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5 ways to save money with your iPhone or Android smartphone

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Even before Apple and Google dominated the mobile software industry, money-saving apps were must-haves for power users of previous generation mobile environments like the Palm OS.

Much of these legacy software, lacking the internet access and tight hardware integration that define the smartphone experience today, were limited to helping users balance their budgets.

That’s definitely changed, especially as the average smartphone buyer places more weight on what apps are available for a phone, with less focus on the gadget’s built-in hardware features. [Read more…] about 5 ways to save money with your iPhone or Android smartphone

The 10 best same-device multiplayer games for the iPad

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iPad owners who keep to themselves aren’t maximizing the experience. With a relatively large 9.7″ screen and support for multi-touch, Apple’s tablet PC is also great for entertaining several people.

Here we feature 10 different iOS apps that will turn your iPad (or iPad 2) into the life of the party, courtesy of some fun two- or four-player multiplayer gameplay.

All the following apps support multiple players on the same device, so no online connection is necessary. You’ll only need one iPad to have fun with friends of family members, meaning even those who don’t have an iOS device (the iPhone, iPod touch, or the iPad) can still participate.

Monopoly for iPad ($9.99)

The star attraction of this modern version of the classic real-estate boardgame? Tabletop mode, where the game orients itself to the active player. It’s this feature alone—not to mention the faithful recreation of the Monopoly experience—that makes this game worth playing with up to three human or computer-controlled opponents.

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The History of Computing: Microsoft vs. Apple

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No, this is not an infographics site, and I know I just published an infographic yesterday. This one is too good to pass up on, though.

What is the first name, or brand, that comes to name when you think about computers/computing? Without a doubt, it is either Microsoft or Apple. ((You may have a different answer if you’re part of specific niches, but in general, I am willing to bet that it’s going to be either of the two.)) Arguably, these two companies have played the largest parts in the world of computers.

Computer geeks and number crunchers, here is the perfect infographic to waste spend some time on today. Go back in time and rediscover how computers as we know them today came into existence. Reaffirm your knowledge of the roles that Microsoft and Apple have played. And in case this is the first time that you are going to encounter these bits of information, then you’re going to have a blast.

Some of the more interesting points:

  • Windows XP still has the largest market share with 40.7 percent.
  • In the Internet browsers war, Microsoft one ups Apple with the Internet Explorer (48%).  Apple’s Safari only has 5%.
  • While the Apple iPhone seems to be the most popular phone these days, Microsoft still has a larger market share with Windows OS at 26%.  Apple’s iOS only has 7%.
  • When it comes to mp3 players, though, Apple is the undisputed leader with 76% market share.  Microsoft has a measly 1%.

For tons more info – numbers, dates, and what have you – scroll down and enjoy this immense infographic.

 

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    Kindergarten Students Get iPads

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    Apple head honcho Steve Jobs called (calls?) it magical. Countless people seem to agree. Some say what’s magical is that people pay hundreds of dollars for such a device. Price notwithstanding, the iPad has proven to be a very versatile device, and sales figures support the fact that people find it useful.

    Now, even the education sector is lending the iPad its support. In Auburn, Maine, kindergarten students will soon be treated to their own iPads – to be used for educational purposes. The Auburn school department is blazing a new trail by making iPads available to each of the kindergarten students enrolled in the district. Just last week, a $200,000 budget was approved. The money is to be used to purchase 285 iPads that will be issued to teachers and students.

    While the district seems to be the first to make such a move, the use of iPads for education is not that novel. In the past year, we have heard of countless stories of people getting the iPad for their children. The device has even been picked out for special education, with the iPad’s features being highlighted as very helpful in developing fine motor skills. With the iPad taking interactivity to a new level, children will also have a better learning experience. The goal of the project is to boost literacy rates up to 90 percent within two years. See the iPad’s use in education in action in the video below.

    I can see how some people might say that this move can be excessive. Personally, I think that if the money is available, there is no reason not to make the iPad accessible to children. As long as they are indeed used mainly for educational purposes, then the kids can only benefit from this. What do you think?

    Happy Birthday, Steve Jobs!

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    Steve Jobs Birthday
    Join the rest of the world in making a toast to one of the most brilliant people of our generation: Steve Jobs. Born Steve Paul Jobs in February 24, 1955, the co-founder and CEO of Apple has made himself a lot of critics – and even more devotees – over the years. Whether you admire him or you hate him, there is no doubt that Steve Jobs has made an impact in your life – one way or another.

    Today, Steve Jobs celebrates his 56th birthday. We have not heard much from Mr. Jobs in the recent weeks, although rumors about his failing health have been circulating. We may not hear from him or Apple regarding this memorable day, but we can still send a greeting his way. Some Steve Jobs fans have created a web site – Happy Birthday Steve Jobs – where anyone can leave a message for the Apple CEO. Whether or not he gets to read your message, you may never know – but it’s the thought that counts!

    In case you want to do something more than leave a message on that site to commemorate Steve Jobs’s birthday, check out an infographic I shared about a year ago: 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Steve Jobs. And, if you’ve got a hankering for something sweet, why don’t you make some ice cream just the way Steve Jobs likes it? You can find the recipe here.

    Got any ideas on what to do on Steve Jobs’s birthday to send good vibes down his way?

    Apple City to Be Designed by Norman Foster?

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    News came out recently that Apple had bought HP’s old campus in Cupertino. For exactly what reason, we common people can only make informed guesses. It does seem logical, though, that this property will eventually be transformed into a new campus for Apple. While that in itself is not something one should spend more than one second of thought on, the rumors details surrounding the “mystery” campus just might pique your curiosity.

    Architecture enthusiasts will certainly recognize British architect and designer Norman Foster. He is arguably the most known builder of landmark office buildings in Britain, and his company has worked on countless high profile projects all over the world. From the IBM pilot head office in the UK to the Carre d’Art Nimes in France to the Hearst Tower in New York to the Expo MRT Station in Singapore – this is only a handful of what this man has achieved.

    In the next year, he just might have another groundbreaking project to take on: the building of Apple City (yes, that is the rumored name of the new campus). While nothing has been confirmed yet, rumor has it that Apple City (I don’t know about you, but there is something that doesn’t sound quite right here) will be based on the concept and design of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. This city holds the distinction of being the first city without cars and carbon emissions, and this is what Apple City is going to be, if the rumors come true.

    I didn’t know about Masdar City before I read about this piece of news, but it does look awesome, doesn’t it? And, I am sure that if Steve Jobs gives Norman Foster the go signal (now that is another story altogether), Apple City just might be THE place to be/see.