E-Newz

Germany Delays ACTA Agreement Signing

BenR — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:44:18 +0000

Germany is the latest country to postpone its signing of the ACTA agreement, the anti piracy legislation that has created worldwide controversy over the last week. It has become the fifth country to take such action, after Poland, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have all been hesitant over the bill.

The news comes as worldwide protests against the law get ujderway this weekend, as the general public, mobilised through social media outlets attempts to apply sufficient pressure as to see the agreement scrapped, as happened with SOPA in the US.

Whilst governments claim that the legislation will combat piracy, those opposed to the agreement claim that it will be used to curtail internet freedom

Sony Phones vs Nokia Phones

BenR — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:24:18 +0000

Let’s face it, Nokia Phones and Sony Phones don’t hold the glitz and glamour that has dominated the mobile phone market this decade. Formerly leaders in the mobile phone market, their phones were renowned for being reliable and trustworthy, but have since been forced back by the trendy phones made popular through the introduction of smartphones, coming from the first iPhones lingering legacy. This isn’t to say that either manufacturer has gone away though. In fact, they continue to produce good quality mobile phones regularly, as they seek to recapture the market that they once owned. We decided to look at two of their most recent models.

The Sony Experia S is the first mobile phone to be brought out since Sony’s radical rebranding from being Sony Ericsson, to err… Sony. The model looks familiar, with its angular features and compatability with other technical devices such as TVs and stereos. However, it has also introduced a range of new features, such as an impressive 12 megapixel camera and a 1.5GHz dual core processor. Whilst this model holds little in terms of radical changes, its upgrade later in the year to the Ice Cream Sandwich platform could make the Experia S a force to be reckoned with.

The Nokia Lumia 900 isn’t much different from its predecessor, the Lumia 800. However, its screen and battery pack have been enlarged and improved cameras, including a 1.3 megapizel front facing feature. The Lumia 800 was well received by critics, but this mode, whilst not much different, retains the positive aspects such as the smart design and useability, whilst attempting to keep the phone competitive. The big problem, perhaps is the price, which at around £400 sim free, could make cheaper models more attractive.

“Ultrabook” laptop unveiled at CES

BenR — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:15:34 +0000

Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo has unveiled what it terms an “ultrabook” at this week’s Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

This new laptop is far thinner than other models, at just 21mm and added graphics features. The Thinpad T430u will be on sale in the second half of the year.

Google Redisigns Home Page

BenR — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:21:41 +0000

Google, the internet giant has redesigned its homepage in one of the biggest overhauls it has made since its beginnings. The new face of Google replaces the previous horizontal toolbar, and now involves a black drop down menu that displays Google’s other various features. Google bosses hope that it will enable users to enjoy all the services that Google has to offer.

Googles search engine feature has always found user satisfaction through its simplistic, uncluttered style, which created a need for the new design to remain simple, but also provide the content required.

Further changes involve the need for two clicks to access Google Images or News, in an effort to increase advertising revenues, although decreasing the user friendliness of the site.

Google Deletes Fraudulent Apps

BenR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:46:09 +0000

Google has removed dozens of applications from its Android market, after it was realised that they were a part of a fraud attempt that involved sending premium rate text messages upon installation, now as the “RuFraud” scam.

Google has claimed that all applications involved have now been removed. Google’s lack of verification and security over its app store has led to criticism in the past, with many now demanding tighter controls over what can be submitted to Android Market.

Police Test “Blindness” Laser

BenR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:44:23 +0000

Police have tested a potential anti riot device that could be used to quell disturbances by emitting a high powered “wall of light” at the subjects. Such is the intensity of the light, that those affected by it are immediately forced to look away. A police spokesman has described the equipment as effective due to the fact that “if you can’t see something, you can’t attack it”.

Tests are still being carried out to examine potential risks to the public, or side effects.

Japanese Tsunami Damage Shown on Google Streetview

BenR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:30:15 +0000

Google’s Streetview gained high publicity at its launch, but has recently hit the headlines for showing the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami. Google sent its specially adapted cars to the affected areas to update the views to show the reconfigured landscape. It has offered before and after shots of the damage, to show how much the tsunami has affected the areas.

Human Cloning Used in US

BenR — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Scientists in the United States have claimed that they have used the cloning process to create stem cells in humans. Scientists claim that the research, which involved the creation of a human embryo to study the effects of stem cells and how they could help treat health problems such as Parkinsons disease and organ failure.

A Cat-alogue of Errors at Conservative Party Conference 2011

BenR — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:18:16 +0000

Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Ken Clarke have fallen out during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week, over May’s claim that an illegal immigrant’s cat ownership enabled him to avoid deportation. Whilst May used the claim to suggest that the Human Rights law needed to be removed, Ken Clarke has claimed that the story is false. Whilst it is no surprise that May has als0 come under fire from Human Rights campaigners, Ken Clarke’s eagerness to dismiss such stories should not come as a surprise either. He is seen by many as the leader of the pro European element of the Conservative Party, and with the Human Rights laws in question having resulted from EU declaration, he will have been sceptical at any criticism of their influence on British law.

Rugby WiFi

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:23:58 +0000

Auckland has geared up for the Rugby world cup by rolling out free public wifi on it’s link transport system. Prepare for a deluge of Twitter tweets as fans make there way back from the matches. Buses and some trains will give passengers 3 thirty minute sessions per day while using public transport.

In addition, Callplus and Slingshot have setup thousands of free access spots throughout the city.