Apple Watch: Apple's Very Own Wearable Device

Apple has finally announced its first ever wearable, the Apple Watch. It has a curved sapphire crystal glass Retina display in 38mm and 42mm case sizes. It comes in three different styles — basic Apple Watch (made of stainless steel or space black stainless), Apple Watch Sport (made of silver or space gray anodized aluminum), and the Apple Watch Edition (made of 18-karat rose or yellow gold) that surely fits any style preference. All three designs will have interchangeable wristbands, each with a quick-remove clasp.

It is extremely customizable, having 11 watch faces that include traditional analog options, playful characters, a contemporary sundial, and an interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon, and planets. Most faces allow you to change colors, choose design elements, and add functionality. You can choose from a variety of straps, including a sport band (made of tough, durable, sweat and chemical resistant rubber), link bracelet, leather loop, classic buckle, modern buckle, and Milanese loop, all made from a variety of materials.

Its screen is scratch-resistant and is highly sensitive that it can differentiate between a tap and a press. It can even vibrate with alerts using a haptic feedback component and a speaker.

It has a Digital Crown, which also serves as the Home button. The Digital Crown turns rotary movements into digital actions onscreen. Turning the Digital Crown will navigate through menus, zoom in and out, as well as scroll up and down depending on the app you are using.

Pressing the Digital Crown will bring you to the Home page while pressing the button next to it will bring out your Friends.

It has four IR and LED sensors protected by four sapphire glasses that are used to monitor a wearer's health and fitness, track movement, heart rate, and activity, which are fed into Apple's Health app.

The back of the Apple Watch is made of tough zirconia and is used as an inductive charging plate. With its inductive charging and magsafe magnetic locking, there's no need to align charging pins and expose contacts.

The Apple Watch runs with a custom-built S1 chip paired with Taptic engine — a vibrating motor that provides physical feedback on receiving notifications.

Like other smartwatches, Apple Watch is meant to be used in conjunction with an iPhone. Unfortunately, it will only work with iPhone 5 and later.

The Apple Watch has Siri for voice control and for dictating messages. You can reply to messages using Siri, animated emoji, or automatically generated responses. It can also be used as a walkie-talkie to chat with other Apple Watch users nearby. You can even send little sketches to your friends, as well as a recording of your heartbeat.

According to Apple, the Apple Watch can control Apple TV, act as a remote camera viewfinder when paired with an iPhone, and pay for goods using Apple Pay. Not only that, it can also support the Handoff feature introduced with iOS 8.

Apple Watch will be officially released in the US early 2015.

There is not much to learn about the specifications of Apple Watch as of yet. However, these are what we have gathered so far:

Specifications	Apple Watch
Display Shape	Square
Display Case	38mm (height) and 42mm (height)
Display	Sapphire Crystal Glass
Resolution	Retina
Color	Polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodized aluminum, or 18-karat rose or yellow gold
Strap	34 different band options
Dimensions	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Touchscreen	Yes
NFC	Yes
GPS	No (needs to be paired with an iPhone)
Intelligent Assistant	Siri
Processor	Custom S1 SiP
Storage	Unknown
RAM	Unknown
Operating System	iOS
Battery Life	Unknown
Connectivity	802.11b/g, Bluetooth 4.0
Sensors	Accelerometer, Heart Rate
SRP	Starts at $349

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Where Are Computers Heading in the Next Five Years and Beyond?

Do you remember when the first primitive computing machines occupied entire floors in buildings? The massive machines from the mid-20th century consisted of row upon row of vacuum tubes and wires. You had to use stacks of punch cards to program these beasts. A single laptop had more information and memory than a single floor of these early computers.

Home Computers and the Future

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were both instrumental in bringing the computer down to size. With the introduction of the personal computer and its widespread acceptance, computers shrunk while processing power increased. Even the bulky monitors got a makeover with today’s flat LCD monitors. Costs have decreased so much over the years that many households own several personal computers using a single wireless network. In truth, nothing will render the home PC obsolete, but technology will change it. Television sets and other appliances can be Internet-enabled and blend appliances into the home network.

Laptops, Netbooks, Ultra-books and the Future

First laptops, then netbooks, and now ultra-books. These mobile devices share several characteristics including the integrated folding design and portability. Differences include size and storage methods. Despite their similarities and differences, future technology points to a trend that could make this category obsolete soon.

Tablets, Smartphones and the Future

After the iPad influenced future computer trends, it was soon followed by a flood of tablets, and soon smartphones as well. With small sizes, simple designs, extreme portability, Internet access, thousands of apps, and loads of features, tablets and smartphones can do just about anything a full-size laptop or netbook can do. They fall short in the keyboard arena, but technology can change this soon.

Speech Recognition and Touchscreen Technology for the Future

While speech recognition is still imperfect, it has improved greatly in recent years. Not only is the keyboard in danger, the mouse is too, thanks to touchscreen technology. Tablets and smartphones currently make use of touchscreen technology and many desktops now come with touchscreen LCD’s.

The future of computers is fast approaching in the next five years and even beyond. If the first decade of the 21^st century is to be used as a guide or indicator, some of the most powerful advances in the world of computers and computer technology are likely to be completely unforeseen, as what happened from 2000 to 2010. After all, some of the most powerful technologies of the past have taken us by surprise.

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Tech Solutions That Keep Small Business Productive

Think back to how business was done before the onset of the 21^st century. There was no e-mail, Internet, mobile marketing, telecommuting, or smartphones. Now communications are instantaneous, huge amounts of information move through e-mail and the Internet, and powerful tools are in the hands of businesses and its employees. Innovations in technology have improved operations with businesses of all sizes and helped turn small local businesses into global businesses due to increase in productivity.

Productivity in General

Small businesses need to wring every ounce of productivity out of their operations and technology solutions help employees get tasks done more quickly. This may range from printing out marketing materials to providing customer service through online chat. The key is to keep employees focused when using technology and to use it appropriately with the goal of saving time. A simple phone call with the right hardware and updated software can work wonders for peak productivity.

Communication Gadgets and Applications                             

Cell phones have become business necessities for proprietors and employees. These devices are lifelines for staying in touch when on the road and responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner. Smartphones raise the bar higher with access to the Internet, e-mail, and business applications in a small hand held device. Advanced types of SMS and social networking are other advances in communication that keep small businesses connected to their customer bases and improve internal communication within the business.

Marketing Applications

Technology has freed small businesses from the restrictions of print ads when it comes to reaching new and existing customers. Internet marketing ranges from a simple informational website, to advertising on search engines, to online selling and purchasing. Newsletters, coupons, and business or product updates are normal part and parcel of all business websites. Mobile marketing is a relatively new but effective frontier that reaches people through text messaging, advertising on mobile applications, and offering branded applications that tie customers into what is happening with the business in a fun and entertaining way.

Open-Source Software

Open-source software provides small business owners with alternatives to using mainstream commercial applications in its daily management of their businesses. Open-source software is attractive for many business owners because it typically requires no financial investment and frequently has the flexibility to fit perfectly with a business owner’s needs.

Time Tracking Tools

From billing your clients hourly or for monitoring hourly rates for employees, small business owners can find significant value in keeping track of time. This has a number of benefits including making your project estimates more accurate and helping you boost your productivity. There are many time tracking tools available, including desktop applications, online tools, and even services integrated into larger project management software.

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Leading Tech Trends This 2014

There have been a lot of tech products that came out last year, all promising to be ahead in the race as the new face of technology. From smart watches to Android gaming consoles, each of them caught our tech-savvy eyes one way or another. But what are the stand outs among those amazing gadgets that came out on the not-so-far ago 2013? Chances are, they will still be the frontrunners when it comes to tech trends as 2014 just stepped in. Enter, our 2014 leading tech trends list.

Battle of the Smartwatch

We witnessed a considerable amount of smartwatches released last 2013. Each has its own special and unique feature, eventhough each also has its own flaw or is lacking when it comes to functionality. This year, we are looking forward to Google and Apple entering this market with a bang. With its ability to integrate Siri and Google's Google Now, as well as the ability for mass production at reasonable prices, they both have the edge to put something that will really be something useful to smartwatch users. As for Samsung, it will be offering a follow-up to its Galaxy Gear this year as well.

Higher Resolution and Curved Displays in Smartphones

For the past couple of years, display resolution on high-end smartphones keeps getting better and better. This year, Samsung Galaxy S5 is reported to be sporting a 2,560 x 1,440 display, which sounds like a new standard in smartphone screen resolution. Another upcoming trend in the smartphone world is the curved glass. This has been justified in the late 2013 when LG and Samsung released phones with curved glass design. With its new look, we're seeing more curved phone models go large in the market this 2014.

Laptops Powered via USB Connection

Because of the inconvenience of getting a replacement for your laptop's defective AC adapter, a new standard has been developed that will allow devices such as laptops and large tablets to get power and data over a single USB connection. During a demo at CES 2013, a laptop gets power in and then sends out an HD Video out via USB connection. This will definitely make a hot trend, since consumers will benefit on the practicality of having a single connection to power and send/receive data, soon on their laptop.

More Affordable Wearable Computing Devices

When Google Glass was shipped last year to a selected group of people who paid $1,500 and accepted the challenge of using it in its beta stage, many felt it was something meant for the upper-class only. But since then, Google has improved its designs and has made enough marketing to create a much-needed trend among consumers. We're looking forward to a more affordable version of Google Glass within this year.

But we're also expecting other companies to rise to the occasion, not just Google. There is also a big chance that Samsung and LG will be releasing the same type of product in 2014.

Bigger iPhone and iPad

The iPhone and iPad's size can be one of the main complaints that we can throw at Apple right now. Considering its competitors' 5.7-inch for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and 5-inch for the Galaxy S4, we can say that Apple has been pretty conservative in the screen aspect. With the upcoming release of the iPhone 6, we're expecting it to have a bigger display, say around 4.5 to 5 inches, that can compete at par with the rest of its humongous-screen rivals. Along with this, there were also reports that a 12-inch iPad will also be coming out soon. Beat that!

Windows Start Menu's Great Comeback

When a new version of Windows, probably Windows 8.2 comes out, we're hoping to see our good ol' Start Menu is back where it's supposed to be. With all the confusion brought about by the Metro UI of Windows 8, it would be nice to see something so familiar yet so useful back in our screens. Of course, the Metro UI will still be around for those who want to stick with it. Besides, it's a great interface for tablet and smartphone users anyway.

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A Sneak Peak at car Force One: The Most High Tech Cab in New York Today

If you happen to be in New York, there's a good chance you'll get to see the hottest and coolest taxi cab there is...it's none other than the Car Force One. Sounds intimidating, right? And no, it's not the official car of President Barack Obama however, it is one ride that's fit for His Excellency. The Car Force One, which is founded and currently owned by Ishai (last name not revealed), is a luxury car service that transports you around New York along with tons of up-to-date amenities with no additional charge.

According to Ishai, his company's goal is to achieve full customer satisfaction. “My company is not about the car, it’s about the service. It’s for the clients,” said Ishai. Since July 2009, Ishai has been a cab driver and has been developing his vehicles with the help of his creative team. So what's in store with the most high-tech cab in New York? His 2011 Chevrolet SUV's loaded with gadgets such as an Xbox 360, which will be upgraded to Sony PlayStation 4 once it goes available, a 23-inch Samsung HD monitor, cable TV with premium HD channels, a Blu-Ray player, 4G Internet connection, a fully functioning laptop, refreshments, and the list goes on.

Ishai created the Car Force One with 3 visions in mind -- convenience and comfort, multimedia entertainment, and a fully-equipped mobile office. These are major plus points, especially for people in New York, who always do business even when traveling and wants everything done in a jiffy. And if you still can't get enough of the cool gadgets that you can possibly experience with this vehicle, here's a more elaborate list.

Convenience and Comfort	Multimedia Entertainment	Mobile Office
Chargers for iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 5s, Samsung and BlackBerry phones on every side/seat	23-inch full HD 1920 x 1080p monitor that’s hooked up for 5 different uses:  - Internet, Blu-ray movies, live cable TV, gaming console and pictures and videos from SD card reader.	Fully functioning laptop hooked up to 23-inch monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse
Fully functioning laptop hooked up to 23-inch monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse	Gaming console (Xbox 360 for now, he has already ordered PS4)	4G Wi-Fi that clients can connect to on their own devices
2 Power and 2 USB outlets in front	Samsung Blu-ray player	3 mobile printers: - 4 x 6 photo printer - an all-in-one scanner/printer - an HP OfficeJet printer
Climate control unit to adjust seat heaters, fan speed, car temperature and radio station tuner	Live cable TV (Time Warner) with premium channels such as Disney and HBO	Full-size wireless keyboard (held in place with Velcro)
Remote controls throughout car to adjust lighting on/off and dimming	2 headrest monitors hooked up to Blu-ray player	Wireless mouse (snaps in place with magnetic holder)
Phone holders near charging cables on sides of car	Theater surround-sound system	Adjustable table as a writing surface that holds the keyboard and mouse
Cup holders	More than 200 titles of Blu- ray movies in a 2TB hard drive, an additional 30 titles for kids	SD card reader for memory card file transfer
Overhead vanity/”makeup” mirrors for every seat	Up-to-date magazines and newspapers
Mobile “bathroom,” as a client called it, side dock with: - Victoria’s Secret lotions and colognes - hand sanitizers - Wet Ones to go - Kleenex to go	Lights of 6 different colors: - green in front for the flowers, - purple - blue - red in third row for “It’s like Amsterdam back there” - modified white interior car lights - yellow adjustable reading light - Strobe/party lights in bottom of middle row
3 coolers (2 for now) that serve as mini-bars, offering cold drinks such as: - bottled water - orange juice - apple juice - Diet Coke - Sprite - Coors Light (Plans to add fruit salad cups)
Mobile baby station with: - bottle warmer - baby wipes warmer - paper towels
Adjustable individual reading lights
Flowers (on the weekends)
Neck pillows, sleeping mask
2 full-size umbrellas, adding 2 smaller ones
Infant and toddler car seats and boosters
- First aid kit - Emergency seat belt cutter - Window breaker - Fire extinguisher
Cleaning at car wash every 2 weeks

Dying to get a ride in the Car Force One? Reservations start at $45 for a trip from the Upper West Side to Wall Street, while shorter distances start at $35. Not a bad deal since the same trip will set you back some $30 in a regular yellow cab during moderate traffic, including a 20% tip. According to Ishai, a minimum fee for reservations is imposed because of the commitment it makes, as well as the opportunity cost involved. The company also doesn't charge cancellation or change fees. For regulars, he offers better rates and sometimes even offers free rides for short trips when he's not busy during his in-between client time.

Here's the catch, though. If you are planning to make a reservation of the Car Force One today and expect to get a ride the next day, then you're in for a huge disappointment. Making a reservation of the Car Force One should be done as early as possible because of its very tight schedule. The company receives bookings for March as early as 6-9 months before the book date. Most customers hire the company's high-tech vehicle for airport and business pickups.

You can make an online reservation by going to the Car Force One website, log in using the "carforceone" username and "president" as the password. You will be required to open an account for 15% off posted rates. Mr. Ishai is now planning of upgrading his gadgets with those that will be featured in the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which he will be attending this coming January. Some of the upgrades he's planning to make are:

• A 4K or 3D monitor (without glasses)
• Wireless phone charging dock
• A Karaoke machine
• Heated or cool cup holders
• A mousepad that can be used on the lap 

But what makes the Car Force One extra special, aside from its cool gadgets and complete amenities, is the reliability and customer service that the customer gets every time they avail of the company's service. Because of this, Ishai's regular customers grow in numbers, and he also gets to be their confidant for some! Although, for people who gets to see this awesome cab for the first time, it's the up-to-date technology that it offers is mainly the head-turner of New York's one and only, Car Force One.

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Awesome Gadgets That Can Make You Stay Fit

Admit it, we all love gadgets. Whenever a new one comes out, it becomes a trend on all forms of media. Whether we want to use it for entertainment, surfing, music, health, or simply just to brag it around to your friends, gadgets catch our attention one way or another. Gadgets that help you improve and monitor your health are now widely used simply because they are designed to help make the best out of your workout sessions, track your health progress, and have fun while sweating it out at the same time. Here are some health-oriented gadgets that all "calorie-counters" and "gym go-ers" will surely like.

Amiigo Fitness Bracelet

This is a 2-in-1 fitness bracelet that is designed to track and recognize every workout that you perform. The device has 2 parts: one is worn as a bracelet, and the other one on your shoe. It tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and skin temperature. Other features include wireless charging and it's fully waterproof. Information on your activity is sent back to your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth connection. Price: $99 - $119

Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale

The Fitbit Aria is an ideal gadget for people who are regularly monitoring their weight. It is a bathroom scale that measures your weight and body fat, and syncs the stats to your Fitbit Web account where you can log and track your physical fitness activities, food intake, and even how much sleep you are getting. You can also use the data collected by the Fitbit Aria scale to other Fitbit apps. It has a stylish and low profile design with easy-to-see readouts. This device can be used by the entire family since it can support up to 8 users. Price: $129.95

Sportiiiis

For those who love cycling, check this out. Sportiiiis is a Heads Up Display (HUD) and audio system that provides instant visual feedback on your workout and racing data (Heart Rate, Cadence, Power, Speed, Pace, and other ANT+ compatible data). It has multi-colored LEDs positioned in your peripheral vision, which can be easily attached to virtually any pair of glasses. It's also included with a heart rate monitor and built-in speaker that gives out voice prompts with detailed levels of performance. Just do a simple tap on the unit and you will get a verbal update of your current workout, so it's less distracting and will still keep you focused on your track. Sportiiiis is also compatible with ANT+ enabled devices so that you can easily integrate it with your current training tools. Price: $149

Sensoria Smart Sock

Sensoria Smart Sock is another product innovation that allows you to track your activity, stride, speed, distance, calories, and most importantly, how your foot lands on the ground. It's specially designed for runners to help them determine how fast and how far they're running, and how to improve their running performance at the same time. It's ideal for runners, athletes, and personal trainers because it greatly helps in improving their running performance and reduce the risk of possible injuries. The Sensoria technology integrated in this sock provides foot landing technique analysis to detect heel pressure, and stride cadence to improve the wearer's performance. Imagine an ordinary sock with an anklet sensor and a virtual coach mobile app to provide visual analysis is considered a revolutionary way to stay safe and fit. Price: $119

BodyMedia FIT

Looking for an added boost in your weight loss program? Try the BodyMedia FIT system. It consists a wearable armband that measures the calories burned, steps taken, nutritional analysis, sleep quality, and monitors your exercise intensity. It also includes a free BodyMedia FIT app for your smartphone to provide you with real-time data on your workout sessions via Bluetooth connection with the armband. You can also log your food intake and create customized workouts using its Online Activity Manager. It's another great way to know your body, be healthy, and improve your lifestyle. The BodyMedia FIT system offers a 3-month free trial period. Price: $119.99

So lose that bulging tummy with the help of these cool fitness gadget companions.

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