App of the Week: Fancy

Apr 16

Imagine your personal know-it-all! Someone who knows everything, about everything. The know-it-all I’m introducing today is not someone, it is an app. It is an app that has information about everything from home décor to sports.

App of the Week: Fancy

App of the Week

App of the Week

Fancy is an app designed for your smartphone and tablet. It’s available for your iPhone, iPad, all Android phones, and even Windows phones. Fancy is truly you’re all-in-one app. Whether looking for a particular good, or certain travel destination, Fancy is your guide. You can do it all from this app, from discovering to collecting to even purchasing.  You can browse through multiple categories including Men, Women, Kids, Pets, Home Décor, Art, Food, Travel, and Sports. Select from these categories and more, and learn everything about them. Better yet, Fancy allows you to take photos, include them in your catalog, and get updates on all your favourites. With this app, nothing is hard to find, or hard to get. It is all within your reach.

Do what I do! Download Fancy, and use it to learn about your favorite topics. I use it for shopping, and to learn about the hottest travel destinations.

Author Hala
Category New
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The Leap Motion Controller: A peek into the future?

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Apr 15
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Wow, the last time I saw the Leap Motion was when it was still in development and it’s already being launched worldwide! For those of you who thought the laser keyboard was cool, you should check this out. I was having a conversation with my colleague about motion-tracking and I asked myself, whatever happened to the Leap Motion? Did it become a reality?

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What? Haven’t you heard of the Leap Motion? Well, It’s sort of like the Microsoft Kinect Sensor – based on it actually- but much more accurate and can be used to control PCs! The device consists of 2 depth-sensing cameras that track hand/pen gestures. I don’t want to spoil it for you, just watch the video below and brace yourself because your jaw is about to drop.

Hello? Helloooo? Are you there? Was that too much awesomeness for you to handle? Don’t forget, let me know what you think in the comments section below!

 

 

Author Ahmad
Comments 2 Comments

Now Playing: A Must Have Android Music Player

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Apr 14
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If you’re a loyal Android owner then Now Playing is an App you should know about! Now Playing is a new Android App that has everything you want in a music player its fast, looks awesome and very simply to use with all the right features to complete a music player. Sure this App looks extremely simple but don’t let it fool you its surprisingly fast and comprehensive. Once you access the App it auto-imports the music on your phone and gives your music player an organized and easy to access feel. What makes Now Playing stand out is its minimalistic design that brings attention only to the music!

It nicely brings attention to album covers or artwork of the artists you have and downloads song lyrics, which is great because you don’t have to keep going back and forth looking for lyrics on random websites. Even if a song doesn’t have an album cover, you can easily download it via Wi-Fi. It also comes with a widget option to keep it on your home screen and at your fingertips, plus it supports the notifications drop-down so you can listen and go through your music without unlocking your phone and while using other Apps freely. Sure Now Playing doesn’t have the flashiness of other music player Apps but it offers plenty and solely focuses on your music and what I heard from reviews its rapidly becoming a must have App. So download it on to your Android and let us know what you think!

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Author Farah
Category New, Phones
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Facebook’s Latest: Facebook Home

Apr 12

Its not quite a phone, not an operating system either. Facebook is about to introduce Facebook Home!  A mix between the two, Facebook Home is your new home screen for all Android devices.  It works on any Android device whether the HTC mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII, or the Galaxy Note II.

So, what is Facebook Home? It didn’t really make that much sense to me at first. I just thought it was an update on the Facebook App. Turns out, its much more. Facebook Home is your new home screen. From the Cover Feed, to Notifications, to even Facebook Chat, Facebook Home will change it all for you.

Facebook Home

  • Cover Feed

The Cover Feed serves as your source for all Facebook updates. As soon as you turn on your phone, news pop up on your screen. News of everything thats going on Facebook! If your friend has posted a new photo, or changed the status it automatically shows on your screen. The Cover Feed also allows you to select what apps you want where, and how you want to organize them. Facebook, Instagram, or even Messenger is all under your control.

  • Notifications

Just like the Cover Feed, all Notifications will begin to pop on your screen. As soon as there is a new event, it will appear on your phone. All events, updates, and posts will appear on your screen. Not only do they appear, but the notifications stay on your screen until you actually check them out. When you do decide to check out the notifications, all you have to do is swipe.

  • Facebook Chat

To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of Facebook Chat. I just thought it was never easy to use. However, what I’ve been reading about the new Chat Messenger on Facebook Home might change Facebook Chat completely. According to several sources, the Home Facebook Messenger will allow you to send and receive instant messages from anywhere. You can even jump from app to app, and still keep the conversation going.

Your Facebook Home

Your Facebook Home

As you all know by now, I’m a big fan of Facebook. I am interested in everything they do, and I am amazed on how they do it. They are constantly coming up with new ideas, keeping them in the lead. They started solely on computers, and then they made the jump to phones withe the Facebook App. Now, with Facebook Home its only a matter of time, Facebook creates their own phone.

Author Hala
Category New
Comments No Comments

How to buy the best laptop bag

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Apr 11
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Having a laptop case or bag is considered a must these days since having a laptop is more common too and the number of notebooks, netbooks and laptops owners is enormously increasing.  Although laptops bags and cases fall under accessories yet a laptop bag is the only tool that will protect your precious device from being screen shattered or broken if anything happens, in addition of course to adding a style to it.

Laptops bags have different shapes and designs but they all have one common thing which is keeping your laptop safe so if you are not going too far from home or you are just moving around the campus in university then laptop sleeves is the best for you. They are fit and could work as a padding when you put your laptop in a bag however choose ones with more padding or ones with hard shell to have better protection.

If you like traditional looking bags or classic bags that are compact then carrying bags or bags with handles will be perfect. They are light and will also give you extra space to store more stuff.

Having your hands free would be great if you move a lot or if your travelling and this is where backpack bags work best. They also suit students who need to take their laptops around.

Finally and for people who are active and need to carry extra stuff like a hard disk or hard drive and other mobile devices that need protection, messenger bags are considered the best in this field. They are elegant and durable and will keep your laptop and other stuff safe.

No matter what your style is, make sure your laptop bag is of high quality and has some sort of padding to keep it protected from accidents.

 

 

 

Author Manar
Comments No Comments

Ready to Tan ?

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Apr 10
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Well its getting hotter these days and summer is one step closer so who is ready for tanning ? A lot of my friends consider tanning a must in summer as it makes them feel fresh and they consider it a make over of some sort but anyways and no matter what is your plan for this summer you got to take into consideration general skin care tips to avoid sun burns or heat-strokes.

While preparing your bag and before going to the beach to tan, make sure you take one or two bottles of water, you don’t want to be dehydrated because this the first thing that will turn the day over and make you sick and dizzy.

Have a hat on your head and sun glasses for your eyes while relaxing at the beach or swimming pool because your head should be protected and eyes are generally sensitive especially when it is sunny.

Most importantly don’t forget your sun protection cream even if you are using a tanning oil, you will also need to use sun protection creams. Apply the sunscreen first then the tanning oil or cream.

There is another interesting tip that will protect your skin and give you the result you want. It is reducing the hours you spend in one day under the sun and distribute them along the week so instead of laying under the sun for three hours in one day, stay an hour only and do it more often during the week or every weekend.

Finally don’t forget to use moisturizer twice a day at least after each session to avoid skin dryness and to keep the new colour for longer.

 

Author Manar
Comments No Comments

App of the Week: Voxer

Apr 09

Today, our smartphone is our phone, our music player, and even our daily planner. It’s pretty much our everything. We text, make calls, send e-mails; all from one phone. Now with the thousands of apps available there is almost nothing your phone cant do. Whether editing photos, listening to the radio, or creating your own walkie-talkie your smartphone can do it.

App of the Week: Voxer

App of the Week

App of the Week

Voxer is your 21st century Walkie-Talkie. Compatible with your Android or iOS device, Voxer eases communication for you. Whether you prefer texting, sending photos, or talking, it’s now possible. The app turns your phone into a walkie-talkie with a simple button. All you have to do is press the “Hold to Talk” button, say whatever you want, and then release. The voice-note is instantly sent, allowing you to carry out conversations with any of your contacts. You can go back and forth for hours exchanging voice-notes with one another.

Who would’ve thought walkie-talkies would still be around today? Voxer renews the idea for your iPhone, and Android. Download Voxer today, and start your walkie-talkie.

Author Hala
Category New, Phones
Comments No Comments

Mechanical Keyboards: The 3 most common switches

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Apr 08
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Following up on my previous post about “Gaming Keyboards: Things to consider before you choose one“, I’m going to introduce you to the 3 most common mechanical keyboard switches; Black, and Brown.

I personally don’t feel that mechanical keyboards got their proper recognition in Kuwait and although there aren’t many PC gamers out there, I still believe that they can be useful to the average computer user. First off, what are mechanical keyboards again? Well, they are the same clicky keyboards used back in the 1980s/1990s, but with a twist. Most keyboards these days use keys that bounce on a rubbery surface, but mechanical keyboards have special switches that contain springs, pieces of metal and plastic, delicately put together to register your keystrokes. Let’s being with the Cherry MX Black switch:

 

Black

 

As you can see from the image above, this is the inside of a Cherry MX Black switch. Black switches require more force to push down than Brown and Blue. Also, Black switches do not produce an audible click sound like the others because the metallic contacts inside are allowed to smoothly touch and separate. Oh, and you have to push the key all the way down for a proper keystroke to register, which is great for gamers who play games that require them to hold down keys for a long time. One issue with Black switches is that they are not made for typists; if you type a lot, then you should probably stay away from them because there’s a lot of punching down to do… unless you have strong fingers.

 

Blue

 

Let’s move on to Blue switches. So, Blue switches are the ones that make the loud clicky sound that is totally not appropriate for use in an open office environment (They are very loud)! However, typing on Blue switches is very satisfying due to their tactility – when you feel that click, you know that you actually typed something! These are my favorite switches so far though, simply because they are great for both typing and gaming. If you look at the image above, you can see how the metallic contacts get flicked towards each other by a piece of white plastic; which is why they have a distinct *click* sound.

 

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Finally, we have the Brown switches, which are a mix between Blacks and Blues. Brown switches are quieter than Blues, but require a little more force to press down. Browns are an excellent solution for those who want a little from the clickiness of Blue Switches and the force of Black switches. I haven’t tried Brown switches yet, but from the online reviews, they are very popular and I would recommend them over Blues.

 

Ok, this isn’t exactly an in-depth review of mechanical keyboards or switches and there are definitely way more colors than Black, Blue and Brown out there for different purposes. However, I hope you now have a better idea about the subject and possibly be able to go out on your own and explore other options. If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard, focus on the switch-type you want first, then go for the other bells and whistles because your delicate fingers are more important.

 

Check out our humble collection of gaming keyboards here at xcite.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Ahmad
Category New
Comments No Comments

Must Have Cooking Apps

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Apr 07
cooking apps

You know when you’re forced into the kitchen to make anything when you have no other option? I am personally one of those people that need to be in the mood to actually cook anything, I either have to be extremely bored with nothing else to do or just absolutely sick of take out. Now don’t get me wrong am not exactly a chef and I did almost burn down the kitchen once or twice and since I can never memorize recipes I always turn to my phone and Google away. If you know exactly what you want to make Google can be very handy, but if you want creative ideas and more options I learned that some cooking Apps could be your savior.

20 Minute Meals-Jamie Oliver: If you haven’t heard of the British famous chef Jamie Oliver, then you’re missing out on a lot! Jamie is renowned for his healthy hearty food and passion for creative meals that take no time at all and do nothing but good things for your health. Two things make this App stand out, the compilation of videos and pictures that guide you in making your meals and that everything only takes 20 minutes or less. With each meal you get a collection of pictures and videos to help you prepare the meal perfectly!

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Teach Me Sushi: We all know that Sushi can be addicting and we also know that it’s a bit too pricey. Though I have this unbelievable obsession with it I never tried to make it at home. It always seemed too challenging and nothing online was helpful or clear enough till I stumbled upon Teach Me Sushi. This App is incredible; you wont believe the variety of recipes it includes not just that but with a comprehensive and fun video tutorial that features an energetic chef that guarantees your Sushi is perfection.

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The Photo Cookbook: If you’re a visual person then you will definitely love the Photo Cookbook! Includes 84 recipes with beautiful high-resolution photography. It teaches you step by step visually with clear pictures of the ingredients, the steps, the appliances you need and the final result. Each step is clearly displayed with all the details that you need to go through. This App is a must have if you’re still a beginner in the kitchen.

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So go ahead download these Apps onto your iPhone or Android and be your own chef hopefully without burning down your kitchen!

Author Farah
Category Phones
Comments No Comments

How to take beautiful photos

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Apr 06
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How to take beautiful photos? this was the question I kept asking when I first start using a SLR, and  how to make artistic pictures? (advice, ideas, tips) ?

I tried to read articles, posts, watch tutorials, but honestly nothing helped, I ended up by taking my machine (SLR) and i kept change the setting with a continuous shooting, for example to have the result I wanted I used to shoot around 50 photos to have the ONE photo I wanted, but now I do it by the 2nd or 3rd tentative or sometimes at the 1st shoot.

When a photographer wants occasionally to engage in an artistic photo. there are 2 main rules to follow (framing, light) and then we must leave place for creativity. The artist can be set to customize work areas, such as fulfilling a series on the same theme (color, location, etc..).

A landscape can change greatly in appearance depending on the season, time of day and brightness:

Sunset.

Night light on a city.

Autumn landscape.

Flowery field, etc …

The advises I can give you are:

1-Attention to the light, light has a really big rule, as it gives life  to the photo. ( darkness to express sadness, lightning to express happiness and so forth)

2-Choose a subject and make it pop-up on your photo, don’t take so many things in only one photo, then the person who will see it will get confuse and can see your photo as having a ” meaningless “subject.

Light is important because it will adapt to the constraints of light. Do not make your images in the middle of the day when the light is most intense (especially in summer) and therefore where the shadows are very marked, as this may damage your photo.

Choose afternoon’s light rather than the morning. If you plan to shoot your landscape at sunset or at night, a tripod will be essential to enhance the stability of the device and therefore the sharpness of the picture.

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As in this photo took at sunset time, I tried to make the photo as dark as possible, in a way I have human silhouettes shows like shadows with enough clarity to be able to see the background .

To succeed  such picture you have to  follow the following settings, and don’t forget ( sunset time with  the sun light in front of you )

  • f/11
  • Exposure time 1/500
  • Iso 200
  • Focal lenght 38mm.
  • Aperture 4,7.
  • No flash.

 

Author Meriem Laoufi
Category Photography
Comments 4 Comments