GADGETS

Samsung took the wraps off its flagship phone, Galaxy S5, last Monday during the Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. According to the company, users can choose from 16 and 32 GB Samsung Galaxy S5 variants. Analysts advise users that these numbers do not mean as much because they do not offer the exact space stated. So how much will a user get in reality?

Nokia made the big switch to Android announcing a series of handsets during the Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona. The five handsets Nokia announced were all Android-based. According to analysts, the tech company wants to target the lower end market in the Western regions. Likewise, it also wants to be a part of the growing consumer base of Android. Can Nokia go up against top Android players like Samsung?

Samsung unveiled its Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone at the Mobile World Congress 2014 last February 24. While the market was pleased to see the product finally, there are also those who wondered why the Korean tech giant showed a Qualcomm-based model only. Previous reports noted that Samsung will be releasing an Exynos version as well. It was not just a rumor.

Smartbooks and ultrabooks now count as the standard for portable computing. Tablets still cannot take their places completely. The rise of smartbooks is even more apparent as leading players like Apple continue to step up their laptop offerings. This time, inspired by the same leading line of notebooks, Alcatel will be releasing its own version of the MacBook. What can people expect?

Samsung Galaxy S5, the recently unveiled flagship smartphone, comes up with a 5.1 inch screen, slightly bigger (but still increasing) from its predecessor Galaxy S4 which has a 5-inch display. The company’s Galaxy S line never drop in its screen size since 2010 and the market is now clearly and strongly demanding for bigger screens. This trend is apart from the old adage in electronics that “smaller is better.”

Just two days after Samsung revealed Galaxy S5 at MWC 2014, Goophone also unveiled its recent smartphone, the Goophone S5 which looks like a replica of Samsung’s device. Goophone S5 was also unveiled in the same annual event, offering an alternative way to own a Galaxy S5.

Microsoft Windows Phone has a good standing occupying the top three positions in the operating system industry. International Data Corporation (IDC) reported Google's platform Android may retain its top spot this year among the other platforms with 78.9 percent share of the global market.

Apple made a subtle mistake in its implementation of a basic encryption feature. The feature should protect data from attackers trying to snoop around. It also supports desktop applications relying on the same code. The subtle mistake resulted to a considerable number of users at risk of data theft and similar wrongdoings. What went wrong with Apple’s recent roadblock?

Several companies debut in the Mobile World Congress this week some of their handsets, whose price is below $200. Nokia Corp. has introduced the new line Nokia X that runs Android OS with a price starting at $120. BlackBerry unveiled Z3, which costs under $200. It will come out to the market in Indonesia this spring, then to Southeast Asia. Other companies are already offering mobile devices for less than $100.

Apple has been under scrutiny recently because of the security flaw found in its operating system. The major SSL security flaw was cited last February 21 following the release of the iOS 7.0.6. To address the raised problems, Apple released the OS X 10.9.2. The new system offers fixes for the SSL security problem, FaceTime Audio and More.

Smartphones and tablets remain two different product categories, but the line has been blurring increasingly. Many smartphones these days sport similar features to tablets. Likewise, there are tablet offerings closer to the size of handsets instead of big slates. Google’s Nexus line comprise both smartphones and tablets. According to recent reports, the company will be releasing a Nexus 6 smartphone and a Nexus 8 tablet. Which should people wait for?

Google once again gave out clues that the Nexus 6 release date is fast approaching – the latest signal is the upgraded Google Now Launcher that is now available for all Nexus and Google Play devices.

Smartphone lovers have been waiting for excitement that goes with the launching of new phones and their features. This year has been expectant of Galaxy S5 to meet all the wildest anticipation. However, S5 came as another iteration and consumers feel to have another year of boredom.

Both Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 have debuted in this year’s biggest mobile congress in Barcelona. With these two devices coming out, which one has more stars and should line up for your next mobile upgrade?

"Twitch Plays Pokemon" has become an even bigger phenomenon, now starting a new trend and concept of Twitch Plays, with another game concept allowing Twitch users to play "The Legend of Zelda."

The iPhone 6 release date could come as early as July 2014, a new report said, contradicting earlier suggestions that Apple is aiming to unleash the next iPhone by fall this year or late September.

More updates from 4J Studios have been announced regarding "Minecraft" TU14. Also, 1.7.5 update is also out for download, and will bring a key feature and support for an upcoming one.

Two exclusive games, "InFamous: Second Son" and "Titanfall," have both gone gold and will be offered in bundles with the PS4 and Xbox One, respectively.

Reports about the release of Google Nexus 8 started last week. According to recent information, Google plans on killing the Nexus 7 line in favour of the 8. The primary reason is stiffer competition in the 7-inch arena. Analysts believe there are fewer competitors in the 8-inch sector allowing Google to explore opportunities. With the release coming, what can people expect from the new slate?

Check out the upcoming episodes for Criminal Minds Season 9 for the end of February and two more for March. Also, Criminal Minds writer Janine Sherman Barrois has received an award at the 45th NAACP.

The PS4 is seeing a rise in its sales count as the weekend launch in Japan has proven successful with over 322,000 units sold in 2 days. Meanwhile, over at Microsoft’s camp, the Twitch integration has finally been announced to debut in March alongside "Titanfall."

The awaited story DLC for "Batman: Arkham Origins" has finally been announced with details and a release date. "Outlast: Whistleblower" will look into the events leading to the main game.

When Fujitsu rolled out its haptic sensory prototype tablet, it is all about touch. Simply, this tries to describe how the food tastes. The touchscreen is supposed to reflect the real feel of the displayed image, either it is smooth or rough through vibration technology.

Intel will not be left behind in the 64-bit competition. While all eyes are on Samsung and its bid to go against Apple’s A7 processor, it appears the chip giant wants to prove it is not out of the game yet. Intel’s latest Atom chip code-named Merrifield follows a 64-bit architecture framework similar to the A7. Can it rival Apple’s crowning glory?

The Nokia Lumia 620 Windows Phone handset finally gets the latest Lumia Black update as the Finnish smartphone manufacturer rolls it out worldwide. Nokia has been rolling out the Lumia Black update since early January to the other Lumia handset running on the Windows Phone 8 like the Nokia Lumia 720.

Which flagship is better: iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5 or LG G2 Pro?

Motorola will be releasing its smartwatch this year addressing issues of battery life and style. If it will push through with Google's Android operating system, it would be great to also have Google Now.

Lenovo has strengthened its Android offering for the past few quarters. It has maintained an aggressive push for its Android line. Currently, that strategy involves Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+.

Before the Mobile World Congress, LG has already unveiled LG Pro 2 in Seoul, South Korea during a special press event. It is the company's most recent handset being showcased at the MWC 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.