The New Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a new ultrabook that converts into 4 different modes of use. There's the laptop mode which is ideal for everyday use; there's the tablet mode which is perfect when using apps and reading books; there's also the tent mode and the stand mode which are perfect for watching movies or giving presentations.
This new ultrabook has its positives and negatives.

On the plus side, when compared to other ultrabooks, the Yoga looks more like a regular laptop when in laptop mode. It's not as large as previous ones (weighing only approx. 3.4 lbs.) which makes it perfect for converting into a tablet. Also, it is much more durable than previous designs  because it has a full-length hinge rather than the single rotating hinge. The design also makes it much simpler to change modes in comparison to other ultra books that you have to swivel around or slide the screen down over the keyboard.

On the down side, when it is converted into tablet mode, the keyboard is still visible on the back. It is deactivated, and the keyboard is lower than the outer edge protecting it from damage when sitting on a desk. However, it is not protected when it is being carried around, and this makes it kind of awkward to hold. Another negative of the keyboard is the shift key on the right side is only half the size of a regular keyboard, making it somewhat awkward to type for those who use that key on a regular basis. Another downside is the battery; it has an 8 hr battery life which is good for the short-term, but the long-term is another story. It has a non-user replaceable battery, so if you plan on using this ultrabook for more than a few years, it may not be ideal.

Overall, it has a very unique design. It will probably be best when used mostly as a laptop and used occasionally in the other three modes.

-KZ

Augmented Reality Apps

Augmented reality is for me one of the most exciting technologies now. I bet most of you have seen at least one Hollywood movie where you see future scenarios and people switching from plans and documents just in the air or you see a real person standing on your phone and talking with you like a projection on the wall. Everybody is dreaming that this gets real and the only thing I can tell you it is getting real now. There are many apps for iPhones or Android on the market. Truly not like in the movies but nearly.

To work with augmented reality on smartphones is really easy. You just have to focus your camera on an object or a person and you get the information about the "scanned" person. You can also play games with augmented reality in that case mostly you have to put a card on the table which is then the playfield for your game.

Augment reality is also the best way to try furniture at home and to test paintings on your walls. In this context I found an interesting article about a Vienna startup company called ViewAR. They developed an app to try furniture for your home. Unfortunately till now just for iOS. In this app you can choose from different catalogues like Butlers or Kare and try out what fits best in your room. This is a real good app for people who don't know what they wanna have in their rooms. As it is most the case the app has some bugs but they refine it all the time. This app is available for iPhone and iPad. And if you wanna have more information about the company and it's app just click on this link ViewAR.

 

How does ViewAR work?

Enclosed I will provide you two interesting links I found during research. On one hand you have the best apps for iPhone and on the other hand the best apps for Android systems.

40 Best Augmented Reality iPhone Apps
Best augmented reality (AR) apps for Android

-MS