Adjust your smartphone camera for better photos

As smartphone cameras become more sophisticated, we are starting to see an array of camera options and photo settings that would rival some of the more complex DSLRs. But as these various options multiply, aren’t they taking away one of the main advantages of the smartphone camera, which is its simplicity? And do we really need all those options if all we are doing is using the smartphone as a point-and-shoot?

Well, the good news and bad news is that smartphones are getting smarter. And with that improved engineering comes the possibility of camera settings and adjustments that were unimaginable just a couple of years ago. So the short answer is yes, it is worth knowing a little bit about the various options that come with your smartphone camera. Just a few tweaks here and there can dramatically improve picture quality and make using the camera much more enjoyable.

Here are four of the most underused smartphone camera settings and a brief explanation of what they can do:

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How to decide if you need Windows 8

With last month’s release of Windows 8, lots of PC users have been wondering whether they need to upgrade. While a decision will depend on each user’s individual circumstances, there are 7 questions you can ask yourself that will help you make a rational decision.

1. Did you download the beta version of Windows 8?

If you weren’t one of the millions of people who downloaded one of the preview versions of Windows 8, then we can assume that you are not a developer, a network administrator, a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or just someone with plenty of time on their hands. If you didn’t even know there was a preview version available for download, then it’s a safe bet to say that you probably don’t need it – yet. (Although, see question 5 below.)

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Video Game of the Week – Nike+ Kinect Training

There were some excellent fitness video games before Kinect for Xbox 360 came along – Wii Fit Plus comes to mind – but to say that Microsoft’s body motion sensor has forever changed the genre would be an understatement. From dance-style games like Zumba Fitness to the outstanding Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012, Kinect provides the kind of interactive feedback you can only replicate with a $150 an hour personal trainer.

And now we can add another video game to that growing list of Kinect-based workouts with the exceptional Nike+ Kinect Training from Microsoft Game Studios.

A common problem with many fitness video games is that they assume a level of expertise or familiarity with routines that can be instantly off-putting for the out-of-shape beginner. Not so with N+KT, which goes out of its way to make sure that your workout program is specifically designed for you in terms of weight, shape, fitness level and, most importantly, your fitness goals. (Not everyone wants to train like a triathlete!)

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How to pick the right video games

You finally gave in and bought your kids a gaming console but now comes the hard part: How do you make sure that your kids are playing age-appropriate games?

There is certainly no shortage of great titles for teens and younger kids. Despite the fact that games like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed grab all the headlines, M-rated titles represent only 5 percent of all games that receive a rating, according to statistics released by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). But if you’re not familiar with video games, how do you distinguish the good from the bad?

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The Need for Speed

More entertainment choices demand a faster Internet connection

When it comes to preaching ‘netiquette’ to my teenage daughter I always try to lead by example. That means no ranting on Facebook or Twitter, no gadgets at mealtimes, and no screens in the bedroom. Unfortunately, that last one has become increasingly difficult to enforce, as smartphones and tablets have a way of moving around the house largely undetected.

Perhaps that’s just as well, as I’m no longer much of a role model. While I don’t have a TV in the bedroom, my iPad is becoming a constant companion under the covers. The reason? Faster Internet speeds and the ability to download and stream TV shows, movies and more.

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