Where to Find a Christmas Tree?

It’s a tradition to put a Christmas tree in house from 18^th century. Before Christmas, American people are eager to cut a Christmas tree in the park by themselves. However, you should get a license for cutting Christmas tree first, and you only can cut the tree in the place that pointed by their Forestry Department.

There are some other ways you can get your Christmas tree. If you want to get a beautiful one, you can go to the Christmas tree farm to pick one. There, farmers raise the little Christmas tree in purpose, and they are clipped into a really standard Christmas tree with a beautiful shape. Some people will choose to buy Christmas tree in store, but the price is very high, a beautiful one maybe up to $120. Besides, as shop keepers will store the Christmas trees in advance, you should know the way to test the tree you buy whether good or not. You can shake the tree slightly, once the tree has many leaves falling down, it’s better not to buy it. A beautiful Christmas tree not only means the delicate shape, but also the leaves are green and smell pure and fresh. Now in Hawaii, people like to use the artificial Christmas tree. They can bring the trees to ship, and decorate them. When Christmas is gone, they can store the trees for the next Christmas. It’s really a convenient way to save your money and cut the spending.

Generally, a cut Christmas tree can be alive for 4 to 5 weeks. After Christmas, it’s a big problem for the government to dispose of dead Christmas tree. If you want to do something for environment, you can buy an artificial Christmas tree for your Christmas. And of course, it can be used for your next and next Christmas.

How to Realize the Signals Exchange between HDMI and VGA

Since the HDMI technology come into being, it is popular and has been applied to HD devices including HDTVs, Blu-ray, DVD players and so on. Thanks to HDMI, you can transfer both audio and video signals through a single cable. But, still some devices use old interface technology like VGA (Video Graphics Array), which is an analog display technology that many computers utilize for video output. The HDMI and VGA stand for the new and old technology respectively, how to realize the signals exchange between them, there is the way.

Signals Exchange from VGA to HDMI

If you meet an HDTV with no VGA input, instead of HDMI inputs, you just need a VGA-to-HDMI cable, which is readily available for laptops or other devices that do not support HDMI video outputs. The labor work is easy as well, you can insert the VGA end of VGA-to- HDMI cable into the VGA port on your laptop, and then found the port labeled “HDMI” on your television. Generally, it is on the back panel of the television, but on some models, it may be found on the side. When you see the port, you can insert the HDMI end of the VGA-to-HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your television. The final step is set your television’s input to “HDMI” by pressing the “Input” button on your TV’s remote control.

Signals Exchange from HDMI to VGA

If you want to connect an HDMI-enabled device to an older device with a VGA port, you need to use a converter box to hook up the HDMI cables to the VGA port. Connect the HDMI cable and VGA cable to the converter respectively, and the other ends of these tow cables should be plug into your devices. By using a converter, you can success in exchanging the signals from HDMI to VGA.

No Finger but Game Controllers for iPad and iPhone Games Playing

If attach a game controller in a touch screen phone, it looks like give the phone a suit of armor and make it become a PSP gamer. Is it a stupid idea to develop a Phone game controller? Actually, it is not. The small size of a phone screen is the limitation for you using fingers to play games, which reduce the enjoyment in a game experience.

Apple announced that iOS 7 will add support for third-party game controllers to the hardware via new MFi controller framework during its WWDC 2013 keynote presentation in June. Similar in basic atheistic design to Microsoft's Xbox 360 controller, GameCase features trigger buttons, dual analog sticks, an interface button, directional pad, shoulder buttons, a non-slip rubber surface and four face buttons.

While controllers didn’t roll out with iOS7’s launch, Apple has already released guides for developers on how to incorporate game controls easily into their apps. Developers are told a game must still be playable through the touch interface, and cannot rely solely on controller support. They are also told controllers must support pausing and unpausing the game from a button.

If phone game players can use a game controller, it means that game formats that didn’t work well on touch screens, like platformers or first-person shooters, will become more widely available. At the same time, it might inspire more traditional publishers to bring titles to iOS. The flourishing game apps in Apple store in the future will enhance the customer loyalty and satisfaction to iPhone apps.

Apple iOS 7 can Block Your Non-Certified Lightning Charger

In the several past months, iPhone was troubled by the electrocution death of some iPhone users who are confirmed to use the counterfeit USB power adaptors or USB charging cable. Apple now is determined to make these accidents happen no more. According to a confirmed report, Apple has officially blocked some non-certified lightning cables from charging iPhone in the iOS 7 update.

Over the course of the past few hours, a number of AppAdvice readers have been in touch, explaining that iOS 7 is now blocking their third-party, non-certified Lightning USB cables. As such, a large number of iDevice users have installed the seventh iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system only to find that their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch can no longer be charged using the cable they have.

If a user attempts to charge with an unauthorized lightning charging cable on iOS 7 they will receive this message, “This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone.” Apple’s cables contain a chip that authenticates the cable allowing it to be used with the device. Of course there is nothing to stop unauthorized cables with cracked chips and apparently they work fine with iOS 7. There are some workarounds if you do not want to spend cash and get an official one. Some devious third-parties have already figured out how to cross Apple’s detection mechanism. It’s possible that some of the unlicensed cables that still work implement this crack.

1. Turn on USB power.
2. Plug in lightning cable to iPhone.
3. Dismiss any warning.
4. Unlock your iPhone.
5. Dismiss any remaining warnings.
6. Now with the screen turned on, unplug the lightning charging cable.
7. Plug it back in.
8. Dismiss warning again. It should now charge.

Good News for PS4: HDMI applied for video capture

Good news for PlayStation 3 owners with an eye on the upcoming PlayStation 4: At the Tokyo Game Show Sony revealed it's working on making PS3 games compatible for the PS4, as well as a service that can record videos of those games using HDMI. The applied HDMI in video capture for game will definitely make the game play more smoothly and faster.

With both consoles providing the ability to capture gameplay footage organically, there wasn’t much thought about external capture devices for the PS4 or Xbox One. While the folks behind the HD PVR stated that they believed their device would work on the Playstation 4, Sony seemed to panic a bit when they were questioned specifically on the subject. Recently, Sony has confirmed that you will be able to capture gameplay via HDMI on the Playstation 4. However, that feature will not be available at launch for the console.

A couple of features we'd hoped to hear more about have been confirmed, and the first is that the PS4 camera will support both voice and gesture control. It's no surprise that the system will take full advantage of the add-on's dual cameras and four mics for people who want to wave at their TVs, but it's nice to have that confirmed. Second, in a move that will mostly benefit game reviewers and YouTube video walkthrough experts (thanks for your help on theseGTA V missions, all of you), the PlayStation 4 will allow unencrypted HDMI output for games. On the PS3 it didn't, treating games the same as Blu-ray movies, so anyone capturing video in HD needed to use component cables. Now, the HDMI applied will allow gamers to record and stream clips of their games without the need for additional hardware.

Apple iPhone 5S & 5C accessories introduce: Case and Dock

The new iPhone 5S and 5C already have new faces, however, Apple offer new cases in order to make perfect still more perfect. Whether you chose the high-end iPhone 5S or the more wallet-friendly iPhone 5C, there will be an abundance of accessories to choose from. Hot off the heels of Apple’s big announcement; let’s have a look of the official cases and docks lined up for the Sept. 20 release date. 
The iPhone 5S has six different colored cases to choose from at present. These are brown, beige, black, yellow, blue and red. Keeping with the premium feel, Apple has opted to make the cases leather and kept them thin to retain as much of the phone's slimness as possible. Plus, it's worth mentioning that the iPhone 5S cases are compatible with its predecessor, the iPhone 5, if you choose not to upgrade right away. 
For the iPhone 5C, its case has been designed with 35 holes on the back, exposing the handset’s true color. Like its high-end brother, six cases are on offer. Apple has chosen to go for more bold colors to match the iPhone 5C's profile, which include black, white, yellow, blue, green and pink.
Both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C docks are the solution to keep your handset upright while it syncs and charges. This is achieved through the usual method of connecting the dock to a computer via a USB cable. An audio line out port makes it easier to connect to powered speakers, provided you have a standard 3.5mm cable.

HDMI Switch vs. HDMI Splitter: Which is Best for You?

An HDMI switch is a small box that uses the HDMI port on your television as the "in." It gives you anywhere from two to five places to plug other components in; you can "switch" between all of them. Some systems that use HDMI are supposed to run together (for instance, a Blu-ray player and your surround sound). A good rule of thumb is to use the ports you have available on your television itself for any component you will need for more than one system. With a switch, you cannot play more than one of the connected components at the same time.

A HDMI splitter takes one line (from your television) and splits it into two, so your components eventually lead back to the same port. It works just like the old coaxial splitters. The main problem with HDMI splitters is that they overload your ports. If you are using both components at once (or, say, you forget to turn one off) your screen may appear jumbled and your television might react. Also, if you are trying to play one component on multiple televisions, there may be a chance the picture will come out jumbled or grainy.

Choosing HDMI switch or HDMI splitter depends on your situation, you may benefit more from one than the other. A switch is usually preferable if you are trying to hook up more than one gaming system, because the odds are you will not be using these at the same time. Splitters are usually used when you have more than one TV you would like to send a component to (like using one Blu-ray for two televisions). To prevent overload on your television, most retailers will recommend a switch.

What are the highlights in Apple’s new iPhone models?

Apple releases his new products at its event on September 10^th, 2013 on time. Before that, the media world are awash with rumors about the design of iPhone 5S and its low price iPhone 5C. At the event, all rumors have been confirmed to be true. But people expect to the Apple event is not only to testify the rumors, but also see what new things will be introduce. Obviously, the new design and new functions at the Apple event is not disappointed.

Cheaper iPhone 5C with five colors

The iPhone 5C will come in several new colors, including yellow, blue and pink, which should appeal to younger buyers. It will start at $99 on a two-year contract — the same price point that Apple used to offer for its older phones. At the same time, iPhone 5 is not going to sell, which means that iPhone 5 becomes the most short-lived in all iPhone models.

High-end iPhone 5S with fingerprint sensor

The fingerprint sensor is all about security. As phone has become the basic necessity in people’s daily life, the security of a phone is also associated with a human sense of security. Apple level up its Phone security rank by apply the Fingerprint sensor. No more remembering your phone’s passcode, or having to type in a series of numbers to check the weather: Apple is including a fingerprint scanner in the new iPhone 5S.It’s embedded in the Home button at the bottom of the phone — which incidentally now has a silver ring around it to make it seem more pronounced. The new fingerprint scanner is called Touch ID. It can also read multiple fingerprints so that several people can have access to a single phone.

The new iPhones will be available to buy on Sept. 20. And China is on the first selling countries list. Many analysts expect the less-expensive iPhone 5C to help Apple enter some of the emerging markets where current Apple products are too costly for most customers. On the first selling day of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, it must hundreds of people will wait outside the Apple store to buy the new iPhones.

Apple event countdown: what to expect a new iPhone models tomorrow

The competition on the smartphone market is fierce. For the smartphone operating system, Apple’s pressure is from Android. Though iPhone has a sleek, simple design, easy-to-navigate operating system and tidy “closed garden” app environment, Android apps can update automatically. Except that, iPhone’s rivals produce the smartphones featured water-resistant, or big screen, or with voice-control. The fierce competition forces Apple to renew its design and add more function to the Phone. That’s the matter – design and function! From the invitation of Apple event, it convinces that its new products should brighten everyone’s day. Let’s see what will brighten us.

Colorful iPhone 5C

The iPhone 5C is likely to be the event's main attraction, in part because of its predicted low price. Some of us think the "C" stands for "cheap" or "China," its prime target market, though it could also stand for "color," because of the variety of its hues that will likely be available. 

A gold color add to iPhone 5S

The new flagship iPhone, the predicted 5S, will get more color options too, if rumors prove correct. It's likely to come in a gold or champagne-like aluminum finish, and maybe also a graphite gray color, in addition to the current black and white options.

A big screen?

While the iPhone 5 itself had a substantially larger screen than its predecessor, it's still the smallest screen in its price class by at least half an inch. Since the 5S is externally identical to the iPhone 5, you can cast out any hopes that it'll have a screen larger than the current 4 inches, despite clear demand for something larger. 

An iOS 7 release date

The biggest news at the event might not even be the hardware. In June, Apple previewed iOS 7, the next version of the iPhone and iPad software that looks radically different. Everything has been redesigned with new colors and icons and there are new features too, including a Command Center for easy access to settings and a new camera app. Siri also has a different voice.

Apple will announce the release date of the software at the event, which will likely be the week of the iPhone launch. Apple has already said that iOS 7 would be out this fall for the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5.

No doubt that there are many things of new iPhone we expect to see. “We aren’t interested in revenue for revenue’s sake,” Cook said. “We could put the Apple brand on a lot of things and sell a lot more stuff.”  Let’s look forward to tomorrow’s Apple event.

Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch is designed for fitness

In a Japanese cartoon Detective Conan, the hero has a special watch that can launch anesthetic needles. The watch is designed for helping him to make a deductive inference under the disguise of an adult. However, it is not a smart watch. If you want to know what a smartwatch looks like, you should expect the date Sep. 4 that Samsung will reveal their Galaxy Gear smartwatch to the world. But some photos have leaked out from VentureBeat on the internet. 

According to the outlet, the prototype device features a three inch display, built-in speakers and a 4-megapixel camera housed in the watch's wrist strap. VentureBeat describes the Samsung Galaxy Gear as lightweight but somewhat dwarfing, with a "clunky" large wristband and quite a bit of bulk. Here are some of the smartwatch’s specs:

• Samsung S Voice for voice commands
• Preloaded with Android apps for social media, health tracking, etc.
• Integration with a companion Galaxy S phone or tablet
• An easy-to-use swipe function to access apps, the built-in camera, and the photo gallery
• Call logs (A cool use-case: You can initiate a call from the watch to a Samsung smartphone device)
• Internet access
• Power button on the side
• Social media integration — you can share to your Facebook or Twitter account from the watch
• 10+ hours battery life

From its specs, what functions are related to the fitness? In fact, the smartwatch can track your health data, including steps, heart rate, calorie intake, when you are at the gym working out. And a build-in heart rate monitor can measure your heart rate at any time. For the camera, it is not for taking photo secretly to record down some dirty thing, it for tracking your food intake by taking photos of your meals. Now, are you fitness junkies excited? Just another two days to wait.

Apple’s iPad Shrink, Will You Buy a “No-Name” Tablet?

Apple’s iPad once is the global leader in tablet market. However, things are going different side when Android system is widely applied into Smartphone and tablets. A new market report has shown that Apple’s global tablet’s sales slowed down during this year, with shipments declining by 14% and market share dropping to 43% compared to 2012. On the contrary, the “no-name” tablets are now the largest segment of the tablet market.

The report suggests four tends: First, tablet sales slowed down from the first quarter this year. Compared to last year, even though tablet sales fell 9.7% in the first quarter, they sales grew 59.6% to 45.1 million units. Second, Apple’s virtual monopoly in the tablet market has been eliminated, as Apple’s market share fell from 60.3 percent to 32.4 percent in a year’s time. Third, Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo and Acer each grew annually by over 200%, driven by increasing demand for small-screen tablets. These data show Android take the global lead start. Finally, consumers apparently don’t care if they buy a tablet from a cheaper, no-name brand, as a whopping 45 percent of tablets sold within the “other” category.

As Android system occupies the largest share in the global Smartphone and tablet, it’s no wonder that people didn’t care about what Smartphone or tablet brand they use. It is just a case that different appearances have a same heart. Besides, the “no-name” tablet is really much cheaper, how could you resist the price temptation? If the “no-name” tablet performance as well as Apple’s iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Nexus Tablet, will you buy it?