Angry Birds Space Review

Price: NA

Our Rating: Excellent

4.5/5

Features:

Performance:

Value:

Design:

PROS

• New gravity mechanics are fun to play
• 60 new levels to play through
• Revamped Birds look cool
• Space age sound effects

CONS

• Expensive for Mac app store and Windows
• Free Android version has ads
• Danger Zone levels are an in-app purchased

Summary

Overall, Angry Birds Space is a must buy for anyone remotely interested in puzzle games on smartphones. The new zero gravity and planetary mechanics add fresh elements to the gameplay and the redesigned birds simply look cool. Besides, the game is free on Android and $0.99 on iOS really isn't a deal breaker. With more levels expected in the coming months, you will definitely be flinging birds in space for a long time.

Review :

When Angry Birds was slingshot onto smartphones all over the world in 2009, the game became synonymous with addiction. The excitement of flinging an assortment of birds at a bunch of pigs hiding in some strangely designed structure was at first unfathomable yet exciting.

Two versions later (Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio), the Angry Birds franchise has tried to maintain some freshness with variations in levels and the addition of some new birds to fling at foes.

Does this new installment in the series have what it takes to keep the Bird slinging addiction alive or are we better off looking elsewhere?

Revamped Gameplay
The gameplay in Angry Birds Space has been significantly revamped from its predecessors. As the name suggests, the Birds are now battling the pigs in space, adding new elements to gameplay, such as gravity, and the absence of it.

Zero gravity adds a nice mix to Angry Birds gameplay, as you will never be sure of the direction your bird will take after its impact with the target. There is also the addition of moons/planets with their own gravitational pull, which adds new physics elements and some brain scratching puzzles. It is fun to watch the birds circle a small planet a couple of times before making contact with the desired target. When the number of gravity enabled planets increases from one to two, the excitement of watching the birds go round in various ways is thrilling.

The addition of zero gravity and the gravity-enabled planets is a great refreshment from the simple slingshot experience of the past iterations of Angry Birds.

The Angry Birds Receive a Makeover
It’s not only the levels that have been redesigned for space. The Angry Birds themselves have been rehashed, and been made “cooler” for outer space. The simple Red Bird now has a pair of space age goggles that would give Geordi La Forge (the dude from Star Trek: The Next Generation with the funky glasses) a run for his money.

Another noteworthy makeover to Angry Birds is the yellow triangle bird that picks up speed like a rocket when the screen is tapped. For starters, the colour has been changed to jazzy purple and now the direction in which the bird zooms can be selected by simply tapping the location on screen.

Similarly the exploding bird of Angry Birds along with the one that splits into three too have received a makeover in terms of their looks. There is also an addition of a new bird in Angry Birds Space. This bird is a square ice-coloured bird that freezes its surroundings on impact.

The addition of the “new bird” along with the “outer space” environment has really refreshed the Angry Birds gameplay.

Number of Levels and PlatformsThe number of devices on which Angry Birds is available is no longer restricted to smartphones and tablets. You can play the game on your Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone and Android Tablets. And soon, Windows Phone.

The free version on Android (with ad support) comes with two worlds that comprise of 30 levels each. Additional 30 levels of Angry Birds Space, called the Danger Zone can be bought as an in app purchase. Samsung Galaxy Note users can download these additional levels from the Samsung App store.

Space Age MusicIf you are one who doesn’t play the game on mute, then you will undoubtedly appreciate the background score of the new Angry Birds game. The game has a very Star Trek theme music to it that adds as a subtle touch to immerse gamers more in the feeling of being in space.

VerdictOverall, Angry Birds Space is a must buy for anyone remotely interested in puzzle games on smartphones. The new zero gravity and planetary mechanics add fresh elements to the gameplay and the redesigned birds simply look cool. Besides, the game is free on Android and $0.99 on iOS really isn’t a deal breaker. With more levels expected in the coming months, you will definitely be flinging birds in space for a long time.

Pricing and AvailabilityiPhone/iPod touch: $0.99
iPad: $2.99
Android: Free
Mac App Store: $4.99
Windows PC: $5.95

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Google Play store added to navigation bar

Google Play, the Big G's replacement for the Android Market, has been promoted to the top of the Google home page.

Google Play is now sitting in pride of place in Google's navigation bar, lurking between Maps and YouTube – an indication of just how much importance Google's attaching to its new app store. Even key Google services like Reader and Shopping are relegated to the drop-down menu at the end of the navigation bar.

Whether Google Play manages to keep its lofty position, or whether it's unceremoniously dumped like poor, unloved Google Wave, only time will tell. In the meantime, if you're thinking of taking advantage of Google Play's services, check out our Android apps of the week.

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FIX DAMAGED HEADPHONES

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Wishtel launches two 'Ira' Android budget tablets, starting Rs. 4,000

Wishtel launches two 'Ira' Android budget tablets, starting Rs. 4,000

Wishtel India has launched 2 tablets in the Indian market, the Ira Thing and the Ira. The two tablets are priced at Rs. 4000 and Rs. 5,500 respectively, plus tax.

The specifications of both the budget tablets are the same apart from the fact that the Ira Thing has a resistive touchscreen and the Ira has a capacitive touchscreen. The battery of both the devices too is different.

The Ira Thing has a 2,200 mAh battery where as the Ira has a 2,800 mAh battery. Other specifications of the device can be found in the table at the end of the article.

The device comes preloaded with a bunch of apps such as a Web Browser, Media Player, Photo viewer, Office, MSN, Skype, Gtalk, Note pad, Clock, Weather and more.

The devices on display at the press event ran Android 2.2 Froyo but the manufacturers have confirmed that the device will launch with Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Apart from Android, customers will have the option to use the tablet on the Linux Sugar OS.

Speaking at the event, Milind Shah, CEO, Wishtel, said:

“This launch is the first step in our long term vision of bringing people closer to technology by creating gadgets that truly touch their lives. By enabling support for Indian languages, we are providing the opportunity for hundreds of millions of Indians to join the tablet revolution that is sweeping the globe today. We also hope to reach out to those brilliant minds in India that are inhibited for the lack of proper resources.”

Richard Brown, VP International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc., added:

“With the introduction of the IRA and IRA Thing, Wishtel is leading the way in driving tablet innovation in India. The potential for these devices is breathtaking, particularly in areas such as education.”

Click to enlarge

From the specifications of the device and its build it is clear that Wishtel is aiming to take on the Aakash and the Aakash 2 tablet that is being manufactured by Datawind for the India government.

Specifications of Wishtel Ira Thing i-Pad and Ira i-Pad

7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 800x480 800MHz CPU 512 MB RAM OS: Android 2.2/2.3 4GB inbuilt storage expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD card Wi-Fi The device has a USB 2.0 port to which users can connect a 3G dongle Card reader Headphones jack 1.3MP front facing camera and no rear shooter Dimensions: 20.3 x 13.7 x 1.45cm Weight: 0.37 kg

 

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Ultrabooks comparison: 4 latest models reviewed

When it comes to mobile computers, Intel’s latest standard for notebooks- the Ultrabook is the hottest segment today. Ultrabooks are sleek, sexy, thin but powerful new-age variety of laptops, hinting towards the future of computing devices. Intel has gone on record to state that 40% of laptops launched this year will be ultrabooks, that manufacturers will flood the market with over 70 different types of ultrabook offerings globally. Such a remark from someone who makes chips that goes into hundreds of thousands of laptops every year is definitely a sign of things to come.

Our comparison test includes ultrabooks from four brands -- Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo. We are yet to receive products from Dell, Toshiba and Samsung. The four models under review are priced between Rs. 50,900 to Rs. 99,999.

Here is the specifications comparison table for the 4 ultrabooks along with their pricing. 

Brand & Model	Acer Aspire S3	Asus Zenbook	Lenovo IdeaPad U300s	HP Folio 13
Price (Rs)	50,900	99,999	67,990	69,990
Processor	Intel Core i5-2467M	Intel Core i7-2677M	Intel Core i5-2467M	Intel Core i5-2467M 1.6 GHz
Speed (MHz)	1600	2600	2000	1600
RAM (DDR3)	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics	Intel HD 3000 Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics 3000
HDD	320 SSD	256 SSD	128 SSD	128 SSD
OS	Windows 7 HP 64-bit	Windows 7 HP 64-bit	Windows 7 HP 64-bit	Windows 7 HP 64-bit
Screen Size (Inches)	13.3	13.3	13.3	13.3
Type of Panel	LED backlit	LED backlit	LED backlit	LED backlit
Screen Resolution (Pixels)	1366x768	1600x900	1366x768	1366x768
Weight (kg)	1.35 kg	1.3 kg	1.33 kg	1.5 kg
No of Ports (USB / Firewire)	2/0	2/0	2/0	2/0
No of USB 3.0 (Y/N)	0	1	1	0
Connectivity (LAN / Bluetooth / Wi-Fi)	Y/Y/Y	Y/Y/Y	Y/Y/Y	Y/Y/Y
E-Sata / Thunderbolt	N/N	N/N	N/N	N/N
Display (VGA / DVI / HDMI /  Display Port)	Y/N/Y/N	N/N/Y/Y	N/N/Y/N	N/N/Y/N
Headphone / Mic	Y/Y	Y/Y	Y/Y	Y/Y
Memory Card Reader (Y/N)	Y	Y	N	Y
Fingerprint scanner (Y/N)	N	N	N	N
Optical Drive (Y/N)	N	N	N	N
Inbuilt Webcam (Y/N)	Y	Y	Y	Y

Build & Design
Although Intel has an established roadmap with respect to the processor architecture, the defining physical attributes for an ultrabook are still largely its slimmer, thinner dimensions. The Acer Aspire S3 and Lenovo IdeaPad U300s are less than 0.7-inch in thickness, while theAsus Zenbook UX31E and HP Folio 13 are slightly thicker than 0.7-inch, but still thinner than 1-inch, when measured with their lid closed. None of the bundled laptops weigh more than 1.5 kg, which is the weight of the “heaviest” ultrabook -- HP Folio 13. All four ultrabooks in the comparison sport metal screen lids, with two sporting an all-metal exterior (Asus, Lenovo) while the other two having to make do with reinforced plastic shells (Acer, HP). While the Lenovo and Acer ultrabooks have smooth metal lids, the HP Folio 13 and Asus Zenbook up the ante a bit with brushed finish that feels excellent on touch.

Despite their razor thin dimensions, all the featured ultrabooks have good build quality -- although, we think the Acer Aspire S3 could be a little more rugged, but there its super-slim profile is to blame more than anything else. Another common thread across all the ultrabooks currently is their form factor -- all four ultrabooks have a 13.3-inch screen, with the Asus Zenbook sporting the highest resolution screen at 1600x900 pixels. All ultrabooks sport locked battery compartments that can’t just be pulled out.

Features & Performance
All four ultrabooks sport new 2nd-gen Core i5 and Core i7 processors. None of the ultrabooks have an optical drive or separate mouse buttons on their trackpad. All ultrabooks come with at least two USB ports, audio jacks and one output video port. Out of all the ultrabooks, we really liked the typing experience on the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s and HP Folio 13 keyboards. No problem with the Acer Aspire S3’s keyboard and trackpad, but the Asus Zenbook’s trackpad and mouse buttons are just plain difficult to use. 

Brand & Model	Acer Aspire S3	Asus Zenbook	Lenovo IdeaPad U300s	HP Folio 13
Price (Rs)	50,900	99,999	67,990	69,990
PCMark Vantage Score	5244	8270	9147	9205
Memory Score	2990	4472	1921	4944
TV and Movies Score	3102	3958	3703	3841
Gaming Score	3618	7166	6590	7268
Music Score	4525	9732	10317	10402
Communications Score	7216	7195	9704	10094
Productivity Score	4554	11932	10321	12259
HDD Score	2645	13641	20599	26072
3D Mark 06 Score	3280	3656	3457	3453
Maxxon Cinebench R11.5 (CPU Score)	1.94	2.3	1.93	1.95
Battery Meter (in mins)	132	113	168	280

All ultrabooks managed to achieve the 2-hour mark in our battery tests -- Asus fell under by 7 minutes, while HP Folio 13 went over and above that mark by a long shot! Just like Intel claimed, the ultrabooks don’t compromise on brute performance despite their anorexic dimensions. Oh, no sir! How could they if all of them are sporting Core i5/Core i7 processors and fast-paced SSDs? HP’s Folio 13 won the performance crown in a closely fought contest, with Asus Zenbook coming in second. Despite multiple benchmark runs and double-checking, HP’s Folio 13 etches out the Asus Zenbook despite running on a slower processor. Trust me, it baffled us to no end, but no matter what we did, the scores didn’t change (although logic dictated otherwise).

All four ultrabooks can handle multitasking with various apps,watching HD 1080p flicks, music and day-to-day apps with ease. These ultrabooks don’t have great depth in onboard audio, but they are okay for personal entertainment. No doubt, as more manufacturers launch ultrabooks in the coming months, refinement in quality of user experience and fine-tuning components will be high on their agenda.

WinnerThe HP Folio 13 is our Best Performer, showcasing great processing power with its CPU-SSD combination, beating most other mainstream, general purpose laptops as well. The only thing it doesn’t have is dedicated graphics -- none of the ultrabooks presently have discrete graphics, though. All these ultrabooks challenge the might of Apple’s MacBook Air in design, features and performance in varying degrees, and some actually manage to successfully beat it -- especially the Asus Zenbook UX31E.

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HP Envy 14 Spectre ultrabook launched at Rs. 99,999

HP has launched the Envy 14 Spectre in India, giving it a maximum retail price of Rs. 99,999. The ultrabook will be on shelves in April.

HP first unveiled the Envy 14 Spectre, its first ultrabook, back at CES 2012, and recently brought its second, the HP Folio 13 ultrabook, to India as well.

Like other Ultrabook manufacturers, HP claims it has fit a 14-inch display into a 13-inch chassis with the Envy 14 Spectre. It wieghs in at 1.7 kgs, and has a coating of scratch-resistant glass over its screen, lid and palm rest.

The HP Envy 14 Spectre bears a 14-inch (1600x900 pixel) display, and runs on a Intel Core i5-2467M processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD (with a choice of a second 128GB SSD available),.

HP promises a 9 hour battery life for the Envy 14 Spectre, and on the connectivity side, the ultrabook features USB 3.0, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, Intel WiDi and wireless audio, as well as NFC.

Bundled software will include a 2 year subscription to Norton Internet Security, and full versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements. The Envy 14 Spectre also features CoolSense technology, HP ImagePad for enhanced multi-touch, and an integrated HP TrueVision HD webcam.

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Logitech's BCC950 ConferenceCam pans across 180 degrees

It may look like a cross between a toilet brush and the very creepy garbage compactor monster (the Dianoga) from Star Wars, but Logitech's latest computer cam is a lot smarter than your average webcam.

With its eye set firmly on the corporate market, the BCC950 ConferenceCam squeezes in a Carl Zeiss lens and 1080p HD video quality at 30fps, into a device that sits atop a motorised stalk that can pan 180 degrees across a room. As well as being able to bring everyone into the frame, with its 78 degree field of view Logitech's ConferenceCam waves good bye to huddling around a laptop to be in with a chance of being seen.

Its full-duplex speakerphone system will pick you up within a range of eight feet and the more lazy amongst you will appreciate the bundled remote control, which you can use for receiving and ending calls, as well as controlling audio functions and its panning capabilities. Alternatively, the webcam can be controlled through the control pad on its base.

Aimed at the business end of the market – but in no way limited to suited and booted users – the BCC950 Conference Cam will retail for £200 – so it's a bit pricey for Skype chats with your mates. But if you're looking for a quality webcam with omni-directional prowess – either for business or pleasure – Logitech's webcam efforts are worth checking out when it officially launches in May.

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Sony NEX-7 Review

SONY NEX-7: IMAGE QUALITY

Daylight photos really show off the quality of the NEX-7's sensor. Edges are sharp and colours realistic, with every last pixel doing its job. Indoors, you can often get away without a flash or a high ISO. In-camera trickery means even 16000 is a realistic backup. If you dig into the menus you’ll come across a number of arty effects to gloss your snaps with soft focus, retro haziness and pop-art colours.

SONY NEX-7: VIDEO QUALITY

The full manual control and those special effects are also available when shooting in 1080p, 50fps video mode. The footage is excellent, and the ability to alter the depth of field as you film means you can lay down some dramatic, moody sequences with minimal fuss.

SONY NEX-7: CONTROLS

Many of the controls are context-sensitive. Twiddling the beautifully minimalist, unmarked knobs can be perplexing at first but it doesn’t take long to realise what does what. It’s generally quick and easy to use but the rotating dial on the back is a bit too small, and it’s easy to push the video record button by accident.

SONY NEX-7: BUILT-IN FLASH

Compact swappy-lens cameras often sacrifice features in the pursuit of petiteness, but not the NEX-7. A flash that pops up manually is perfectly integrated into the angles of the top edge, allowing the camera to work as a go-anywhere compact as well as a serious snapper. There’s a hot shoe if you need a flash with a bigger bang.

SONY NEX-7: ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER

An electronic viewfinder gives the NEX-7 a DSLR feel, switching automatically from the main LCD to the EVF when it senses your eye on the camera. It makes framing outdoors in bright light so much easier. There’s a strange smearing effect if you move your eye off centre, but otherwise it’s up to the job.

SONY NEX-7: SENSOR

The NEX-7's APS-C sized sensor has enough space on its surface to make those 24 megapixels count. With the 18-55mm kit lens there’s scope for wide-angle vistas and blurry backgrounds with depth-of-field effects. Auto focus is quick in bright conditions but lags when the AF light is drafted in to help.

SONY NEX-7: TILTING LCD

If you ever find yourself holding your camera above a crowd and shooting blind, or poking it into small spaces where your head can’t follow, you’ll appreciate the NEX-7’s adjustable LCD screen. Once set to outdoor mode it’s bright enough for framing on sunny days, but even so, a subtle tilt can be useful for reducing glare and reflections.

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