Gizmoe

Welcome to the April edition of Gizmoe - the second of six editions in 2013.

Gizmoe will also be posted on our website www.seniornet.co.nz

on the 1 May.

All our Learning Centres are now well and truly into a new year of teaching. Its heartening to see so many Centres now offering courses and workshops with tablet devices. There is no doubt the move toward touch screen, portable computing is well advanced. Sales of conventional keyboard and mouse driven computers have fallen dramatically as manufacturers ramp-up their output of tablet computers. Once seen as a toy by many they are now the device of choice for almost everyday access to the internet, emailing and general computing needs. S@vvy Seniors Expo Planning has commenced and we have dates set for the next S@vvy Seniors Expo. This time its Hamiltons turn. The Expo will be held on the 8th and 9th of November at the Hamilton Garden Pavilion. We were inspired to hold more S@vvy Seniors Expos as a result of the very successful first up effort in Christchurch last year. There is much to be done, and help will be needed from Centres in the Waikato region. So if you would like to help please let me know. The expo is all about celebrating technology with seniors and of course is designed to attract people to come to our Learning Centres. National Symposium A combined Annual General Meeting and the very first Symposium hosted by the Federation will be held at the Auckland Airport Novotel Hotel on the 14th May. Guest speakers from Volunteering New Zealand, HP New Zealand Ltd and Vodafone along with a panel of SeniorNet representatives will motivate delegates to grasp the emerging new technologies and find ways to deliver improved training in our communities. Registration has now closed, however we do have a few more spaces left so we would be delighted to see you there. If you have not registered yet but would like to come, please send me an email grant@seniornet.co.nz . Enjoy this edition and learn something new every day! Grant Sidaway Executive Officer SeniorNet Federation

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Smartphones too many to choose from?

More than 1.7 million New Zealanders now own a Smartphone, if you have bought a mobile phone in the past 12 months more than likely its a Smartphone. Last year more than one million smartphones were imported to New Zealand. Apple and Samsung comprise 70 per cent of the market in New Zealand, with Samsung slightly a nose in front. According to ABI research undertaken at the beginning of February there will be a worldwide smartphone growth rate of 44% and by the end of 2013 there will be one smartphone for every five people in the world. Whats a Smartphone Its a cellular telephone with built-in applications and Internet access. In addition to digital voice service smartphones provide text messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, still and video cameras, music and video players. They have built-in functions enabling them to run an infinite number of applications,( 40% of smartphone applications are free!) thus turning the once single-minded cell phone into a mobile computer. Operating Systems A smartphone's operating system (OS) is its primary software, like with computer Operating Software and is responsible for its ease of use. Basically how smoothly the smartphone operates plus the additional software - such as apps and games you can download to the device. The three main smartphone operating systems are Android, Apple iOS and Windows Phone by Microsoft. Android: developed by Google, an open sourced system which can be used by any smartphone manufacturer. Manufacturers are free to tweak Android, plus Google doesn't scrutinise apps before they appear on its web based Play store. The down side to this means the Android experience can be a little mixed. That said, it is fairly natural to use and is fast catching the big Apple in respect of applications available.

iOS: Apple's operating system is slick, very simple to use and has the best range of content and applications. Apple keeps an incredibly tight hold on which applications are available for its devices, much to the ire of many. However this does ensure high and consistent quality.

Windows Phone: Microsoft's OS is the most different. It's a relative newcomer to the smartphone operating system scene and sadly doesn't have anywhere near the quality or quantity of apps as iOS or Android. Its distinct difference is the use of live tiles on its home screen, these continually provide updates and alerts users to activity in their favourite applications, such as a new Facebook or email message.

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So whats available in the New Zealand Market?

Apple Apple with its iPhone undoubtedly initiated the smartphone revolution. This now iconic portable device has lead the way in flair and ease of use. It has the best and most extensive range of applications (apps) and its seamless integration with popular Apple services and content such as iCloud backup is a huge bonus for many. But true to form Apple has, to date, stuck to the top end of the market. The iPhone off the shelf price starts at $1050. Samsung Samsung, the South Korean manufacturer, have a few tricks up their sleeve with their premium models packed with every conceivable feature known - its latest, the "hero" smartphone, leaves the iPhone 5 dead in the water on the specs front. Samsungs advantage is their range of product; they have the best selection of mid to lower range phones. The down side is their content and service offerings aren't quite as captivating as Apple's, but it's starting to lead the way in terms of new features - including eye tracking. Most Samsung smartphones run the Android operating system. The Galaxy Mini is on sale for $149 at Vodafone. Then at the other end of the scale, the Samsung Galaxy Note II - from $1049 at Telecom, Vodafone and 2 degrees. It has also released a few running Windows Phone, such as the Samsung Ativ S available at 2 degrees for $799. Huawei Huawei is the third player in the New Zealand market, third by a long way! - Behind Samsung and Apple. It normally makes lowerend, value-for-money Android smartphones - targeting those who want the basic features of a smartphone but aren't bothered about having the best mobile. Telecom's Skinny brand currently has the Huawei Landfire for $99, while the Ascend G600 sits on the shelf for $399. Huawei has also recently released a Windows Phone - the Ascend W1 it currently sells for $299 at 2degrees. Nokia Nokia, not so long ago, were the most popular of all the brands of mobile phones, but they failed to keep up the brisk pace with the touchscreen revolution. They are on the comeback though with mid to high-end Nokia Lumia smartphone range running on the Windows Phone platform. The phones are elegant and have very good cameras. Nokia has added its own features to the Lumia phones to set them apart from other Windows Phone smartphones, such as its Maps application. But content is still a relative weak point, with fewer and less fully featured apps than Android and Apple iOs. Nokia has two Lumia models in New Zealand - the 820 - $799 at Vodafone and the 920 -$999 at Telecom

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HTC HTC, a Taiwanese manufacturer, has both Android and Windows Phone phones in New Zealand. It has developed Sense interface - which makes use of rich graphics and live widgets to give the handsets a more dynamic, personalised look if that spins your wheels! Its latest premium product, the One - yet to launch locally - is said to be the best Android offering so far and a strong alternative to the iPhone. The HTC Desire X (Android) is retailing for $349 at Vodafone, the Windows Phone 8S is $449 at Telecom. The current top of the range HTC's Windows Phone 8X is $899. LG Another Android contender, though very much a light weight in the market place - its product range is fairly small. It has the Optimus "family" - which includes low to mid-tier models, but it has also developed a high-end, more feature-packed model in alliance with Google - the Nexus 4 which is available for $799 at 2degrees). LG's entry level model, the Optimus L3, has a RRP of $139. Sony Sony, produce the "Xperia" range of Android smartphones. Its most elementary model is the Xperia Go, at $399, while its top of the range is the Xperia Z, at $999. Sony claims to have the best water and dust resistance of all smartphones (the Xperia Z has a waterproof rating for up to 30 minutes). Clearly they have migrated technology developed from other areas of its business, such as the camera and screen technology, of which they are world leaders. Motorola Motorola, once the dominate brand of mobile phones, alongside of Nokia, but now it seems they have all but disappeared off the New Zealand market. A few Motorola handsets are still available such as the Defy XT - which is exclusive to Telecom's XT network. Like Sony their selling point is both water and dust proof. Telecom's shelf price is $399. Tip when purchasing Contracted plans are best rather than prepaid. Some may argue that prepaid are better value, but if you plan on going the whole hog with voice, text and data then a contract plan will be better value. Remember also that the network provider, Telecom, 2 degrees and Vodafone all discount the price of the smartphone when you select a contract plan often the smartphone is free when selecting 24 month plans.

Get even more value when you buy a new Suzuki before the end of April.
Value is always top of mind with our partners at Suzuki and right now, you can take home even more with their free servicing and extended warranty offer. Buy any new Suzuki before the end of April and youll get 3 years/45,000 km free scheduled servicing, as well as a 5 year/120,000 km warranty (whichever occurs first). So like each of their vehicles, this offer is designed to give you greater peace of mind and a more enjoyable ride. To find out more about this cost-saving offer, and to see which Suzuki might be the most suitable for you, just go to this link below: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/free-servicing/ or see your nearest Suzuki dealer.

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SeniorNet Helpdesk Facebook Page

Kim Mantle, from SeniorNet Hawera, has developed a Help Desk for SeniorNet Learning Centres to use.

The on-line Help Desk has been created to assist Learning Centres to seek assistance or help on any topic related to Learning Centre activity from other participating Learning Centres. Such topics could include advice or guidance related to, technology, resource materials, electronic equipment, machinery and/or issues applicable to popular software settings including installation problems. Here is the direct link to the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/seniornet.helpdesk?ref=tn_tnmn,

To participate, Learning Centres are required to join Facebook then arrange to become a 'friend' of SeniorNet HelpDesk. The name of the Facebook account is to be that of the applicable Learning Centre. If you dont already have a Facebook account then c reating one will take you less than 10 minutes! Kim suggests that a minimum of two members from each Learning Centre be authorised to access Facebook pages to either post questions or to offer solutions to any questions posted by other Learning Centres. Postings may only be submitted by Learning Centre representatives whose Centre has received Friendship status from SeniorNet Help Desk. Commercial IT or related organisations shall not be allocated friendship status. Questions or queries posted are to be related to Learning Centre issues. As solutions or advice, will be offered by volunteers there may well be some time lapse between posting a query and a response being provided. SeniorNet Help Desk is not intended to be a channel for resolving issues related to individual SeniorNet members. The success of the on-line help desk will largely depend on the participation of as many Learning Centres as possible. By accessing the SeniorNet Help Desk Facebook page it is possible to download a three page copy of the Users Guide. Instructions to download the Guide will be found at the foot of the posting titled HOW TO download SeniorNet Help Desk User's Guide. For more information please contact Kim Mantle kimbo@xtra.co.nz

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A new name is just the beginning

As you are probably aware, TelstraClear has officially changed to Vodafone. Vodafone is committed to supporting SeniorNet and Vodafone homeline customers are now able to support the SeniorNet rebate programme. This is a really exciting time for Vodafone customers. Vodafone is committed to leading edge innovation across all services as well as bringing great new products to customers in the future. Vodafone are busy working on a great new joining offer for SeniorNet customers, which will be coming soon. How does Vodafone support SeniorNet? If you are a SeniorNet member and a Vodafone home line customer, we will support the SeniorNet Federation by giving them a percentage of your monthly Vodafone spend. For more information visit www.seniornet.org.nz and click the Vodafone link to register your interest and support SeniorNet! 4G Only on Vodafone, NZs leading network The waiting's over. 4G is live in parts of Auckland. This is the network the best smartphones were made for. Say hello to things like streaming high definition (HD) movies, downloading them in minutes, not hours. Gaming in real time, not delayed time. Downloading an entire album in the time it takes for a single track on standard 3G, or instantly opening the biggest, fattest attachments.

Basically, now you can do everything a whole lot better on a 4G smartphone or tablet.

What is 4G and what does it mean? 4G stands for fourth generation mobile network technology. It is designed to deliver highest speed data connectivity that can be used with smartphones and tablets. Hands down, its the fastest mobile connection in New Zealand. Ten times fast than standard 3G and about as fast as Ultra-Fast Broadband. Where is 4G available? Vodafone 4G network is live in parts of Auckland, next stops will be Wellington and Christchurch. To view the coverage map or for more details, visit www.vodafone.co.nz

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What will the 4G experience offer? Amazing speed Faster downloads - With theoretical speeds of up to almost 100Mbps, there are amazing streaming media experiences, faster photo viewing on websites such as Facebook and almost instantaneous web page loading. Faster uploads - 4G delivers a significantly faster experience for uploading, whether that be receiving a large attachment in an email, or almost instantaneously uploading photos and documents to the cloud. Less lag Also known as latency, waiting, loading. Real-time services are critical, and with reduced delays the customer can see a more immediate response to their request. This means you can enjoy high definition (HD) video without the wait, seamlessly connect to the cloud and enjoy live music that doesnt skip a beat. Which devices are compatible with 4G? With the Vodafone new 4G network, at last you can use your 4G devices exactly how they were intended. The following devices are 4G enabled: Apple iPhone 5 Samsung Galaxy SIII 4G Windows Phone 8X by HTC Samsung Galaxy Note II 4G Apple iPad Apple iPad Mini For more information visit www.vodafone.com

The starter's guide to Android 4

This highly illustrated 184 page guide leads beginners through a fun learning curve on the latest Android smartphones. It's put together by an author with a combination of thirty years in the I.T. Industry, a growing interest in Android, and a writing bent. It is also the first of its kind published in New Zealand. Available to be ordered now, the official book launch is early May.
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The graphics are particularly attractive. Screenshots are presented in their actual phone surround images, enabling the author to clearly show which phone he is on at every stage The book enables the reader to learn any version 4.0, 4.1 or 4.2 Android phone, and indeed make an educated purchase decision. Mostly he addresses the reader though, showing how to get faster with the keyboard, or rationalise those icons on the screens. Widgets, folders and shortcuts are demonstrated; cloud storage is integrated with PC and smartphone folders. There's a good amount of explanations too how come some websites look compact on the phone, and others don't? How do I connect my PC to the internet through my phone? Google maps are fine, but what if I'm out of cell phone range? How do I backup all my contacts? Or add photos into their profiles? How on earth did you take that fantastic 180 degree panorama photograph with a phone? The Federation is pleased to have organised a discount for our members. Published by Oceanbooks, the book retails at $26.95, but is available at the grownups site for a special price of $25.00. Click here to see offer.
http://www.grownups.co.nz/read/lifestyle/bookreviews/adv-starters-guide-bryan-winters

Operatunity Entertainment Ltd

Operatunity produces over 250 live concerts a year. They are offering a SeniorNet special rate of just $27.00 to attend any of their daytime concerts. Each Operatunity season visits over 24 cities nationwide, with a unique team of performers and different musical flavour for each concert tour, such as Opera, Irish, Broadway, Crooners... to name a few. These are variety concerts so something for everyone. To find out more about upcoming shows this year go to: http://www.operatunity.co.nz, or call 0508 266 237 and request a free brochure. All the Daytime Concerts start at 11am and run for approximately an hour and a half. Your ticket includes lunch, as well as an opportunity to meet and speak with the artists after the show!

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Upcoming tour, in April and May Forbidden Broadway. The original version of the show opened on January 15, 1982 in New York and ran for 2,332 performances Here is the link to find out more: http://www.operatunity.co.nz/html/blob.php/98%20%20Forbidden%20Broadway.pdf?attach=false&documentCode=2743

Also in April and May is the second instalment of the Evening Concert Series Hell on Wheels, starring Helen Medlyn and Penny Dodd. Here the link for more about Hell on Wheels: http://www.operatunity.co.nz/Entertainment/Listing/Hell+on+Wheels/

To book for any of the shows, or for any enquiries Call 0508 266 237 dont forget to mention you are a SeniorNet Member to receive your discount!

Whats that squiggle mean?

They are popping up everywhere little barcode type boxes, in magazines, on billboards in newspapers and posters! For sure they look a bit like a barcode on a product or supermarket shelf and in many ways they provide a similar service to the person gazing at them! Like barcodes you need a special reader to decipher what the lines and boxes mean. These thingys are not called barcodes, they are known as a QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code). They were first designed for the automotive industry in Japan to track car parts, but now they can be found almost everywhere. QR codes have become common in advertising. If you have a Smartphone you can install an app (Application) with a QR-code scanner that can read the code and convert it to a web site address. Once scanned by the reader you are then automatically diverted to the website of a company, store or product associated with that code providing you with more information. Yet another use of a Smartphone! Having these QR codes saves you the hassle of writing down complicated web addresses contained in advertisements and once scanned takes you directly to the appropriate site for more information including being able to make direct purchases.

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If you have a Smartphone with a QR Reader installed and you scan the QR Code above you will be taken directly to the SeniorNet website ping, just like that! You dont need to link these QR Codes to just websites, they can be used to simply deliver additional information. Feel like advertising yourself print a QR Code on a tee shirt and take a walk in a busy shopping mall. Likely you will be scanned lots! The mind boggles! How about a QR code on a Headstone we are always limited to the amount of information we can or should put on headstones of our treasured relatives, why not place a QR code on the stone to celebrate the deceaseds life with more information about the person. So next time you see a squiggle scan it with your QR reader to find out more about what it means!

Try to think there is more to life than the Web (any of these little tips ring a bell!)
1. I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my PAPER newspaper like I used to, before the Web. 2. I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing. 3. I will get dressed before noon. 4. I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Web. 5. I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Webdeprived. 6. I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Web. 7. I will read a book... if I still remember how. 8. I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email. 9. I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not. 10. Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime... and the Web will always be there tomorrow

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