Survey Finds 30% of US iPhone Users Damaged Devices in Past Year

Photo Credit: Apple

On Friday, the newest generation of Apple's smartphone will be dropped into the hands of the first eager customers who will drop just under $700 Canadian to navigate the iPhone 5's Retina display touchscreen. With an average 23 Apple iPhone 5s being pre-ordered every second during the first 24 hours, the new device will join a global mobile environment already flooded with earlier iterations of the Apple's handheld that redefined the term 'smartphone' since 2007. While the sale, resale, phone plans and accessory options have conjured up a self-contained Apple economy, there has also been another source where a major dollar figure relates to the iPhone over six generations of acceptance. The number 5.9 billion dollars US is attached to the damage of pricey Apple iPhone devices in the United States alone.

A number compiled through the assistance of comScore estimates by retail warranty supplier SquareTrade (who may have a vested interest in publishing some key figures in respect to one of the most popular smartphone devices on the market) equated the 5.9-billion dollar cost for damaged iPhones to more than twice the amount spent for toilet paper in the United States. The overall cost estimate takes into account repair, replacement and insurance deductibles to Apple iPhone products since first sold in 2007. Damage to Apple iPhone devices is recorded as 10 times more likely than either through loss or theft.

Presenting a snapshot into the life of an Apple iPhone, SquareTrade's survey took a sample group of 2,000 Apple iPhone users and discovered that 30% have stated that their devices have been damaged in a past 12-month period. The most prevalent occurrences for iPhone damage includes being dropped by hand or lap, falling into a body of water (lake, swimming pool or even a toilet), having fluid spilt on the device and being knocked off a table. The survey also revealed that half of iPhone users under the age of 35 years old have encountered a situation the resulted in harm coming to their Apple smartphone device. Since a sizable portion of Apple's market appeals to younger users who like to think their iPhone into risky territories, 50 percent loss for the under-35 demographic is not too much of a surprise.

SquareTrade has also recorded data from users who have chosen to continue operating their Apple iPhone devices even after sustaining harm. 11 percent of survey participants indicate they have proceeded to use their iPhone when the screen was cracked and another 6 percent admitted to taping their devices as a favourable remedy over costly repairs or replacement. These damaged Apple iPhone devices will undoubtedly receive far reduced trade-in prices if accepted at all. On the Ebay Instant Sale site, a fully-functioning 16-gigabyte iPhone 4S with USB connecting cable will garner $310.80 in Canadian funds. If in fair condition but still operational, a Apple iPhone 4S will only fetch $155.40 during a trade-in. Interestingly enough, a non-functioning 16-gigabyte iPhone 4S device in poor condition will still be worth $20.00 to Ebay through the Staples Canada supported Ebay program.

Such as the case with many other cell phone and smartphone devices, the steady aftermarket is devoted to providing accessories capable of protecting against the before-mentioned damage. In the case of SquareTrade, a warranty for an iPhone device allows for a user to easily repair or replace their device. In the United States, SquareTrade offers a 2-year protection plan for $99 and a 3-year warranty for $129. A $50 deductible would also need to be paid when a user files a claim. Damage against an accidental damage to a smartphone device is fairly rare in the marketplace. AppleCare is also in place as an extended warranty for iPhone devices but does not cover damages such as a cracked screen or water.

SquareTrade CMO Ty Shay words in regards to the already $5.9 billion industry was served with a cautionary warning predicting growth in the damaged iPhone economy. "As smart phones continue to improve, they become more tightly integrated into our busy lives leaving them vulnerable to accidents around the clock," said Shay who also expressed intrigue for what the iPhone 5 device with its narrower profile and larger screen will affect the trend.

Nikon Releases Their Lightest, Smallest FX DSLR Camera

Photo Credit: Nikon

For the consideration of professional photographers, Nikon Corporation revealed their latest product designed to be a winning weapon of choice when snapping important pictures. Utilizing the FX-format shooting technology, the Nikon D600 digital SLR camera is advertised as the brand's most compact example to incorporate the their highest quality CMOS sensor.

Constructed with a body weighing just 760 grams, the Nikon D600 lightweight assembly incorporates magnesium alloy for the top and rear covers. Despite being the smallest and lightest DSLR camera Nikon has created in their FX-format lineup, the D600 is outfitted with much of the company's finest technology found in their higher-range cameras. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, allows up to highly impressive, 24.3 megapixel images to be snapped at excellent speeds. A Scene Recognition System equipped alongside the Multi-CAM4800 autofocus sensor performs a highly intelligent analysis of images for the best picture. Up to 5.5 frames per second can be captured through the Nikon D600. The Nikon D600 has the ability to capture Full-HD movies up to 1,920 X 1,080/30p. Recording to SDXC or UHS-I compliant SD memory cards, two slots are available for peaceful image and video recording. A 3.2-inch viewfinder, built-in flash, HDMI interface and compatibility with a NIKKOR lenses are highlights of the Nikon D600 camera.

An optional accessory available for use with the Nikon D600 DSLR is the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. A technology that allows the D600 camera to be operated remotely by a handheld device running on an Android or Apple iOS. Through a live view display provided through a smartphone or tablet, a photographer can capture photos and have it immediately uploaded to the device allowing for quick postings to blogs or social media sites.

Pricing for the new Nikon D600 DSLR camera is set at $2099.95 US for the body only. A $2,699.95 camera and kit including a NIKKOR 24-85mm VR lens is also posted on the Nikon website.

Apple iPhone 5 Ripens with Several Improvements

Attracting the world to San Francisco, a small cell phone once again becomes a lure for every tech-savvy consumer. Apple Inc gathered media for an announcement for their newest evolution within a marketplace they have grown from newbie to industry benchmark in just a few years. Revealed as the next successor in their line of iPhone products, the Apple iPhone 5 made its public debut.

Not entirely revealing to the naked eye, the differences in the new generation iPhone compared to the iPhone 4S eventually become apparent. 18 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than the device's predecessor, the Apple iPhone 5 more compact nature does not come at the expense of delivering apps, videos and games. Growing from 3.5 to 4 inches, a new retina display touch screen on the iPhone 5 provides better HD quality viewing for the user of all interactive contact.

As users indulge begin to indulge into the new device, operation of the Apple iPhone 5 has the potential of being a more fulfilling experience than ever. For people living in high-speed 4G LTE areas, the Apple iPhone 5 is now optimized to use the networks for faster download capacities. Conventional WiFi will remain with the Apple iPhone 5  Apple's new A6 chip, the iPhone 5 runs with almost twice the performance of the previous model. An improved battery in the iPhone 5 complements the new processing chip with greater power storage. Up to 8 hours of 4G web browsing is reported to be possible with the new Apple handheld unit.

Other hardware highlights of the iPhone 5 includes the inclusion of 3 microphones and new HD cameras on both sides of the device. On the back, an 8-megapixel featuring a 25 percent smaller size and improved optics will continue to prove popular for high detail photography as well as 1080p HD video with better image stabilization. The ability to create panorama shooting will be a new quirky feature all iPhone 5 users can easily adapt to out-and-about. A forward-facing has been upgraded from VGA to 720p HD quality for crisper images while using video conferencing feature FaceTime.

Another notable change comes with the connecting ports and the peripherals needed to interact with the new Apple iPhone. A "Lightning" connector and cable is said to be more durable and smarter than the connection used on previous iPhone models. An adaptor will be sold to allow the Lightning port to connect with traditional 30-pin Apple compatible items. The Apple EarPods are redesigned for more comfortable, individualized listening.





While some Apple product users are already familiar with IOS 6 platform, the potential of Apple's recently introduced operating system truly comes to life in the iPhone 5. Enhanced Siri software, voice navigation for driving and the ticket and gift card electronic storage solution Passbook are all found inside the new Apple device. For greater personalization and customization, Apple's immense App Store of IOS 6 compatible programs will be open to the iPhone 5.

Going on sale September 21st, pre-ordering of the Apple iPhone 5 starts on September 14th. The Apple iPhone 5 will come in three price ranges dictated by internal storage capacity. With two-year cell phone service activation in the United States, the iPhone 5 16-gigabyte model will start at $199. A 32-gigabyte model at $299 and a 64-gigabyte iPhone 5 at $399. In Canada, the online Apple store is listing the iPhone 5 at a starting price of $699 without a phone plan (price does not specify gigabyte amount). At this time, only Bell Mobility has advertised the new iPhone for sale but Rogers, Fido and Koodo are said to be supporting the upcoming Apple device. The Apple iPhone will be sold with black and white casings.

Apple Inc. has succeeded in keeping some electronic consumers on a product treadmill that consists of buying the latest and greatest technology. Since the first iPhone was released in the United States during 2007, the tactic has worked well for Apple so far. The introduction of the iPhone 5 is expected to maintain the fanatical following. In NASDAQ closing on the day of the iPhone 5 device's unveiling, Apple stock surged up $9.20 to a $669.79 per share price on expectations that the California headquartered company has again created a product that will win over consumers.

Information and photo source: Apple Inc

Sony Reveals New Wave of Professional Grade Cameras

While most consumers have gotten used to the digital camera as something that now fits into our cell phones and tablets, anyone can capture that important personal or family moment. Taking a picture has become a task even a child can perform with the basic point-and-shoot cameras. While the inexpensive and easy picture-taking and video-making devices have proven hot, people making a living in still or motion capturing require higher grade, more capable technology so they can share potentially monumental moments. 

Electronics powerhouse Sony has introduced a slew of new high-end cameras meant to provide greater flexibility options for professional photographers and videographers.

Sony a99 DSLR Camera

Price: $2,800 (body-only)






Sony's flagship DSLR camera, the a99 is described as providing peak performance for recording a combination of photo and video. Constructed with magnesium alloy panels for durability and lightness, the Sony a99 DSLR incorporates Translucent Mirror Technology that eliminates the moving mirror previously used for full-frame imaging. Equipped with XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder technology, the Sony a99 camera can crisply balance brightness, contrast and clarity as well as maintain a 100% field of view with DT lenses.

The Sony a99 camera 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor joins the BIONZ image processing engine that is capable of handling a sizable amount of data. The a99 is able to record up to 6 still shots per second in burst mode at high level resolution. In Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode, the Sony a99 can capture 10 frames per second. Providing a full range of automatic and manual settings for still shots, the a99 also set for providing Full HD 60p/24p progressive video recording.

The Sony a99 is designed to optimize the SDXS memory cards allowing readable data transfer speeds up to 94 megabytes per second.

Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder

Price: $3,300 US (Body-only)


Advertised as the "World's First 35mm Full-Frame Handycam Camcorder" by Sony, the NEX-VG900 is created to unleash creative potential of semi-professional filmmakers.

Utilizing a Exmor CMOS sensor (a technology 40 times larger than the equivalent sensor found in typical consumer camcorders), the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder captures still images at a 24.3 megapixel resolution. Supplying film-like video, the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder is packed with numerous modes for Full HD quality picture in 60p or 24p frame rates. Automated and manually operated settings assures a professional level of work is produced from this latest Sony product. Along with superior picture quality, Sony has provided a Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone on the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder that allows support for 5.1 surround sound.

A seesaw lever and the adaptability for fit a wide range of interchangeable lenses will make the Nex-VG900 Handycam Camcorder a valuable piece of motion picture production. The NEX Series of camcorders are designed to use Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX Series of storage.

Sony NEX-VG30H/VG30 Handycam Camcorder

Price: NEX-VG30- $1,800 US (Body-only), NEX-VG30H- $2,700 US



A little less sophisticated than the NEX-VG900 Handycam, the NEX-VG30H and NEX-VG30 camcorders has been created to incorporated many of the same professional film-making features. Also capable of shooting Full HD, the base model NEX-VG30 and better equipped NEX-VG30H Handycam models incorporate a 16.1 megapixel resolutions for capturing detailed still shots. The NEX-VG30H comes with a SELP-18200 E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Power Zoom lens that makes anything from wide angle to telephoto shots achievable.

Sony Cyber-shot RX1 Compact Digital Camera 

Price: $2,800 US


A 24.3 megapixel compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is a powerful image capturing device featured with a small palm-sized body. Capable of taking 35mm full-frame image quality, the Cyper-shot RX1 camera includes Pixel Super Resolution digital zoom technology as one piece of software suited for creating professional still pictures. A Carl Zeiss-brand lens is added to the Cyper-shot RX1 digital camera allowing a photographer to take splendid shots in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. With a full array of automatic and manual adjustments available for photogs with the Cyper-shot RX1, the camera also includes 13 Creative Styles meant to fine-tune an image to near perfection.

Primarily a still shot digital camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is also effect for taking Full HD video.

Sony NEX-6 Camera

Price: $850 US



Designed to provide a full DSLR experience in a compact camera, the Sony NEX-6 digital camera is a considerably well loaded image-capturing device guaranteed to win over some professional photographers. Featuring a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor allowing up to 16.1 megapixel pictures to be snapped, the Sony NEX-6 also supplies Wi-Fi capabilities as well as access to the recently-introduced PlayMemories Camera Apps platform. A set of free apps, the PlayMemories Mobile programs can allow photos to be directly uploaded to popular social media sites including Facebook. The NEX-6's 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display can pivot to a 90-degree or 45-degree down angle so photographers can easily identify when the right shot can be taken.

The Sony NEX-6 digital camera can also be ordered for $1,000 equipped with the compact SELP1650 power zoom lens.


Information and Photo Source: Sony Electronics

Tablets R Us: Major US Toy Retailer Introduces Tabeo

Photo Credit: Toys "R" Us

With September barely two weeks old, the month has featured a greatest rollout of tablet computer hardware for a last time. Started with the new Sony Xperia tablet, Kobo and Amazon also revealed some major improvements to delivering mobile content to consumers. Much of the focus placed on the teen and adult market of portable technology, major retailer Toys “R” Us has announced the Tabeo as a young kid-centric tablet.

Not the first concept in kid-friendly tablets, the Toys “R” Us backed Tabeo is a high functioning device. Controlled through a 7-inch touch screen, the Wi-Fi enabled Tabeo is equipped with a built-in speaker, microphone and camera. Running on the Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” operating system, a child is actually interacting with a tablet similar to want parents utilize in more adult-like computing. In the case of the Tabeo, a range of parental controls is built into the software to restrict online access. Standard equipped with a 4-gigabyte internal hardware, the Tabeo’s memory is expandable up to 32 gigabytes using micro SDHC cards. While unclear by the photos, it would be desirable that some kind of childproofing would be put into place in order to prevent a young boy or girl from coming into contact alone with the tiny memory card.

Through 50 preloaded apps and the ability to upload over 7,000 free child appropriate programs through an App Store, Tabeo is capable is providing a wide span of educational and entertainment solutions to a child. Games such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope and Tiki Golf are some of the more carefree playing experiences preloaded on the Tabeo. As a more educationally engaging interaction, the Tabeo provides several apps to help children gain familiarity with counting and the alphabet. Kids can also explore their inspiring shutterbug abilities with the Camera App and built-in photo editing capabilities of the tablet. The Tabeo has the ability to view several formats of still as well as video files including those presented at 1080p. The tablet also functions as an ereader with iStorybooks, Candy Factory and Little Red Riding Hood included as an introductory library ideal for bedtime.
  

Photo Credit: Toys "R" Us

When this announcement came for this latest tablet for children, the moment caused me to recall my childhood spent with a Whiz Kid computer. Less than sophisticated than any computer device any age group is used to more than 20 years later, I did remember spending quite a bit of time with the educational cards containing various programs. Another thing I recalled about my Whiz Kid was my constant dependence on my parents to get me more batteries. In the case of the Tabeo, a lithium ion battery can provide up to 7 hours of enjoyment for a child (more than enough for extended Car rides). The device is rechargeable by a USB power adapter.

Set to hit United States based Toys “R” Us stores for October 21^st, parents can pre-order the device right now for $149.99. There appears to be no plans to introduce the Tabeo tablet to Canadian stores.

Kobo Introduces New eReader Family

Photo Source: PRNewsFoto/Kobo

Just in time as children go back to school and college students hit the books on their path to a future in Canada, electronic reading solution company Kobo debuts a diverse line of products positioned to win over many demographics. Referred by the company as the "New Kobo Family", the new array gives buyers a varying choice ranging from basic eReaders to more sophisticated tablet computers. 

Three of the four products in the Kobo family focuses bear strictly on the eReader bases which is attractive in both pricing and simplicity for a sizable population. Named the #1 eReader in 2012 by Wired, the touch-screen model of the Kobo continues to be popular. Priced at $99.99, the Kobo Touch is Wi-Fi enabled for immediate uploads of books with a maximum capacity ranging up to 30,000 literary works. The Kobo Touch will feature upgraded software to allow digital readers to better experience their literary enjoyment.

Two completely new products sold by Kobo are some of the smallest, lightest examples of the company's eReader platforms. Compared to the Kobo Touch's 7-inch screen, the Kobo Mini will offer just a 5-inch screen. Kobo advertises their new Mini as the most compact eReader currently available with full-featured E Ink. Even though the Kobo Mini screen is 5 inches, the E Ink insures a no-glare reading experience almost exactly like viewing print on paper. Designed to be small effort to fit easily into a backpack, purse or even pocket, the Kobo Mini can provide a most portable reading experience of up to 1,000 ebooks. Going on sale October 1st, the Kobo Mini will sell for $79.99 available in three sharp colours.

A 6-inch eReader called the Kobo Glo is also a new addition to the product line-up of the company. As could be disseminated from the model name, the Kobo Glo has been created to address the downside of some eReaders. Incorporating ComfortLight technology, the Kobo Glo can be read in dark making it comfortable for reading in a room with low light or when relaxing in bed ahead of a good night's rest. The Kobo Glo includes E Ink, customizable fonts as well as Wi-Fi technology for a simple, easily adaptable reading experience for new eReader customers. Priced at $129.99 when placed on sale at the start of October, there will be a total of five colours offered for the casing of the Kobo Glo including black, white and three stylish shades.      

The most premium product of the Kobo Family is the source of some great improvement as they compete in the super-hot tablet computer market. The Android-based tablet Kobo had sold as the Vox is heavily upgraded and renamed the Arc. Adding a built-in microphone and a 1.3 megapixel camera, the Kobo Arc runs on the Android 4.0 operating system. Beyond books, television shows, movies, music and a full Internet surfing experience is presented through the Kobo Arc's 7-inch high definition display capable of showing up to 16 million colours. The Kobo Arc also presents the Google Play app community to users allowing access to over 600,000 Android-created apps. Twitter, Facebook, Zinio and PressReader are names of a few well-known apps available on the Kobo Arc. Containing a more enduring battery over its predecessor, maximum life for the Arc ranges up to 10 hours (a 3-hour improvement over the Vox). Available in November just in time for holiday shopping, the Kobo Arc will feature an 8-gigabyte model for $199.99 and a 16-gigabyte choice for $249.99.

The Kobo family of eReaders and the Arc tablet computer can access a diverse ebookstore of almost 3 million titles available in nearly 60 languages.

Canadians Consumed Growing Amount of Media in 2011: CRTC Report

Photo Credit: CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.

As citizens of a massive land mass separated by hills, mountains the occasional waterway, Canadians have existed in a society that historically connects us through extraordinary means. From the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed through the late 19th century, the 20th century embraced wide telecommunication and broadcasting networks that integrated a country that could have otherwise been isolated by geographic separation. Combined with Canada's typically trying weather during the winter seasons, the allure of media content has allowed Canadians spanning across age groups to explore and surrender a few hours. According to a recently-published annual report by government-supported regulator CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), 2011 tends to indicate English as well as French speaking Canadians have realized an increased amount of content across radio, television, Internet and mobile platforms. 
While a pop song once popularized the phrase "Video Killed the Radio Star", the "Spirit of Radio" (perhaps not unlike the one Canadian rock band Rush sang about in 1980) remains a part of 21st century life in Canada. In 2011, the CRTC has computed the average Canadian listened to 17.7 hours of radio per week. A slight increase from the previous year, it is possible some listening is incidental in restaurants and stores.

In terms of Canadian viewing habits with television, the appetite remains strong for so-called "Couch Potatoes". In 2011, the average Canadian television viewer watched 28.5 hours of content (up from 28 hours in 2010). Despite the increase access to on-line sources for entertainment and information, improvements to television content delivery such as video-on-demand as well as digital cable has kept the medium popular among media consumers in Canada. While the average subscription cost has increased by $2.13 per month in 2011 compared to the previous year, paid television remains a popular option. With 11.8 million Canadians subscribed to television broadcast services, cable leads over satellite accounting for 70 percent in the category compared to 24 percent. The CRTC also notes a 6 percent present of telephone line-based television content delivery.

A source for decades, radio and television have been sharing an increasing amount of the media landscape with forms of new digital media. Through digital media, consumption along English-language Canada has shown a remarkable raise in 2011 over the previous year. Rating the average Canadian spending 18.2 hours a week engaging in digital media content during 2011, it is almost an increase of a full hour from 2010. Average French language Canadian spent 13.1 hours a week with digital media content.

CNW Group/Bell Canada

When it comes to experiencing the Internet at home, 78 percent of Canadians have a subscription to the vast virtual world that stretch beyond the country's borders. Of those customers of Internet, 54 percent utilize connections that involve a minimum of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) Internet download speeds. In 2011, the typical Canadian watched 2.8 hours of Internet television content per week according to the annual report from the Canadian telecommunications regulator. The CRTC has also realized that a modest 4 percent of the Canadian public now absorb content exclusively through on-line sources. Music streaming through radio or as downloadable content is also recorded as modest. English-speaking Canadians usage was accounted at 22 percent while 17 percent French-speaking users in the country utilize the Internet for accessing music or other audio programs.

The annual report of 2011 also recognized the smartphone and tablet technology many Canadians have been embracing more each year. Accounting that 38% of Canadians use a smartphone and 10% had a tablet computer at the time of the study, the CRTC identified the smaller devices as possessing a smaller piece of the media puzzle. With only 4 percent of Canadians watched television on tablets and 3 percent watched the similar content on smartphones. With the rapid advance of technology, the data for smartphones and tablets is more than likely set for an increase within annual reports going forward.

Showing that no single platform is ultimately conquering Canada's media spectrum, radio, television and new media should paint a diverse culture for citizens to absorb content. The CRTC annual report for 2011 also makes several mentions of enhanced technologies (LTE and over 5 Mbps Internet) that should insure the sprawling of the landscape could be as ambitious as the far-reaching lands we have built a country.