Sunday, 12 May 2013

Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 05-12-2013

TechRadar: Phone and communications news
TechRadar AU latest feeds
One AppleCare subscription may soon cover all devices in service overhaul
May 12th 2013, 11:59

One AppleCare subscription may soon cover all devices in service overhaul

Apple is reportedly planning big changes in the way it handles warranties and repairs through AppleCare, according to details leaked from an employee briefing last week.

AppleInsider brings word Apple will soon be moving to a single subscription model, which would cover all of the customer's Apple devices, replacing or sitting alongside the current one-warranty-per-device system.

Under the proposed system, Apple would offer exclusive 24/7 support for customers, while extending the option for One to One in-store training, to other devices beyond the purchase of Mac computers.

The changes, which may arrive this autumn in the US, before a worldwide roll-out, would also extend free after-purchase phone support, which currently stands at 90 days after purchase, for at least a year.

No more easy iPhone swaps?

Another intriguing item to leak from the Town Hall-style were purported plans for the company to fix more iPhones in Apple Store locations rather than replace them.

Currently iPhone users can return their busted handsets to the Apple Store and usually receive a straight swap for a device in similar condition.

Currently, technicians at Apple Stores can replace speakers, receivers, home buttons, the vibrator motor and the iPhone's battery. From this summer cameras, sleep/wake buttons and logic boards will also be replaced in-store.

The Apple employee who leaked the info to AppleInsider said: "The biggest announcement, was the way repairs for iPhones will be handled soon.

"The way it is now, if almost anything is wrong with an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, the entire device is exchanged for a like-new re manufactured (sic) device, whether brought into an apple store or sent in for mail in repair. Now we are starting to actually repair the products and return the same device to the customer."

    


Google Play Games leaks out again, brings cloud game saves to the party
May 12th 2013, 10:31

Google Play Games leaks out again, brings cloud game saves to the party

The rumoured Google Play Games platform for Android will allow game saves in the cloud and feature big Google+ integration, according to a newly leaked APK.

The latest word comes from AndroidPolice, the site which last month brought word that Google was planning a rival to Apple's Game Center with achievements, turn-based multiplayer gameplay, leaderboards and more.

Now the site has performed a teardown of the new Google Play Services v3.1.36 APK and gleaned new details about the service, expected to be unveiled at the Google I/O keynote on Wednesday.

The site grabbed the above screenshots, which show how Google+ is used to control who can send players notifications, while it'll also be possible to publish scores on the social network.

Google+ front and centre

It also appears that inviting players to match-ups will also be done in part through Google+, which ties in with Google's recent strategy of interlacing the service into most of its new and existing products.

"There's lots of pushing people to Google+, and offering to brag about a score on Google+," wrote the site's Ron Amadeo.

The site was able to discover the presence of synced game saves, allowing players to pick up games at the same point on multiple devices.

There was also a first look at pop-up achievement badges and placing medals, which Play Games is likely to handle in the same way Apple's Game Center does for iOS gamers.

Check out the source link for more screenshots and full details on what's likely to be officially confirmed within the next week at Google I/O

    


Buying Guide: Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from
May 12th 2013, 07:00

Buying Guide: Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Whether you call it a smartphone, a tablet or a phablet, we think we can all agree that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is not for the average jeans pocket, so some portable protection is a wise investment once you've got your hands on one.

If you love that slim Note 2 body and want to keep it in near box-fresh condition for as long as possible, then a phone/tablet/phablet case is an essential investment that won't break the bank but could save you from having to pay for expensive repairs if you drop it.

Here is our pick of 15 of the best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 cases to buy.

1. BoxWave Tuxedo SuitUp - £15/US$33 (around AU$32)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Offering a Note 2-hugging fit and a rubberised anti-slip design that makes it easier to grip your device, the TPU case should keep greasy fingerprints to a minimum and offer decent impact resistance. There's access to cameras, speakers, volume and ports, all housed in a slim body.

2. Arkon Sports Armband - £22/US$18 (around AU$17)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

If you are taking your Note 2 out for a run, this water-resistant - and more importantly, washable - neoprene sports armband will hold your phablet comfortably and securely in place with an adjustable closure. An internal pouch also means that there's enough room for some change and a key to get back into the house.

3. Incipio LGND Premium Hard-Shell Folio - US$35 (around £22.50/AU$34)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Adding just over 2mm of thickness, the hinged leather case is made with a Plextonium frame and a micro-suede lining that offers better resistance against scratches and drops. It also comes with a screen protector and microfibre cloth to buff that display up. It can also be opened up as a landscape viewing stand, enabling you to watch movies without having to keep hold of your Note 2.

4. Seidio Active with Metal Kickstand - US$35 (around £22.50/AU$34)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Primed for video-watching Note 2 users, the Active case comes with a built-in magnetic kickstand that enables you to watch in landscape view hands-free. Despite its thin exterior, a dual layer of polymer and a rubberised exoskeleton means it's well guarded against impact, and also makes it easier to grip. Crucially, ports are all accessible once inside the case, which means you can be creative without taking it out from its protective shell.

5. Case-Mate Barely There - £23/US$30 (around AU$29)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Making sure that slender body is not all hidden away, this hard shell polymer case fits on the back and sides of the Note 2 and features an interior lining to ramp up the resistance against drops. The lay flat bezel will help protect the screen when you lie it down on a table, and it's available in white to complement your brightly hued Note 2 - or alternatively you can get it in black or pink.

6. Speck CandyShell - US$40 (around £26/AU$39)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Pop your Note 2 inside this durable rubber case which is available in Raspberry and Cool Grey or Black and Slate and it will provide a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbent centre to give enough everyday protection. A raised bezel will help keep the screen out of harm when lying flat, while rubberised button covers should give it a nice sturdy grip in the hand.

7. Otterbox Commuter Series Case - US$45 (around £29/AU$43.50)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Maintaining the Note 2's slender looks and at the same time keeping it in one piece the Commuter's dual layer protection comprises a polycarbonate outer and silicone inner layer to battle drops and scratches. If you want the display looked after as well, carefully apply the self-adhesive screen protector provided as a last line of phablet defence.

8. Samsung Galaxy Note II Flip Case - £30/AU$35/US$40

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

This official Samsung case swaps places with the battery cover to guard the 5.5-inch display against getting scratched or dirty when you are on the move. By covering the whole of the front, it stops you from accidentally pressing buttons or swiping, and with an NFC chip built in it means you can still share images and videos by tapping it against another Note 2 and not worrying about pulling the cover off first.

9. Belkin Snap Folio Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

If you are worried about whipping out a colourful case in a big meeting, this snap-on case has a low-key yet elegant crafted body made from durable polycarbonate, with a magnetic closure to keep it secure. Internal pockets mean there's room for a business card or two, and when you are out of work mode you can catch up on the football using the built-in stand.

10. Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

If you are happy to add a little extra bulk to make sure your Note 2 is well protected, bolt this onto the back of your handset and the silicone layer, durable polycarbonate shell and Ballistic shock absorbent polymer combined will offer sufficient armour against everyday commuting carnage.

11. Proporta Leather Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

The faux leather pouch with a subtle stitched design means it's still an elegant place to call home for your Note 2. The pull tab keeps the mobile device secure when not in use, and an aluminium lining provides a guard against scratches, drops and knocks with access to vital ports and buttons, including that special S-Pen.

14. Gorilla Gadgets 4000mAh Extended Battery Case with Flip Cover - US$50 (around £32/AU$48)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Packing a 3,100mAh battery, the Note 2 already has a decent amount of multitasking prowess, but if you are constantly running out of juice this will extend the life without adding too much handset thickness. The 4,000mAh case clips to the back and has LED indicator lights to let you know how much power is left. Plus with a flip cover it also provides protection for your big, beautiful display.

13. Zenus Masstige Lettering Diary Series - £35/AU$50/US$50

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Giving the modern note-taker a more traditional look, this synthetic leather case hides your Note 2 away in a diary-style body. It has a button fastener to keep the Note 2 secure and a pocket inside to keep your cards and notes. There are cut outs for the charging ports and camera, and there's fancy embossed lettering to add some character.

13. Tech21 Impact Snap with Cover - £35/US$55 (around AU$53)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Providing military-grade shield for your Note 2, the shock-absorbing D30 material, which has been used in armour for the US Ministry of Defence, should provide a suitably tough exterior. Up front you can opt for a leather cover to keep it covered when you're not doodling. There's access to all ports including the S-Pen and speaker grille, while the rear-facing camera is free when you need to snap a picture.

15. Otterbox Defender Series Case - US$60 (around £38/AU$58)

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 case: 15 to choose from

Offering a triple layer of protection, the tough cookie case squeezes itself around the Note 2 and guards against bumps and drops with the combination of a polycarbonate shell, an impact-resistant silicone inner cover and a screen protector up front. There's also a belt holster if you decide that you want to free up some pocket space.

Check out Samsung's Your Mobile Life to discover loads more about the infinite possibilities of the GALAXY Note II
    


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