Photo-enhancing camera lenses for smartphones

We, as humans, seem to have this insatiable hunger for progress and advancement. This is how the word innovation became essential into each of our lives. We tend to strive to be the best, make the best and have the best things we can grasp on. We can actually see innovation taking place each and every day of our lives, making our lives easier, better and far more advanced than the usual, transforming those who are a creature of habit into completely and exactly the opposite.

 The only thing we can do to preserve the moment is to remember it for the rest of our lives and immortalize them as photos. But we don’t always have the luxury of having a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR) hanging around our necks to capture certain moments for these moments seem to come at random timing. So what’s the best thing to capture your precious, priceless and treasured photo? What else than your trusty and reliable smartphone.

Well, of course the image quality is not as good as what the DSLR camera could have delivered. Still, with its pocket-friendly build and portability, your smartphone is the next best thing to have rather than having a bulky and heavy DSLR camera. Recently, we are flooded with photo editing apps to aid our needs for having the perfect photo, but if these apps still do not suffice or satisfy you, the attachable camera lenses come barging in to cater to your needs. Here are some attachable camera lenses that top the list of attachable smartphone accessories out in the market today:

Photojojo Lens Set

Simply snap on these lenses on your smartphone’s camera lens and watch them work their magic on your photos. Each lens has its own featured effect to add more drama and creativity on your photos.

Easy-Macro Universal Smartphone Lens

Probably the most budget-friendly amongst all the attachable camera lenses. The Easy-Macro lens is compatible on all mobile devices and pulls off a very seamless feel and is highly portable. It is said to promise you 4x magnification and razor-sharp close-up images.

iPro Lens System

Customize your smartphone with this stylish case that features not just a trendy-looking design but offers to enhance the quality of your captured images. It comes with various lenses. Each lens features different effect that may just take your breath away. With the iPro lens system you’ll be capable of taking wider shots and exemplary close-up images.

Can the Samsung Galaxy S5 Beat the HTC One M8?

Technological sphere can’t help but compare these two smart pieces. Could the Samsung Galaxy S5 beat the HTC One M8, or is it the other way around? Which between these phones do you think is smarter than the other? There’s no other way to find out than to get hold of the two and differentiate the spots from stripes! If you are keen enough to notice, the blogosphere mostly boasts about the bits of HTC One M8 against that of Samsung Galaxy S5. But now, let’s see what the Samsung Galaxy S5 can flaunt in all its glory to show us that it, too, deserves the limelight.

#1: The Sturdier Build

The first thing to look at before you unravel all the bits underneath these high-end gizmos is their build. Of course, the brushed metal finish, premium aluminum design of the HTC One M8 makes it indeed an eye-candy that goes along with its natural curves for a comfortable fit on your hands. But as you see, the Samsung Galaxy S5 can also do better. The Samsung Galaxy S5 beats that of HTC One M8’s build as the former is IP67 certified, which means it’s not just dustproof, but it’s also waterproof. IP67 is the degree of protection provided against the intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. Would you rather be more on the aesthetics and compromise your phone’s durability?

#2: The Better Camera

If you’re a kind of person who is a sucker for snagging out photos and the most talked about “selfie,” then I bet you’d be putting your money on the Samsung Galaxy S5 than that of the HTC One M8. The S5’s camera is superfast that it can incredibly snap a photo in just 0.3s. Also, it boasts a 16MP camera to play around with accurate colours and good contrast. How is the 4MP sensor of HTC One M8 any match with that of Samsung Galaxy S5 then? Of course HTC One M8’s camera has a second sensor and lens, and a second flash to capture depth information that is actually great, but we can all agree that Samsung Galaxy S5’s camera works better by all accounts.

#3: The Security

Now, the Samsung Galaxy S5 has an inclusion of fingerprint scanner, which evidently is one of what the HTC One M8 has been lacking. If you are storing crucial information on your gadget, then it pays to be more vigilant on where you store them. In this way, only an authorized person can have access with your private files, and you’ll have the privacy which everyone rightfully deserves.

#4: The More Convenient

If you have a tiptop phone with all those staggering features and specs, but don’t know how to operate it, then every bit of it will be downright useless. At the end of the day, the convenience with these neat devices is what we are all after. Now, the Samsung Galaxy S5 has the right to boast with its childproof features, removable battery, and with the new Ultra Power Saving Mode. In a nutshell, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is much more user-friendly than that of HTC One M8.

So, which phone do you think has the right to boast? Let us hear your thoughts below.

The Rumors about the iPhone 6 in Its Stage of Contemplation

Every press release triggers a commotion across the globe bringing out excitement and a bit of anxiety, but nothing is more heart-stopping than the announcement of the Cupertino-based tech company Apple of its iPhone lineup. It’s a fact that the iPhone is the most successful smartphone model to date. The company as a whole may not top the charts in the number of sales, but its products among others have by far the highest smartphone penetration rate due to their uniqueness and exclusivity. And so, now that speculations have been circulating in regard to the details surrounding the makings of the iPhone 6, it takes a leap of faith to find out what to believe in. This is what we know about it.

 It is said that Apple will be releasing two variants of iPhone 6, same as what it did with the successor of the iPhone 5. One is going to sport a 4.7-inch display while the other is expected to be bigger with its 5.5-inch screen. This upgrade is simply a must because Apple needs to adapt to the phablet domination to secure its place in the competition. As for its release date, September 2014 would be the most plausible time, considering the release of both the iPhone 5s and 5c that was scheduled on the Fall of 2013.

Both variants will be installed with a sapphire crystal screen, similar to the material used by Vertu smartphones, which is virtually resistant to scratches. On the other hand, there are sources indicating that Apple will be stepping into the flexible display territory, like with the LG G Flex and Samsung Galaxy Round. On another note, either both models or just the more expensive variant will be powered by a faster and more efficient A8 chip, which packs in more power than its already powerful predecessor.

In terms of design, the iPhone 6 is said to adopt a thinner chassis and a bezel-free display with an edge-to-edge design. With the much more slender LED backlight from 0.6mm to 0.4mm, the internal components can be spread out, allowing a slicker design to take place. It is most likely that Apple will be continuing the Touch ID feature for its future smartphones, considering the huge sum of money it invested on the said technology. To be on par with the features of the upcoming flagship phone of Samsung, Apple is said to focus on health-related applications like the Healthbook app, which will track various data points including blood pressure, hydration, heart rate, and other stats like glucose levels. This will perhaps be available on the rumored iOS 8 release.

It really is no surprise that rumors about the next generation flagship phone of Apple has surfaced just a few months after the iPhone 5s and 5c were made available on the market. The popularity of the iPhone has reached epic proportions, and this has served a motivating factor for Apple to deliver to the expectations of its clientele. Soon enough, we can be able to tell apart facts from fiction when more credible information are revealed as the release date of the most awaited smartphone arrives.

Noteworthy Apps That Take Care of Your Lists

If you have so much on your plate, then it’s absolutely crucial to start the day by enlisting all the things you need to accomplish throughout the day according to priority. And to get the job well done, you must be vigilant to manage your time. So, might as well, set aside your slack-time and hustle while you bustle.

But at times, having notes with you can be somewhat handful—and having the traditional notes also cannot guarantee that you can actually accomplish everything you've enlisted especially if you have to manually warn yourself to finish such activity on time. Seems like it’s not a handy-dandy notebook after all, eh? Or you could at least tie a thread on your fingers to remind you that there’s something that needs to be accomplished. Now, why did I tie this thread again? Let me ask you a question: which is handier, a notebook or your smartphone? Everybody’s money would definitely be on the latter as almost everyone couldn't get off their houses without their smartphones being stapled in their pockets—that of which I found myself guilty of. That being said, perhaps the pre-installed note app on your phone would suffice, right? You can say that, but actually, there are far more things apps can do. While the pre-installed note app only lets you scribble out a few things, these note apps I’m about to feature can actually get you all covered. So, prep yourself to ditch your traditional notepads and hit the list below:

#1: Google Keep

If you’re looking for a viable note-keeper app, then you can keep Google Keep app for yourself! Wait, what? Simply put, Google Keep app is at your service. This app is great as you can quickly jot down the ideas popping straight from your mind, and it helps you be reminded at exactly the right place and time. With this app, you can pretty much create a checklist, record voice reminders, or snag a photo to make remembering much easier. You can use color-codes as well so you’d be able to find which is which. Let me give you a simple tip: use the yellow color on the things you really need to be reminded of since of all colors, color yellow most likely helps you to remember something. That is why, most pencils, post-its, pads and paper, and hazard signs are painted yellow. [Free on Android]

#2: Evernote

And I know that if I will not mention this, you will not forgive me—ever! As rated by New York Times, Evernote was included in the ‘Top 10 Must-Have Apps’. Ever wondered who would be your best pal on remembering things? Be always reminded now by your best ever pal we call Evernote. Using this easy-to-use app, you can actually improve your productivity and save the ideas popping from your head in a jiffy. It doesn’t just let you take notes, but it can also let you capture photos, create to-do lists, and enter a voice note. One of the key features of Evernote is that it works with Evernote Business so you can capture, browse, search, and share Business Notes and Business Notebooks straight from your smartphone and tablet. Won’t this be your great buddy ever? [Free on Android]

#3: Todoist: To-Do List, Task List

Another app that could boost your productivity is the Todoist: To-Do List, Task List. Like the previously mentioned Note apps, it helps you manage your tasks and break them down into smaller ones so you can accomplish each and every task in just a fraction of time. This app also has an inclusion of features like due dates, recurring dates, sub-tasks, task priorities, and colored projects. Can the regular note app do that? Got another page to flip? You can get the Premium account to fully access all its features! [Free on Android]

With a handy-dandy smartphone loaded with the right apps, you can already accomplish so much! You may abuse your phone’s styluses, but don’t you worry as they have replacement parts. So, aren’t these note apps noteworthy enough to ditch your traditional notepads? Try them now!

Wouldn’t You Ditch Your iPad’s Old Apps with These Ones?

The first thing you’ll mostly likely do with your shining, shimmering, self-luminous rectangular gadget we call iPad is to (ab)use its storage capacity—that’s if you’re anything like me. Some people might prefer looking for iPad accessories first rather than having a spin with iPad apps, though. But as they say, apps are the lifeblood of these blank canvasses, so you’d likely end up choosing apps meandering over the cloud sooner or later.

Before, I load my device with apps that look interesting. But then again, the amusement I get from these seemingly entertaining apps don’t last all the way through as they lack the oomph factor I’ve been always looking for—and yes, what we all are after for. The list of must-have iPad apps had already been published, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to add some apps on the list that could get your iPad’s old apps ditched. Let’s hit the list below, shall we?

 #1: GoodNotes Free – Notes & PDF

You already have your own default note app on your iPad, why the need for another note app? If you think critically like me, you’d probably be asking the same question. It’s actually pretty easy to jot down something in just a few taps using the preinstalled note app. But hey, GoodNotes Free – Notes & PDF app actually does more than that. This app allows you not just to write with your own handwriting, but also make a doodle—or practically anything you do on your notebook (except folding or tearing the pages). It’s more like a real notebook, but only virtual and doesn’t need a pen. And don’t you forget that the app has a tail on its name saying, “Notes & PDF.” This actually means that you can open PDFs using this app and highlight all the important things on the file. And yes, you can also scribble out some notes right then and there. [Free on iOS]

#2: AccuWeather – Weather for Life for iPad

 Now, if you want to stay abreast with the weather, then AccuWeather – Weather for Life for iPad app is a  must-have. Of course, most events depend on the weather conditions. If you are planning for something special, being watchful of the weather conditions is highly advisable. You need not worry since this app shows no technicalities and jargons. It is made pretty simple and easy to use to give you the most accurate weather information there is. That’s what the name stands for—Accurate Weather. Aside from weather forecasts, it also has features like giving weather alerts via push notifications, allergen specifics that could possibly affect your outdoor activities, humidity, wind speed, visibility, and the list goes on. You can also easily navigate as this app is associated with Apple Maps. [Free on iOS]

#3: Fayve – Watch Movies & TV on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, VUDU, Hulu, Xfinity, Redbox, Crackle and more

What a title indeed. That’s because this Fayve app—to call it shortly as it should be—can do so much to your favor. On a typical TV, it’s always hard to catch up on your favorite show unless you keep yourself tuned in your channel and know the time they are scheduled to be played. Well, that’s only for one channel. Do you know what you are missing on the other channels? With Fayve app, you can discover movies & TV shows on services all at once. In this way, you won’t have to miss a single clip that you‘ve always wanted to watch (except when you only have limited time). At least you can stay abreast on what’s ahead when talking about movies and you’ll always have something to look forward to. Moreover, this app suggests movies and TV shows basing from your in-app ratings and Facebook likes. Now, you get to save a fraction of time when searching for a movie that suits your taste. All thanks to Fayve! [Free on iOS]

So, let me ask you once more. Wouldn’t you ditch your iPad’s old apps with these ones? Try them now!

Apps You Shouldn’t Miss for Your Smartphones and Tablets [Android]

Over the years, we find the gadgets that could cater to our needs. And after that, we eventually find the apps that could help us get through with our day-to-day activities. We may change our handsets for whatever reason—at best, for an upgrade; at worse, getting broken or pilfered—but there’s one thing that almost always remains: the apps that we can’t live without.

Notice that whatever happens, the apps you installed on your previous trusty smartphones and tablets are still loaded to the new ones. That’s because you find them essential that no matter what, you’re going to free up some space just to have them installed once and for all. Did you now have your own list? Now, I’d be glad to share mine in order for you to try them. See the list of apps you shouldn't live without below:

  

#1: Kii Keyboard

We all know that typing on our gadgets’ screen—especially on tablets—is not an easy thing. We have to get used to tapping the right keys, or else we’ll abuse the backspace ceaselessly. Flat out; it’s a bummer, especially if we are used to typing with our thumbs. Do you somehow envy the iPad Air’s splitting keyboard? Good thing there’s a key for Android tablets to make all typing on keyboard easy-peasy. The Kii Keyboard app can actually split your tablets virtual keyboard in two. It has the same features of a normal Android keyboard like Swype and prediction, and you can also dress your keyboard with themes to your liking as it supports Go Keyboard. [Free on Android]

#2: Google Drive

Yes, Android phones are being loved because their tendency to expand through their microSD slot, but let’s face it. Sharing would be a lot easier if we could just access it from the cloud. We can use our phones and tablets as a flash drive as we connect a USB data cable for sharing, but sharing wirelessly is unarguably better. Not to mention I remember one time when I have to almost tear our house apart looking for a cable. And so, let’s make use of Google’s another brainchild: the Google Drive. Not only you can store your files on the cloud, but you can also access them anytime, anywhere. Do you want to access a file later but you won’t be able to connect to the cloud? Well, you can actually make a file available offline so you can view it. And that’s not all. You can also edit the file right off the bat with collaborators. Fill in the free 15 GB space if you can! [Free on Android]

#3: Tablified Market – Tablet Apps

Having a tablet is great. The wider the screen, the more convenience it brings. But if you can’t get a good app worthy of the screen, then what good is it now? That is why you’re going to need Tablified Market app installed on your tablet. This app narrows down and organizes the list of apps compatible to your device so you won’t have to wonder if it fits your tablet or not. [Free on Android]

So, aren't these apps worthy to be included on your apps-shouldn't-live-without list? Download them now and start tapping away!

Best Android Apps for Music Downloads

What do you do to stay in tuned with whatever you are doing? You simply plug your mobile earphones in, nod your head, thump your feet, and listen to the music as it gets you back to the beat. Listening to music is actually a sea shanty for most of us as we go along with our chores and stuff. Evidently, it turns as a rhythmic work song designed to increase productivity. And for most, it actually evokes emotions even just within the first twenty seconds of the song. It can also be our voice when we can’t just utter a word because of the inflicted pain.

Music has played a great role in our lives—not just on our music players, radios, mp3s, or smartphones. As we listen to it, we learn to face the music beat by beat (if you may pardon the pun). And so, where do you get most of your tracks? Shared by a friend? Downloaded? Here in this article, I have enlisted the best free music download apps for Android in order for you to find your kind of music. Drum roll, please… let’s hit the list below:

 #1: Music Maniac App     

Asking if you are a certified music maniac is outright unnecessary, since you wouldn’t read all the way down if you aren’t. Did I get that right? And so, to feed you audiophiles from craving to feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you, here’s Music Maniac telling you the search is over! Oh, wait. Actually, you’re going to search your type of music (preferred song) in an extensive database of CC Licensed songs—so, searching doesn’t stop there evidently. The search results also provide full information in order for you to find and identify which song you are really referring. And that’s from the artists, albums, and the Album-Art to every bit and piece of the song. All the downloaded files will then be stored on the Music Maniac folder that can be found on your SD-card or external storage. We do have to bear in mind, though, that the folks behind Music Maniac are not the ones who maintain their database, thus we might find non CC Licensed songs on the search results. Nonetheless, it’s a great app to start with as this app is also free.

 #2: Moobo Music Player App

Are you looking for a music downloading app that does more than that? Hit the play button with Moobo Music Player. Not only does it provide a neat interface for playing your tracks, but it also supports cloud service, and lets you download free music from the cloud. There is an inclusion of 18 kinds of skins, 3 desk widgets to choose from, and has a powerful equalizer to satisfy your love for music. You can play several formats of your tracks like MP3, MP2, MP1, OGG, WAV, AIFF, MIDI, AAC, AAC+, 3GP, XM, IT, S3M, MOD, MTM, UMX, MO3, MP4, M4A, and OTA. There you go. I’ve enlisted them all for you to know what formats of songs it can play. Moreover, if you want to nail down the lyrics of your new favorite song, this app automatically scans lyrics file for you. This Android app is free of cost as well. What’s not to like?

 #3: vMusic – free music in videos App

Now, if you think that hearing music don’t do too much for you, you always have a choice to watch the music video. You can also choose vMusic – free music in videos app to do the work for you. Search whatever genre of music you like, be it classical, jazz, hip hop, pop, or rock. You’ll definitely love how powerful their database is as it is integrated with Vimeo—the main source that feeds this app. If you install this app, then you will have nothing to lose except a few of your phone’s storage space. So, what are you waiting for? Get this app that is actually free of charge, too!

Now, you know where to get the songs you love. Have fun rocking!