Your graduate will definitely require a laptop for all that online research he needs to do and crunching out those term papers, a cool pair of headphones and of course a do-it-all tab or Smartphone. Check out these top 5 tech graduation gifts for 2013.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4

The ultra cool Samsung Galaxy S4 has all the important features that a college student requires in a gadget. Loaded with a powerful software and a colorful 5-inch full HD display and a range of cool apps and features, make it a favorite with college goers. The Smartphone comes with quad-core processor and one of the sharpest cameras available in any Smartphone. This is one of the must gives as tech graduation gift.

2. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is one graduation gift that no graduate will deny loving. This little tool will let your graduate kid enjoy a 30 foot range and up to 40 hours of life on just 2 AA batteries. All one needs to do is plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for a complete two way voice communication. Another great feature of the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is using four controllers simultaneously on just one console. The gadget also gives easy maneuvering with the new left and right shoulder buttons.

3. iPad Mini

A compact tablet is a very good option for graduation tech gifts. It is the smartest way to get things done on the go. One of the best choices available today is iPad Mini. This tablet features a 7.9 inch display and is just around .3 inches thick and weighs .7 pounds. The battery of iPad Mini is also strong, that lasts up to 10 hours. So, yes it is definitely going to sail them through class and studying. Along with it, you definitely get the advantage of Apple’s App store to select the best productivity and education apps for easy download.

4. Altec Lansing Muzx Core MZX206 Noise-Isolating Earphones

Enjoying the rhythm is one of the favorite pass-time of college goers and the best way to do that is with Altec Lansing Muzx Core MZX206 Noise-Isolating Earphones. They simply take the audio experience to the next level and are designed to fit just about every style. These earphones are engineered with neodymium micro speakers for complete clarity of sound the passive noise reduction with the inline mic lets you take your calls. These earphones are just perfect for going along with your MP3 or smartphone.

5. Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500

How about a mouse that practically works on any surface? The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 can work on just any surface due to the Microsoft Blue Track Technology. The mouse combines the power of optical with the accuracy of a laser. All you need to do is, keep its nano transceiver plugged in and you are all set to go. The battery life lasts up to eight months and lets you work nearly uninterrupted. The mouse also comes with on and off switch that helps conserve more battery power. So, just turn off when not in use and do things the way you want to.

Share these top graduation gifts and get your young adult set for college.

However, making a move from iPhone to Android is easier said than done. It is not simple as going, selecting the android device and making the move. However, we can make this move simple and easy for you. Check out these simple steps to change over from iPhone to Android device.

Contacts

One of the most important things we all want to maintain whenever we do a device change is our contacts. Well, the very first thing to do is sign into a Google account. Android can synchronize contacts with your Google account very easily. All you need to do is enable Contact sync to Google on your iPhone and your contacts will automatically come to your Android device.

How to enable Google Contacts sync on iPhone

1. Go the Settings app and select Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
2. Tap on ‘Add Account’ and then choose ‘Other’ followed by ‘Add CardDAV Account’.
3. For the server field type, Google.com, followed by your complete email address and then your Google account password.
4. Now tap on ‘next’ and make sure that the Contacts option is turned on.

Google will now start receiving all your contacts.

Calendars and Mail

If you are using iCloud calendars on your iPhone, then before you make the move to Android device, you will have to purchase SmoothSync. The other option is to move to Google Calendar. You will need to import calendar events from iCloud calendar to a Google Calendar. Here is how to go about it:

1. Go to the iCloud calendar site and log in.
2. You will now need to share the calendar publicly that contains the events that you will like to import.
3. Now copy the url of the calendar and paste in the browser address field. You also need to change the http portion of the address to webcal. Now press Enter. This should now initiate a file download of the .ics file that is required for import.
4. Go to Google calendar site and under the Other Calendars dropdown menu, select Import Calendar. Now select the .ics file and then select which calendar the imported events need to go to.

You should now be able to use your regular email address, after setting it up in your Android device.

Music

If you are worried about losing your favorite music files, then here is some news for you. There are a number of ways by which you can transfer music over to your Android device. The first simple way of going about it, is using Google Music. No matter which operating system you use, you can download the Google Music Manager, and then upload your music from any source, including iTunes. Once it is done, you will be able to see it all on your Android phone’s music app, all there for you.

Google Music hosts music files on its servers and then streams it on demand to your smartphone. This saves space on your Android device, however you will require a data connection in order to reach your music. If you want to keep specific tracks on your phone, then just select the music you want and select Keep on Device for playback anywhere.

The other option is doubleTwist, a music app with iTunes syncing support. The other easy alternative is to connect your Android phone to your computer with a USB cable and then use a file explorer to copy music files from your PC to your phone. It will automatically recognize your music and then list it in the music app.

Photos

Don’t lose sight of your favorite photos when making the move from iPhone to Android. There are a number of tools that will easily let you upload your photos to the cloud. You can go for Google+ automatic upload feature to host all your photo files in a private folder on Google+. You can use Dropbox Camera upload feature to upload your pictures to your Dropbox account. Though the pictures will not be stored on your android device, you can access them easily with a data connection. Just as you do with music files, if you require specific files, then you need to connect your computer to your android phone. It will recognize them automatically and then show them in the Gallery app.

Apps

This is one place where the syncing ends. iOS and android are two completely different platforms and have been built in completely different ways. So, you will not be able to pick an iOS app and then move it over to Android. You will need to go app by app and then identify the identical version on your Android device and then download the same.

So, let us know if the switch over from iPhone to Android was smooth for you.

Here are top three headphones that are portable, give great sound clarity and are hugely attractive. Each of these headphones use earpieces with a supra aural design, making the earpad sit on the ear, instead of around it and in turn making the headphone more compact and travel friendly. The best part is, all three earpads are designed to block outside noise to a certain degree. Also, each model gives a good warranty and replaceable cables.

RHA SA950i

If you are looking for a high quality and attractive looking headphone at a comparatively low price, then RHA SA950i is definitely going to meet your expectations. The headband and earpads have leather like texture and comes with glossy black earpieces.

The SA950i headphone has a three button, Apple style inline remote and microphone module that makes controlling music and taking calls quite simple. The fabric wrapped cable holds the left earpiece in place by a standard 3.5mm mini plug. Though it is void of any additional frills like carrying bag or case, RHA does give a 3-year warranty.

If we talk about comfort, SA950i does its job well. However, one of the disadvantages is the less tight fit of this headphone that does not block noise completely. The sound quality offered by this headphone is quite commendable. High frequencies are distinct, though they lack the treble reproduction that is generally found in high-end models.

Skullcandy Navigator

Don’t get confused by the name ‘Navigator’. Skullcandy Navigator is one of the best-looking headsets out there. The Navigator features sunglass lens like earpieces and are available in solid black, white, semi-transparent pink or blue. No matter, what color you pick, it comes with a color-matched headband. The cable of this headphone attaches to the left earpiece with a 2.5mm 90-degree plug that fits into a recessed port. The earpads come in a leather texture with a mesh grille on the inside. You can even fold these headphones like sunglasses into a smaller shape that snuggly fits in the drawstring carry bag that is inclusive of the package.

Skullcandy provides a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and even a one year accident warranty.
As for the fit, the Navigator is tight enough to block most of the external noise, but for some users it may be a bit uncomfortable. Our advice, check it out first and then buy. The earpads are extremely soft, so no, it does not hurt your ears in any way. The remote of this headphone includes raised hints that make each of the three buttons easy to locate and even activate.

Bowers & Wilkins P3 Headphones

If you don’t mind paying a little on the higher end, then Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones gives design, comfort and sound to make you smile all through.

At a glance, P3 more or less looks and feels the same as P5. But in this headset, you will not find the luxurious leather and settle for an attractive cloth and rubberized plastic. However, P3 is available in blue along with white and black. Even the earpieces are small, but you will not find yourself complaining about that. The other components of this headphone remain the same as with P5. B&W also gives a two year warranty on this headphone. P3 gives you fit and finish, but don’t compare the sound quality with P5. It just does not match up.

So, if you are looking for something more refined and detailed, it is best to go for P5.

The Verdict

Of the three models mentioned here, RHA SA950i is not perfect, but for just $60, it is good deal. The Skullcandy Navigator looks fabulous, but only go for it over SA950i is you are completely committed to bass. Bowers & Wilkins looks great, but sounds crowded, closed in and highly bassy. Either go for P5 if you don’t mind the price or SA950i is a better choice.

Now, men do not have to feel left out. Some smart enterprising folk saw an opportunity in this gap and brought about websites that can be defined as ‘Pinterest for men’. Here are the top 3 alternatives of Pinterest for men that is definitely worth a shot. However, the images on these websites are known to be risqué images, so visit them at your own discretion.

Manteresting

This website simply exists to give a place for men to pin images of things that interest them. The simple difference other than the choice of images is; you don’t ‘pin’ images but ‘nail’ them to a ‘workbench’. Just a look at the homepage gives you pics of food, cars and women…

One can browse through the content via categories created. There is also a ‘random’ button and also lists of the top posts that were made Today, This Week, This Month, and All Time.

Some of the categories worth checking out include Architecture’, ‘DIY’, ‘Sports’ etc. Manteresting is a good alternative to Pinterest and is a well designed and simple to use Pinterest alike website.

Dudepins

One look at this site and you would feel that you are looking at a Xerox of Pinterest. The biggest difference between Dudepins and Pinterest is that the former caters to men. No, women are not banned, but the selection leaves them with limited choices.

With just one look at the homepage, you see hipsters, smart designs and lots and lots of clothes. You can sort through the content by browsing through the categories, with a button that brings the trending right to the front page.

Some of the must check out categories include ‘Animals’, ‘travel’ and ‘man caves’. So, if you like the look and feel of Pinterest and want to enjoy a manly version of the same, then this site answers you query.

Tapiture

Just one look at Tapiture and you instantly get the feeling of Facebook. Rather than ‘pinning’ things, here you ‘tap’ content including images and audio.  If you look at the homepage, you will find male celebrities, looking smartly at you. Browsing through the site can be done easily through category selection and you can narrow down your search by selecting what is popular.

Popular categories include ‘Body Art’, ‘Science’, and ‘Men’s Style’. The site offers more than just images and the content is actually worth checking out.

Feel free to let us know what you think about these sites. If you have some more interesting Pinterest clones, we would love to hear about them.

Nbar extension by Firefox is smart enough to understand your interpretation, when you make a typo while entering a URL in its Awesomebar. So, if you type ‘hugg’ in Firefox URL bar (Awesomebar), Nbar extension will suggest The Huffington Post for you. But yes, the site has to be there in your history.

You don’t need to restart your PC, if you want to use this extension and it also comes with two settings. The first one gives a Search threshold. Simply put, it is a control of how many suggestions will appear in the drop down menu as you type the URL. The second is the Word distance. It adjusts the sensitivity of the extension to your typos. The higher the number you enter, the more forgiving the extension is to your typos.

So, now reach the website you want every time…

But, no that does not mean that you need your portable 3G or 4G connection, wherever you go. Here are six tips that can keep your PC safe, even while accessing public internet.

1. Check for fake Wi-Fi

You settle down at a coffee shop, start your laptop and yes, you can see the store’s network name (SSID). Then you see another, even stronger signal from a SSID that is, wide open. Strong signals mean better connection, so you go for it.

Think again.

This is commonly known as man-in-the-middle attack. The attractive Wi-Fi signal may not belong to the coffee shop at all, but rather someone else who is trying to take advantage by setting up their own Wi-Fi router to attract users like you. Once, you access their signal versus the store’s, they can monitor all your internet traffic, using their special software that can detect things like login and password information.

If you are about to access the public Wi-Fi of a store for the first time and not sure of their SSID, it is best to ask, rather than get into someone else’s network unknowingly.

2. Check Security Level

One of the most important things that you need to do is check the security level of public wireless networks. Go for the most secure Wi-Fi network, even if you have to pay for it. A password protected network is much more secure than the one that doesn’t require one. Even though there can be multiple people who can access the public internet, it is still restricted with a password.

3. Those USB drives and CDs are not for you

You take your seat at a bookstore and then on the floor under the table. You see a pen drive. So, you pick it up and boot your laptop with the good intent of trying to find out, who it belongs to.

You should never do this!

It is quite possible that the USB had been planted there, waiting for someone kind like you to pick it up and do exactly that. In all possibility, instead of finding a file saying, “This drive belongs to…” you would find Trojan malware that will infect your laptop, so a hacker can access it then or later.

4. Shoulder Peeking

One of the most common dangers while accessing public Wi-Fi is shoulder peeking. You do not really want anyone looking over your shoulder or worse, recording you when you are doing some sensitive work. (Honestly, you should not be doing sensitive work like banking, paying bills etc. from a public network).

5. Don’t Share Your Laptop

There is a possibility that you may find someone desperate to use your laptop, tablet or smartphone to check something online. Put your foot down and do not let them access your system. It will just take them a few seconds to infect your system. All they need to do is visit a malicious website and it is done.

6. Don’t Login

You want to browse using public Wi-Fi, great go ahead. However, follow a standard rule about never accessing accounts that require you to login. You should never conduct banking transactions or pay your credit card bills, when using a public internet. If you are in a stuck up situation, using your phone’s cellular connection is your best shot. If you want to access your Facebook or Twitter, then do so through apps that are available free on all Smartphones today.

Having a good antivirus suite on your laptop or tablet is something that goes without saying today. So, access public Wi-Fi, but take the necessary safety protocols to keep your system infection free.

Fantastical

One of the most basic set ups when you are working in a home based office set up is a calendar. Yes, the operating system comes with an installed and default Calendar application, but you must check out Fantastical before you conclude, what is the best calendar for your Mac.

Fantastical lets you input and check calendar events and schedules right from your Mac’s menu bar. So, if you want to create a new event, all you need to do is just open Fantastical’s drop down window. Rather than clicking numbers and times, you just need to write events like you would do on a piece of paper.

You also have the option to preset the type of reminders you want for the calendar events. Fantastical syncs with Apple’s Calendar application. You can also check out the iPhone version of Fantastical that works pretty much the same way. By having Fantastical in your menu bar, you will not require to open Calendar app to add or review events.

Super Memory Cleaner

Do you find that your Mac slows down throughout the day or when you have multiple applications open? Just download Super Memory Cleaner. It is free and does a great job of cleaning up your system with just a click. You can select between auto-clean or clean at start up.

Desktop Wallpapers

One of the important things that gives a professional feel to your home business setup, is the desktop wallpaper. Whether you need your Mac for client presentations or giving yourself that tough corporate feel, this application gives you a range of options to select from.

These desktop wallpapers are designed by digital artist Vlad Gerasimov and can be downloaded for just about any size desktop monitor. This is one of the simplest ways to keep things interesting in your home office.

Caffeine

What coffee does for you, Caffeine does for your Mac. When you want your Mac desktop or laptop to stay awake while you are giving a presentation, playing a video or simply multi-tasking, just enable Caffeine. It keeps your Mac from going to sleep till you switch it off.

Trello

Trello is an online and mobile application that works excellently as a task and project manager. With this just one app, you can sort ideas, lists, tasks and project workflows. You also have the option of sharing your whiteboards with others and viewing them in any browser. Isn’t it really helpful?

Did you find these Mac based home office applications interesting? Share with us, which productivity apps for Mac you use the most.

Before you wipe your BlackBerry device, it is best to use BlackBerry Link to back it up. Once you erase your device, it is going to be permanent. So, if at any point you need the data at a later point, this backup is going to be helpful.

Once you have taken a backup, you need to launch the Settings app and tap on the “Security and Privacy” option.
At the bottom of the screen, you will find “Security Wipe”; tap on it.

You now have to type “blackberry” into the text field at the bottom before moving to the next step. This is one way; BlackBerry does a double check and avoids accidental wiping of the device. Once you key in the password and tap on the Delete Data button, your device will begin resetting itself to the factory state.

The time taken to complete the process will depend on the amount of data stored on your BlackBerry.

Keep reading for more iYogi Tech Tips.

According to Microsoft’s product director of marketing for Skype, Simon Longbottom said “With Skype for Outlook.com, you can choose the right medium for your message, whether it is an email, call, video call or instant message (IM) – you can connect with your Skype and Messenger friends all in the same place,”.

Starting today, Microsoft is launching this service initially as a preview in the UK before rolling out to the US and Germany in the weeks ahead. And gradually on the basis of initial feedback, audio and video calling powered by Skype will be available in every Outlook.com inbox.

So how you can integrate?

Before linking up your Outlook.com and Skype accounts, you will be required to install a browser plug-in for Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Google Chrome. When your accounts are integrated, you will be able to see Skype call buttons whenever you bring your cursor over a contact in an instant message or e-mail thread. To begin calling, simply click on it to call. You will get a window pop-up for Skype conversations.

That’s it. Simply by integrating Skype in Outlook.com, you can talk nonstop, continuously, for as much time as you want.

Annoying? Office gossip and other background sounds around you is the last thing you require. So, how about cutting all the background noise around you? Yes, you have your dear headphones. However, headphones are only tool to the solution you are looking for.

Whether you play music with lyrics or without, some amount of distraction is always there. You get lost in your favorite melody or the lyrics just simply enter your thoughts and so on. How about trying something a bit different this time?

One extremely smart way to kill noise and focus on whatever you are doing, is capture the natural sounds around us. Whether it is rain, thunder, a trickling creek, birds, anything that you find soothing. Here are 7 websites that kill noise and help you stay focused at all times.

1. Rainy Mood

Rainy Mood is one website that lets you enjoy the sound of rain, accompanied by thunder and even little chirping of birds. The sound is so beautiful that you actually feel you are sitting enjoying rain (just don’t look outside your window). You will instantly feel the cool rainy mood effect around you. The interface of the website is clean and it also offers a video of the day that features a song accompanied by the sound of the rain.

2. iSerenity

If you are looking for sounds and the presentation does not matter too much to you, then iSerenity offers different sound themes right from rainforests to waterfalls to vacuums to even hairdryers. Over all, you get 21 different sounds to make your pick.

3. SounDrown

Similar to Rainy Mood, SounDrown has the sound of rain and also other environments like coffee shops, waves crashing on a beach, trains, fountains and even kids. So, if rain is not your cup of coffee, then you now have multiple sounds that can keep you focused at all times.

4. SimplyNoise And SimplyRain

SimplyNoise specializes in ‘colored’ noise like white noise, pink noise and brown noise. The different colors represent the different octaves in the sound. The white is the highest and brown is the lowest. You will also find controls for oscillating and a timer.

SimplyRain is a SimplyNoise website that simply plays the sound of rain. You have volume control, oscillation and even timer controls that make the entire experience quite awesome. You will also find controls to toggle thunder sounds and even adjust the intensity of the rain.

5. WhiteNoise 24/7

WhiteNoise 24/7 is not just about white noise, quite contradictory to its name. It also has nature and mechanical sounds. You can look for the different sounds that are located under the different tabs on the top from Unlimited, Nature and Mechanical. Under the Unlimited section, you will also be able to select pink and white noise, along with sounds of rain, shower and vents.

The Nature Sounds page features the sounds of the flowing river, hard rain, ocean waves and even rain with sounds of large droplets. If you prefer mechanical sounds, then here you can find ventilator, dishwasher, washing machine and even shower. However, the sound quality of the website failed to impress me.

6. Coffitivity

If you are a true coffee lover, you are sure to fall in love with this site. Coffitivity has a clean, nice and modern interface. Even the sound quality on this website is pretty good. The website offers just coffee shop sounds. It takes you right back to the feeling of sitting in a coffee shop and putting your creativity to some use.

7. NatureSoundPlayer

Looking for something simple and effective, go for NatureSoundPlayer.com. The website gives you 8 different sounds from nature to select from. The categorization is through images and not titles. So, if you are looking for the sound of waves, then just select the picture of waves and a beach. You can play more than one sound at a time, allowing you to create your own mix of drown noise music.

The Verdict

The serene nature sounds really work better than music tracks we generally play in the background. Having a variety is always welcome and if you can create your own mix, then it can make things interesting. Though we have talked about websites here, there are also different apps available for nature sounds.

So, the next time you want to shut down the office fight going on in the next cubicle or the crying baby in the coffee shop, just pick up your headset and open one of these websites and escape into your own natural den.