Articles by Jonathan Charles
Samsung Galaxy S3 Microwaved, Didn't Explode While Driving: Why?
Reports of the Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone exploding are untrue, according to UK fire investigators. Reportedly the device was put in a microwave, not the claim the original owner had made.
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Next Skyrim DLC: What We Want to See
The Dawnguard downloadable content pack for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim brought vampires, and the ability to become one with wings and super-human strength. It’s unknown what’s next for the near endless roleplaying game, but here are some ideas.
Astro A50 Headset: Impressions
Astro'a A50 headset is available for pre-order, and is the third entry in the Axx line of gaming headsets that has caused Astro to be associated with professional gamers. The previous entry, the A30, was a smaller headset bringing Astro's strong sound background, so how does the A50 compare?
Google Chrome for iOS: Features We Like
The release of Google Chrome for iOS has been met with a positive reception, due the the browser's increased functionality and almost-on-par speed with Safari for iOS (if Javascript rendering was a little better, then the speed would be faster). Dive into the browser, though, and there are great features that may not jump out just by typing a URL.
Comparing Windows 8 and Windows 7: By the Numbers
The eighth version of Windows - Windows 8 - is probably Microsoft’s biggest bet on the future of the operating system. The dual-OS approach, with the traditional desktop environment and the new Metro UI, has divided the community - both consumers and business - so what do the numbers show when comparing the operating systems?
Razer Offering Free Keyboard Case: What Accessories Are Worth Buying?
Razer is offering a free keyboard case with qualifying orders until July 15, 2012. Razer has both good and bad products on offer, so what's worth buying to qualify for the offer?
Malware Removed from App Store, Google Play: The Details
For the first time, malware entered the iOS App Store - and also entered Google Play, the Android market - but has since been removed. How the app, which steals contacts information and spams contacts, got into the Store in the first place is questionable considering Apple’s strict vetting process.
Codemasters Co-Founder: Future Lies in Digital, Not Retail
In an interview with gaming Web site MCV, David Darling - co-founder of Codemasters - said retailers cannot control pricing models. Games at retail for consoles are usually $60, whereas an Xbox Live Arcade game such as Minecraft costs a third at $20.
Xbox 360 Versus Wii U: How do the Console’s Launch Titles Compare?
Microsoft claims that the Xbox 360 and Wii U are basically the same in terms of graphical fidelity raised questions over how Nintendo aims to combat Sony’s and Microsoft’s next-gen consoles. If the Wii U is on parity with the Xbox 360, though, how does the software at launch compare?
343 Answers Halo 4 Questions in Q&A Session, Ranking System Returning
The retail training program, ExpertZone, leaked information on Halo 4’s episodic campaign - Spartan Ops. Now, a Q&A session with the developers has leaked from the same source.
iPad Mini Versus New iPad: What Can We Expect?
The rumor of Apple debuting a smaller iPad - dubbed the iPad Mini - has been consistently reported, but never confirmed by Apple. Multiple sources including The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have heard that an iPad Mini is coming, as early as September, so what could be the key differences?
iOS App Store Binaries Corrupted, 1-Star Reviews Arrive
iOS App Store apps with new updates should warn users of downloading the latest version: a widespread corruption across Apple’s platform is meaning most users are seeing crashes immediately. Apple is reportedly working on the issue, but it means irreparable damage could done to the app and developer in terms of user perception.
Halo 4: Spartan Ops Six Months After Campaign, Free
In an interview with video game Web site VG24/7, lead War Games designer on Halo 4, Kevin Franklin, said Halo 4's episodic campaign will take places six months after the event of Halo 4's campaign. Spartan Ops is an episodic campaign that runs for 10 weeks across 50 episodes, it was previously revealed.
Halo 4 Multiplayer Requires 8GB of Storage: Available Options
It has been revealed Halo 4's multiplayer modes will require 8GB of hard drive space to work, a move meaning users owning 20GB or 4GB Xbox 360 consoles may be unable to play. However, there are solutions available.
Microsoft: Wii U Basically an Xbox 360
The Wii U’s performance hasn’t been categorically determined, even at E3 2012 where non-Nintendo titles such as Zombie U and Rayman Legends were shown. Microsoft Studios corporate vice president, Phil Spencer, claims the graphical capabilities of the console are on par with Xbox 360 -- a current generation console
Razer Blackshark Headset Battlefield 3 Edition: The Details
Themed game accessories are great for fans devoted to a particular franchise - Guild Wars 2 is getting a themed SteelSeries mouse and mouse mat - and the Battlefield 3 edition of the Razer Blackshark Headset is the latest entry. Made by Razer, can the headset use the company’s pedigree in building gaming hardware for the better?
Samsung Galaxy Nexus Vs iPhone 4S: Has Apple’s Competition Gone?
With the ban of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in place, at least for a week, Google’s first Android 4.1 Jelly Bean-equipped device is not available. That means the one device that could arguably rival iOS, or even surpass it, in terms of features can’t be bought, but how did the phones compare?
iOS Apps Being Banned for Manipulating Ranking, Causes Confusion: Why?
Apple’s App Store is known for being active and full of high-quality apps, doing a good job of promoting the most popular apps. However, Apple is reportedly banning developers who manipulate rankings and there are even suggestions ratings may be skewed towards bigger developers.
July 4 Independence Day: Patriotic Accessories
It’s Independence Day in the U.S., and therefore means patriotism is as great as ever. Mobile & Apps therefore thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of best spangled banner-themed accessories.
Iwata: Wii U Graphics Not Behind Competitors’, Miiverse Kid-Friendly
A big question over the Wii U, Nintendo's next-generation gaming console launching by the end of 2012, is how it will perform graphically in comparison to this and next generation consoles. Nintendo (Worldwide) president Satoru Iwata said in a call with investors it won't lag behind competition.
Xbox 360 U.S. Ban Threatened by Motorola: Why?
An ongoing patent dispute between Microsoft and Motorola, the smartphone maker recently bought by Google, threatens the sale of the Xbox 360 gaming console in the United States. At the core of the dispute lies ActiveSync, an auto-updating calendar software.
IBM Developing Augmented Reality Apps for Shoppers: The Details
Augmented Reality apps haven’t exploded in popularity - apart from a useful on-the-go translation tool - but that hasn’t stopped IBM from adopting the technology. The computer hardware and software creator has released an app for shopping, allowing users to scan products and receive coupons.
Windows Phone 8 Versus iOS 6: Have We Seen Everything?
Windows Phone product manager Ed Sullivan's comments that known Windows Phone 8 features are just a "sneak peek" may be similar to iOS 6, which is expected to offer a UI refresh after the same grid-based app layout has been used since the iPhone debuted in 2007. So from what's known, how do the two mobile operating systems compare?
Nexus 7 Accessories Set for Launch: What Should You Buy?
Google Nexus 7 tablet launches mid-July, and that means some consumers will be looking for accessories to protect and enhance the product. Some retailers are still waiting for confirmation from manufacturers, according to SBWire, but it’s widely expected companies such as Otterbox will be involved.
Xbox 360 Ban Delayed, Sent to Judge for Reconsideration: Why?
The proposed ban on the Xbox 360 video game console by Motorola/Google has been postponed, being sent to judge David Shaw for reconsideration. The ban would cover 4GB and 250GB versions of the console.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Nuketown Map Available for Pre-Order
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s Nuketown map - a small, close quarters map set in an artificial village designed for testing nuclear bombs - is returning in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Various retailers are offering the map as a pre-order bonus, suggesting it won’t be available to consumers who don’t pre-order.
2012’s Accessories: Top 3 So Far
2012 has brought notable accessories across a range of form factors, and Mobile & Apps has covered some for iPad and Android smartphones. Outside of mobile devices, though, what's available, aside from keyboards and cases?
