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DataWind’s $38 and $80 Ubislate tablets are a great deal, but they’re probably not for you

Mar27
by on March 27, 2014 at 10:11 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Product Reviews

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You can approach budget tablets and smartphones from two different ways. When compared against the history of computing, these devices offer remarkable functionality at unprecedented pricing, opening up Internet access to new groups of previously unconnected people. However, when matched up against existing “premium” offerings, budget devices can feel clunky, under-powered and even hostile to the user. DataWind’s $38 Ubislate 7Ci tablet and its $80 7C+ cellular-connected counterpart are tricky devices to review. While I can try to imagine its target users and emulate their actions on the device, the fact remains that these tablets are designed for a new…

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Facebook’s Connectivity Lab is building drones, satellites and lasers to deliver Internet access

Mar27
by on March 27, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Posted In: Around the Web

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While Google is experimenting with helium balloons for Internet access, Facebook is working on drones, satellites and lasers. The company today unveiled the Connectivity Lab, which has evolved as part of its Internet.org initiative. In a short video, the company explained the costs and shortcomings of the current system used for Internet distribution. Facebook’s Yael Maguire then explained some of its plans for satellites in low density environments, which included a combination of low earth orbital satellite systems and geosynchronous satellite systems. Multiple satellites would need to be in orbit to provide adequate coverage, so Facebook is also hoping to…

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Office for iPhone and Android phones is now completely free, Android tablet version coming ‘in the future’

Mar27
by on March 27, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Google

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In addition to releasing Office for iPad, Microsoft today also updated Office Mobile for iPhone and Office Mobile for Android with a major change: both are now completely free for home use. You can download the new versions now directly from Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Microsoft says the decision was made in order to align Office Mobile for Windows Phone with its iOS and Android counterparts. As a result, Office Mobile now lets smartphone users view, as well as edit, content on the go for free. An Office 365 subscription is no longer required for editing. No new…

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Office for iPad first look: Echoing the desktop with a touch-based twist

Mar27
by on March 27, 2014 at 8:00 pm
Posted In: Around the Web

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If you know Microsoft Office for the desktop, you already know Office for iPad. There are so many similarities between the two, that making the transition will be a seamless experience. Microsoft Office for iPad has that signature Microsoft look—Blue for Word, Green for Excel, and Orange for Powerpoint. The colors are the first, but certainly not the only visual cue. A nice, clean tabbed format is common to all of the apps. And all proved quick and responsive to traditional Apple touch gestures. We took the new suite for s spin directly after the presentation and are impressed with…

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Roku’s Streaming Stick is now shipping from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and others in the US

Mar27
by on March 27, 2014 at 7:19 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Product Updates

Google recently launched its Chromecast streaming dongle in almost a dozen new markets, but now Roku is offering an alternative. The company’s new Streaming Stick, which plugs into the back of your TV through the HDMI port, is now shipping from Roku.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Target.com and Walmart.com. If you want to pick one up in store though, the company is sticking to its “early April” release date for now. We expect it’ll land in the next couple of weeks – Roku is also planning a launch in Europe next month, although we’re none the wiser for exactly when that will happen…

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