Area man digs 200-metre tunnel to Upper Canada Mall

an older article but worth mentioning since so close to home

by Hieronymus BouchePublished May 2nd, 2011

Duane Oppenheimer, 59 1/2, of Newmarket was charged with mischief and unlawful excavation on Wednesday evening, after cleaning staff at Upper Canada Mall discovered a large rectangular crack in a utility closet floor. The crack turned out to be a hatch leading to Oppenheimer’s tunnel, a 200-metre subterranean passageway that extended under the mall’s south parking lot and continued below Davis Drive into an adjacent subdivision where it emerged inside the Oppenheimer’s garage.

Andrea Smyrna, a next-door neighbour, defended the tunnel, explaining it had been in use for nearly two years and had been a closely-guarded secret among the Oppenheimer’s friends and neighbours.  “That tunnel made it a breeze to get to the mall without a car or risking life and limb crossing Davis Drive during rush hour.”, Smyrna explained. “I have no idea how they built it or where they put the dirt, but the neighbourhood sure liked that tunnel.”

Oppenheimer, a recently retired steelworker, was a regular fixture at Upper Canada Mall. “You’d always find him at his favourite table in the food court knocking back coffee with his buddies — Duane really likes the mall” added Smyrna.

After climbing down the hatchway to investigate, 4 police officers and mall security staff found a surprisingly well-built structure with adequate support beams and ventilation. A number of Zellers shopping carts were found at both ends of the tunnel, along with emergency instructions, Oppenheimer’s cell number and a supply of candles. “They seem to have thought of just about everything, except the law”, said Constable Stanley Sharp. ”

Mall officials are debating whether to fill in the tunnel or turn it into a pedestrian-friendly entrance.

for original article press => HERE 

The Future Of BlackBerry Is Exciting And Bright

Via Blackberry rocks

I don’t normally preen on a subject often. Obviously, I share my apparent enthusiasm for the Blackberry brand, even in the face of impending failure. For a long time, it seemed like our beloved Blackberry was on the way down. I had no desire for this to happen, and I’m sure most of my readers feel the same. That being said, I don’t go out of my way to promote Blackberry. Over the past year, I’ve even been somewhat skeptical at times. I’ve been excited, intrigued, and most of all loyal, but still cautious.

Blackberry came out swinging though, and Blackberry 10 is everything good ol’ Thor promised it would be, and then some. The platform still has a long way to go, of course, but considering it’s still in its infancy it’s extremely promising. The long term potential of the platform is just phenomenal.



The main thing that Blackberry 10 does is it provides a single platform that consumers can turn to. It incorporates everything that you could want or need, all in one convenient location. What do I mean by that exactly?

Well, Blackberry 10 has the Hub, and it also has Balance. The Hub collects all of your messages, emails, notifications and social media updates and lists them all in one place. While Balance, allows you to switch between totally separate profiles, one of which is for your personal life and the other is for your work life. Since many people carry two devices on their person, one for work and the other for personal use, Balance is an incredibly powerful solution.

One can’t forget the Blackberry keyboard with its unique prediction functionality, the wondrous Time Shift camera and last, but certainly not least, the Flow user interface.



But there’s one crucial element that stands out, or at least it has in the past. The Blackberry platform has never been known for its array of mobile apps. In fact, the failure to deliver unique content and compelling software is one reason the Blackberry brand took a nosedive in the first place. It wasn’t the only reason, mind you, but it did contribute to the problem nonetheless.

Even now, Blackberry World is still missing some content from some of the leading developers in the industry. I can almost guarantee that for every app in Blackberry World, there are one or two more that you wish were available. Hell, there are quite a few apps that I wish were available on the platform.

But it’s getting better, in fact, it’s gotten better over just the past couple of months. It seems like once Blackberry started showing off the platform in public, and folks started seeing what it can do, more and more developers signed on board.

Many will say that they don’t purchase a device, or sign on to a platform for what it can do, or what it may be able to in the future. But I pose a single question, and it’s a rather blunt one at that, why not?



At this point, even though it was just released, Blackberry 10 is pretty much on par with both Android and iOS in terms of what it offers. It just came out! If you ask me, that’s pretty damn impressive.

Blackberry unquestionably has a long way to go if they want to perfect the formula, but the fun has just started. The Z10 still has yet to launch in the US. In countries where it is already available, it’s seeing impressive sales.

So what is the point of all this? Why did I write this entire post, and what am I getting at?

There are many different things happening in the mobile industry, and some of them are exciting while others are contrite. Personally, I yearn for something fresh, something new, and most of all something different. Blackberry 10 has opened new doors for me while simultaneously offering the right avenues that I know all too well. When I use the platform, it feels different, but it also feels like an old friend.

I’m excited for the future of the platform, and I’m excited for what Blackberry is doing. One thing is certain, Blackberry has a winner on their hands. I think it’s likely that they might take their rightful place at spot number three in the mobile industry. Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts?

Trakdot Luggage tracker coming in April 2013 to put end to lost baggage problems

Posted By Ray Nicolini

There are some things in life that, when you lose them, don’t seem to want to turn up ever again. And more often that not, this applies to luggage. But fortunately, there’s a new type of tracking device made specifically to solve this kind of problem that’s going to be made available soon.

A company called Trakdot has set out to put an end to the problem of lost luggage once and for all. Its product, unveiled officialy at CES 2013, is called the Trakdot Luggage tracker and is basically a palm-sized tracking device that you can chuck into any bag or container in order to get updates on its whereabouts no matter where you are in the world. When paired with a compatible smartphone, it can give real-time updates with information that will help ensure you will never lose track of your luggage wherever you decide to go.

According to Trakdot, the Trakdot Luggage tracker will also work with any SMS-enabled mobile device. So it’s useful not just with smartphones, but with feature phones and dumb phones as well. What’s more, it’s designed to work with any type of container anywhere in the world.

In order to enjoy and take advantage of the Trakdot tracking experience for yourself, all you have to do is fork out an $8.99 activation fee along with a $12.99 annual service fee to get started. Of course, you’ll have to pay an upfront fee for the actual tracking device itself, and that will set you back $49.99. That’s a small price to pay to make sure you always knows where your luggage is, especially if you’re hauling a lot of expensive equipment around all the time.

Eyes-On / Announcement: The Xperia Z And ZL From Sony's CES 2013 Press Conference

Posted By Ray Nicolini
Original Blog Via Android Police

In quite an interesting turn of events, at its CES press conference, Sony has laid its wares bare on the show floor: the Xperia Z and ZL are there for all to gawk at. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to go hands-on yet, but we figured we'd tide you over with some photos before we actually get to the touch-feely part. The Z has been announced officially, as well.

The Xperia Z comes in multiple colors, and is water resistant. In fact, Sony has set up mechanical 'dunk tanks' that allow you to submerge half the phone in water for a few seconds at a time, with the display on (Sony claims it can stand up to one meter of submersion). Both of the dunk phones seem to be running strong after probably hundreds of dips in the wet stuff. The Z has a glass rear cover, and a rather unique circular side-mounted power button, along with a hardware camera button. It also has a microSD card slot, and is generally just gorgeous (though Sony's dated UI sort of detracts from the beauty.) The display is the rumored 5" 1080p, though we aren't certain. The rear shooter is a 13MP Exmore RS sensor of an all-new design, with "video HDR" mode (fancy). The Z runs Android 4.1.2, and packs a 2330mAh battery. The worst part? The release date: March, at the earliest, with retail availability starting in Q2. The whole show is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon Pro processor. And yep, NFC's there too.

The Xperia ZL is very similar to the Z, though the back of the phone is styled differently, in a matte finish rather than the high-gloss of the Z. The ZL also has a rather large metallic ring around its rear camera lens, which I can't say I'm in love with. Still, it's a pretty phone, and we're looking forward to the impending spec sheet unveil during the press conference. The ZL is a little smaller than the Z, as well, which would sync up with the now-confirmed rumors of a 4.7" display. The ZL does not appear to have a microSD slot, nor the its larger sibling's water-resistance credentials.

We'll be bringing you more about the Z and ZL (eg, hands-on) later this evening.

Introducing Xperia™ Z - The Best of Sony in a Premium Smartphone

• Full HD 5" Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 for super brightness and clarity
• Sony's media applications deliver rich user experiences and instant access to entertainment services
• Easy and fast One-touchfunctions to wirelessly share music, photos and videos across devices
• New stand-out Sony design with water and dust resistance

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Sony Mobile Communications ("Sony Mobile") today introduces its new flagship Android smartphone, Xperia Z. With a 5" Full HD 1080p Reality Display, Snapdragon™ S4 Pro quad-core processor, 13 megapixel fast-capture camera and 4G LTE, Xperia Z has all the specifications expected from a premium smartphone. On top of this, it brings the best of Sony's unique technology, content, design and connectivity to deliver rich user experiences. Xperia Z will launch globally in Q1 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130108/586515 )

"With Xperia Z, we are bringing over half a century of innovation in TV, imaging, music, film and gaming to create a superphone experience that truly stands out," said Kuni Suzuki, President and CEO, at Sony Mobile Communications. "With great specifications, Sony's media applications One-touch functions and outstanding battery life, Xperia Z is well positioned for leadership in the smartphone market. By putting smartphones at the heart of our strategy, Sony is enabling people to create, enjoy and share content and experiences like never before."

Intelligent Sony Technology

Xperia Z's razor sharp Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2, brings Sony's long-standing TV expertise to the smartphone and delivers an immersive viewing experience with super brightness and clarity. The smartphone shares capabilities with Sony digital cameras and features Exmor RS for mobile, the world's first image sensor with HDR (High Dynamic Range) video for smartphones. HDR technology gives clear images against strong backlight, so users can capture razor sharp pictures and videos whatever the conditions.

Xperia Z also includes Battery STAMINA Mode that can improve the standby time by four times or more*by automatically shutting down battery-draining apps whenever the screen is off and starting them up again when the screen is back on.

Discover, enjoy and share entertainment with Sony's media applications and One-touch functions

Sony media applications offer a consistent entertainment experience across a range of Sony devices. Pre-loaded on Xperia Z, the "WALKMAN", Album and Movies apps, enable discovery of on-line and off-line content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content. The "WALKMAN" application provides access to all your downloaded music, a library of 18 million songs to explore from Music Unlimited and Facebook social integration. The Movies application gives consumers access to over 100,000 movies and TV series from Video Unlimited while the Album application enables easy access to Facebook friends' photos as well as browsing photos by location.**

One-touch functions enable consumers to easily share music, photos and videos from their smartphone to an array of NFC-enabled Sony devices, including speakers, headphones and now TVs. With the new BRAVIA TV, also announced today, simply touch Xperia Z to the remote control of the TV to instantly enjoy your photos and videos on the big screen.

Two additions to Sony's range of NFC-enabled headsets were also introduced today, the Stereo Bluetooth™ Headset SBH20 and the Wireless Headset DR-BTN200M. Touch Xperia Z to either headset and begin listening to tracks instantly.

Stand-out design and durability

Precision engineered with premium materials, Xperia Z introduces a unique OmniBalance design with subtly rounded edges and smooth reflective surfaces on all sides. Despite its slim 7.9mm body, Xperia Z is highly durable with tempered glass and anti-shatter film on the front and back, as well as the highest levels of dust and water resistance*** (IP55 and IP57) found in a premium smartphone.

In selected markets, a design variant of Xperia Z - Xperia ZL - will also be released in Q1 2013. Xperia ZL delivers the same immersive entertainment experiences as Xperia Z but in a smaller form factor.

Xperia Z and Xperia ZL will launch on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and will be upgraded to 4.2 shortly after launch for the latest Android user experience.

Key features for Xperia Z

• 5" 1080 x 1920p full HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2
• 13MP Fast Capture camera with Exmor RS for mobile, HDR video, Superior Auto and Noise Reduction to effortlessly capture razor sharp pictures and videos in any conditions
• Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP57) with a durable glass display
• 1.5 GHz asynchronous quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor with 2GB RAM
• Battery STAMINA mode improves standby time by at least 4 times

* Based on testing done with default settings, default accounts and applications for Skype™ and Twitter downloaded to the phone. The more applications installed, the bigger the effect of Battery STAMINA Mode.

**Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availabilityby region, please see http://www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details.

*** In compliance with IP55 and IP57, Xperia Z is protected against the ingress of dust and is water resistant. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP 57
.

iPad mini vs Nexus 7: drop test time, tablet edition!

Posted by Ray Nicolini

via Original Blog Android Authority

Our international man of gadget destruction is back!
In September, Darcy LaCouvee travelled to bustling Hong Kong to get the iPhone 5 and pitch itin a ruthless drop test against the flagship of the Android armada, the Galaxy S3. Suffice it to say, we didn’t like how that test ended, but luckily the mighty Note 2 saved face for the Android camp just a couple of weeks later.
Now Darcy is back at it, but this time he drop tested two tablets, the category defining Nexus 7and iPad mini. Both of these tablets can easily be handled on the go, but their size makes them somehow susceptible to accidents. Unless you are really careful (or use a beefy case), it can be easy to damage your precious device, with those shatter-prone Gorilla glass screens especially at risk.
So here we are, trying to show you what can happen when the unthinkable occurs. But we won’t ruin it for you. Just watch the video or check out the image gallery for a complete damage report.



Don’t forget to let us know what you make of our iPad mini vs Nexus 7 drop test – which tablet is better and why?

Samsung Mobile USA Facebook Page Asks Which Phone You Would Want On Deserted Island, Doesn’t Get The Response It Wanted

Posted By Ray Nicolini 

Via BGR.com

 

Uh oh Android faithful, better get in there and show some love for Samsung as a question posted on their Mobile USA Facebook page has backfired in a big way. When asked what would be the one electronic device respondents could bring on a deserted island, the response was definitely not what Samsung was hoping for. As of this writing, more than 90% of responses posted within the last 20 minutes has been “iPhone,” as I did see a few Galaxy S III responses thrown in there. Also, one person suggested a Microwave, though he didn’t specify if that Microwave was Samsung branded.

It’s more humorous than anything else and it just goes to show that social media campaigns don’t always work in the way we planned for, but it doesn’t change that the Galaxy S III has been a huge seller. Even more important is Samsung’s recent ad campaign against the iPhone 5 and we will see how they match up over the holiday season as the two flagship devices for the two biggest smartphone manufacturers.

Check out the page below and if you want, jump in there and show some support for Samsung.

Samsung Facebook via BGR

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Afterthoughts of Motorola’s unveiling event

Posted By Ray Nicolini

Via OMGdroid

Alright so the press conference on Wednesday is over and now that I’ve time to calm down from my excitement and get some other work done, I would like to express my thoughts on the whole event and the direction that Motorola seems to be going in. as you probably know by now, and if you don’t you should read our site more  , Motorola had a press conference last week unveiling what is to be known as “The new RAZR Family.”

Yep, the phone that has been out for only 9 months is already being replaced. After birth, Verizon went back in bed with Motorola and out comes the RAZR M, HD, and MAXX HD. Three phones, for no reason.

Now my first complaint about this is an obvious one, who the fuck needs/wants the RAZR HD if there is a RAZR MAXX HD. They are the exact same phone software wise, yet the MAXX HD will have a bigger batter and larger internal storage. When reading that, who says “Nah, I want my phone to not last so long and not allow me to put so much on it.”? People, including myself, were mad when Moto did this shit in January — releasing the RAZR MAXX just 2 months after the original RAZR was released, dropping the price on the original. Motorola should cancel the HD and solely build the MAXX HD, rename it and offer it for the average of what the MAXX HD and regular HD will retail for. They wouldn’t believe how many sales they would get this way. I’m sure if the RAZR was never released and only the RAZR MAXX (under the name RAZR), for 250$ their sales would’ve skyrocketed.

Second, I’m glad the RAZR M is releasing this upcoming week, but what about the HDs? “Before the holidays” What the hell does that mean? Which should I be looking towards for judgement? Christmas? Thanksgiving? Halloween? Also how much are you going to rape my wallet? Should I just go get 350$ ready now? Don’t show me a product without telling me real information. Atleast Apple gets that right.

Also, what’s with Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.x)? If Samsung can create a phone that’ll have Jellybean (Android 4.1) out the gate, then why can’t you? Especially when you have an undetermined amount of time to release it. Good job on saying that the HDs will be updated this year, but having a phone running JB at release will definitely give you an edge these days. That was one of the reasons the Galaxy Nexus slapped the RAZR in the face last year.

Lastly, umm so what’s on your phone? Good it comes with chrome and ICS, but what else does it have? What features should draw me to your phone rather than something else. Samsung throws features on their phones like it’s no one’s business. HTC tries to make their UI the prettiest, add DSLR cameras and make my ears bleed with Beats. Sony even let’s me bring my gaming system to my phone. And you, …..? Tell me what I’m getting into with these devices.

I did this out of love Motorola, I love you guys. your phones, your tablets, everything. The RAZR M is a great device with great specs and price. Thanks for offering 100$ for my outdated Motorola phones I have. Also, thanks for updating the new one “quickly”. These are just some points that really stressed me out. Don’t get me started on Amazon.

You’re still in my heart Moto. XD

Archos 101 XS $399 10" with magnetic case included

Hi, I am the new ARCHOS 101 XS. Nice to meet you.
I am 8mm thin, weigh only 21 ounces and feature a unique magnetic Coverboard for protection, docking and easy typing.

Other features include:
• OMAP4470 processor with PowerVR™ SGX544 GPU and 1GB RAM
• Android 4.0 (upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
• 10.1-inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution
• 16GB Flash Memory 
• Micro USB, MicroSD (SDXC up to 64 GB), Mini HDMI
...• WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 
• Google Certified, full access to Play Store
• Pre-Loaded Apps: Office Suite Pro 6 (full version pre-loaded), Gameloft Top Game Zone, Asphalt 6, Spider-Man HD, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds, B&N Nook, Zino
Price: $399.99 (that includes the Coverboard)