There are many forms of entertainment – listening to music, playing games, watching movies, and reading books. All are my sort of past times whichever comes favourable. Part of my growing up, these hobbies have become valuable habits as they affected me positively especially when I feel down. A personal favourite is indulging in movie breezing. I always give a good book my praise for endowing me with a good story. Now a good book turned into a good movie? I will worship it!

Unfortunately, movies today have become too realistic or if not, too literal for people. Dreaming of the latest gadgets that are now frequenting in today’s society – that is a good type of realism. Those found in books and movies nowadays are not such good ones. For example...

Books written by Nicholas Sparks

His books are being celebrated by millions of readers all over the world because he has the ability to touch anyone’s heart with just his words. This is why most of his books were made into movies. What makes me sad is that it is very seldom that a happy ever after happens in the story which of course is also portrayed in the movie adaptation as way of keeping up with the book. There is a large percentage of people who see the movie goes home heartbroken. The movies are too realistic that the purpose of entertaining people is lost.

Gag Movies

There are movies such as Scary Movie and Twilight which are served their gag counterparts which many people consider entertaining. But they are not. The movies are too exaggerated. Even when parents tried their hardest to prevent their kids from watching, there is no stopping it. Once they do see it, kids will imitate what they see in movies which in most cases result in undesirable events.

R-Rated Movies and Erotic Novels

No matter how much you limit kids from viewing unsolicited videos or books, they always find a way especially with smartphones in hand. The subjects they are not supposed to see at their age are no longer sealed. It’s like a strong dam has been broken down so the water rushed in and there are little ways to nothing that can stop it.

It’s not bad to place idealisms in everyone’s minds once in a while. Idealisms yield positive effects unlike realism when exhibited excessively. And it’s through movies and books that we are greatly exposed to such realistic thoughts. Mixing in a spoonful of ideals is not such a bad idea. If those are ultimately dropped, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny might never be known for later generations. After all, Santa and his good friends all started with ideals, right?

When you first obtained your top-of-the-line smartphone, have you had the feeling of completely being naive how that thing works? Surely what you did then was to read the manual provided by the phone’s manufacturer and one by one you tried to apply all that are stated there. Latest gadgets possess quite complex settings that unfamiliar first-time users cannot easily understand. Perhaps, it will take them days or weeks to get acquainted with their new device.

Like Victoria, Android devices have secrets too. Intrigued by the hidden shortcuts your smartphone is capable of? Whether you have with you an old or a brand new Android phone, you may follow these simple tricks for an easier usability:

1.       Camera launch in one move.

Ever missed that once in a lifetime moment simply because your camera app took seconds before it launched? Arggh! Worry no more. This time, you can unlock your screen and open your camera in one move. In the recently released line-up of Android phones having the latest Android OS, you can be able to customize the lock screen for a fast access. Simply press and hold the central part of the lock screen, rotate your phone to 90 degrees while still holding the lock screen and voila! The camera starts. How to activate this? Go to Settings, Security, Lock Screen Options, and finally change the Camera Quick Access status to on. This is tested for those who own a Samsung SIII. If this technique does not apply to your smartphone, try downloading the WidgetLocker app to place the camera icon onto your lock screen. You may also add other widgets you want to access readily.

2.       Voice recognition functionality.

One of the best typing shortcuts used in an Android phone is the voice recognition feature. This is great for jotting down notes, searching, and formulating a text message. Also, through voice control, you can just shout “Shoot!” after setting up your camera on a tripod and you are ready to take a snapshot with your friends. One tip when using this feature, dictate one sentence at a time so the voice recognition function can decipher and get all the words correctly.

3.       Obtaining a screenshot.

Wanting to grab a screenshot of a web page and save it on your smartphone? Just simultaneously press the Home key and the power button. On other Android phone versions, press the volume clicker down and the power button. If this trick still does not work for you, get the Screenshot It app. This application permits the user to capture whatever it is on your screen display.

4.       Extending battery life and your smartphone’s speed.

Manage the hidden applications running on your phone by means of the Task Manager. Of course we know that the task manager is responsible for taking into account all the programs that are operating in the background which cause your battery to get drained. Without needing to scroll through the menus, open your Task Manager easily by holding down the Home key for a few seconds. Once the list of the currently running apps popped up, release your hold on the key. You can now close all the programs you are not using and that are unnecessary at this point.

Some shortcuts may not function on the Android phone you are using. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy and take time to try these smartphone wonders!

We all have our favourites – may it be an actor, movie, song, band, book, and author. It’s an unending list of favourites that can’t seem to be exhausted. But let’s get serious. What do girls love the most? There are dresses, shoes, and accessories. Every girl wants to be the princess they’ve always dreamt of becoming regardless of how they were brought up. Now we look at boys. What do they love the most? Cars. They can live through everything as long as they have their cars with them. I don’t blame them especially when yours is the Aston Martin DB5 which was owned and driven by the British spy James Bond. Cars are babies for boys. So as much as they love pampering their ladies, the same is due with their cars.

If by chance you are a woman and a lover of sleek cars, remember to always bring these with you.

1.       Toolkit. Put in there some tools like a screwdriver, a wrench, a pair of pliers, and duct tape. A screwdriver is needed when the car encountered some slight problems that even you can fix without requiring muscle power. A wrench is necessary for tightening some bolts that are loosed. You don’t want to get in an accident just because you ignored a loose bolt. That’s how Final Destination made its mark. Pliers are most vital during tire changing. Also, a girl who can change her own tires is a compulsory especially when you stopped in the middle of the road close to the forest. As for duct tape, we all know how beneficial duct tape has been over the years for its ability to provide security for at least a while.

2.       Work Gloves. We ladies do not love getting dirty. As much as possible, we like keeping our looks as good as they were before changing flat tires. Plus, newly done nails can become a mess with all the grease. Hence, get yourself a pair of work gloves. If there’s a toolkit, there should also be work gloves; it’s as simple as that.

3.       Car Charger. A car charger or any portable charger that is compatible with your car is a must while on the road. There are incidents wherein we forget to charge up our smartphones the night before. With a car charger, your phone can fill up while travelling.

And since you are equipped with a charger in the car, make it easier with a mobile car holder. This will hold your smartphone in place and can also assist you in taking calls in speakerphone. Being prepared is one of women’s greatest talents which is why girls and cars can coexist as much as science and religion have for years.

Needless to say, Apple Inc. is the most popular and renowned manufacturer of electronic devices in the world since its founding in 1976 by the brilliant minds of Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak. Who wouldn’t recognize its enigmatic yet allusive bitten apple logo which you will see almost everywhere in the malls, on cars, and even made into cell phone charms and key chains? Apple has dominated the tech world introducing nothing but groundbreaking gadgets and mobile accessories that constantly defy technological barriers.

However, Apple isn’t the only company in the world that could give birth to technological breakthroughs. Brands such as Sony, Samsung, and other big names around could definitely spark up a fair competition against the celebrated tech giant. Oftentimes, people overlook these latest gadgets because Apple is occupying a huge chunk of their attention. Call it sensationalism or popular culture, whichever. In case you are planning to buy an Apple smartphone or tablet anytime soon, before getting your hands to that dream device, may I ask you to spare some time and take a glimpse into these gadgets that are worth your two cents.

Sony Xperia Z

In the recently concluded 2013 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas Convention Center, all eyes were on the newest smartphone offering from Sony. The Sony Xperia Z is a quad-core at 1.5GHz smartphone against the dual-core clocked at 1.2 GHz Apple iPhone 5. The mere fact that this monster smartphone is waterproof makes the Apple iPhone 5 an insignificant fly. This amazing smartphone with a neat minimalist built and design can last up to 30 minutes underwater, also with WiFi direct, NFC, and Exmor RS, features that the iPhone 5 would only dream to possess.  And of course, it doesn’t end there, the Sony Xperia Z is equipped with a 13-megapixel primary camera as opposed to iPhone 5’s 8-megapixel. If this smartphone isn’t enough to knock the Apple iPhone 5 off its throne, I don’t really know what will.

Microsoft Surface Pro

 Microsoft did not issue a statement yet on when they are planning to release this tablet on the market, but what we hold now is that its specs and features are pretty promising with the Windows 8 as its operating system. Partially unveiled in the CES 2013, the Surface Pro is said to have a 128GB memory with a 4GB RAM. The Microsoft Surface Pro comes with a slim detachable keyboard that makes this tablet so easy to use and navigate. It is cleverly designed providing an integrated Kickstand that is perfect for horizontal viewing position when watching movies and reading eBooks.

These are just some of the gadgets that will definitely give Apple a good fight. So before shedding your cash for Apple devices, try checking other brands that are as awesome as Apple, or perhaps even better.             

Smartphones have greatly changed our lives in the past decade. They have become one of the primary necessities of man nowadays. Our smartphones are as good as our personal computers; they contain countless valuable and personal information. It’s where we keep our credit card numbers, important contacts, photos, and messages. Because of this, a lot of people have come up with a variety of accessories in the market such as silicone, leather, and hard plastic back cases to safeguard these handhelds from physical harm.

But more than the physical protection we provide our precious and beloved smartphones, why not go an extra mile in defending them by installing security apps to protect your valuable data and also liberate yourself from worries of theft or hacking.

Here is a list of the best security apps for your Android smartphones that can protect your most valuable and sensitive data stored in your phone, and have peace of mind in the process.

1.       Lookout Security and Antivirus

This security app has the capability to block malware, spyware, and Trojans, plus an automatic scanning of your new apps and files, as soon as they are downloaded. If your phone gets stolen, the Lookout Security Antivirus also has the capability to track and locate your phone. In case there is no chance to retrieve your phone, it can always wipe out or back up your valuable data in remote setup.

2.       Norton Mobile Security

This app has the power to block unwanted texts and calls, and also identify threats and phishing sites fast and efficient. It can also locate and wipe out all the data and information in your phone with just a text message. This app can also take pictures remotely to help in tracking the device and can also set off a loud siren when needed.

3.       GadgetTrak Mobile Security

This security app is made specifically for those who are more bothered in securing their smartphones against theft than protecting it against viruses. This app uses a combination of GPS, WiFi positioning and cell tower triangulation to trace the missing device. It is designed to alert the user in any unauthorized SIM change or assignment of a new number to the mobile device.

4.       AVG Antivirus

This next security app is a familiar name for desktop computer security. It has the ability to scan your device’s apps, and other files like the settings, media, and other contents. With this security app, you will not have to worry with those messages with a suspicious link attached to it. With this app, you can now lock your apps and back up all your data.