BlackBerry Z10
The Z10 follows the trail blazed by Apple’s iPhone. The newly re-engineered phone and operating system is clearly designed for both work and play – two distinct modes that are geared towards helping you strike a better work-life balance. The Z10 is a nice size; slim and lightweight and fits easily in your trouser pocket. It is also strikingly similar to the iPhone 5.
Powered by a dual-core chip, the phone has 2GB of RAM alongside 16GB of internal storage (which can be expanded). Throw in NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope and you’ve got a phone that can compete with the best. The operating system, BlackBerry 10, is best described as a hybrid of iOS and Android.
There are no physical navigation buttons on the screen, so the OS relies a lot on the use of gestures for navigation. It is original and annoying in equal measures if you’ve switched from an iPhone. But to give credit where it’s due, the BlackBerry Hub – a unified notification area for all messages – is smart and intuitive; and the Peek – a feature that lets you take a quick look at your messages without leaving the app you’re using – is thoughtful. Finally, the keyboard is the best we’ve seen on a touchscreen phone.
There are about 70,000 apps for the new BlackBerry, but at the moment that’s simply not good enough. Notable absentees include WhatsApp, Instagram and Flipboard. It may not bother enterprise users too much, but try asking today’s hipsters to live without Instagram. One can only hope that more developers warm up to the BB10 eventually. The Z10 is a fantastic comeback for BlackBerry, but is it all a bit too late? Dh2,599, at leading stores
Harman Kardon headphones
Have you noticed how those ugly, plastic Beats Audio headphones (the ones with the big red ‘b’ on the earpads) have become ubiquitous on the Metro? No ride is complete without running into at least three people who seem completely happy with their choice of what is essentially the headphone equivalent of Ed Hardy T-shirts.
So we’ve made it our mission here at alpha. to inform our readers about cool headphone choices. The release of this pair from Harman Kardon injects some much-needed flair into circumaural headphones. Framed by a lightweight sandblasted outer band, this pair from the brand’s debut range has distinct, rectangular leather ear pads that are also detachable. They are comfortable, stylish and sound just as good as they look with features like noise cancellation technology.
They also fold flat and can slip into your bag or briefcase. Bluetooth-enabled, each model is also being offered with a three button Apple-specified remote to make and receive phone calls while controlling volume and playback features. This is the brand’s first foray into the headphone category, and it seems to have done its homework well. Dh399 to 1,099, at leading stores
GoSmart freedom stylus
Shaped like a rocket, the GoSmart Freedom Stylus has a Teflon-coated metal tip that quietly glides on iPads and other touchscreen surfaces. The stylus pivots easily to accommodate various hold angles, never scratches the touchscreen display and, unlike plastic styluses, you won’t hear tapping noises when taking down notes during lectures and meetings.
What’s really impressive about GoSmart is the degree of control that it hands the user. If you love doodling on your iPad, you are going to love this thing. The stylus also features rare earth magnets that helps it attach to the iPad smart cover. If you don’t use a smart cover, you could just order the stylus without the magnet. Dh92, www.justgosmart.com
