Google Chromecast ranks highest in TIME’s top ten gadgets of 2013

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In a move that might cause some tech pundits to scratch their heads, TIME Magazine has just named the Google Chromecast as numero uno in 2013's top 10 gadgets. That said, it is also welcome news as this is the first time since 2010 that something other than an Apple device has claimed the top spot.

The Chromecast enjoyed a period of intense popularity after Google unveiled in late July. The size of a USB thumb drive, the Chromecast attaches itself to a TV via a HDMI port which then allows streaming of media to the TV over a WiFi connection. Although the initial number of officially supported media sources was depressingly few, limited in fact to YouTube, Netflix, Google Music, and Pandora at launch, the community still took to the device like bees to honey, attracting interest not only from streaming content providers but also from developers who want to squeeze out every bit of possible functionality from the dongle.

Although the furor has somewhat thinned over the past few months, the Chromecast’s existence still managed to send ripples throughout the tech world enough for TIME to notice. Breaking Apple‘s three-year reign on the list, TIME praises the Chromecast for its simplicity and straightforward functionality. In an age of digital convergence where every gadget can do almost anything or everything, it was refreshing to see something that does only one thing but does it extraordinarily well.

Of course, this is mostly a reflection of how TIME has seen this year’s technology evolve and the list will definitely ruffle a few feathers. At second and fifth are Apple’s new iPads and the iPhone 5s, respectively. The Microsoft Xbox One sits at number six with no mention of the Playstation 4 anywhere. Fortunately, there was enough room for an Android device in the list, with the new Amazon Kindle Fire HDX at seventh place.

SOURCE: Sundar Pichai, TIME
VIA: Talk Android

Galaxy S4: Software features in advance or gadgets?

By Gabriel Manceau 9 may 2013

Galaxy S4 software functionality Questions. The new high-end Smartphone of the Korean brand is now everywhere, the opportunity to wonder what really brings this new model from Samsung and Android smartphones in General. On this long-awaited phone back.

Galaxy S3 is a very good phone and is already established as a bestseller. The wait was huge, to be his successor, and our review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 has shown that it was the best, when it is the best for some. But a design that almost isn't that really brings the phone back? The power, which is no doubt. But expected no less of such a model. The package in its communication put many software features of the S4 Galaxy on the Samsung.

In his time, the Galaxy S3 offered a truly new design and functionality, which are otherwise nothing found. It is normal that the new model keeps its bases and coming to such messages as an air gesture or smart scroll to bring. You use the sensors of the S4, scrolling through the pages with simple gestures or even your presence to recognize or not in front of the screen. Features first used their effect or if it shows his friends, but quickly to use it will take into account their limits.

The software functions of the Galaxy-S4

In fact, a Web page from top to bottom and vice versa through his hand in front of the screen work leaves just good to pass. But you have not the way step by step to do, without having to make a big step in one direction or the other. Impossible to use horizontal with the browser. The other constraint concerns the reconciliation of third-party applications, which is currently non-existent, restricts the really use, if you're not already using them tired.

The functionality of the S4 Galaxy, so that media sharing and multiplayer game is to play group. The functions seem interesting, if my contacts are by no means also a S4, which is the case. IPhone syndrome, which limited the use to many people. Smart pause when it stop the unfortunate tendency at the slightest movement of the head has. It is not uncommon to search when they call, quickly across the us, or if you hear a noise. In times like these, our video stops for two seconds by a movement of the head is not necessarily...

So much for the features that Samsung has sold us as innovative, but quickly runs the use, not to mention that they are very inefficient in battery... Apart from that, I liked the S4 Galaxy as an object, with little change at the level of design, for its beautiful screen and responsiveness through no fault. Are these different software to put the powder in the eyes? The S4 would be received there as well without these properties? What do you think?