Sunday, 1 June 2014

Latest Jobs in Nigeria

Latest Jobs in Nigeria


Head, Finance and Administration Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:30 AM PDT

Job Title: Head, Finance and Administration
Reference: LEH/114/HFA
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Professional Services
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a leading consulting firm in Nigeria, has a well-deserved reputation for consistent and reliable service delivery. To further strengthen its operational capabilities and business practices, the company is seeking to hire an experienced and hardworking industry professional as:

Head, Finance & Administration

The Role:
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for implementing the companys financial and administrative policies,procedures, and systems as well as ensuring compliance on same. You will also be expected to:
• Ensure compliance with generally acceptable accounting principles,practices, and procedures
• Advise the Management on all financial matters including budgetimplementation
• Oversee administration functions including but not limited toprocurement, asset management and general office maintenance

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Degree qualified in Accounting
• 3-5 years cognate experience in a similar role
• Professional qualifications e.g. ICAN/ACCA or an MBA will be an added advantage
• Good administrative skills
• Computer literate with good understanding of standard accountingsoftware packages

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Sales Specification Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:28 AM PDT

Job Title: Sales Specification Manager
Reference: FLG/114/SSM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Flooring
Reports to: Africa Area Manager
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of flooring solutions wants to commence its operations in Nigeria by the appointment of an industry professional as: Sales Specification Manager

Your duties will lead you to be in contact with the various departments of the company, of which, mainly: Customer service Department, Commercial Marketing Department, Technical Assistance Department.

The Role:
You shall be in charge of the specification and sales of the company’s contract, Sport and SPM ranges in the targeted market sectors such as: Health Care – Medical, Education, Retail Chain Stores, Industry, Hospitality, Sport etc. in the territory of Nigeria.

In this capacity, you will be expected to:
• Achieve sales budgeted for the territory of Nigeria.
• Implement the company’s pricing policy.
• Manage and support the existing company distributors in Nigeria.
• Appoint new distributors in Nigeria based on business development opportunities.
• Study the market environment and potentials (competition, potential, key players, etc.)
• Analyse present commercial strategy of the company on the Market and elaborate recommendations.
• Promote the company‘s products by calling on appointed flooring contractors and end users.
• Promote and achieve specification of the company’s commercial products by calling on specifiers such as Architects, Interior Designers, Health Authorities, Local Authorities, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, i.e. any person or company that may be involved in the specification of a floor finish.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Degree-qualified in a business related discipline; an MBA will be an advantage
• 5-10 years’ relevant progressive experience, with at least 5 years’ direct managerial responsibility in a similar organization.
• Already operating at senior management level with appreciation for what it takes to integrate various managerial functions.
• Must manage a yearly turnover between 60 Million Naira and 200 Million Naira
• Possess impressive commercial acumen with experience of building a business into a profitable venture.
• Strong leadership ability as well as good interpersonal communication and problem solving skills.

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Human Resources and Process Quality Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:24 AM PDT

Job Title: Human Resources and Process Quality Manager
Reference: LAH/214/PQM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Reports To: CEO
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, experienced hands are required to fill the position.

You will be in charge of the broad spectrum of Human Resources Management of the organization. You will also ensure that all staff members are inducted into the requirements of the Quality Management System (QMS) related to their own roles and responsibilities.

In this capacity, you will:
• Monitor and evaluate existing personnel and suggest training and motivation to get better performance
• Superintend and ensure compliance with the company’s ISO 9001:2008 quality management system procedures and suggest improvement imperatives
• Monitor adequacy of the company’s quality objectives and enterprise content
• Coordinate employee relations, employee and community communications
• Manage the employee performance function and collate training need of personnel
• Deal with disciplinary and conflict issues within the organization
• Report to top management on the performance of the QMS and any need for improvements
• Liaise with the external assessment body on all matters related to the external accreditation process
• Ensure that an internal quality audit is planned and carried out

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources,Liberal Arts or any related discipline (Masters in any field relating to organizational behavior would be an added advantage)
• 5-8 years working experience with at least 3 years in a supervisory and administrative support role
• Experience of working in a System driven environment
• Ability to insist on compliance with documented quality management system
• Good understanding of and familiarity with Quality Management System or Safety Management System
• Sound working knowledge of management techniques including Balance Score Card, Key Performance Indicators, recruitment, selection, development of people
• Strong, decisive, results oriented leader who can develop and manage relationships across the company

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Client Service / Front Desk Executive Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:21 AM PDT

Job Title: Client Service/Front Desk Executive
Reference: EHL/214/CFE
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: HR
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

To further strengthen our operational capabilities and business practices, we are seeking a dynamic individual for the position.

The Role: The Client Service/Front Desk Executive at Human Edge is often the first point of contact with the company’s clientele. The Client Service/Front Desk Executive is expected to receive a steady stream of enquiries via various media and in person; and typically must be able to convey in-depth information about the company and its activities in a clear and concise manner at a moment’s notice.

Specific Responsibilities:
• Maintain active records of visitors and first-hand client contacts
• Answer all incoming calls, determine purpose of callers and forward business calls to appropriate personnel/department
• Assist in preparing service proposals and collaborate with the company’s internal departments to help improve the quality of services rendered to clients.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Degree-qualified in any discipline
• Age: maximum of 25 years
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage time and projects efficiently and be detail oriented
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills
• Computer literate with good understanding of software spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.

This position offers an excellent career opportunity to the right candidate. It will serve as an entry point for individuals seeking to build exciting careers in HR consulting and staffing services.

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Marketing and Business Development Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:17 AM PDT

Job Title: Marketing and Business Development Manager
Reference: LAH/714/MBDM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, an experienced professional is required to fill the position of:

The Role:
Reporting to the Head Commercial Unit, you will responsible for the Marketing Unit as well as the development, evaluation and review of marketing strategies and plans. In this capacity, you will be expected to:
• Direct responsibility for the company’s brand management and corporate social responsibility programs
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of Marketing Unit team members
• Prepare reports for the management team and attend management meetings when required
• Constantly appraise market and determine conditions and associated business developments activities needed to take advantage of existing or potential opportunities
• Responsible for trade and promotional materials and events – both electronically and physically
• Direct, lead and oversee our public relations and social media activities
• Direct Responsibility for customer relationship management – develop and build relationships with new customers while strengthening existing ones

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction related field (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, and Quantity Surveying etc.), Business Administration, Marketing or any other humanities sphere
• 5-8 years related work experience
• Master of Business Administration and/or Project Management certification would be an added advantage
• Demonstrable and verifiable marketing and business development experience
• Familiarity with brand management
• Must have experience of having drawn up, executed & monitored marketing strategies & plans

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Finance and Logistics Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:14 AM PDT

Job Title: Finance and Logistics Manager
Reference: LAH/614/FLM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, an experienced professional is required to fill the position of:

The Role:
Reporting to the COO, you will have overall and direct responsibility for all company activities that ensure flawless organization, coordination and support of the company’s internal activities and services in order to guarantee exceptional service delivery to our customers. In this capacity you will be expected to:
• Manage all company procurements
• Manage vendor relationships
• Prompt process unit requests
• Prepare and review company periodic financial plans
• Prepare the management and final accounts of the company
• Ensure that statutory returns are promptly made
• Manage and protect Company assets and inventory
• Liaise with external auditors in matters of auditing
• manage Payroll and other staff requirements
• Propose and Negotiate favorable financial and payment terms

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• BSc. or HND in Accounting or any other finance related degree
ACCA or ACA is mandatory
• 5-8 years related work experience
• Knowledge of preparing management account
• Knowledge of Finance related IT software
• Good leadership Abilities
• Ability to work to deadlines with good prioritization and time management skills
• Proven ability to provide support, guidance and training to colleagues
• Communication and reporting skills (verbal and in writing)

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Head, Commercial Unit Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:12 AM PDT

Job Title: Head, Commercial Unit
Reference: LAH/514/HCU
Location: Lagos, Nigeria (but requires frequent travels)
Industry: Engineering
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, an experienced professional is required to fill the position of:

The Role:
Reporting to the CEO, you will have overall and direct responsibility for all company activities that lead to generation of enquiries and interests in the company’s products and services likewise, conversion of same to sales. In this capacity, you will also:
• Manage the commercial unit objectives and activities which include development, evaluation, review and execution of Marketing and sales strategies and plans, customer relationship management and ensuring set quality objectives are achieved
• Negotiate and ensure compliance with terms of contracts entered with clients
• Develop commercial inputs for business projections and plans
• Evaluate and Coordinate new business development activities by identifying new markets, devising and delivering promotional activities, marketing and overseeing trade and promotional events
• Monitor the performance of each individual, teams and units within the Unit such as Marketing and Sales Units. (Marketing, Social Media, Sales, E-Commerce)

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction related field (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying etc.)
• Master of Business Administration and/or Project Management Certification would be an added advantage
• 8 -12 years’ working experience, more than half of which, must be in commercial function
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Nigerian Construction and Industrial Engineering Industries or similar sector
• Knowledge and familiarity with marketing and sales relevant IT software applications
• Must have experience of having closed a single sale of at least NGN 50million
• Must have experience of having drawn up, executed & monitored marketing and sales strategies & plans

The remuneration and benefits available will be commensurate with the anticipated demands of the role.



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Office Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:09 AM PDT

Job Title: Office Manager
Reference: LAH/414/OM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Reports To: Head of Logistics
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, experienced hands are required to fill the position of:

As an office manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the office work environment. You will perform reception and client service duties in a courteous manner. In this capacity, you will:
• Answer a high volume of calls and maintain a rapid response rate
• Log information on calls received and visitors as well as maintain detailed and accurate records
• Order and maintain relevant office supplies
• Receive and record all incoming and outgoing documents
• Fill data and perform other routine clerical tasks

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• A minimum of National Diploma (OND) in Secretarial Studies/Office Management or other related fields
• 5 years experience in a similar role.
• Professional, mature, eloquent and pleasant (A female is preferred)
• Computer savvy with considerable experience using the social media Proficiency in computer skills (particularly in Ms Office applications and use of web search engines)
• Excellent interpersonal Skills, organizational skills and ability to multitask



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Sales Manager Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:07 AM PDT

Job Title: Sales Manager
Reference: LAH/314/SM
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, experienced hands are required to fill the position of:

You will be required to report to the Managing Director and perform the following functions:
• Develop and implement sales, marketing plans and project for new and existing products in line with the organization’s objectives
• Develop optimal brand profitability, pricing, distribution, merchandizing and promotion strategies
• Monitor, review and report on all sales, marketing activities and results
• Coach and develop team members to achieve good marketing, communication and analytical skills

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelors degree in a construction related field (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying etc)
• Minimum of 7 years cognate experience in sales and business development teams
• Successful track record in developing and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies for strong brands
• Keen awareness of clients preferences; ability to adapt quickly to new market trends and a strong drive for results
• Strong, decisive, results oriented leader who can develop and manage relationships across the company
• Ability to lead, motivate, coach, and teach others



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Sales Consultant / Sales Engineer Job at Human Edge Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 05:05 AM PDT

Job Title: Sales Consultant (Sales Engineer)
Reference: LAH/114/SCE
Location: Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria
Industry: Engineering
Reports To: Sales Manager
Recruiter: Human Edge Limited (HEWorld)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our client, a fast growing organization specialized in providing equipment solutions for construction and industrial engineering, seeks to reposition its business. To achieve this, experienced hands are required to fill the position of:

As a sales consultant, you will be responsible for all sales activities and will work to meet agreed performance targets. In this capacity, you will:
• Provide input for setting up commercial units projections and plans
• Follow up on new business development activities previously instituted by marketing and business development team
• Follow up on clients for new and pending orders including leads
• Identify products that will satisfy customer needs and notify the supervising manager
• Provide client and market information to the supervising manager for industry analyses
• Track the activity of competition in terms of sales
• File weekly reports to the supervising manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelors degree in a construction related field (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying etc)
• Minimum of 5 years sales experience working in a sales and business development team
• Experience working in a target driven environment
• Knowledge of sales and marketing techniques
• Knowledge of management techniques including Key Performance Indicators
• Knowledge of Microsoft office software
• Knowledge of the sale of engineering equipment and its applications is an advantage
• Good interpersonal relations



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Project Manager Job at Kapabel Company Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:53 AM PDT

Job Title: Project Manager
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Recruiter: Kapabel Company Limited

Roles and responsibilities: Our Client, a diversified projects company with focus on improved quality services and various projects across Nigeria, seeks an experienced Project Manager to be based in Lagos and to oversee her construction projects in South-Western States of Nigeria.

Key responsibilities:
• Responsible for project management of the company’s major contruction projects from inception, including programming, design, bidding, and construction, in accordance with recognized industry standards as well as established budgets, schedules, and quality standards.
• Responsible for managing schedules, budgets and ensuring quality control for all projects.
• Oversees the bid solicitation and award process for major construction projects and determines contract awards.
• Responsible for establishing and monitoring appropriate financial and administrative management system for construction projects in line with company procedures.
• Would serve as Company representative with architects, engineers, and construction managers.
• Prepares status reports and representations to the company and client projects from time to time.

Qualifications:
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree with relevant project management certifications such as
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of related project management experience in a building/construction based field.
• Must have previous responsibility for administering major, multi-faceted projects with a broad range of participants and functionality.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, strong analytical skills.
• Must have proven ability to work in a client-service environment.
• Must have hands on experience with Project management softwares, MS Word and MS Excel spreadsheets.



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Customer Service Officer Job at Kapabel Company Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:52 AM PDT

Job Title: Customer Service Officer
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Recruiter: Kapabel Company Limited

Roles and responsibilities: Our client has delivered superior customer service in the insurance space over the years. In their bid to continue to foster a value adding relationship with their customers they require Customers Service Officers.

Key responsibilities:
• Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.
• Opens customer accounts by recording account information.
• Maintains customer records by updating account information.
• Resolves product or service problems by clarifying the customer’s complaint; determining the cause of the problem; selecting and explaining the best solution to solve the problem; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution.
• Maintains financial accounts by processing customer adjustments.
• Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.
• Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Qualifications:
• Good communication skills
HND/BSC in any degree
• Experience in Customer Service not compulsory but an advantage



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Financial Accountant Job at Kapabel Company Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:49 AM PDT

Job Title: Financial Accountant
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Recruiter: Kapabel Company Limited

Roles and responsibilities:
Our client, a non-bank financial institution providing services in Private Equity, Capital raising and Investment management to a diverse base of investors and business owners with strong Interest in Nigeria and the broader West African economic region now requires a Financial Accountant for their Lagos office

Key responsibilities:
• Responsible for overall Finance and Accounting activities of the company and their Subsidiaries
• Support and supervise junior accounting staff to ensure the effective operation of the finance and accounts departments
• Ensure that the financial policies /procedures of the company are implemented Efficiently and in line with generally accepted accounting practices (NASB & IFRS)
• Spearhead the conversion to IFRS
• Manage the bank and treasury processes of the company
• Institute adequate financial control systems and processes to secure the assets and Efficient operation of the organization
• Develop key financial processes including budgeting, management & financial Accounting/reporting
• Daily management accounts
• Monthly management reports and analyses
• Monthly, quarterly and annual budgeting and variation reporting

Qualifications:
• Must hold a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or ACMA)
• Minimum of 5 years post-NYSC relevant professional experience in accounting or audit related functions with a Capital Markets Operator or Financial Institution
• Knowledge of IFRS
• Must have excellent hands-on experience with at least one Accounting package and MS Office Suite
• Must exhibit good organizational and communication skills with excellent command of spoken and written English
• Must be a team player



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HSE Manager Job at Kapabel Company Limited

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:48 AM PDT

Job Title: HSE Manager
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Recruiter: Kapabel Company Limited

Roles and responsibilities:
• Administers and supervises ongoing HSE Management System and HSE programs to ensure continuous improvement with adherence to HSE regulations and requirements for proposals and projects.
• Implements the company HSE Management System and programs on all projects beginning with proposal, engineering, construction/fabrication, and continuing through commissioning and handover. Supports and supervises the allocated project HSE resources.
• Coordinates HSE implementation with the Corporate Operations HSE Manager for transition to operations and provide operations HSE support as requested.
• Advises the Corporate Management on project HSE needs, requirements, significant incidents, as well as potential issues and unresolved hazards.
• Promotes a proactive HSE culture including inherently safer design concepts.
• Develops and implements HSE program, procedures, and practices for facility design and construction consistent with the company HSE Management System
• Ensures that projects comply with the HSE procedures and practices for facility design, construction, and project HSE execution as well as meeting client requirements, industry good practices, and governing regulatory requirements.
• Implements project stage reviews to ensure that the HSE design meet or exceed performance requirements of , the project, the client, as well as governing regulatory requirements.Implements quality assurance for formal safety assessments
• Provides HSE proposal support including cost estimates and plans.
• Fulfills the duty requirements of the corporate Designated Person (DP) and ensures the company’s conformity with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Assures reporting, investigation, mitigation and appropriate communication of all project HSE incidents are undertaken in a timely and appropriate manner. Assist project management in incident investigation and reports, as required.
• Implements workshop/site reviews to ensure that the HSE programs and performance meet or exceed requirements of company, the project, and the client.
• Coordinates HSE project activities with Corporate Operations HSE Manager for transition of facilities to operations. Assists Corporate Division HSE Manager and Corporate Operations HSE Manager as requested.
• Reviews & approves Inspection & Test Plans
• Assists in continuous improvement activities
• Conducts surveillance audits of critical mfg. and assembly activities
• Performs internal compliance audits
• Oversees supplier and compliance audit schedule
• Analyze cost of poor quality data and work with process owners to implement corrective action
• Assemble Quality Dossiers
• Oversees nonconforming material review and control
• Supports supplier improvement initiatives
• Performs measurement systems analysis
• Other quality related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in HSE Management, Environmental Management, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in the development, and implementation of Health, Safety and Environmental programs involving the project life cycle.



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DOWNLOAD NEW HIT: Charass [@Charass_mmm] – Correct Oh! Ft. Terry G

Matured Money Mind Records' frontline act Charass unleashes a new blazing single titled "Correct Oh!" featuring Terry G and produced by May D's "All Over You" producer Philkeysz.



How the "Coco Butter" crooner fared alongside Terry G? Give "Correct Oh!" a listen!



Note: Pay attention to the chorus.



DOWNLOAD

http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/7wge96msm0/Charass-Correct-Oh-ft.-Terry-G_.mp3



____________________________________



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CELEBRITY Zooey Deschanel new look without any makeup

Zooey Deschanel

The funny New Girl star followed suit of other stars by sharing this makeup-free selfie of herself on May 17.



"Good morning! #nomakeup #nofilter," she captioned the photo.



Now we can see how beautiful her blue eyes really are!



"When I was a little kid I never really got compliments on my looks, but people would say that I have pretty eyes," she said in a past interview.



Credit:

Instagram



Some stars don't mind going au naturel for the camera — especially on Instagram! Grab some makeup remover and celebrate #SelfieSunday with us — and these 11 celebs.

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Awesome tech you can’t buy yet, for the week of June 1, 2014

At any given moment there are approximately a zillion different crowdfunding campaigns happening on the Web. Take a stroll through Kickstarter or IndieGoGo and you'll find there's no shortage of weird, ambitious, and downright stupid projects out there — far too many for any reasonable person to keep up with. But here at DT we are not reasonable people. We spend an inordinate amount of time poring through crowdfunding sites and product blogs in search of the next Oculus Rift or Pebble Watch, so we're here to bring you a quick roundup of the best projects that are currently up and running.

Strooder — 3D printing filament maker

Once you've forked over the cash to cover the initial cost of a 3D printer (which can be rather spendy) the only thing keeping you from printing your own mansion is the cost of 3D-printing filament. Filament is to 3D printers as ink is to regular printers, and unfortunately, it's similarly expensive. You can burn through $100 worth of filament without breaking a sweat — especially if you're printing something particularly large or dense. Strooder offers an alternative: Instead of buying spools of filament, you buy plastic pellets at a fraction of cost, pop them into Strooder, press a button, and slowly spin out filament on your own. Depending on the pellets you buy, it can spit out either ABS or PLA filament in a variety of different colors, and the extruder's diameter can even be adjusted if you need different sizes.

Barobot — Open-source robotic bartender

Pretty much ever since DIY robotics became a mainstream thing, nerdy booze enthusiasts have been building robotic bartenders to help them mix perfect cocktails. We've seen dozens of examples in the past, ranging from wildly elaborate bots that fill an entire room, to compact ones that fit nicely on your countertop — and more seem to pop up with each passing month. The latest addition to the booze-bot family is a Barobot, the first bartending robot built entirely on open-source hardware and software. You'll have to shell out a bit over $1,000 to get yourself a kit, but if you'd rather do it yourself, the building instructions and software code are all available for free online. The fact that it's open source also means that it can easily be hacked, so if you don't like one of the drinks it makes you, or you want it to move a little bit faster, you can easily make performance tweaks. Check out our full article to find out more.

Fuffr — Display-extending smartphone case

In case you haven't noticed, smartphone screens keep getting bigger and bigger with each passing week. Hell, we even had to create the word "phablet" because so many of them are now so large that we're not entirely sure if we should call them phones or tablets. Most of us like the idea of having a lot of screen real estate to work with, but hate the idea of lugging around a phone that's too massive to fit inside a pocket or hold comfortably in our hands. Fuffr offers a solution to this problem. Instead of extending your screen physically, this clever little case uses embedded sensors to extend the bounds of your screen virtually. With this thing clipped onto your phone, you set it on top of any flat surface and manipulate the screen by touching the area around it. We're not entirely sure what something like this could be used for, but it's definitely pretty cool, and we'd love to see what kinds of crazy applications people think up for it in the future.

Tinitell — Wearable mobile phone for kids

Now before you lose your mind and go into an impassioned rant about how young kids shouldn't have cellphones, take a deep breath, rub your earlobes, and hear me out. This is actually a pretty brilliant idea. I, too, agree that young children shouldn't have cellphones — especially those of the "smart" variety. Spending so much time staring wide-eyed at an LED screen, texting and playing games all day removes kids from the real world, robs them of meaningful social interaction with other people, and screws them up developmentally. That being said, having a way to communicate with your kids no matter where they are is a huge plus, and can help keep them safe. Tinitell is a brilliant little wearable device that aims to reconcile these problems, but also keep your kids safer. It's essentially an ultraminimalist cellphone designed to be worn on a child's wrist, giving you peace of mind, and keeping screens out of the equation so your kids can focus on being kids.

Mod-t — Affordable desktop 3D printer

Slowly but surely, 3D printers are becoming cheaper. In the early days, even the most basic printers carried pricetags that were upwards of $3,000, and many of them still cost you an arm and a leg (but hey, you can print your own limbs once you have one, right?). But that's starting to change. In the past year, a few machines have surfaced that are well under $300 — finally within reach for average consumers. Mod-t is the latest addition to this growing category, and not not only does it only cost just 250 bucks, but it's also one of the best-looking printers we've ever laid eyes on. This thing wouldn't look out of place on your kitchen countertop — let alone on your workbench. It's also designed to be ridiculously simple to use. Mod-t features one-touch operation and an ultra-intuitive building platform, so you don't have to be well-versed in 3D modeling software and digital design in order to start using it.

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TECH NEWS: Search Florida creates smartphone app to curb lionfish invasion

Image courtesy MyFWC Fickr

The state of Florida has developed a new smartphone app to battle against an aggressive aquatic invader: the spiked lionfish.



Native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, the poisonous predator is known for its venomous needle-like dorsal fins, which can cause pain, nausea and breathing difficulties in humans. After making its way to Florida's Atlantic coast 25 years ago, the lionfish has been reproducing in the state's waters at an astonishing rate.



The lionfish is also known for its insatiable appetite and has been rapidly devouring many of Florida's native fish, such as the yellowtail snapper, the Nassau grouper and branded coral shrimp. Because of this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has deemed the spiked fish a threat to Florida's diverse marine ecosystem.



"The lionfish has no known natural predators in the Atlantic … and the ability to spawn year-round," according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 



The FWC also added: "They can eliminate species that serve important ecological roles, such as fish that keep algae in check on the reefs."



To combat this marine invasion, the FWC has developed the Report Florida Lionfish app, which is meant to help state officials collect data and raise awareness about the growing lionfish population.  The app allows users to report sightings of lionfish, so that the fish can be removed from Florida's waterways.



The first 250 successful users of the Report Florida Lionfish app will receive a free Lionfish Control Team t-shirt, according to the FWC.  Floridians without smartphones can also report lionfish sightings online at MyFWC.com/fishing.

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Afghans say Taliban prisoners freed by U.S. will rejoin battle

KABUL (Reuters) - The release of five Taliban prisoners in exchange for a U.S. soldier has drawn criticism from some Afghans, who say the detainees are dangerous and will rekindle ties with terrorist networks to resume fighting, just as most foreign troops leave.

The men had been held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2002 and were classed by the Pentagon as "high-risk" and "likely to pose a threat".

Two are also implicated in the murder of thousands of minority Shi'ite Muslims in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military.

They were released in a swap with U.S. army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, the sole American prisoner of war held in Afghanistan who was flown to a U.S. military hospital in Germany on Sunday.

"They will definitely go back to fight, if health-wise they are able to go," said a top official at Afghanistan's spy agency, who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the topic.

"They will be very dangerous people, because they have connections with regional and international terror organizations around the world."

The Taliban denied the prisoners would return to battle but said the swap should not be regarded as a gesture of good will or a step towards the revival of peace talks between Islamist insurgents and the Afghan government.

"This is purely a negotiation between the Taliban and the Americans... It won't help the peace process in any way, because we don't believe in the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

The prisoners would return to their families and live in Qatar - the Gulf emirate that brokered the exchange - where they would lead normal lives, he added.

LOOSE ENDS

The prisoner swap comes just days after the United States announced plans to withdraw all but 9,800 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year and the rest by 2016.

Many senior Afghan officials and diplomats say the drawdown will happen much faster than expected and reflects a U.S. desire to disengage from Afghanistan as quickly as possible.

The prisoner swap is further evidence of U.S. efforts to tie up as many loose ends as possible before leaving, diplomats say.

"They have made a mess of things," said one Western diplomat, frustrated with the pace of the drawdown.

In a further reflection of the rupture in relations between the two countries, the United States did not inform President Hamid Karzai's government about the swap in advance.

His palace declined to comment.

On the streets of the capital Kabul many expressed anger at the decision to release the five men, a contrast with scenes of celebration in Bergdahl's home town in Idaho.

"This decision showed that the region, Afghanistan and its people aren't worth anything to American government," said Gul Mohammad, a high school teacher.

"Otherwise, why would they swap a useless army soldier who broke the law with the five most dangerous Taliban fighters?"

Some among Afghanistan's security forces also expressed unease about the release, which comes as the Taliban's summer offensive gathers pace ahead of a second round of voting in the presidential election on June 14.

"This act will boost the Taliban's morale and encourage them to fight harder to capture foreign soldiers. Now they are confident that their efforts won't be wasted," said army colonel Asadullah Samadi.

(Additional reporting by Mirwais Harooni; Editing by Maria Golovnina and Rosalind Russell)

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Afghans say Taliban prisoners freed by U.S. will rejoin battle

KABUL (Reuters) - The release of five Taliban prisoners in exchange for a U.S. soldier has drawn criticism from some Afghans, who say the detainees are dangerous and will rekindle ties with terrorist networks to resume fighting, just as most foreign troops leave.

The men had been held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2002 and were classed by the Pentagon as "high-risk" and "likely to pose a threat".

Two are also implicated in the murder of thousands of minority Shi'ite Muslims in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military.

They were released in a swap with U.S. army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, the sole American prisoner of war held in Afghanistan who was flown to a U.S. military hospital in Germany on Sunday.

"They will definitely go back to fight, if health-wise they are able to go," said a top official at Afghanistan's spy agency, who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the topic.

"They will be very dangerous people, because they have connections with regional and international terror organizations around the world."

The Taliban denied the prisoners would return to battle but said the swap should not be regarded as a gesture of good will or a step towards the revival of peace talks between Islamist insurgents and the Afghan government.

"This is purely a negotiation between the Taliban and the Americans... It won't help the peace process in any way, because we don't believe in the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

The prisoners would return to their families and live in Qatar - the Gulf emirate that brokered the exchange - where they would lead normal lives, he added.

LOOSE ENDS

The prisoner swap comes just days after the United States announced plans to withdraw all but 9,800 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year and the rest by 2016.

Many senior Afghan officials and diplomats say the drawdown will happen much faster than expected and reflects a U.S. desire to disengage from Afghanistan as quickly as possible.

The prisoner swap is further evidence of U.S. efforts to tie up as many loose ends as possible before leaving, diplomats say.

"They have made a mess of things," said one Western diplomat, frustrated with the pace of the drawdown.

In a further reflection of the rupture in relations between the two countries, the United States did not inform President Hamid Karzai's government about the swap in advance.

His palace declined to comment.

On the streets of the capital Kabul many expressed anger at the decision to release the five men, a contrast with scenes of celebration in Bergdahl's home town in Idaho.

"This decision showed that the region, Afghanistan and its people aren't worth anything to American government," said Gul Mohammad, a high school teacher.

"Otherwise, why would they swap a useless army soldier who broke the law with the five most dangerous Taliban fighters?"

Some among Afghanistan's security forces also expressed unease about the release, which comes as the Taliban's summer offensive gathers pace ahead of a second round of voting in the presidential election on June 14.

"This act will boost the Taliban's morale and encourage them to fight harder to capture foreign soldiers. Now they are confident that their efforts won't be wasted," said army colonel Asadullah Samadi.

(Additional reporting by Mirwais Harooni; Editing by Maria Golovnina and Rosalind Russell)
____________________________________

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Awesome tech you can’t buy yet, for the week of June 1, 2014

At any given moment there are approximately a zillion different crowdfunding campaigns happening on the Web. Take a stroll through Kickstarter or IndieGoGo and you'll find there's no shortage of weird, ambitious, and downright stupid projects out there — far too many for any reasonable person to keep up with. But here at DT we are not reasonable people. We spend an inordinate amount of time poring through crowdfunding sites and product blogs in search of the next Oculus Rift or Pebble Watch, so we're here to bring you a quick roundup of the best projects that are currently up and running.

Strooder — 3D printing filament maker

Once you've forked over the cash to cover the initial cost of a 3D printer (which can be rather spendy) the only thing keeping you from printing your own mansion is the cost of 3D-printing filament. Filament is to 3D printers as ink is to regular printers, and unfortunately, it's similarly expensive. You can burn through $100 worth of filament without breaking a sweat — especially if you're printing something particularly large or dense. Strooder offers an alternative: Instead of buying spools of filament, you buy plastic pellets at a fraction of cost, pop them into Strooder, press a button, and slowly spin out filament on your own. Depending on the pellets you buy, it can spit out either ABS or PLA filament in a variety of different colors, and the extruder's diameter can even be adjusted if you need different sizes.

Barobot — Open-source robotic bartender

Pretty much ever since DIY robotics became a mainstream thing, nerdy booze enthusiasts have been building robotic bartenders to help them mix perfect cocktails. We've seen dozens of examples in the past, ranging from wildly elaborate bots that fill an entire room, to compact ones that fit nicely on your countertop — and more seem to pop up with each passing month. The latest addition to the booze-bot family is a Barobot, the first bartending robot built entirely on open-source hardware and software. You'll have to shell out a bit over $1,000 to get yourself a kit, but if you'd rather do it yourself, the building instructions and software code are all available for free online. The fact that it's open source also means that it can easily be hacked, so if you don't like one of the drinks it makes you, or you want it to move a little bit faster, you can easily make performance tweaks. Check out our full article to find out more.

Fuffr — Display-extending smartphone case

In case you haven't noticed, smartphone screens keep getting bigger and bigger with each passing week. Hell, we even had to create the word "phablet" because so many of them are now so large that we're not entirely sure if we should call them phones or tablets. Most of us like the idea of having a lot of screen real estate to work with, but hate the idea of lugging around a phone that's too massive to fit inside a pocket or hold comfortably in our hands. Fuffr offers a solution to this problem. Instead of extending your screen physically, this clever little case uses embedded sensors to extend the bounds of your screen virtually. With this thing clipped onto your phone, you set it on top of any flat surface and manipulate the screen by touching the area around it. We're not entirely sure what something like this could be used for, but it's definitely pretty cool, and we'd love to see what kinds of crazy applications people think up for it in the future.

Tinitell — Wearable mobile phone for kids

Now before you lose your mind and go into an impassioned rant about how young kids shouldn't have cellphones, take a deep breath, rub your earlobes, and hear me out. This is actually a pretty brilliant idea. I, too, agree that young children shouldn't have cellphones — especially those of the "smart" variety. Spending so much time staring wide-eyed at an LED screen, texting and playing games all day removes kids from the real world, robs them of meaningful social interaction with other people, and screws them up developmentally. That being said, having a way to communicate with your kids no matter where they are is a huge plus, and can help keep them safe. Tinitell is a brilliant little wearable device that aims to reconcile these problems, but also keep your kids safer. It's essentially an ultraminimalist cellphone designed to be worn on a child's wrist, giving you peace of mind, and keeping screens out of the equation so your kids can focus on being kids.

Mod-t — Affordable desktop 3D printer

Slowly but surely, 3D printers are becoming cheaper. In the early days, even the most basic printers carried pricetags that were upwards of $3,000, and many of them still cost you an arm and a leg (but hey, you can print your own limbs once you have one, right?). But that's starting to change. In the past year, a few machines have surfaced that are well under $300 — finally within reach for average consumers. Mod-t is the latest addition to this growing category, and not not only does it only cost just 250 bucks, but it's also one of the best-looking printers we've ever laid eyes on. This thing wouldn't look out of place on your kitchen countertop — let alone on your workbench. It's also designed to be ridiculously simple to use. Mod-t features one-touch operation and an ultra-intuitive building platform, so you don't have to be well-versed in 3D modeling software and digital design in order to start using it.
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TECH NEWS: Search Florida creates smartphone app to curb lionfish invasion

Image courtesy MyFWC Fickr
The state of Florida has developed a new smartphone app to battle against an aggressive aquatic invader: the spiked lionfish.

Native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, the poisonous predator is known for its venomous needle-like dorsal fins, which can cause pain, nausea and breathing difficulties in humans. After making its way to Florida's Atlantic coast 25 years ago, the lionfish has been reproducing in the state's waters at an astonishing rate.

The lionfish is also known for its insatiable appetite and has been rapidly devouring many of Florida's native fish, such as the yellowtail snapper, the Nassau grouper and branded coral shrimp. Because of this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has deemed the spiked fish a threat to Florida's diverse marine ecosystem.

"The lionfish has no known natural predators in the Atlantic … and the ability to spawn year-round," according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

The FWC also added: "They can eliminate species that serve important ecological roles, such as fish that keep algae in check on the reefs."

To combat this marine invasion, the FWC has developed the Report Florida Lionfish app, which is meant to help state officials collect data and raise awareness about the growing lionfish population.  The app allows users to report sightings of lionfish, so that the fish can be removed from Florida's waterways.

The first 250 successful users of the Report Florida Lionfish app will receive a free Lionfish Control Team t-shirt, according to the FWC.  Floridians without smartphones can also report lionfish sightings online at MyFWC.com/fishing.
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CELEBRITY Zooey Deschanel new look without any makeup

Zooey Deschanel
The funny New Girl star followed suit of other stars by sharing this makeup-free selfie of herself on May 17.

"Good morning! #nomakeup #nofilter," she captioned the photo.

Now we can see how beautiful her blue eyes really are!

"When I was a little kid I never really got compliments on my looks, but people would say that I have pretty eyes," she said in a past interview.

Credit:
Instagram

Some stars don't mind going au naturel for the camera — especially on Instagram! Grab some makeup remover and celebrate #SelfieSunday with us — and these 11 celebs.
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DOWNLOAD NEW HIT: Charass [@Charass_mmm] – Correct Oh! Ft. Terry G

Matured Money Mind Records' frontline act Charass unleashes a new blazing single titled "Correct Oh!" featuring Terry G and produced by May D's "All Over You" producer Philkeysz.

How the "Coco Butter" crooner fared alongside Terry G? Give "Correct Oh!" a listen!

Note: Pay attention to the chorus.

DOWNLOAD
http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/7wge96msm0/Charass-Correct-Oh-ft.-Terry-G_.mp3

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WORLD NEWS: Boko Haram Latest Attack At Bar In Mubi, Adamawa 60 Killed

Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday bombed a bar and brothel located near a major military base in Mubi, Adamawa State. Preliminary reports disclosed that at least sixty people died in the attack.



Two security sources in the area told SaharaReporters that a horrendous explosion rocked the bar and brothel which usually teems with civilian and military patrons. The explosion happened close to 6 pm. Nigerian time, both sources said. One of our sources said none of the casualties was a soldier, but the other stated that it was too early to determine whether any of the dead were soldiers.



The bombed facility is a short distance away from the headquarters of the Special Operations Battalion (SOB) of the Nigerian army in Mubi. The battalion is at the center of the Nigerian government's counter-offensive against Boko Haram's increasingly daring attacks on military and civilian targets.



Soldiers based in Mubi frequently join civilians to eat, drink and dance at the watering hole, our sources said, adding that military commanders generally warned soldiers not to stay at the joint past 4 p.m.



In recent weeks, Boko Haram has carried out deadly attacks in the northeast Nigerian states of Adamawa, Borno and tone, despite the Federal Government's declaration of a state if emergency in the three states.



[Source: Sahara Reporter]

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WORLD NEWS: Boko Haram Latest Attack At Bar In Mubi, Adamawa 60 Killed

Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday bombed a bar and brothel located near a major military base in Mubi, Adamawa State. Preliminary reports disclosed that at least sixty people died in the attack.

Two security sources in the area told SaharaReporters that a horrendous explosion rocked the bar and brothel which usually teems with civilian and military patrons. The explosion happened close to 6 pm. Nigerian time, both sources said. One of our sources said none of the casualties was a soldier, but the other stated that it was too early to determine whether any of the dead were soldiers.

The bombed facility is a short distance away from the headquarters of the Special Operations Battalion (SOB) of the Nigerian army in Mubi. The battalion is at the center of the Nigerian government's counter-offensive against Boko Haram's increasingly daring attacks on military and civilian targets.

Soldiers based in Mubi frequently join civilians to eat, drink and dance at the watering hole, our sources said, adding that military commanders generally warned soldiers not to stay at the joint past 4 p.m.

In recent weeks, Boko Haram has carried out deadly attacks in the northeast Nigerian states of Adamawa, Borno and tone, despite the Federal Government's declaration of a state if emergency in the three states.

[Source: Sahara Reporter]
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iOS 8 and everything else we expect from Apple at WWDC 2014

Image: Kris Arnold/Flickr
Apple's WWDC 2014 is almost upon us. Even though the developer conference now seems more like a prelude rather than the big event itself, there's a lot of excitement in the air. The question on every one's lips is: What will Apple show us?

The past few years, Apple has used WWDC to talk about software and to boast about its extraordinary sales figures. Hardware hasn't had a very strong presence at the conference, ever since the iPhone stopped showing up onstage. If Apple follows the same trend this year, it's likely we'll see a whole lot of iOS and OS X. Here are all the things that Apple might show us at WWDC 2014.

Most likely: iOS 8, Apple Home, and OS X

iOS 8: We've been hearing a lot about the next version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 8. Most rumors agree that iOS 8 will feature a brand-new health and fitness tracking app called Healthbook. Leaked screenshots reveal a Passbook-like interface, with a number of colorful cards for keeping tabs on your vitals. Using Healthbook, you'll be able to track your heart rate, nutrition, sleep patterns, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Nobody knows exactly where all this data will come from — third-party apps, other fitness bands, the iPhone 6, the iWatch, or all of the above? 

Apple will also reportedly debut split-screen, multitasking functionality for the iPad with iOS 8. The iPad has always been about simplicity, but recently, using two apps at the same time on one screen has become quite popular, thanks to Samsung and Microsoft. A new leak hints that Apple will soon follow in their footsteps and bring the iPad into the modern age of mobile tablet productivity.

Other small updates to iOS 8 include wireless CarPlay, a separate iTunes Radio app, possible fixes to Maps, and better Siri integration.

Smart Home Control: Another very interesting feature Apple might show off at WWDC this year, is its plan for an iPhone-based smart home control system. The tech giant's plans for winning on the home automation front are very hush hush at the moment, leading many to believe that we'll see the new feature on Monday. From what we understand, Apple's plan is to put the controls to all your smart appliances on your iPhone, so that you can adjust the thermostat, turn on the AC, or switch off the lights remotely. It's unclear if Wi-Fi, NFC, or iBeacon technology will be used to link all the appliances to an app on your iPhone or iPad.

OS X 11: OS X is also expected to get a few new apps and features this time around, but the focus will be on the OS redesign. Recent reports indicate that OS X is about to get a whole lot brighter with a design that's more in line with iOS 7. Flat UI and bright colors, as well as several iOS 7 apps will probably make their way onto the next version of OS X. Otherwise, it doesn't look like too much is happening with it.

Entirely possible: Beats Audio, Apple TV, and Retina MacBook

Beats Audio: Apple just bought Beats Audio for $3 billion on Wednesday, and now everyone's wondering what its plans are for the company's music streaming app and iconic headphones. It's unknown whether Apple will address its latest purchase, or simply let it lie for a while.

There's a lot of speculation about Apple's plans for the Beats Music app and how it will affect iTunes Radio. So far, it's all just speculation, but hopefully we'll hear more at WWDC. One thing we do know for sure, is that Jony Ive will take over for Robert Brunner as head of design on future Beats products.

Apple TV: Meanwhile, Apple TV has also been making headlines, with Tim Cook joking about the company's $1 billion hobby. Although the video streaming set top box is due for an update, it's unknown whether Apple will do so on Monday. Most reports indicate that Apple TV won't make an appearance at WWDC, though.

Retina MacBook Air: Yet another piece of hardware that's due any day now is the retina display MacBook Air. For months we've been hearing about this 12-inch beauty, but we haven't seen hide nor hair of it. According to reports from manufacturers, the Retina MacBook Air should start shipping in the second half of 2014. Based on that timetable, the clock is ticking, but there's no reason why the new Air has to arrive in June, as opposed to say, October.

Probably not until Fall 2014: iPhone 6, iWatch, and More

Now that we've gotten all the most likely and entirely possible rumors out of the way, it's time to talk about the things we won't see at WWDC 2014. Sadly, this list contains the most interesting new developments we expect to see from Apple in the near future. The most talked about piece of hardware on the Internet is the iPhone 6. A close runner up is the iWatch.


Apple iPhone 6 concept design by Martin Hajek
iPhone 6: The first rumors about the iPhone 6 surfaced back in 2013. At this point, we've seen so many concept designs, leaked images, and probable specs that we can't even keep track of it all anymore. The general consensus is that Apple will launch two different models of the iPhone 6, including a 4.7-inch version and a 5.5-inch version. The latest word on the street says the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will hit the market in August, while the 5.5-inch version will arrive in September. None of the estimates say anything about a June launch. We can only hope that Tim Cook gives us a teaser or something else to dream about until then.

iWatch: Lastly, we have the infamous iWatch. The iWatch is kind of like big foot. A lot of people think it's real, but no one has ever actually seen it. It will supposedly be round and health-focused like all the other smartwatches out there, but since it's from Apple, it will probably be beautiful. Supply chain sources say that the iWatch could debut in July, August, or September – in other words, not on June 2.

Still, maybe Apple has a surprise or two up its sleeve and maybe, just maybe, one of them is the iWatch.

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TECH DEVICES PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS: 5 Common problems with the Xperia Z2 Tablet, and how to fix them

If you want a slim, powerful, and premium iPad Air alternative, look no further than the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet. It's powerful, the display is vivid, and it can survive a short swim. There's a lot to love about the best big Android tablet on the market right now, but it has its own set of flaws. We've been researching the most commonly reported Xperia Z2 Tablet problems and seeking out solutions or workarounds.

Glitch: Unresponsive touchscreen 

A lot of Xperia Z2 Tablet owners have been encountering issues with the touchscreen. Sometimes the screen will become unresponsive in an app, but the three Android buttons at the bottom of the screen will still work. Occasionally, it simply doesn't register touches at all. A lot of people also have trouble getting the double-tap-to-wake feature working consistently and find that the lock screen can be unresponsive. For some, it's a specific portion of the screen that tends to become unresponsive.

Workarounds:

Tap the power button to turn the screen off and on again, and it will generally start working correctly.
Hold down the power button and then select Power off, before turning the tablet back on again. If you can't do that because the screen is unresponsive, then hold down the power button and the volume up key until the tablet vibrates three times, and then turn it on again.
Unplug the charger because sometimes it can contribute to this issue.
Potential solutions:

There's a chance that this is a software issue, which will be fixed with an update. Load up the Update Center app to check if there's anything available.
You can test your touchscreen by going to Settings > About device > Diagnostics > Test device and running the Touchscreen test. If you don't have that option, then download the Xperia Diagnostics apps. You can use this data when you call Sony to report the problem.
You could try a factory reset. Back up first and then go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset.
You could also plug the tablet into your PC and try using the PC Companion software to repair your tablet.
Problem: Creaking or bending

The Xperia Z2 Tablet is very slim, but unfortunately some people have found that their tablet is bent out of shape. The chassis may be warped and begin to curve over time, or it might arrive like that. It can also feel loose or creaky around the bezel when you hold it in landscape view.

Potential solution:

Your only real option is to contact Sony and ask for a replacement. The tablet should be perfectly straight and it shouldn't creak when handled.
Bug: Audio delay in certain games and apps

A few owners have been suffering from a noticeable audio delay or lag when using specific games or apps such as Skype, Netflix, some emulators, and certain games. The audio lags just a fraction of a second behind the action, but enough to be annoying.

Workaround:

Go into Settings > Sound > Sound effects and turn off individual settings. You should also try changing your settings in Sound enhancements and see if it makes a difference. It's possible that some audio processing effect is causing the delay.
Potential fixes:

A software update might fix this issue so check in the Update Center app. Make sure that the problem app is up to date as well.
You could also try going into Settings > Apps and choose the problem app then Clear cache and Clear data.
Problem: Xperia Z2 Tablet won't turn on

You might panic when you press the power button and find that your tablet doesn't come to life, but don't worry it happens from time to time. A number of people have found their Xperia Z2 Tablet refuses to turn on, even though they are sure it has some battery life left.

Potential solutions:

The first thing to try, is holding down the power button and the volume up button for a few seconds until you feel the tablet vibrate three times. Then, try turning it on again.
Have a look under the flap where the microSD card goes and you'll see a red button. Use something blunt to press it in for a few seconds and the device should turn off. Try turning it on again.
If neither of those solutions works then plug your tablet into the charger for an hour. Then, try the same process again.
Issue: Wi-Fi won't connect or keeps dropping

A lot of people run into issues with Wi-Fi connections when they buy a new tablet and the Xperia Z2 Tablet is no exception. Some people are having trouble getting the tablet to connect at all and other are reporting that the connection drops unexpectedly.

Potential solutions:

Always start by just turning off your Xperia Z2 Tablet and your router and then turning them back on again. That will often resolve the problem.

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the three dots at the bottom right to get more options. Make sure that Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep is set to Always. You can also try unchecking Avoid poor connections if it is selected and see if that makes a difference.

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, long press on your connection, then tap Forget network, and set it up again. Make sure that your password doesn't have any special characters in it.

Try changing the channel or mode on your router. You can use the Wi-Fi Analyzer app to see how busy the channels are around you.

Make sure that the MAC filter on your router is off, so that you can add the Xperia Z2 Tablet to it. You'll find the MAC address in Settings > About device > Status.

That's all the Xperia Z2 Tablets problems we have found for now, but we'll post more issues and fixes as we find them.

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