. Most people would acknowledge that for even the most dedicated bookworm, real life often gets in the way, so it can be difficult to get through even one book without various distractions making you give up long before the end.
However, if you're determined that this year is the year you transform into a literary virtuoso, why not give yourself an extra incentive and invest in the proper tools to do it? Kindles are growing in popularity amongst those who don't want to have to cart heavy books around, and who also want a few extra features that books simply can't deliver. So with the January sales looming, now is the time to shop around and save yourself a little extra money.
There are a number of Kindle models available, which one you choose is largely dependent upon your own needs. The basic Kindle 1 is a simple e-reader, so is great for anyone looking for a basic model that's easy to use and won't break the bank. The Kindle 1 is able to connect to Wikipedia and the Amazon store, but any other web browsing isn't possible; if you're looking for something simple that won't leave home too often, try this, but otherwise a more advanced model may be more suitable.
The Kindle 3G is definitely the most high-tech option, offering free Internet connectivity, the option of uploading your own songs and listening to music, and sending and receiving emails for free. This is great for anyone with a busy lifestyle, or for tech-lovers looking for plenty of extra features.
The Kindle 4 is the latest model, a slimmed-down, lightweight version of its predecessors. One of the most notable things about the new Kindle is that it doesn't have a keyboard, instead relying on a virtual keyboard and navigator pad for web browsing and note-taking. It isn't as advanced as the 3G, and is generally acknowledged to be slightly slower, but this model is great for anyone looking for a cheap, practical option for everyday life.
Whichever model you end up with this January, investing in a Kindle is a great way of getting back into reading on a regular basis, as well as indulging in a whole host of fun little features designed to make your life a whole lot easier. Even if you don't quite make it through War & Peace in 2012, the Kindle's added extras are a great way of staying on top of your other New Year's resolutions: looking up exercise plans over the Internet, emailing friends and colleagues, and generally staying more organised. We can't guarantee it'll stop any willpower wobbles completely, but it'll definitely help.
You can't avoid it any longer - it's time to start thinking about holiday shopping. But this year, skip the traditional go-to gifts of sweaters and boxers, and instead impress your family and friends with cutting-edge gadgets and gear. From the latest and greatest smartphone to the best handheld gaming system, we reveal the hottest gifts of 2011.
1. Samsung GALAXY Note http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note/index.html?type=find
Samsung has taken the smartphone to a whole new level with the GALAXY Note. Featuring a large and immersive screen, best-in-class mobile input 'with a touchscreen and the advanced S Pen, a full suite of features including built in photo and video editing capabilities, this is must-have for your most discerning gift recipients.
2. Samsung LED 8000 Series TV http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN55C8000XFXZA
This incredible television is something everyone should experience: From its visually stunning LED HD picture to its Smart TV capabilities with a solid collection of apps including Facebook and Skype, it's a must-have for anyone who's a gadget lover.
3. Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/nook-simple-touch-barnes-noble/1102344735#nook-commentary-features-1
The latest generation of the Barnes and Noble e-reader is faster, lighter, and thinner than its predecessor. And we haven't even gotten to the best part: The new Nook has a two-month battery life (that's an entire month more than the Kindle!). With its library of more than 2.5 million books, this is a dream come true for any book lover.
4. Casio Tryx Camera http://www.casio.com/products/Digital_Cameras/TRYX/TRYX_Black/
There always seems to be a snazzy new handheld camera hitting the market--but this one rises way above the rest. The insanely flexible 12-megapixel Tryx can turn, twist, hang, and stand unassisted to get shots you never thought possible.
6. Jawbone ERA Bluetooth Headset http://www.jawbone.com/headsets/era/overview
Want to really impress him? This is the only headset on the market equipped with military-grade noise-cancelling technology to ensure the least amount of background noise possible during important phone calls. The design is really cool too.
7. Garmin GTU 10 GPS Tracker https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=67686&ra=true
This lighter-size tracker combines a Web-based tracking service with GPS technology so you can keep an eye on children, pets, or personal property. View the location of your tracker from your computer or, if you prefer, your mobile device. Perfect for the person who can't get enough James Bond.
8. Livescribe Echo Smartpen (2GB) http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/echo/photo.html
Not only does this pen create digital backups of handwritten notes (when used with special paper), it also can record up to 400 hours of audio. Did we mention it has a camera too?
9. Nintendo 3DS http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/
In the landscape of handheld gaming devices, the 3DS might not have the deepest selection of game titles. But what it lacks in selection it more than makes up for in its incredible, all encompassing 3-D experience (minus the glasses!). Once you play it, you'll never put it down.
10. Nike Plus Sportswatch GPS (Powered by TomTom) http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-406329
When Nike partnered with GPS powerhouse TomTom to create the Sportswatch GPS, we knew greatness would happen--and we weren't disappointed. The watch tracks your time, distance, pace, and calories burned and seamlessly connects all this info with the NikePlus website to help you manage your running. Pretty slick.
Finding the right home CCTV System for your home or business can be a difficult task. There is a lot to take on board if you want to ensure that you have purchased the best product for your requirements.
CCTV and video surveillance systems are proven to reduce crime, protect people and property. Typical CCTV systems and Home Alarm Systems will consist of a number of cameras and more often than not a digital video recording device (DVR) and viewing monitors, too.
While any form of CCTV system that you have in place is better than not having anything in place at all, for peace of mind when it comes to purchasing the best and most effective CCTV equipment it always pays to ensure that you have the right elements in place.
Before purchasing the right CCTV and video surveillance equipment there is plenty to think about. Below we have listed some questions to ask yourself when it comes to buying surveillance equipment.
1). What do I need it for?
If you are looking for a CCTV camera system for a large office space, or work area, your exact requirements will be completely different to what you would want for your home surveillance. A top tip is to think about what you are going to actually need your surveillance camera for.
2). High or Low Risk?
You may be able to answer this question from the first, but not always. For example, you may want a CCTV system for a shop installed, but how high a risk is the shop to fall victim to burglary after hours? Or is it more likely that your CCTV system is being installed to track pick-pockets and petty theft. If so, you may require a different type of surveillance system.
Likewise, for your home you may feel fairly secure and live in an area where you think the chances of being robbed or broken into are low. While you can never be 100% sure that you will not become the victim of a robbery or theft, you may not want to invest in buying everything you can for what you perceive to be a low risk.
3). What extras do I need?
CCTV technology has advanced considerably in recent years. Improvements in technology, cheaper costs and more expertise in terms of deployment mean that the days of installing a single camera hooked up to a video recorder are well and truly in the past. So a question to ask yourself when looking in to CCTV systems is - what extras do I need exactly?
For example you can today choose from a whole range of security measures. These include items such as fast alarm response, perimeter protection, personal attack monitoring and even devices such as anti-theft fog deterrents (fog released into an area to deter any intruders).
Meanwhile when it comes to your home you may feel more secure by installing a door entry system. The benefits for a door entry system means that you will be able to view and speak to visitors before you let them into your home.
The talk of the electronic world over the last year or so has been the rise of the tablet computer. Characterised by pared-down simplicity and a deft ability to display text and graphics, tablets are said to be a great option for people who want a simple-to-use e-reader, media sharing platform, or portable games machine.
In addition to their entertainment capabilities, tablets are increasingly being billed as important learning tools for the future. In fact, some schools and universities are already embracing the benefits of tablet technology, with one school in Kent aiming to provide each of its pupils with the device at the start of this academic year.
For many of us, the idea of packing an iPad in a satchel may forever be a foreign concept, but for a generation of children brought up with digital technology, they could be a fine classroom complement to bring learning to life.
Appy learning
At the time of writing, the iPad is seen to be the most popular tablet platform, and is predicted to hold this position in the market for the next few years at least. Here we take a look at some of the learning apps available for it. In addition to a range of apps for young children designed to stimulate language and numeracy abilities through games - for example ABC Animals, or Math Bingo - there are also more specialised experiences for older learners.
Science: Chemists may well enjoy the popular The Elements: A Visual Exploration - which is said to bring the periodic table to life - while Pocket Heart aims to get under the skin of biology students, showing the workings of the organ. Other apps focus on bringing the universe to life, while if you need more in-depth research, there are e-readers for new articles published by scientific journals.
Literature: One of the main benefits of the tablet is said to be its ability to bring to life things that may usually be considered inaccessible. The Waste Land app is an example of this, with various readings of the famous TS Eliot poem - supported by notes, video commentaries and pictures. Similarly, Shakespeare in Bits: Romeo and Juliet is an interactive study guide which breaks the play down into digestible sections, and includes in depth character biographies and a translation feature which helps explain some of the more obscure words and phrases. There is also an animation of the play voiced by household names such as Michael Sheen and Kate Beckinsale.
History and geography: Another feature of the device is its ability to recreate a world more explicitly than a book can, an example being Virtual History - Roma, which recreates the capital of the Roman World, promising a "'full immersion' panoramic experience". Meanwhile, History: Maps of the World helps provide a context to historical events with high-resolution maps from back in the day.
A tablet computer - whether an iPad or a Google Android-based device - could be a useful learning tool for your child, and could possibly help to broaden their learning experience. But with tablets typically costing from £400, it could be a good idea to do plenty of research in advance before deciding to buy, making sure you get the best price and package for you or your child's needs. A convenient way to pay could be by credit card, especially if you've got a credit card that offers a 0% period on purchases or rewards your spending.
Issued by Sainsbury's Finance Sainsbury's Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury's Bank plc. All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury's Group of companies.
It is impossible for companies to continue to remain stuck in their old way of doing things, when it comes to Human Resources and personnel management. The world is a very fast paced place and with the ever increasing need for all things to be done at speed, HR has had to move with the times.
Some companies are being left behind, some are flying ahead on the wings ever-developing technology and others are beginning to understand that a diverse modern workforce can do an awful lot for themselves in terms of keeping their personal details up to date.
The term for such HR softwareis self-service HR. Employees are provided with access to enable them to update their personal details or request leave for instance. This enables HR employees to spend time on more on effective HR requirements and gives other employees more control of their personal details data.
The overall benefits of a self-service HR function reduces the number of errors that can occur in terms of change of address for example and more importantly reduces dramatically the amount of paper work that can at times swamp HR departments. Self-service HR software also provides an effective method for management to access employee's individual data and to monitor such things as holiday leave, sickness absence and can be an effective tool to conduct appraisal or performance reviews.
Self-service HR software does not in any way reduce the amount of control management has over the overall HR records - employees will only be provided access to relevant data input areas of the HR record, management can securely extract report data that may be required and can also input secure data themselves, restricting some data entry from employee access.
The restriction of access operates through a system of access privilege levels. For example a member of staff could place a request for holiday leave at one level of the system and authorisation for the leave would occur at management level, accessed via management privilege. Very efficient, very secure and extremely effective in terms of employee time!
How does a self-service HR system operate when such things as a holiday request requires approval - quite simply the system utilises an e-mail alert system. The holiday request generates an e-mail alert to line management - once authorised the employee receives an e-mail alert to indicate authorisation.
It is so efficient that the older ways of authorising holiday leave cannot be comprehended. The holiday record sheet, filling out the dates, sending the paperwork to HR, waiting for the form to be returned on and on and on. Fast and efficient self-service HR software is now the way of the world for leading edge businesses. For forward looking companies it is a progressive process and for organisations with paper based HR functions it has got to be something they must consider. HR self-service software is the way forward. It's not just a method of company progression, it is a way to empower a diverse workforce.
The Internet can play an important role in your child's development, and in this respect it's great that most children above a certain age are knowledgeable when it comes to accessing websites and the capabilities of browsing. Internet safety is hugely important; there are a number of tips you can use to keep your child safe when he or she is online; here are five of the most important:
1. Monitoring the use of the Internet
Cyberbullying is a major problem for children. You can help your kids combat this issue by monitoring their use of the Internet. Children should be limited to a certain amount of time online, and should only be able to access the Internet whilst in the same room as their parents.
Another useful tip is to follow the guidelines set out by the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, known as 'Click Clever, Click Safe'. This advice is designed to help parents and children understand the Internet and the risks that can be present when online.
The code is broken down into three actions: zip, block and flag. Personal information should be kept private, and any unknown links received should not be opened. Cyberbullies should be blocked, and parents should encourage children to speak to them about any problems they have encountered online.
2. Switch off Bluetooth and block websites
Mobile phones are an increasingly common medium through which people access the Internet, so mobile phone safety is an equally important issue. You can look after your children, even when they are not at home, by insisting that Bluetooth and location services are switched off. This will minimise the risk of people knowing where your children are at any particular time.
It is also possible to block certain websites and keywords from being accessed; this will reduce the risk of your child accessing inappropriate content online. This can be done directly through your wireless router, which can be password-protected.
3. Use social networking sites with care
Social networking sites should be used with care; only people who your children personally know should be befriended. Parents should also join the social networking sites their children are on, as this will enable them to keep a closer eye on who their children are speaking to online.
4. Protect your child from spam
Spam is a form of email, which is sent randomly to users. These messages often contain links to pornographic material, as well as harmful websites. These can be a form of fraud, as credit card details are often asked for, and the account details are then used by the spammers. Children should be advised never to click on links that they are unsure of, and emails should only be opened if the recipient knows the sender.
5. Online gaming
As any parent will tell you, most children love video games. Online is a section of the gaming market that is rapidly growing. Parents are often keen to encourage these games (especially those which have an educational twist), not least because many of them can be played for free.
However, it is important to remember that online gaming does have a dark side. Games are not only hugely addictive; they also enable users to chat with other players. Children may not be aware of whom they are chatting to, and therefore the use of these games should be closely monitored.
Finally, the best advice that can be given to parents surrounding Internet safety is to ensure that their children feel comfortable speaking about their experiences on the Internet. If this is the case, then they will be more likely to speak up should they encounter any problems.
The 10.1 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab is finally making its way to UK shores, and Samsung have put together a trio of videos to show off the Android powerhouse's new tricks. We've nabbed a clip of the Crescent Racing Superbike team as they use the new slate to improve their lap times, hurtling around the track at break-neck speeds. See YouTube video at the bottom of this post.
It's not just the bikes that are fast either; Samsung's new Galaxy Tab responds to the touch at a lightning-quick pace too thanks to its dual-core NVIDIATegra 2 processor, helping Samsung'sTouchWiz 4.0 UI make using the device as smooth and simple as it is speedy.
With the latest Android OS version (Honeycomb) onboard, you've also got access to an incredible library of apps, featuring everything from Google Maps to YouTube, productivity apps like Dropbox and Evernote to games like Angry Birds and Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem.
That's without even mentioning its email, video chat and web browsing potential (with full Adobe Flash support), or the Samsung Hubs which give you access to instant messaging apps, 11 million music tracks to download and over 2.3 million e-books to read.
Businesses cannot function without their phones - a business phone line is one of the main forms of office communication. For all businesses, selecting the correct phone package is vital in ensuring successful communication and therefore building a successful business. So what phone packages are available for businesses? And what considerations should be made?
Business phone packages are designed to offer great rates on calls and other services in order to facilitate business processes and functions. The type of package selected is dependent on the type and frequency of use that is likely to occur. When selecting phone systems for business purposes it is important to consider the following things:
Type of Calls
The first question that needs to be asked is whether your business will only need to make national calls or whether international calls will also be a common occurrence. This will determine what sort of call rates and packages you need to look for.
A number of packages will offer competitive rates for both international and national calls, but spending money on something which offers cheap international calls you'll never make is futile.
Amount and Frequency of Calls
The amount of and frequency of calls you are likely to make will also determine the type of business phone package you need. If you are likely to make a high volume of calls on a frequent basis then you will need a package which offers a reliable service with fiercely competitive rates.
Phone Line
Establishing a good quality business telephone line is essential for ensuring that your communicative lines are always open. Business phone lines are designed to over a reliable and uninterrupted service which will only be beneficial for your company.
Standard lines are predominantly designed for the transferral of voice communication along with the ability to connect to fax machines. They can also be used to receive broadband services, which is another great asset for businesses.
Many business phone lines will come with a range of added features and benefits, such as: land line features; line rentals offered at lowered prices; calling bundles and extra features; highly affordable and competitive rates for call charges; and online billing.
Phone Systems
Business phone systems can also be varied, so it is important to consider which will be best suited to your businesses' needs. Some of the most recent types of phone system include those which work via an IP connection, something which is known as Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. These systems are particularly popular for connecting offices to one and other and can also be utilised by people who work from home.
Broadband and Other Services
Other features of call packages, including broadband services, can be added in order to enhance the communicative links of businesses. Broadband is an essential tool within any company, ensuring that instantaneous communication can occur. Nowadays, e-mail communication is standard office communication practise so it is essential to have a reliable broadband connection for the smooth running of your office.
It has long been argued that the pace of technological invention will eventually slow; that the exponential growth we have witnessed over the last 100 years will peter out; and that eventually we will reach a period of stagnation at which point no significant discoveries or breakthroughs will be made.
Happily, this fairly depressing vision of mankind's future appears (at least at present) to be confined to the realms of science fiction; if anything our rate of progress has increased even further. The Internet, for example, has been relentlessly improved, with greater speed and coverage and the invention of wireless networks. Computers and mobile phones have also been the focal points of massive development and innovation over the last 10 years.
Amid all this change, development, progress and innovation there is one company which has emerged as the clear leader of the modern entertainment race: Apple. And the recent arrival of the iPad 2 has made this position even clearer. The iPad 2 has quite simply rendered many other gadgets obsolete; in this single tablet you are provided with a replacement for your phone, your MP3 player, your television and your laptop.
Apple has invested a great deal of time and resources into ensuring that the iPad 2 surpasses its predecessor. The 9x7 inch lightweight device delivers excellent HD clarity and can easily be propped up to watch your favourite films or television programmes in bed, or while you're in the bath; it can even be placed on a treadmill when you're visiting the gym.
Although HDTV is still relatively new, this hasn't stopped Apple from taking full advantage of this technology and creating a compact, portable screen that will rival the one in your living room.
The iPad 2 runs faster and much more smoothly than the original iPad, which is great when you want to watch a film, TV programme on BBC iPlayer, or video on YouTube. The battery life is much improved too, Apple promises a 10-hour lifespan, perfect for spending the day relaxing and catching up with some of your favourite TV programmes.
The iPad 2 automatically switches itself off at the end of a film if you don't select another, so you don't need to worry about the drain on the lifetime of your battery if you fall asleep, and this also means that your screen will not be damaged by screen burn-in.
New apps are developed daily, and with the arrival of apps such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube, it seems that there isn't much you can watch on your TV that you can't watch on your iPad 2. If you're not in the mood to watch something, there are many gaming apps which are available and, of course, you can use your iPad 2 to play your favourite music.
Due to the wide variety of and the excellent quality of the display, the iPad 2 is strong competition for any regular TV, MP3 player or laptop. That, teamed with the battery life (which is better than has ever been seen in a tablet), makes the iPad 2 a very popular method of entertainment consumption.
By putting everything in one place the iPad 2 certianly is changing the way we consume entertainment. The winning feature, however, is the versatility of this simple and compact tablet; with the iPad 2, everything you need is right in front of you.
The BlackBerry PlayBook is one of the most eagerly anticipated gadgets of 2011. Consumers are expecting Research In Motion to follow-up its excellent smartphone series with a game-changing tablet.
The early indications are excellent. Packing a dual-core 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, multi-tasking is one of the strongest features of the new BlackBerry PlayBook. The BlackBerry Tablet OS can comfortably play a HD video while you surf the web.
BlackBerry's smartphones have been a big hit with people working on the go. The PlayBook's 3MP front-facing and 5MP rear-facing cameras are ideal for video conference calls and will appeal to professionals looking for a 'working tablet'.
But like its functional smartphones also appealed to a wider audience, the new BlackBerry PlayBook is armed with Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and a clever interface to offer something for everyone.
The PlayBook's touchscreen extends beyond the 7inch. display and to the edge of the edge of the bezel, which helps to unlock a range of menus and features - just swipe across the bezel and onto the screen to get more options from apps and the web.
Crucially, the PlayBook can work in harmony with your BlackBerry smartphone, wirelessly synching information from calendars, address books and task lists.
Connections can also be made with other devices using WiFi, Bluetooth or across the 3G network.
The BlackBerry PlayBook's impressive spec suggests RIM will use what it has learnt from smartphones to deliver a breathtaking tablet.
3D TV takes you even closer to the action, providing you with a completely immersive 3D viewing experience. Enjoy the magic of cinema 3D at home with LG's latest range of 3D TVs. Below are the key features of LG Cinema 3D TV and LG's 3D glasses.
Flicker Free 3D Glasses
The LG Cinema 3D TV glasses are flicker free letting you experience only the best of 3D! Plus LG's 3D glasses are just like the ones you get at most cinemas - there are no batteries required.
Lightweight 3D Glasses
The lightweight and great value Cinema 3D glasses make these perfect for sharing with friends and family giving you the ultimate 3D viewing from the comfort of your living room sofa.
Each CINEMA 3D TV comes with seven free pairs of 3D glasses. But if you need more, as they are so inexpensive, you can easily kit out all of your family and friends.
Ultra wide viewing angle
The LG Cinema 3D TV has a unique ultra wide viewing angle meaning you can watch out for picture perfect 3D from any angle!
You can sit where you want, how you want, and you'll still get the same immersive 3D experience. Plus, wider viewing angles means more room for friends and family to share in the fun.
For more information about the LG 3D TV please watch the following videos:
Swiss media company, Ringier, is to launch a global application for web tablets called The Collection. A monthly 'appazine', it is available simultaneously in several languages including English, German and Chinese.
In each issue, The Collection looks at all relevant angles of one topic comprising text, video, photography, audio, panoramic photography and 3D animation. The topics are of global relevance, are timely, and updated on a regular basis.
Based on a completely new 'Made in Switzerland Content Management System', the technology will allow for a very dynamic and intuitive navigation within the application. The experience promises to surprise at every swipe, tap or rub of the tablet screen.
The Collection’s inaugural issue deals with Prince William — The British Monarchy’s Great Hope. From the app you can learn from the British streets whether Charles or William should become the next king of England; and why there is an ongoing debate about Crown vs. Republic.
Using interactive features, readers can offer wedding wishes to the newlyweds and learn about the life of a royal photographer.
Richer Sounds explains how to choose a 3D TV that is right for your needs
Christmas 2010 saw a boom in the sales of 3D TV bundles with a torrent of fantastic deals geared towards those buying for the holiday season. Luckily, this means that prices have stayed fairly competitive and you can still pick up a great deal on the latest models.
Finding the cheapest 3D TV can often be a bit of a trawl; some online price comparison sites are so keen to have you pay for the click that you often find that the deal isn't quite as amazing as you first thought, and finding the right one can end up being as time consuming as physically travelling between shops and comparing the offers yourself.
The cheapest is also rarely the best and understanding the differences in the technology, whether it be a Samsung or a Panasonic 3D TV, can be tricky. The aim of this article is to give you the basics on what to look for to find the 3D TV.
Choose the right size TV
The first thing to do is outline what specification would suit you best, starting with size. It can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting a 50-inch TV, but it's hardly worth the extra cost if it's going to dominate a tiny living room.
Take a tape measure to the area where you want your television to go and give it a quick assessment. Remember that the number of inches attributed to a screen is measured diagonally and not horizontally, otherwise you may believe that a smaller television is enough.
If you want the television to sit on a wall, make allowances in cost for wall mounting kits. Some offers will bundle one with it, but you may find that they are a rather costly add on, especially if you are planning on buying a really large screen. Alternatively, if you are planning on investing in a new stand, the same applies.
Once you have settled on what sort of size you're looking for, you will want to make sure you are getting the most out of your new television. 3D TV sets come with a variety of different settings and add-ons and these can be the difference between getting a truly great deal and not.
Which type of display?
The first thing you may want to decide on is which screen type you desire. There are generally three different choices; you can either choose a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma screen or a light emitting diode (LED) television.
An LCD screen will last for a long time and generally omits a very clear picture, although these are generally a little more expensive than plasma screens. Plasmas do look sharp and will produce a high quality picture, but they may eventually need replacing and are susceptible to image burning when a still image is left on the television for an elongated period of time.
The latest invention in television screens is LED technology. An LED television is actually fitted with an LCD screen but use LEDs as a backlight, which improves colour reproduction and contrast ratios. You will find that most of the latest televisions are using this technology, but it will add a few extra pounds to the price.
For those looking for an all-round solution that will last, a standard LCD set should do, but if you want something with a little more clarity, then the LED may be what you need.
Resolution is often something that those buying a new television set may miss out on; the higher the resolution, the clearer the image will be displayed. Resolution is the total number of different specks of colour (pixels) shown by a television set and a few extra hundred can really make the difference in an image. This is less important if you are planning on using the television for just watching, but for those who plan on gaming or connecting a computer screen, this can be a high priority.
Multimedia functionality
Another important thing to note is any extras that you may have built into the set. Some of the latest televisions can play digital media, such as MP3 files or movies, straight from a memory stick. Others even boast the ability to connect to the Internet, allowing you to check your email, Facebook or catch up with the latest in on-demand television using services such as the BBC iPlayer. These add-ons can be exceptionally useful and well worth a few extra quid in the long run.
3D glasses
Finally, the cost of extra 3D glasses has to be built into the overall cost of the product. You may find a television at a discount price but find that you only receive one pair bundled with the set. If you can find a deal with a few more pairs bundled then it might be worthwhile, otherwise check out the cost of an extra pair as the standard price is normally around £50.
Richer Sounds
The tablet landscape is about to be shaken up by the new Motorola Xoom, the first in the world to feature Google's Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system.
Many devices on the market are powered by Android, but the Motorola Xoom will grab headlines for being the first to run Honeycomb, which has been tailor-made for tablets.
Honeycomb allows users to customise their Motorola Xoom's home screen on its 10.1" HD widescreen display and offers a sleek interface, with neater notifications and clever widgets.
Motorola Xoom will be among the most powerful tablets available, packing a dual core processor, with each core running at 1Ghz, to produce sharp images at incredible speed.
Graphics, videos and other rich content on the web are central to the joy tablets bring to their owners. Motorola Xoom users will be able to enjoy the best of the web using Adobe Flash Player, whereas Apple's iPad appears unlikely to include the program any time soon.
With a battery life supporting up to 10 hours of video playback, the Motorola Xoom is ideal for watching HD movies on a long journey. It charges in half the time of comparable tablets on the market, so could appeal to people who use their tablet on the go.
Its 3D Graphics Engine delivers films the way the director intended, while the Xoom's built-in stereo speakers complete an immersive viewing experience.
Once you've exhausted your movie library, you can shoot your own films using the Motorola Xoom's HD camcorder. The built-in 5MP camera eliminates the need for connector kits which other tablets require.
The Motorola Xoom was named Best in Show at this year's CES and with such an impressive range of features, it is likely to be one of 2011's biggest gadgets.
Looking for a new smartphone? The Samsung GALAXY S II uses Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world’s fastest-growing mobile operating system.
A dual-core application processor delivers compelling features such as fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and an instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen.
The next generation smartphone is a thin (8.49mm) design offering super-fast HSPA+ connectivity, rapid mobile download speeds and BlueTooth® 3.0+HS (reducing data transfer times). It also boasts Samsung’s new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen.
From opening the app to controlling the messaging, social media, email and calling, the Samsung Voice Solution recognises voice and converts it to text and vice versa. Customised Voice Translation translates voice or text into - and from - a range of languages. Simply speak a word or phrase into the handset and it will instantly translate it, with audio and text output
Samsung has also selected the Samsung GALAXY S II as its premium mobile product with which to launch Samsung Hubs – integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of your life. These include Social Hub – the future of communication; Readers Hub – with over 2.2 million books and novels; Game Hub – the easiest way to download the best games; and Music Hub – access, download and play over 12 million tracks via 7digital.
Also launched at the recent Mobile World Congress was the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1. Billed as the ultimate entertainer it can be used to record and watch cinema-like Full HD movies with dual sound speakers. It can also be used to take 8MP photos, play games and surf Flash websites on a 10.1” display with dual surround sound speakers.
Lightweight at just 599g, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 has everything you need to keep tabs on your life. From home to office, from work to play, access everything on the go and quickly with Honeycomb, Android's newest platform exclusively for tablets. The GALAXY Tab excels in smooth web-browsing thanks to 4G and Wi-Fi access. Enjoy full use of Google Mobile Services from Gmail to Google Calendar and choose from over 3 million great reads on Google Books.
By Ashley Norris on December 13, 2010
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Ditching the ageing Windows Mobile OS and starting from scratch with a brand new operating system, Microsoft have unleashed Windows Phone 7 (WP7) upon the tech world. It's a slick new addition to the smartphone scene, with neat animations and integrated social features throughout. Several manufacturers have already taken up the challenge and produced Windows 7 phones including HTC, Samsung and LG (you can win an LG Optimus 7 Windows smartphone by clicking here). Take a look at our ten point guide (or watch the video) below for everything you need to know.
Live Tiles - WP7's Live Tiles are dynamic links to applications and features stored on Windows Phone 7 devices. Updated in real-time, Live Tiles can be set to offer info at a glance on specific contacts, social networks, email accounts or news feeds such as weather details or stocks. Like fancy shortcuts or widgets, they are fully customisable, to be arranged how you see fit across the phones homescreens, and are fully animated to boot.
People Hub - The People Hub is an area of the phone which collects all your contact details into one place. Whether it's info relating to people from your phone book, email accounts or social networks, you'll be able to communicate with any contact you have, wherever they may be, from the People Hub.
Pictures Hub - Like the People Hub, the Pictures Hub aggregates images from multiple sources, collecting them into one easily searched place. Whether it's pictures from your Facebook photo albums or snaps you've taken yourself with your Windows Phone 7 handset camera, all images will be pooled together, ready to share at the push of a button.
Marketplace - There are tons of great free and paid-for apps available from the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. Whether you're looking for an RSS reader, shopping list maker or games such as the Star Wars: Batttle for Hoth strategy title, there is something for everyone on Marketplace.
Zune Media Player - WP7 owners get the award winning Zune Media Player interface for handling their media files. Wether you're creating party playlists or settling down for a movie, it's one of the best mobile media managers on the market.
Zune Marketplace - The Zune Marketplace gives you access to a huge catalogue of videos and music to rent and purchase. Perhaps the most enticing feature of all is the prospect of the Zune Pass; this monthly subscription service gives unlimited access to all content on the Zune Marketplace for £8.99 a month, and offers 10 permanent mp3 downloads per month that are yours to keep even if you unsubscribe.
Xbox Live - Gaming fans will be pleased to hear that WP7 devices can be synced up with your Xbox 360's Live account, linking your phone to the online community. Gamertags, Gamerscores and achievements will carry over across both devices, meaning you're always rewarded when gaming on the go.
Mobile Office - When you're done playing, you can get some serious work done with WP7 too. Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents can all be edited on the go, with cloud sharing and back-up capable through Sharepoint. A very comfortable on-screen keyboard makes text entry a breeze too.
Search - With so much to do and store possible on smartphones these days, you'd better have a good way of searching the contents of your phone if you're hoping to get at the stuff you need fast. With Bing web search, the voice-powered TellMe search app and a hardware search button on every WP7 device, you'll find what you need in no time at all.
Hardware - To make sure users get the best Windows Phone 7 experience possible, Microsoft have laid down strict hardware guidelines to handset manufacturers. Minimum requirements include a capacitive multi-touch screen, a 5MP camera and at least a 1GHz ARM v7 Cortex/Scorpion processor. This means you'll never have a shoddy bit of kit in your hand if it's marked with the WP7 seal of approval.
And what the makers added... - Each Windows 7 device has these basic specifications, what the manufacturer add is then up to them. So for example the Samsung's Windows & phones are noted for AMOLED display, while HTC are offering various phones at various price points.
The LG Optimus 7 has a host of additional features including Augmented Reality system ScanSeach that automatically detects any amenities up to a five-mile radius. The results including: restaurants, bars, hotels, public transit and banks, appear as icons, which you can then tap to reveal that specific amenities phone number and exact location.
There's also the panorama app for the handset's camera which makes it easy to take snapshots of wide landscapes by lining up five images in a row, and automatically firing off the shutter when each image is aligned.
According to LG all its Windows 7 devices are good for practical use and will be supported by excellent battery life (the Optimus 7 has the best battery life of any Windows 7 phone) and LG exclusive apps. Some handsets will also support qwerty keypads.
By Ashley Norris on December 10, 2010
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LG recently launched the Optimus 7 E900, their first venture into the Windows Phone 7 ring.
It's a solid touchscreen phone with an easy to use interface. It has a good weight and feels well-built with its back cover constructed from a durable metal. Like other Windows 7 phones, the Optimus has three buttons on the front: Back, Home and Bing search. Unlike some handsets the LG model had proper physical clicking buttons, rather than the touch-sensitive ones, making it just a bit easier to use.
High res screen
The Optimus 7 has a 3.8-inch WVGA LCD display, with a resolution of 800x480 pixels. In other words there is no blurriness, users can clearly make out detail and the colours are incredibly vivid. Although the phone is fairly large it can still easily fit into your pocket and is good for watching videos and viewing pictures.
Powerful battery
The phone also boasts a very efficient and powerful, battery which utilizes LG's own battery algorithm to maximize efficiency. By offering 1500 mAh, the largest battery capacity among WP7 devices, it delivers a reliable and stress-free experience for consumers. It also delivers the best talk and standy time of any Windows Mobile 7 handset - Talk time: 480 min / Standby: 416 hrs
Due to Microsoft's strict minimum hardware specifications, most of the Windows Phone 7 devices have similar specs including approximately 8GB of memory, a 1GHz processor and at least a 5-megapixel camera. However, the Optimus differentiates itself here by packing 16GB of on-board storage. This is particularly useful for users as Windows Phone 7 does not support external memory cards.
Games and music
Again all Windows Phone 7 handsets have the same user interface, which we will delve into further in our "everything you need to know about Windows Phone 7" post. However, some of our favourite features include the integration with Xbox Live, Zune music and Office. The phone operates through six hubs: People, Games, Pictures, Music and Video, Market Place and Office. These hubs are some what interactive, for example your avatar in the Games hub will be supplied from your Xbox Live account. To launch a hub you simply flick the screen right to access the next screen. The screens are on a loop making it quick and simple to navigate through. Also on the home screen sit static tiles which you can set up to work as shortcuts to applications.
Windows 7 also has its own dedicated app store called the The Marketplace. The number of apps is growing quickly as many developers already familiar with Window's platform have begun to develop apps for the new phones. Most apps start at 79p..
Fun stuff
The Optimus 7 comes pre-loaded with a number of apps including a fun panorama app and the ScanSearch augmented-reality app. The panorama app makes it easy to take snapshots of wide landscapes by lining up five images in a row, and automatically firing off the shutter when each image is aligned. ScanSearch, which is unique to the phone, is an Augmented Reality app that automatically detects any amenities up to a five-mile radius. The results including: restaurants, bars, hotels, public transit and banks, appear as icons, which you can then tap to reveal that specific amenities phone number and exact location.
The Optimus 7 has a 5-megapixel camera and comes with an LED flash, which is always useful if you are trying to take a picture in dimly lit rooms. The camera has a number of other noteworthy features including the automatic 'intelligent shot' which is useful if you want to quickly catch that snapshot. In addition to taking photos, it is also capable of capturing 720p high definition video. Or if you want to get that cinematic feel, you can even capture video in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Sharing media from the Optimus 7 is made very simple through LG's DLNA sharing feature "Play To." This allows you to transfer your music, photos and video to any other DNLA-equipped device, such as your TV, provided that it is on the same Wi-Fi network.
The LG Optimus 7 is a fast and easy to use phone with a number of great features.
As you may know already during December we are running a competition to give away no fewer than six fabulous LG Optimus smartphones. All you have to do to enter is click here and fill out a quick survey.
Want to show your digital snaps to friends without you all having to gather around a tiny LCD screen or mess around hooking up the camera to a big screen? Nikon has the answer. It's the world's first camera with a built in projector.
Dubbed the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, it lets you project your digital images and video footage onto any surface in an instant. Simple to operate, just press a button and the images can be displayed onto any flat surface up to 40inches (100cm) across - whether it's the wall for a presentation or the ceiling for a bedtime slideshow!
The two and a half minute ad featured iconic images from the Virgin stable including hot air balloons, trains, planes, even space shuttles. And at the end of the dazzling display the Virgin Money logo appeared with the strapline: "40 years of better. Now in a bank."
There are a number of Kindle models available, which one you choose is largely dependent upon your own needs. The basic Kindle 1 is a simple e-reader, so is great for anyone looking for a basic model that's easy to use and won't break the bank. The Kindle 1 is able to connect to Wikipedia and the Amazon store, but any other web browsing isn't possible; if you're looking for something simple that won't leave home too often, try this, but otherwise a more advanced model may be more suitable.
From: MWC 2008: Second Life now runs on... an iPhone?!