iYogi

iYogi reviews the high-end smartphone ‘Sony Xperia ZL’. Xperia ZL answers the user query with its amazing features that include full-HD display, a camera that’s chock full of megapixels, a beefy quad-core snapdragon processor, and speedy LTE- connectivity. Here we talk about the features, functions, looks, and usability of the product.

Appearance and style

The 5-inch 1080p display of Sony Xperia ZL is stylish and we can almost bet that you might not need any phone accessory to further revamp it. The phone’s display is yet another success of Sony Xperia ZL, the screen’s bezel is quite thin and the 443 ppi pixel density offers clear, crisp text on the display. The user can enjoy viewing photos, and watching videos on the bright and vivid display of Sony Xperia ZL. However, if you are not satisfied with screen quality, Sony Xperia Zl offers white balance settings that can tweak the color temperature of the phone according to your taste.

The other style features of Sony Xperia ZL, like curved corners, textured backplate, microUSB charging port, volume bar, silver power button, and the shutter button for the 13-megapixel camera, gives Sony Xperia ZL a look of an average high-end smartphone. It is only 5.35 ounces, and is less than half an inch thick.

Tune and videos

Coming to the tune and video features, the Sony Xperia ZL has single speaker, which is placed on the back of the set, adjacent to 13-megapixel camera. The voice quality of the speaker is not something you would watch out but you might enjoy the sound depending on your mood and interest. Moving to the camera, the 13-megapixels sounds like a lot, and guys it actually is. You can enjoy capturing your beloved one in Sony Xperia ZL as it gives you a fine photo quality, and if you can put lots of lighting at the photo session, you may end up capturing a great shot.

Sony Xperia ZL has autofocus settings that can further help you enjoy the photo clicking experience with your friends. The Xperia ZL again offers 1080p video recording facility but this too doesn’t come without fault. While the audio recording of Sony Xperia ZL provides a great experience, on the other hand the camera’s image stabilization can occasionally make your videos jittery.

Battery power of Xperia ZL

The Xperia ZL has 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM. The phone is quite powerful and you may have no trouble tackling any of the apps or games. Even the call quality on AT&T’s network can give you a satisfactory experience in Xperia ZL. The 16GB capacity of the phone is great as it easily supports 32GB micro SD cards, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth radios. Xperia ZL can never disappoint you with its battery as you can easily spend few hours watching videos, and playing games without using the phone charger.

Some other attractive features

Sony Xperia ZL has few unique features up its sleeves. First, it can be used as faux remote control if you own Sony television. Second, Sony Xperia ZL offers a unique feature called ‘Stamina Mode’, which when turned on, automatically disable mobile data and Wi-Fi every time screen turns off. In addition it continues to receive calls and text messages, complete downloads and uploads, and run certain apps (including music) in the background.

iYogi suggests that Sony Xperia ZL is not at all a bad deal until you are ready to compromise with few screen, audio, video, and app flaws. What you feel about the product? Share your views with iYogi.

Microsoft has released its next big thing in January: Microsoft Office 2013 and Microsoft Office 365. These two latest editions are optimized to mobile devices and online sharing. And they are Windows 8 ready too. Both these editions bundle core Office applications and some additional applications including Microsoft PowerPoint 2013. iYogi reviews this new version of Microsoft PowerPoint to help you find and use new set of tools, features and functions of this Office application.   

1.       First thing First, the Start screen

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 opens with a Modern-style interface including an improved Start screen. When iYogi reviews, it points out new theme-centric templates users can start with. These new range of templates is ready with the design and formatting users require in their presentation. Hence, they start with inserting data and object without having to focus on design. The Start screen also features a link to SkyDrive account or SharePoint online to enable users to access current list of PowerPoint files.

2.       New formatting tools

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 has many improved and new set of formatting features which are found accessible from the task pane at the right side of the screen. To access these formatting tools, users need to right click on the object to be formatted to see the right task pane changing and fetching the new set of formatting tools for an object, for example a chart, diagram, or a picture.  

3.       Presentation view

iYogi points out that Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 unfurls a revamped PowerPoint Presenter View. Unlike earlier version, users can access this improved Presentation View on a computer with single monitor by pressing Alt + F5. As the view opens, Presenter View will allow users to alternate between the Presenter View and the Slide Show View as and when required. The Presenter View will also features thumbnail views of all slides and new Zoom option which will let users highlight an area of presentation when required.

In addition to these, Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 enables cloud integration and seamless online sharing. Users can ask other team mates to add comments, show comments, incorporate and update the presentation in the real-time, by sharing the file via SharePoint Online and using SkyDrive account.   

Yes, that’s what Razer Edge is found out to be. iYogi reviews Razer Edge tablet which has garnered loads of accolades and awards at the CES 2013, Las Vegas. The PC peripheral maker Razer has first unveiled this Windows 8-based which packs in a powerful…

View Post

For others, this is just another number. But not with the case with HTC; ‘One’ to HTC denotes a standing HTC is yet to claim in the race of Droid. The story began last year when HTC launched One X before Samsung stole the show with its Galaxy S III. Later it rolled a couple of more devices such as One X+ and Droid DNA, however, but they have done little to overpower Galaxy devices and win battle of Droid. Hence, the HTC One: the device the houses powerful designs and specifications, HTC’s innovation and its pride. Now the question is: will this latest flagship phone HTC One manage to become the ‘One’ you are looking for? That’s why iYogi reviews the latest Smartphone and highlights what’s in the phone, what’s missing and if HTC’s innovation will pay off this time.

                                   (HTC One - Image by:  HTC)

HTC One: Design
iYogi suggests that HTC One exudes a combination of stunning edge-to-edge display design and powerful specifications under its stylish hood. At one glance, the device is going to astonish you for sure with its all-aluminum solid exterior. Though its metal body will feel solid, but it looks quite thin and sleek and feels light on the palm. HTC One exudes a full frontal 4.7-inches Super LCD 3 screen with the damage-resistant Gorilla Glass 2 which will display as much as 468 PPI (pixels per inch, the highest and unheard so far in Android market. Below the display, HTC placed a ‘Home’ and a ‘Back’ button for ease of navigation.

HTC TV
HTC One phone will also bring you the reign to control your TV with its power button that serves as an IR blaster remote control, like you will find again on the latest Samsung Galaxy S IV. iYogi suggests that HTC One uses a built-in app HTC TV which will tell you about the recent telecast, upcoming shows and you can also use HTC One to control channels, settings, and recordings. You can also connect to your TV using the HDMI port or wirelessly via Miracast.

An UltraPixel Camera
iYogi found that HTC One has avoided the war of megapixels. While Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S4 exude a whopping 13-MP sensor and iPhone 5 has 8-MP, HTC has kept at a limited 4-MP sensor and introduced ‘Zoe’ which enables the camera to reduce shutter lag, work faster in shooting images and videos, applying filters and allow sharing photos  faster via Internet. You can share photos via Zoe Share as well as other photo and video sharing networks such as Facebook and YouTube.

iYogi suggests that HTC One will lead Android phones with other notable features such as full HD screen, up to 64GB onboard memory, 1.7GHz quad-core processor, and astonishing Sense 5 native UI of HTC.

If you are a great believer in Windows 8, then you would be excited enough to upgrade to this touch-enabled version from its Windows 7 edition. If you take a quick glance, then you will see no noticeable difference in design of this notebook from its Windows 7 version. iYogi has reviewed this notebook to weigh merits and demerits of the new Windows 8-based Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch laptop.

     (Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch with Windows 8 - Image By:  Lenovo)

Design
Though Lenovo has kept the physical dimension of this notebook intact at a thickness of 18.9 mm, however, iYogi has found that the laptop is slightly heavier on hand with just .41pounds than its Windows 7 sibling. The main feature of the laptop which is the touchscreen draws the focal attention of PC buyers and determines whether the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is worth the upgrade for a $1,499.00. That’s why iYogi begins with reviewing Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch from its display and luckily, it didn’t disappoint users there. The touch screen turned out to be completely repelled to fingerprints, no matter how hard and long you may try to smudge on its matte screen. Moreover, the screen responds very well to all the efforts made in the form of pinches, swipes, and taps among others.

Special features
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is launched a special feature which is assumed to remove the dilemma of missing Start button on Windows 8. The new Lenovo interface introduces Lenovo QuickLaunch button which mimics the functions of Windows Start button and will enable users to search for files, programs and mostly used applications like you used to do earlier Windows platforms.

iYogi recommends Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch for its extended battery life of “up to 8.2 hours” after consistent usage of Internet surfing, IMing, e-mailing, among others.

After Acer Aspire S5 Ultrabook has let down many users, Acer has unveiled a lighter version Acer Aspire S7 in 11.7” inches. With its stunning 11.6-inch full HD, touchscreen IPS screen, this cutting-edge ultraportable device has made up for its predecessors disappointing performance, it is also been considered as an Apple MacBoor Air alternative. And that’s a compliment for any Ultrabook. iYogi reviews this latest touch enabled Windows 8 offerings from Acer and highlights pros and cons to explain if it is worth the money.

Features of Acer Aspire S7 Ultrabook
Acer Aspire S7 comes in two size variants; one is 13.3-inch and another is 11.6 inch. Both models come with white metal-lid hood and not more than 1kg. iYogi reviews have revealed that both size variants of premium Acer Aspire S7 series are loaded with astonishing aesthetic beauty. With 11.9mm thickness, it boasts ultra-slim and sleek exterior which nestles impressive specifications including full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution IPS panels display which does not attract fingerprints and will avert mild lines and scratches. This super sleek, premium range of Windows 8 Ultrabook has two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm standard headphone jack, one HDMI port. However, you would definitely miss the absence of an Ethernet port though you can use an USB Wi-Fi stick. The Ultrabook supports both wireless connectivity options: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Full support for Windows 8
iYogi reviews have revealed that both 13-inch and 11.6-inch variants of Acer Aspire S7 Ultrabook offers a good keyboard in matte surface and soft keys which renders decent typing speed and energy saving aqua LE backlighting. According to iYogi reviews, the trackpad supports touch-enabled functions of Windows 8 operating system. Moreover, Acer Aspire S7 is fully compliant to Windows 8 OS that its IPS panel supports 10-point touch and Metro LiveTile interface. 

Other noteworthy specifications of Acer Aspire S7 Ultrabook include options to choose from Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Intel HD 4000 graphics, choice between 128GB or 256GB storage space, 4GB of RAM, battery life of up to five hours after single recharge.

iYogi has brought a good news for all the gaming enthusiasts and creative professionals who mainly rely on their desktops for precision, performance, and color accuracy.

Lately, the world renowned PC manufacturer, Dell has added four new UltraSharp monitors to its lineup, including Dell UltraSharp U3014 30-inch monitor, Dell UltraSharp U2713H 27-inch monitor, Dell UltraSharp U2413 24-inch monitor, and Dell UltraSharp U2913WM 29-inch Ultra-wide monitor.

Out of the four new Dell UltraSharp monitors, three monitors- U3014 30-inch, U2713H 27-inch, and UltraSharp U2413 24-inch are tagged as “PremierColor” displays, designed to offer superior performance, accuracy and vividness. While on the other hand the UltraSharp U2913WM 29-inch is an ultra-wide monitor made to facilitate productive multi-tasking.

In particular, the UltraSharp U3014 30-inch monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It is perfect to accomplish color critical work, like CAD/CAM, desktop publishing, graphic design, media creation or gaming. And UltraSharp U2713H 27-inch and U2413 24-inch monitors with display resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 1920 x 1200 pixels respectively enables stunning and true color hues and saturation. Whereas, the UltraSharp U2913WM 29-inch Ultra-wide monitor gives a panoramic display with resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels and is a great substitute to dual monitors.

“The Dell UltraSharp series offers one of the industry’s highest-quality and most advanced technology experiences. We are thrilled to update the UltraSharp family with the U3014, U2713H, U2413 and U2913 displays. The displays and accessories offer users an outstanding visual experience and the versatility to boost productivity and multi-task with ease,” said George Toh, marketing director of Dell Displays.

As far as the price and availability of Dell UltraSharp monitors are concerned, the UltraSharp U3014 30-inch monitor will be available soon all around the world for $1499 USD. However, the UltraSharp U2713H 27-inch and U2413 24-inch monitors are currently available for $999 and $599 USD. But there is no news about the availability of Dell UltraSharp U2913WM 29-inch Ultra-wide monitor, which expectedly will be only available from the Dell source page.

For more tech updates and latest news, stay tuned. iYogi is a one-stop destination to know about all the new products and devices launched in the world of technology.

Succeeding the popular ELPH 320 HS, Canon has recently unveiled another powerful model to its PowerShot ELPH lineup. Known as Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS, the snapper touts double optical zoom and improved ISO sensitivity that helps it to capture brilliant shots even in the dim-light conditions. iYogi Reviews team provides the first-impression review of this powerful point-and-shoot digital camera.

The latest offering from Canon boasts of a new hybrid mode, upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity, and various other powerful specs.  Thanks to the new HS system, the ELPH 320 HS delivers clear images with minimum noise and maximum details even while shooting at night or in dimly lit conditions. It also features Canon’s Smart Auto that delivers optimal camera performance allowing even the first timers to capture great photos with much details and clarity. iYogi Reviews team also noted that in this model, Canon has moved down from 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor to 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, but this has been done for the betterment as the new CMOS sensor helps the snapper to produce better quality images.

Design wise, the camera is bit smaller than its predecessor. It spots a 3-inch LCD screen and 10x optical zoom lens. The lens offers Canon’s image stabilization technology that works with highly sensitive CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor to enhance your experience by shooting quality images. iYogi Reviews team also noted that the camera features a built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to wirelessly transfer photos and movie clips to Android and iOS devices to share them on your social networking sites. After uploading your pictures, you can also comment on them directly from your camera.

The snapper will hit the stores in March for just $229.99 and will be available in black, silver, and pink colors. iYogi Reviews team believes that at this price range, ELPH 320 HS is a good option for those who want to capture brilliant images and share them instantly with their friends and family through social networking sites.

To know more about the latest releases in the digital world, keep reading iYogi Reviews.

The trend of slim and sleek All-in-one possibly became popular with swanky iMac, but Windows PCs are not far behind. With the launch of touchscreen-supported Windows 8 operating system, PC manufacturers are leaving no stones unturned to churn new models…

View Post