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New smartphone case replaces your business cards, and helps locate phone if missing

Newsflash: Your next smartphone case can do more than simply protect your device from bumps and drops.

Called Findables, these smartphone cases also let you quickly share your contact info with people you meet, plus they can also help you retrieve your phone if it’s lost.

Here’s how it works:

On the back of the cases – available for iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III – there’s a QR code that can be scanned by a colleague’s device, so that your contact information is immediately imported into their Contacts. In fact, you can set up a personal and a business profile and easily switch between the two, just in case you want to share your email info and LinkedIn profile to associates, for instance, yet give out Facebook and Twitter info with new friends instead.

In other words, leave your business cards behind, as it’s more convenient (and fun) to share your contact info wirelessly – and it doesn’t matter what kind of smartphone or tablet the other person has, be it an iOS, Android, BlackBerry or Windows device (as long as it has a camera to scan the code on the back of the case, of course).

If you lose your phone, you can also use Findables’ lost and found service. In the event that happens, log on to your free account at the Findables website and offer a reward for your lost device. Those who find your case can scan the QR code and see what to do if found.

You can also download and use the free Findables app for iOS and Android, to scan QR codes and view and import someone else’s contact info. There is no cost to use the service.

As for the cases, they’re available in multiple colours and are made out of durable polycarbonate to protect the hardware. A two-piece fitted grip helps keep out dust, lint and dirt, and you’ve got easy access to docks, ports and buttons.

Findables cases range from $29.99 to $34.99.

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The Source rolls out the red carpet across Canada for the launch of the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone

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The BlackBerry Z10 hits stores this week and The Source is celebrating with launch parties in select stores across Canada (Visit The Source Facebook page for dates and locations). We kicked off the red-carpet festivities at our Eaton Centre location, which was buzzing with excitement about the new smartphone powered by BlackBerry 10. With a brand-new look and all new experiences, the BlackBerry Z10 is a refreshing addition to the company’s smartphone lineup. Some key highlights include: 4.2” touchscreen with intuitive virtual keyboard, BlackBerry Hub, video chat capabilities in BlackBerry messenger, 8MP camera with 1080p video recording and new Time Shift mode. Is it a perfect 10? You be the judge. Check out my video review for the full scoop on what to expect from the BlackBerry Z10.

Visit TheSource.ca to check out the full features and specs on our BlackBerry Z10  product page or browse a wide selection of BlackBerry accessories for ways to protect, stylize and enhance your mobile experience.

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Mophie packs power and action into their new line of cases

Mophie, well-known for their battery-extending cases, showed up to CES armed and powered with a variety of classic and new charging solutions.

In the tech age, power is something we all crave but never seem to have enough of. We dial back the brightness of our smartphone and tablet screens; activate auto-lock, even cut phone calls short, all in an effort to conserve battery life. And when power runs out, we tether ourselves to a pesky charging cable, even if it means carrying a conversation on the floor with our heads pressed against the wall. That is, if you can find an outlet. Even at the biggest consumer electronics show in the world, I was having a tough time finding a place to sit and use my devices, let alone an outlet to plug them in. Thankfully though, Mophie was there to save the day with a variety of portable charging solutions, like their flagship juice pack air cases.

Click to play video

Click to play video

These days, it’s all about battery-powered phone cases. Unfortunately ,one of the downsides to owning a super-cool, fully-loaded smartphone is short battery life. So, with a case like the juice pack air, I can kill two birds with one stone – protect my device in style and double my battery life. For those looking for a little bit more, Mophie’s Pro series delivers rugged, water-resistant protection, in addition to longer battery life when you need it most. And, of course, there’s also their Universal line that lets you charge virtually any USB device 4 times before having to recharge the case. READ MORE…

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A new look for the point-and-shoot

Canon has gone back to the drawing board with their latest camera design, re-thinking the shape of the camera and even how pictures are taken.

The Canon PowerShot N is a brand new concept that brings you a powerful camera in a compact, square design. You’ve got all the specs you’re looking for including 12.1 megapixels, 8x optical zoom and full 1080p HD video. You’ve also got some unexpected features like a tilting screen that allows you to take photos from all new angles.

Click to play video

Click to play video

If you take a look at the top of the camera, you won’t see a shutter button. Canon has put the shutter right on the lens. In fact, it’s on the top and bottom of the lens so you can take shots from any angle and with either hand. You can also snap a photo using the 2.8” touchscreen.

Another cool feature is Creative Shot which applies 5 different filters to your shot so you can choose the one you like best. Then, share it with friends and followers using the built-in Wi-Fi or free cell phone app.

You can expect to get your hands on the PowerShot N in April 2013.

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LifeProof bares all with their award-winning nüüd case for iPad

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Click to play video

Most people would agree that water and technology don’t mix; at least that’s what my phone company keeps telling me. Unfortunately I’ve dropped my iPhone in the toilet on more than one occasion, spilt pop on it, dropped it in a snow bank – you know – all the things you’re not supposed to do. But things have changed. Companies like Lifeproof have developed revolutionary cases that actually encourage you to get down and dirty with your tech, and wet! READ MORE…

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Let’s give a hand for Intel Perceptual technology

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Click to play video

Over the past several years we’ve feasted our eyes on countless immerging display technologies, like HD, 3D, OLED, and this year, 4K Ultra HD. All have delivered an incredible viewing experience more lifelike than the last. At this year’s CES, I often found myself doing double takes as I passed images of waterfalls and skyscrapers that looked so real, I felt like I could actually reach out and touch them. So you could imagine my surprise when I wandered into the Intel booth and saw people doing that exact thing! READ MORE…

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Sony’s Xperia Z smartphone makes a big splash!

Forget expensive waterproof phone cases, Sony’s cutting-edge Xperia Z phone is not only smart but water resistant too! One of the stand-out products of CES 2013, the Xperia Z packs some serious performance and form-factor, but the most striking feature of all is that it’s water-resistant!

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Click to play video

The Xperia Z has a high IP55 & IP57 rating up to 1m (3’) for up to 30 min. So if you happen to drop your phone in the toilet –who hasn’t done that before? – accidentally spill coffee on it, or forget your phone out in the rain, simply give it a wipe and go right back to tweeting or tending livestock on Farmville. No harm, no “fowl”! However, this level of protection doesn’t come without a design flaw or two – protective flaps are positioned on all phone ports (including the headphone socket). Okay, maybe this isn’t a flaw per say, just annoying.  But, if you can look past the pesky flaps, the phone is actually quite striking, boasting a large 5” 1080p HD display, a first for Sony, as well as a slim 7.9mm thin, rounded-edged frame and tempered glass on both the front and back. Each glass panel also has an anti-shatter film for even greater durability for us clumsy folks. READ MORE…

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Are you ready for SonY 4K?

Just when we thought 1080p was the be-all and end-all of high-definition video, in came Sony with its 4K, or as some call it, Ultra HD, 84” TV that came out last year. Sure it was big and beautiful, but to the average consumer, losing that kind of real-estate to accommodate this mammoth beast just wasn’t practical nor affordable with its whopping $25,000 price tag.

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Click to play video

Thankfully, Sony came to their senses, debuting 2 new 4K models at this year’s CES convention in Las Vegas – a 55” and a 65”. Although no price point was revealed, I’m hoping I won’t have to sell my car in order to afford it.

So what’s the big deal about 4K anyways? READ MORE…

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Razer takes PC gaming to the Edge and back

PC gaming got some pretty huge nods at CES last week. We talked in an earlier blog about the NVIDIA Project Shield portable gaming system, now we want to discuss the Razer Edge. This project is pretty revolutionary and it seems like others agree as it won the prestigious CNET Best of CES 2013 award.

The Razer Edge is the “world’s first tablet designed for PC gamers.” You could call it a tablet or a PC or a gaming console and you’d be correct, but it’s really a hybrid of all those things. READ MORE…