So long, bulky CRT televisions. These days, most people who are considering their next purchase of a television set would seldom look at those space-hoggers, preferring instead to opt for the slimmer, high-definition LCD and plasma screens, especially now that they're affordably priced, compared to the time when they were first introduced.

But for all the advantages of getting a HDTV, which type should you buy: A plasma or LCD screen? Though both types of technologies display high-definition content, there are unique strengths attached to either technology, which we'll explore in this month's tech guide.

Plasma screens

Google’s Android mobile OS has been a big hit over the past year, beating Apple to become most popular provider of smart-phone software in the US during the first quarter of this year.

It’s not hard to see why: Besides the Google-created Nexus One, the Android OS is running some of the year’s most-praised mobile phones, including the Motorola Droid and HTC’s Legend and Incredible. Also, constant improvements to the Android OS has seen it evolving at a rapid pace compared to other mobile OSs.

So what can we look forward to when Android 2.2 is released? Code-named FroYo (short for “frozen yoghurt” – following Google’s food-based codenaming convention of Android), the new OS boasts functions that are not natively present on its main competitors like the Apple iPhone.

For one, version 2.2 will come with built-in tethering and WiFi hot spot support, which means that not only can you turn your Android-run phone into a modem for your computer, but also it can be turned into a WiFi hotspot that other computers can use.

Besides those functions, early benchmark tests by Apple Police say that FroYo runs up to 450% faster on the Nexus One compared to the current version of Android. Unlike Apple’s iPhone too, FroYo will have native support for Adobe Flash and AIR format programmes – meaning that you won’t have to download a separate plug-ins to run Flash and AIR-elements, and being natively adopted, they’re expected to run more smoothly on the new OS.

Few other technology companies get more press space than Apple, and its iPhone 4.0 OS has been one of the most anticipated OS upgrade of the year, especially with the arrival of multi-tasking. The lack of multi-tasking has long been a leverage point for other mobile OSs over the iPhone, but not any longer.

During the launch of iPhone 4.0, Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs said they believed they’ve done multi-tasking right with this new upgrade. Apple’s reasoning for not including multi-tasking to this point was that running too many apps in the background would cause the phone to run out of memory and drain the batteries quickly.

So what Apple has done here is create boundaries through which multi-tasking can be used by app developers. Among some of the programmes that could run in the background include: streaming audio programmes on Pandora, VOIP programmes like Skype, and location services like turn-by-turn GPS.

Other enhancements include the introduction of folders to better organise your applications, a unified inbox that allows you to see all incoming mail from multiple accounts, and the iBooks e-reader programme. IPhone 4.0 will also introduce a social-gaming network called Game Center – think along the lines of Microsoft’s Xbox gaming community – where you’ll be able to invite friends, participate in online matchmaking, compete in leaderboards, and more with it.

Summer is synonymous with shrinking hemlines to keep cool while the sun is hot. However, every once in a while, those who dictate trends for the season decide to swing in the opposite direction of what’s expected--this season, we’ve seen longer skirts and dresses come back in vogue, making it perfect for the more modest and feminine among us!

Dreamy day-dresses

Perfect for our humid weekends, this maxi in breezy, light chiffon is all girl while being bang on trend as florals are also big at the moment. Picking a dress in a lighter fabric is a great idea especially if you have a petite stature--you don’t want to appear to be drowning in your dress! Also, choose a style with a cinched waist, or throw on a woven belt for a casual feel. Pair with jeweled flats or gladiators, and away you go!

Bohemian beauty

An alternative to the maxi dress is a floor-skimming skirt such as this, in chiffon and lace. Lace is another major trend at the moment. Dress it down with a simple tank tee, sandals and a long necklace for a fuss-free look that is both sexy and sweet at the same time. To really work the boho look, don a pair of Wayfarer sunnies and a straw fedora!

If you’re after a more formal maxi dress, pick one that’s in deep, opulent shades such as maroon, royal blue or dark purple. This style, which has a dramatic and unique toga detail, would look amazing with a statement cocktail ring and shoulder-skimming earrings. Be prepared to bask in a whole lot of attention when you sweep into a room wearing this!

A perfect companion to your more formal maxi dress would be this kitsch envelope bag in faux-snakeskin with a chain handle. Because of the proportions of your dress, it is a good idea to carry a smaller bag so you don’t appear to be overwhelmed by stuff. Pick a bag in basic black, or a sexier colour that complements your dress without being overly coordinated.

A few more inches...

If you’re really petite (and most Asian girls are) and don’t want to hem up the additional inches on your maxi, opt for sexy, chunky styles such as these gladiator heels to give you some extra height. However, a word of advice--remember to watch your skirts when taking stairs or escalators in your maxi, as you don’t want the material snagging on a heel resulting in you falling over!

Flower power

The trend of bigger, bolder headgear and accessories has really taken off here in recent times. A cute and feminine way of accessorising is by pinning a flower in your hair, if you don’t mind the (admiring, we’re sure!) glances from strangers. Fabric flowers last heaps longer than fresh flowers, although if you have some fresh blooms in your garden, by all means pin those up in your hair!

Pets are treasured as members of the family by millions around the world, and studies have shown that those who have pets tend to be happier, more independent and feel more secure about themselves than those without pets.

Persian Cats

The Persian cat is a long-haired cat characterised by its round face and shortened muzzle. It’s one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Persian cats are known for their placid and homely nature, which makes them perfect for apartment living as well.

Domestic cats are one of the easiest pet to care for. Cats are social species and they use a variety of vocalisations and types of body language for communication which includes meowing, purring, hissing and grunting.

Angora Rabbit

The Angora Rabbit is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft hair. Rabbits are active, playful and sociable with lots of personality. They enjoy the owner’s attention as well as companionship of the other rabbits.

For the slightly more adventurous, you can adopt chinchillas as your pet. If you decide to get a chinchilla, however, just ensure that they have at least one more companion to keep them happiest.

Those were some suggestions for you to kick start a brand new animal companionship. You can find close to a thousand other different pets at MySimplifieds. But remember – before you decide to adopt or buy a pet, make sure the needs of the pet are compatible with your lifestyle and physical capabilities. Happy hunting!

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot

The computer games industry may have suffered a slight slump over the last couple of years, but looks to pick up again after the strong showing by Microsoft and Sony at the recent Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in June. The biggest talking point was the new “motion wars” sparked between the two rivals, as both companies débuted their next-generation of video game controllers that depend on body movements.  In this month's tech guide, we look at the pros and cons of the new offerings to help you see through the hype.

Formerly known by its code-name Project Natal, Kinect is Microsoft's much-anticipated full-body motion controller that works through a camera that captures the body's movement – some 15 key body areas – and translates them into in-game movement. Its defining and most controversial feature is the absence of buttons or any game controller – which could change the way game developers think about their games, or end up being nothing more than a gimmick.

Pros

Kinect's concept is science-fiction brought to life in the living room, and its technology alone is a talking point in any gathering. From the journalists' initial reactions to playing it, Kinect offers a refreshingly different experience compared to conventional games. On display at the expo was a sample of games like Dance Central (which is similar to Dance Dance Revolution), and Kinect Joyride, where you steer the car with your hands and drift by swaying your butt.

From that evidence, Kinect will be something fun to bring out in any party, and will appeal to the casual gamers who haven't bought the Wii yet. And it's not just games that will take advantage of Kinect – one can imagine fitness and exercise programmes being a strong part of Kinect's arsenal in the future.

Cons

The Kinect is a revolutionary product, which requires revolutionary thinking on the part of game developers. Ever since Pong made its debut in the '70s, computer games were made with the button-controller in mind, and the button-less Kinect may be a step too far at the moment. Aside from the Kinect-enabled games that made an appearance at E3, there doesn't appear to be many other games ready to be rolled out – the highly anticipated Child of Eden wasn't playable at the E3 showroom floor, and no date has been fixed for its release.

The Kinect is a revolutionary product, which requires revolutionary thinking on the part of game developers. Ever since Pong made its debut in the '70s, computer games were made with the button-controller in mind, and the button-less Kinect may be a step too far at the moment. Aside from the Kinect-enabled games that made an appearance at E3, there doesn't appear to be many other games ready to be rolled out – the highly anticipated Child of Eden wasn't playable at the E3 showroom floor, and no date has been fixed for its release.

Sony's reply to the Kinect is the PlayStation Move, which looks like a Wii remote, but has better recognition of depth thanks to a camera that tracks the positioning of the controller in 3D space. Similar to the Dual Shock controllers, the Move controllers also gives physical feedback like vibrations.

Pros

Unlike the Kinect, the Move controllers are something many Wii-gamers are already familiar with. That being the case, you can see many Wii fans upgrading themselves to the more powerful Sony PlayStation 3, which offers better graphics and gameplay. Furthermore, the Move will be more suited for the hardcore first-person shooter gamer who needs buttons to work, which is inconceivable at the moment with the Kinect – how would you shoot, reload, or switch  to night-vision goggles?

Cons

The Move draws too many parallels with the Nintendo Wii controller, and is nowhere near as distinctive as Kinect's technology. For now, the Move enjoys a head start over the Kinect as game developers don't have to stretch too far in creating a Move-enabled game – already, SOCOM 4 is said to play extremely well with the Move controllers – but this is no paradigm shift.

As Nintendo showed with its daring move to create the Wii controllers, taking a gamble on innovation can create a new and lucrative market demand worth millions of dollars. For the short term, Sony may have the upper hand over Microsoft, but will Sony rue the lack of features and flexibility in the long term?

Although it's summer all-year long in this country, style influences from the northern hemisphere are creeping back into stores and online boutiques such as the ones featured here. It's also the season to give your wardrobe an overhaul, and inject some fun and fancy into your life. Get a funky new hair do, buy some pretty new makeup colours and prepare to wow your friends with your hot new look! With the mercury rising and days becoming longer, grab the chance to show off your tan and limbs in these babies:

Gimme more

If you're not one to relish the shorter hemlines or embrace girly prints, you can still be fashionable with this boho-style maxi dress, which follows this summer's hot, long-hemline trend. Give a nod to the flower power years of the '70s while channeling your inner hippie with beaded necklaces, sandals and a peace-loving easy breezy attitude.

Bold bags

Since summer is all about riotous colours, go the gamut by toting a casual bag in a cheerful colour like this hot pink baby, or pick up one in lime green or sunny yellow. These bags are great, too, as they can fold up and are water-resistant, so if you're caught unawares in one of Malaysia's legendary summer showers, your stuff will still be safe and dry inside!

Sole mates

Again, on the topic of our famous torrential downpours, opt for trendy rubber ballet flats to avoid that squelchy feeling in your shoes after skipping through puddles. Gone are the days when rubber clogs were clunky and unattractive; they now make shoes that are kind on the feet and easier on the eye, for you, fellow fashionistas! Opt for neutral shades like dark brown or black, or if you're feeling adventurous, pick a pair in purple or turquoise instead.