What's On Tech?

I know it's been a while since the release of the iPhone 5c and 5s, but I finally had a chance to get one in my hands and try it out. I am 100% with you when people say "It's the same phone" and for the most part you are right. I decided to challenge myself to see what is the different between the iPhone 5c and its predecessor the iPhone 5. I won't go over the obvious similarities such as processors, screen size, etc, however I will go over the main differences that benefit myself and may benefit you as well. Materials One of the most controversial changes to the iPhone, the plastic backing. People joke that the iPhone 5c is a iPhone 5 with plastic melted on the back. I assure you, the shape of the back is different, more rounded and most importantly lighter. This isn't the same plastic that your rubbermaid containers are made of, this is polycarbonate plastic. This is the same material that is used in bulletproof glass and the cock pit of large pl...

Remember those outrageously priced apps made by Apple that are advertised daily on the App Store main page? Well, thanks to the folks at Apple, those apps that range in cost from $4.99 to $9.99 are now absolutely free on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. NOTE: If the apps DO NOT show up free right away, please make sure you have the latest software update (iOS 7.0.3) OR restart your device. Here are some of the great apps that Apple offers: Garageband - Turn your mobile device into a recording studio. With Garageband you can record multiple tracks of voice, keyboard, guitar, bass and even drums. This program isn't just for recording songs, you can also create podcasts and voice memos with a great lineup of effects. After recording a session you can share your files through email, Soundcloud, iCloud and other media sites. iMovie - iMovie allows you to create and edit your own videos/movies all on your mobile device. Not only can you crop videos, but now you can...

I have been hearing some issues as it relates to iMessage and iOS 7. If you are having trouble sending or receiving iMessage please try these steps: - First turn off iMessage - Settings>Messages>OFF. After doing this, send a text message to see if the problem is either iMessage or your service provider. - Log out of your Apple ID - Settings>Messages>OFF, Settings>Facetime>OFF, Itunes and App Stores>Sign Out. After doing this log back in to all three services. - If still not working - Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings. Once it has reset, go back into Settings>General>Reset>Reset Settings. DO NOT Erase all content. Do that only as a last resort. Some of these steps have been proven to work, other times you just have to be patient and wait for your iMessage account to go back on line. With the release of iPhone 5s and 5c that Apple servers have clearly been taking a beating, so you may have to wait until your account becomes active ag...

There have been concerns with the supposed improving battery life of the new iOS 7 update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Some people have seen no improvement at all, while some have seen a tremendous change. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you are getting the most battery life out of your device. 1. Go into Settings and select "General" 2.  From General Settings scroll down to "Background App Refresh" 3.  From here you can either shut down apps that don't require to be refreshed or you can select to shut down all background app processes. This will eliminate any activity going on while the phone is on standby. 4.  Lastly, to confirm, "Disable Background App Refresh".

Most people if not every person that comes into my store has a problem getting their Cogeco account set up on their new smartphone. In theory the correct email settings are: Incoming: Account Type: POP Incoming server: pop.cogeco.ca User Name: just username not full email address SSL: Off Port: 110 Outgoing: Outgoing Server: smtp.cogeco.ca SSL: Off Port: 25 Authentication is not needed for either of these settings. This should work, according to Cogeco's website. The problem is, most people have an account with Cogeco that does not allow them to have email on another device. There is a block is Cogeco's system that will limit email use only when in home under Wifi. Cogeco will restrict use of their server on the device and prevent you from sending email. What's the fix? Give Cogeco a call. They are good people, ask them to lift the block and double check to make sure your settings are correct.

Passbook is a confusing yet exciting feature of the new iOS featured on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. One that I find of great use is "Shop Wise" Shop Wise works much like Groupon. It finds your current location to show you geographically where the best deals and sales are. They aren't necessarily coupons, could just be a half of sale going on. Once you select the deal, you can add it to your passbook to scan at the retailer our outlet. Check it out! It is after all free on the Ape App Store.

There have already been rumours surfacing of a iOS powered Apple iWatch in the mix for some time. The initial idea came from third party accessory makers creating watch bands for the last generation of iPod Nanos. The idea of a smartwatch brings up many questions, mainly, what the hell is the point? The main benefits listed so far would be to use running our step counting apps for fitness purposes. That sounds great and all, but the idea of a Internet based watch leads me to the next question, how long will the battery last? According to Apple their iWatch hasn't been released due to the battery testing not lasting longer than a day. If they are serious about releasing a product like this, they need it to last. The two big hitters in the smartwatch race are Samsung with the Galaxy Watch and Apple with the iWatch. No confirmed release date, just some concept pictures to tease with.

There is a new update available for iPhone. Update 6.1.3 fixes some bugs, specifically the one which allows someone to bypass your security pass code. To download go to: - Settings - General - Software Update

Thorsten Heins or as I like to call him Thor recently stated that Blackberry World will be receiving twice as many apps as we're released at initial launch day. Some of these apps include long awaiting releases of banking apps from TD and CIBC. Thor predicts 100, 000 apps to be on Blackberry World by the big US release of the Z10 on March 22nd.

On top of the great features that the Galaxy S IV, Samsung has released an Elite line up of accessories to work with all the built in apps being released with the device. You didn't think all this stuff would be included did you? Wireless Charging Pad/Cover Game Controller This is a really cool feature for mobile gamers. A game controller modelled after the Xbox 360 controller. Works great with an AllShare Samsung TV as well to play games on the big screen. Extra Battery Kit Body Scale Actual scale that works through Bluetooth to track your progress in S Health S band The unit that tracks steps and calories within S Health Very cool accessories to go along with the powerful S 4. Unfortunately, technology comes at a cost. For more information on other accessories that are featured with the phone check out www.samsung.com 

Samsung recently revealed the Galaxy S IV at their 2013 "Unpacked" Event. Here are some of the details that were released to the general public: Screen The S IV will feature a 5 inch 441 PPI Super AMOLED screen. This is pretty much a compromise between the S III and the Note II screen. Bigger is indeed better in the cell phone world now and the S IV delivers in that department. Along with the size of the screen, the phone will feature a new set of sensors that will enhance the user's experience. Infrared, humidity and temperature sensors just to name a few. Battery and Processor The phone will feature a 2600 MAH battery, which will give this device the power it needs to last a full day.....hopefully. There will be 2GB of ram, double to what the iPhone 5 has and a crazy 8 core processor!!! Needless to say Samsung is bringing out all their guns blazing on this one. OS The latest Android software will be released, Jelly Bean 4.2.2. Users and developers have al...

Blackberry 10 users can now download the beloved WhatsApp Messenger from Blackberry World. Once installed, you will be able to take advantage of the Blackberry Hub features with WhatsApp, making it easier to check BBM, SMS and WhatsApp messages all in one area. Download it from Blackberry World for FREE.

I hear this more and more every day, "my battery isn't lasting as long as it used to". The sad truth is, they are right and your battery will not last anymore. As our automobiles are becoming more efficient with gas mileage, our cell phones are becoming more wasteful with battery life. As our smartphones are becoming more advanced and packed with more great "Smart" features, our batteries are being sucked dry. Unfortunately doing the usual troubleshooting steps off turning bluetooth, wifi, location services and any other background applications is like putting a band aid on the situation and only temporarily solving the problem. This big cell phone companies need to step up and create a device that can keep up with our busy lifestyles. Yes, we use the phone to it's highest potential, so we need it to last longer than 4 hours. Below is a list of the most popular smartphones and what their average battery life is with an average use: - Apple iPhone 4s (9...

With the great success of the Z10, Blackberry is patiently awaiting the release of the next BB10 device, the Q10. Die hard Blackberry users have been waiting for an updated physical keyboard device since the release of the 9900 Bold. They might have to wait a bit longer. The most recent news is that the phone will be released some time in May instead of the April scheduled release. For those who haven't been google'ing already, here are the official tech specs for the Blackberry Q10: Full QWERTY keyboard (physical) Dual-Core 1.5GHz – Snapdragon S4 Plus 3.1”, SuperAMOLED display, 720 x 720 resolution at 330 PPI 8MP rear facing camera, Auto Focus, 5X digital zoom, 1080p HD video recording, 2MP front facing camera, 3X digital zoom, 720p HD video recording 2GB RAM, 16GB Internal Storage, microSD Slot up to 64GB Dual Band 802.11 a/b/g/n, 2.4/5GHz,  4G  Mobile  Hotspot Assisted, Autonomous, and Simultaneous GPS BlackBerry NS1, 2100mAh Removable Battery Accele...

That's right iPhones. Not iPhone. I have been researching, rumouring and b'sing the crap out of the internet to find out all the facts and fictions about the next generation of iPhone. Being an avid Apple fan (that's right I drank the Kool Aid), I could not be more exciting to see what Apple has to bring to the table to compete with the long await release of Samsung's Galaxy S IV. Here's what we know so far: Apple originally was looking to release to iPhone's in the same year. This would stray away from their usual release one iPhone per year strategy, which has been working well for them thus far. The build up leading to an iPhone release is massive and the launch day for one is mayhem. Apple is also abandoning the idea of iPhone fits all. According to sources, which at this point could be complete BS, Apple plans on releasing the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6 within the same year. The 5s would feature an upgraded version of the iPhone 5 with the same comfor...

Are you a part of the Walking Dead phenomenon? Check out IGN's game of the month! You can now download the Walking Dead game for iOS. Download the game for free on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Below is a link for a promo code to enter in the App Store to redeem this free game. Get it now and start taking out walkers! Walking Dead Free Promo Code

More and more rumours have been surfacing of the Galaxy S IV. No one knows for sure what exactly packed into this little beauty. I personally don't think we are that advanced to be seeing anything crazy, but I do not doubt Samsung's productivity and growth. Below is a video of what the S IV might look like. http://youtu.be/gfzom-RdrwI