It’s 2013 and our smartphones control our house thermostat, lighting and window shutters. What else can we use our smartphones for? Apparently doors as well! August Smart-Lock is a new smart system designed and invented by Jason Johnson and Yves Behar that installs in minutes over your existing deadbolt and syncs with your smartphone.

“Oh what’s the big deal…just another tech lock.” Well that’s where you’re wrong! Yes we have seen competitors introduce their devices in the past, including the Lockitron and Kevo, but nothing can possibly outweigh the August Smart-Lock.

Once installation is complete, you’ve got full access through your smartphone. Not to mention, access codes gives certain people assigned entry times and dates! Instead of giving your housekeeper the key to your house, which lets not forget can be copied easily these days, you can grant them access for however many hours on whichever day you want. August also implemented the auto-unlock feature, which recognizes your smartphone as soon as you get near the door.

Impressed? Not yet? Remote Access. Yes, that’s right…remote access allows you to open the door for guests anywhere and at anytime! You’re relaxing on a beach in the Maldives and someone needs something from behind your doors back home – click and done!

It’s quiet annoying how many keys I carry and I think it’s about time to change this habit.

About Jad

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BBM is back! No longer restricted to BlackBerry phones, BBM will soon become a part of every smartphone. A few days ago, BlackBerry announced that it will be introducing BBM as an App for Android and iOS devices. Aiming to become a multi-platform mobile service, BlackBerry is bringing the famous real-time messaging service to both the iOS, and Android.

Introducing BBM to iOS & Android

With the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10, and the recent news about BBM, BlackBerry is all what people are talking about. Let’s face it! BBM is the best real-time messaging service out there. Long before WhatsApp or any other social App, it was all about the BBM. According to the chief executive of BlackBerry Thorsten Heins, BBM has more than 60 million active users, accumulating to nearly 10 billion messages on a daily basis.

Some see this as BlackBerry’s desperate attempt at restoring its name. The App will be released this summer to the Apple iOS 6 software, and Android 4.0. Will it compete with Apps such as WhatsApp, or even Viber? They are all social Apps that have become essential Apps in every iPhone, or Android device but I know once BBM is introduced as an App, it will take over. Still a few months away, and people are already talking about downloading the App. BlackBerry is definitely back.

About Hala

Ladies don’t usually see eye to eye with technology, but that’s not the case with Hala Thiab. Her morning routine consists of making sure that her iPhone, her Blackberry, her iPad and her portable battery case are all neatly gathered in her purse. She’s also got one of those portable routers just incase her 3G goes down. Hala is dedicated to proving that technology isn’t a “mans” world, and woman have just as big a part to play when it comes to all the new nifty gadgets. She still doesn’t know how to reboot, re-cache or format her computer though.

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It’s all about the touchscreen nowadays, isn’t it? Any phone with a keyboard is considered outdated, or even obsolete. Except, that is, for the BlackBerry! It really is no secret how loyal I am to BlackBerry. I’ve talked it about dozens of times, and I’m always the first to defend the brand. With the BlackBerry Z10, it got some of its glory back, but I honestly expected more. With the keyboard, I hope BlackBerry will go back to the top.

The BlackBerry Q10

By keyboard, I mean the BlackBerry Q10. Many believe that they keyboard is what can truly save BlackBerry. The smartphone combines the best of both worlds; the QWERTY keyboard and touch screen technology. I can’t wait for this phone because I am a huge fan of the BlackBerry keyboard. Don’t get me wrong; I love the touchscreen, and how easy it is to use. I just like the BlackBerry keyboard a little bit more. According to reports, the phone will feature a keyboard similar to the Bold 9900, yet slightly bigger. They keyboard consists of 4 rows, and is 30% wider than the BlackBerry Bold keyboard. For quick and accurate typing, the keyboard stretches from edge to edge.

The Keyboard

Many sources have stated that the Z10 was the risk BlackBerry took. The BlackBerry Q10, however, is an entire different story. BlackBerry has perfected its keyboard, and this model will prove so. The keyboard will bring BlackBerry back. It was announced that the new BlackBerry will be released sometime in the 2^nd quarter. Only time will tell whether the keyboard lives up to its name or doesn’t.

About Hala

Ladies don’t usually see eye to eye with technology, but that’s not the case with Hala Thiab. Her morning routine consists of making sure that her iPhone, her Blackberry, her iPad and her portable battery case are all neatly gathered in her purse. She’s also got one of those portable routers just incase her 3G goes down. Hala is dedicated to proving that technology isn’t a “mans” world, and woman have just as big a part to play when it comes to all the new nifty gadgets. She still doesn’t know how to reboot, re-cache or format her computer though.

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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!

About Farah

"Without music, life would be a mistake." Farah believes this above all else. Music expresses the inexpressible when heard correctly, through the proper equipment. Everything in the universe has a different rhythm, and therefore a unique personality. Farah walks, talks and rocks her iPod all day, everyday. Yup, she's that devoted to her 27,000 tracks and 200 playlists.

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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

Voxer is your 21^st 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.

About Hala

Ladies don’t usually see eye to eye with technology, but that’s not the case with Hala Thiab. Her morning routine consists of making sure that her iPhone, her Blackberry, her iPad and her portable battery case are all neatly gathered in her purse. She’s also got one of those portable routers just incase her 3G goes down. Hala is dedicated to proving that technology isn’t a “mans” world, and woman have just as big a part to play when it comes to all the new nifty gadgets. She still doesn’t know how to reboot, re-cache or format her computer though.

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Attention all Apple fans! Apple is working on its latest product. Expected to be released in late summer, or early fall. Oh wait, it’s only the iPhone 6.

If I don’t sound too excited, it’s because I’m really not. Whether it’s another smartphone from Apple, another tablet, it’s all the same. Lately, all Apple does is take an existing product, spruce it up, and claim it’s the new best thing. This time around, their next “new best thing” is a new iPhone. So, rumour has it Apple is currently working on a new iPhone. What we know for sure is that there is a new smartphone in the making. However, reports are mixed on what kind of phone it will be. Some are claiming the next iPhone will be a more affordable version. Others however are saying that the iPhone 6 is a new upgrade in technology and design.

Let’s start with the affordable iPhone. According to several reports, if iPhone were to develop a cheaper smartphone, it will be targeting developing countries. In particular, those who seek out the cheaper Android phones. This iPhone would probably ditch the powerful processor, and advanced camera and opt for lower quality specs. As for design, it will boast a smaller size, and will come in different colours.

Colours for the iPhone?

How about the other rumour? This alleged iPhone 6 is said to be bigger, brighter, and bolder. For example, the screen. For a higher screen resolution, the smartphone might include a Sharp IGZO screen. Besides the inevitable upgraded processor, the new iPhone will probably be supported by Apple’s latest software (iOS 7).

The Possible Upgrade

An iPhone is definitely in the making. Whether Apple decides to go for the affordable model, or the high-end phone we will know soon enough. A particular release date hasn’t been announced, yet I predict that the new iPhone will be released in the early fall. Regardless of the type of iPhone it is, it has to wow!

About Hala

Ladies don’t usually see eye to eye with technology, but that’s not the case with Hala Thiab. Her morning routine consists of making sure that her iPhone, her Blackberry, her iPad and her portable battery case are all neatly gathered in her purse. She’s also got one of those portable routers just incase her 3G goes down. Hala is dedicated to proving that technology isn’t a “mans” world, and woman have just as big a part to play when it comes to all the new nifty gadgets. She still doesn’t know how to reboot, re-cache or format her computer though.

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So, a friend of mine is throwing a party this weekend. Every last detail of her party has been planned out. From the invitations to the catering to the centerpieces, it’s all been taken care of. She’s been working on her laptop to finalize every single detail. Except for one tiny detail; the party is outdoors! So imagine her shock when she was checking the weather and saw that it is expected to rain this weekend. Hoping to find other weather reports and prove the first one wrong, we all began to check different weather sites. That is when I stumbled on a wonderful app for my mobile phone.

App of the Week: Climate Clock

Weather Predictions..Anytime, Anywhere

Available for iPhone, Climate Clock is an incredible app. Climate Clock can tell the weather from any country around the world. Not only can it tell the weather, but the app also displays the forecast hour by hour. Designed as a clock, the weather is reflected by the hour. Your personal watch in your iPhone, every hour of the dial displays either a cloud, or sun (depending on the weather).  What I love about the app is it’s so easy to read; the predictions are clearly illustrated with the upmost detail. If there are any changes, it is shown by the hour.

So far, the app has been accurate. It predicts sunny weather, and its actually sunny. When the hour shows rain, the skies are cloudy. Needles to say, my friend has been checking her phone every hour for weather updates. According to Climate Clock, Friday will be sunny skies; perfect weather for a party.

About Hala

Ladies don’t usually see eye to eye with technology, but that’s not the case with Hala Thiab. Her morning routine consists of making sure that her iPhone, her Blackberry, her iPad and her portable battery case are all neatly gathered in her purse. She’s also got one of those portable routers just incase her 3G goes down. Hala is dedicated to proving that technology isn’t a “mans” world, and woman have just as big a part to play when it comes to all the new nifty gadgets. She still doesn’t know how to reboot, re-cache or format her computer though.

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