Tony Ibrahim
Study Reveals People Visit Shopping Centres To Buy Online
A recent report reveals a concerning number of people make their way to shopping centres to try items on with the intention of purchasing them online.
The study conducted by Macquarie Equities Research revealed 18 per cent of shopping patrons window shop at centres before they purchase the products online.
The survey targeted 3000 white collar workers and revealed their preference for price over offerings was the basis of their decision to ultimately buy online. Supporting this is the 73 per cent of shoppers who claimed the performance of the Australian dollar influenced their shopping patterns.
The executive director of Australian Retailers Association Russell Zimmerman told news.com.au “We are seeing a shift from customers researching online before going into the store, to the opposite which is going to the store and going away to buy online.”
“There are many reasons for this, including convenience, product range and a growing trust in online payment facilities.”
Zimmerman believes that smaller stores will need to adapt by embracing available online opportunities, such as social media websites for fear they may struggle to survive.
“The important thing is for retailers to review their online presence and extend their market share while making it convenient and enjoyable for people to purchase their products.”
Google’s Glass May Massage Sound Into Your Skull
Remember Google’s Glass Project? The everyday wearable glasses that display GPS directions, call logs and other nifty information on the lens? Well now it appears Google has enriched these frames with sound by way of ingenious bone conduction technology.
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According to The Verge, Google has lodged filings to the FCC which reveal Glass will contain a “vibrating element” delivering audio “via contact with the user’s head.” We can’t be certain, but that description is synonymous with the technology used in bone conduction technology.
Bone conduction technology doesn’t deliver sound by probing your ears with headphones. Instead speakers cuddle your cheekbones and gently vibrate sound directly into your skull. It’s a safer delivery method as listeners can still hear the outside world and, although not new technology, it fits Google’s project like a Glass slipper.
Adding substance to this notion is a previously filed Google patent for a “wearable computing device” with bone-conduction speakers.
There are a few details in the filings that vary from what was announced last year. They appear to have 802.11 b/g/n WiFi (however, one of the filings details 802.11 b/g) and the current Bluetooth 4.0 low energy tech. Another incongruity involves the tech used to charge them with mentions of a USB charger and another listing a “barrel” connector.
Following its Google I/O unveiling, Google’s Glass was promised to willing developers who had $1,500 by early 2013.
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Polaroid’s Instant Print Camera Is Old School
It might be the digital age, but there’s still plenty to love about a hardcopy photo.
Google Owned Motorola Will Not Make Nexus Prime
Despite Google snapping up phone maker Motorola, a leak from Samsung’s legal department indicates Samsung will be handling Google’s next phone. The move should inspire confidence from mobile phone manufacturers who feared the Google-Motorola deal would cause Google to play favourites, turning them from partner to competitor.
The new Google Nexus phone will be called the Nexus Prime (shame LG called dibbs on Optimus) detailed in a cease and desist letter distributed by Samsung’s legal team. The letter was sent to enthusiasts who managed to get their hands on the phone’s yet-to-be-released firmware reported Pocket-Lint.
It is a big deal, considering the Nexus badge tends to be the first phone to carry Google’s next generation software, which is Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich.
Arguably the most enticing of updates, Ice Cream Sandwich will be the same OS used for smartphones and tablets. This way one operating system can be used for multiple platforms, ensuring a seamless experience from smartphone to tablet.
Read: Google Android Fuses Tablet and Phone OS
Out of 3 Nexus phones, 2 have been developed by Samsung, with the original being helmed by rival HTC.
Typically, manufacturers take Google’s Android software and customise it to separate their brand from the rest, featuring software like HTC Sense or Samsung’s Hubs. The software is also handled by carriers who add their own services, like Vodafone Live and Optus Zoo. Before these mobiles can be released, they have to undergo lengthy testing.
Nexus phones run a version of Android that is pure, free from carrier and manufacturer tweaks. This allows for updates to be installed as soon as Google makes them available.
So far, it appears Google has stayed true to its word not playing favourites with Motorola, but that hasn’t stopped Samsung and HTC investing in other Operating systems.
Review: Can Huawei’s Budget D1 Quad Take On The Android Titans?
After garnering experience on the low-end of the market in Australia, Huawei is leveraging its sights at smartphone leaders Samsung, HTC and LG. Their latest smartphone, the Ascend D1 Quad, takes it to the favourites with strong innards and wallet-friendly pricing.
Fujifilm Reveal The X-E1, A Smaller X-Pro1
Fujifilm’s X-Pro 1 dazzled tech journos, but its high $1,800 price tag put it beyond the reach of most consumers. The good news is Fujifilm has announced a follow up camera that features the same core ingredients, but is likely to be better priced.
It’s called the X-E1 and it features the same 16.3MP sensor and EXR processor as its expensive sibling. The cam is a little smaller than the X-Pro1 and that explains the downsized 2.8 inch screen and the forsaking of Fujifilm’s hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder for a 2.36 million dot OLED.
Apart from the aforementioned the controls of the X-Pro1 remain intact, but it steps out of the X-Pro1’s shadow by housing a pop-up flash. Photographers who value manual controls will appreciate the aperture ring on the lens and the dials on the top panel which are responsible for shutter speed and exposure compensation.
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| The XE-1 will be available in Black and Silver |
Videos will be recorded in 1080p at 24 frames per second and it has an auto ISO range of 200-6,400 (25,600 max). Fujifilm estimate the camera can snap up to 350 photos before it gives way, but best of all, it retains the retro-styling familiar to most Fujifilm cameras by crafting faux leather and magnesium into a classic shape.
The X-E1 comes equipped with an 18-55mm (27-84mm equivalent) lens with an aperture range of f/2.8-4 and is said to improve the camera’s autofocus and shutter speeds.
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It also benefits from Fujifilm’s X Mount which positions the rear lens elements as close as possible to the sensor; ensuring photos are thoroughly detailed right to the edge.
Fujifilm has yet to release the X-E1’s pricing but we expect details ahead of its October release.
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Sennheiser’s Momentum Headphones: Urban Meets Timeless
The audiophiles at Sennheiser have been hard at work materialising their vision of headphones that are free from superfluities in design and sound. The by-product of their labours is the new Momentum set.
On the style front, they’ve strived for an urban look that is timeless and for the most part, they’ve found the middle ground. The contrast of coarse leather with a plush metal finish imbues it with understated charm, while the slit headband and large, circumaural (on ear) cups lean towards the rugged audiophile.
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When it comes to replaying tunes, the headphones aim to deliver a “pure and unadulterated” experience, opting to enhance the natural characteristics of a song rather than manipulating them.
A generic 3.5mm stereo plug means they can be used with a plethora of music devices, but Apple’s iPhones, iPods and even the way-too-big iPad reaps benefits, as the headphones integrate a smart remote and microphone for use as a hands-free.
Details of its feature-set are scarce at present, but we’ll write up something more substantial before their October release. The company also announced two new headphone amplifiers, check the HDVD 800 here.
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Is Apple’s New Direction Bad For The Environment?
Apple has decided to prioritise design above environmental sustainability.
Sony’s Action Cam: The Greatest Hero Of Them All
Sony is developing a wearable point of view video camera that is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts.
It’s hard enough doing an extreme sport, let alone trying to capture the moment on video. After deep reflection, Sony has come up with a wearable camera that can record quality video in a variety of environments.
Their new wearable video camera features image stabilization software, which irons out jolty footage, and Sony’s Exmor R sensor which enhances recording in dimly lit environments.
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Although petit in size, the camera will capture video in Full HD (1080p).
Sony is offering a suite of mounting attachments that will ensure it can withstand water and rugged terrain to make sure it can tag along on any adventure.
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Unfortunately local pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet.