All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

About Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

President, CEO & Editor of http://gavinsgadgets.com Reviews & News of Technology

Shot on the LG V20 – Cotehele House

Android, Tech News, Photography, ,

Yesterday, I showed you a few photos of Cotehele House with some macros of the flowers and insects found in the gardens.

But sometimes you need a super wide angle lens when visiting places to capture the whole room or view. The LG V20 has 2 lenses on the rear, a standard 16mp and a super wide 8mp lens. In terms of raw image quality the iPhone 7 Plus is better but the LG V20 has many tricks up its sleeve.

For example, it has a removable battery, infra red blaster for controlling your TV’s and aircon units, a HiFi Quad DAC, able to power headphones up to 600ohms, a headphone jack too, pro manual video and photo modes on the camera and a secondary display on the front. There’s more too, a real geeks phone!

Anyway, going back to the camera, below are those special wide angle photos from the LG V20 that most phones cannot capture.

If you scroll back a post to the iPhone 7 Plus shot of the rear of the house, this was the same spot I was standing when I took this one with the LG V20. The difference is massive as to how much more you can capture of the scene.

Another side shot. Again, there is a comparison from my post yesterday using the iPhone 7 Plus, standing in the same position.

Here you can capture the whole pond and surrounding area.

The super wide lens makes it a breeze to capture the entire room, all 3 walls and ceiling.

Even when you cant step back any further, you can still get the whole scene in the photo.

Obviously, being super wide does create some curving at the edges.

Overall, for sight seeing, the LG V20 was invaluable.

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A Trip to Cotehele House – Shot on the iPhone 7 Plus

Apple, Photography, Tech News,

At the weekend I visited Cotehele House which is a National Trust property. Cotehele House is a lovely place with beautiful gardens.

Below are a selection of photos taken with my iPhone 7 Plus, showing the house, the flowers and some of the smaller insects found there.

The best views of the house are from the rear.

Here you get a glimpse of the garden.

From inside the house, looking out.

Some close up of the little things found feeding on the flowers.

The gardens at Cotehele have such an amazing range of flowers and plants. Well worth a visit if you are visiting Cornwall, UK.

Belkin Classic Leather Apple Watch Strap review vs Nike Sport Band

accessories, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Wearables, , ,


Welcome to my review of the Belkin Classic Leather Apple Watch Strap with a comparison with the Nike Sport Band. 

Key Features 

– The classic Apple watch strap is made from genuine high grade Italian leather

– Custom designed fittings ensure a secure fit and easy band exchange. That is black metal to match the Apple Sports Watch frame!

– 3 mm thick band and extra holes for maximum comfort and fit for your wrist

– Fits 42 mm Apple watch, Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch Edition, Apple Watch Nike+, Apple Watch Hermès, series 1 and 2

– Available in three different colours black, tan brown and grey

– A lot cheaper that the Apple Leather Strap. 

Available from Amazon UK.

Video Review

Special Discounts on Aukey Products for Gavin’s Gadgets Readers

accessories, Tech News

I have recently reviewed a few Aukey products all of which have been really good. Aukey has offered some money off discount codes for the following products below. To get the lower price, head over to Amazon UK using the links below, and then just enter the discount code during checkout. The codes are valid until 30th July 2017.

Aukey Dash Cam DR01 Full HD 1080P – Discount £25.00 – Code 5KX2RA2L – Final Price £44.99 – Click HERE.

Aukey Bluetooth Headphones EP-B40 – Discount £10.00 – Code 9X4CXKLY – Final Price £14.99 – Click HERE.

Aukey Power Bank 20000mAh PB-N36 – Discount £5.00 – Code GZSIYYXS – Final Price £14.99 – Click HERE.

Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker SK-M12 – Discount £12.00 – Code PJYAM76U – Final Price £22.99 – Click HERE.

Aukey Clip-on Cell Phone Lens PL-A3 – Discount £6.00 – Code FLFAT8FG – Final Price £6.99 – Click HERE.

The Bluetooth Headphones on special offer were reviewed recently and at £25 were the best budget bluetooth headphones I have heard. At £14.99 its even better. Same goes for the Power Bank that I also reviewed recently. This is my go to Power Bank at the moment as it can charge my iPad Pro 10.5 with the screen on.

Anyway, my thanks to Aukey for this kind offer. I hope the above discount codes are useful to you.

Pizza Time – A Drive across Dartmoor National Park – Filmed & Edited on an iPhone 7 Plus

Photography, Tech News, ,


Yesterday, I filmed my drive across Dartmoor National Park. The view is stunning. At half distance, I continued the journey across Roborough Common and then finally reaching my destination. 

The return journey back across Dartmoor National Park was thru rain and fog. Up on the Moors the weather can change very fast. 

The entire footage was filmed on the iPhone 7 Plus which was secured on a tripod mount to my car’s dashboard. It was then edited using a brilliant app called Luma Fusion. The tripod used was a Glif 2 which is totally awesome. 

Luma Fusion app works on an iPad or iPhone. It provided all the music and titles and effects. Notice how the music is in sync with the car wipers in the last section. 

Anyway, enjoy the view and journey 🙂

Beats Studio Wireless Headphones Review 

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News,


The Beats Studio Wireless Headphones are the flagship headphone from Beats and Apple. 

Key Features 

– Beats Acoustic Engine uses precision sound to deliver music the way artists want it to be heard.

– Rechargeable battery lasts 12 hours whilst connected through Bluetooth and up to 20 hours when plugged into your device.

– Adaptive Noise Cancelling blocks out the world in two modes.

– Battery fuel gauge lets you know how much power is left.

– Available in 8 colours. 

– Mic and controls built into ear cup gives you solid playback control, plus crystal-clear hands-free calling on your iPhone.

– Folds to a compact size and then fits in hard case which is included. 

Available from Amazon UK.

Video Review 

Tech Addicts Podcast – The Next Episode is LIVE – Nokia 8 & Diamonds

podcast,

da83e8ef-b29c-4384-8790-8515accc1900

Tech Addicts Podcast is back again with a new episode starring –

– Gareth Myles – Twitter / YouTube / Tech Addicts UK
– Jay Garrett – Twitter 1 ; Twitter 2 / YouTube / Gadgetynews
– Leila Gregory – Twitter 1 ; Twitter 2 / YouTube / Swanny
– Brendan Arndt – Twitter / YouTube
– Ricky West – Twitter / YouTube
– Myself – Twitter / YouTube / Instagram

To listen to the latest episode subscribe by searching “Tech Addicts” within your favourite podcast app, iTunes, Google Play Music Podcasts or use the URL “mobiletechaddicts.libsyn.com/rss” to add directly.

To listen now, hit the play button below –

AUKEY Desk Lamp LED with Touch Control & More – My Review

accessories, Reviews, Tech News

The Aukey Desk Lamp with LED Touch Control review.

Key Features

– 3 brightness levels selected by touch control.
– 3 light modes – cool white, warm white, medium white.
– Built in memory function which remembers your previous settings.
– The lamp section completely folds down and the lamp body is designed to be slim, so that it takes up little space
– The lamp can be flexibly adjusted from from 0°to 180°and light coverage can be extended in different scales to meet your needs
– High Tech looks
– Good value at just £14.99
– Weight 540 g
– Dimensions 26.8 x 7.8 x 5.6 cm

The Aukey Desk Lamp has a total of 18 LED’s. A simple touch control to the bottom front controls the 3 different modes and also acts as an on of off switch. Brightness varies from a centre luminance of 600 LUX (Max). The three modes provide a kelvin colour temptation varying from 2900K, 4100K and 5200K. It is powered via a micro usb cable which is provided in the box. After plugging the usb cable into your computer or other charging device, you simply tap and hold the bottom right panel to turn on the light and then tap the front panel to toggle between the different modes.

Video Review

Conclusion

The Aukey Desk Lamp is a neat product, simple to use and power and takes up very little space. Available from Amazon UK.

Poetic Lumos Companion case for iPad Pro 10.5 – Review – Fits with Smart Cover, Pencil & Keyboard 

accessories, Reviews, Tech News


The Poetic Lumos Companion case is pure genius. Mine arrived a few days ago and I absolutely love it. And it costs just £10.95. This was not a review sample, I bought this and am extremely happy with my purchase. Poetic also offer this case in the other iPad sizes along with a range of other cases. 

So what’s so great about it. Cutouts for everything. Speakers. Mics. Headphone jack. Lightning connector. The power and volume keys are covered and have their own raised buttons. Makes it easier to adjust the volume. But it gets even better. 


The case has a space for the Apple Pencil. It allows for easy removal too with a cutout underneath as shown. You can fit the Apple Pencil into the lightning connector and charge it still too. The camera no longer crashes down as it’s protected by the case. And there’s still more. 


The case allows you to attach your Apple Smart Cover or Smart Keyboard and use them without any issue. Plus the Apple Pencil when in use can be slid into the pen slot. Or when you are charging the Apple Pencil, the tip can be placed there. 

The Poetic Case is just £10.95 from Amazon. 

Update – Here is the video review and the Poetic Case compared to the Apple iPad Pro Sleeve. 

How to shoot YouTube videos with your iPhone 7 Plus

Photography, Reviews, Tech News,

I have been asked several times, what gear do I use to shoot my YouTube videos. Well to answer your question it’s the following. 

Video Review 

List of Equipment 

The below are all links to Amazon so you can see the latest pricing and learn more about the piece of equipment. The Studio Neat Tripod mount is a new phone mount and is incredible. It has 3 tripod screws positions and if you watch the video you will see how it all works. 

Shoulderpod Tripod Rigs
Rode VideoMicro Compact
Manfrotto LED Light
Zecti Lightweight Tripod
Studio Neat Glyph 2 Tripod Mount

Conclusion 

If you want me to review any of the gear mentioned please let me know. The Zecti Tripod has already been reviewed. 

Weekend Reading – All Your Favourite Reviews in One Place

Reviews, Tech News, , , ,

It’s the weekend and you are not sure what to do. Well how about reading some good old tech reviews, covering a wide range of products.

You will notice below sub categories for various tech devices, so hit the menu that interests you the most. If ever you need to find anything on Gavin’s Gadgets, you can use the search icon top right, or tap menu, and then the sub menu of your choice.

Phones, Tablets, Chromebooks and Laptop reviews

Smartwatches, Fitness and VR reviews

Audio, Headphones, Amp DACs, Projectors & Sound Bar Reviews

Photography Accessories – Add on lenses, gimbals, tripods, photo apps

Connected Home and Apps accessory reviews

Accessories – cables, power, cases and more

If you are buying anything on Amazon, please use the link below. This will help support Gavin’s Gadgets with all the running costs and more and won’t be any different in cost. Thanks in advance.

GavGadgets@Amazon

Even E1 – In Ear Headphones Review – The headphone with a hearing test built in for the bespoke sound EQ

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News


Even E1 in ear headphones review. Welcome to my review of the unique Even E1 in ear headphones. The headphones perform a short hearing test to create a bespoke EarPrint sound EQ just for your ears. 
Key Features 

– EarPrint Technology – quick and easy hearing test that tunes music to fit your hearing, so you never skip a beat or miss a note again. Stored on your device, you can enjoy music from any source – any time. 
– Beautifully Made and Comfortable Enough to Wear All Day, Anytime. 
– Interchangeable earphone tips for a perfect fit; Two-toned cables to easily differentiate left from right; Tangle-resistant, lightweight nylon cords.
– 10mm dynamic drivers and a unique acoustic shell design
– Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
– Impedance: 32 Ohms
– Microphone
– Battery: Lithium Ion
– 12 hours continuous play
– Weight: 22g
– Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz
– Total Harmonic Distortion: <3%
– Sound Pressure Level: 110+/-2db
– Controls: Volume, Play, Pause, Call Controls
– Remote: Inline

Video Review 

Main Review 

When you first turn in the headphones, a voice assistant takes you through a hearing test to create your own EarPrint. This bespoke sound EQ can be turned in or off. It also means the module needs charging but this does provide over 10 hours usage. The EarPrint EQ created for my ears provided more bass, clear vocals and midrange. The difference was dramatic but it was noticeable. 

Conclusion 

The Even E1 are a unique pair of headphones. The bespoke sound EQ will ensure you get the best sound for your ears. Available from Selfridges.

iPevo Pad Cushion Stand – Be Posh & Sensible – The Smart Cushion for your iPad – Review 

accessories, Reviews, Tech News


The iPevo Pad Cushion review. Disclaimer. I bought this thanks to a recommendation by my friend James. I first looks it looks like an insane product. Actually, it’s the opposite. It’s pure genius and costs just £9.99. 
Key Features 

– Soft body pillow offers comfortable extended use of your iPad, eBook reader, and tablet computer
– Comfy like a pillow, but sturdy enough to place iPad on your lap or stomach at the perfect angle
– From couch to bed and from chair to floor, Pad Pillow’s ready to go wherever you do
– Folds out to provide space for a wireless keyboard, complete with ample wrist support
– 100% cotton denim cover is ultra-soft; cover is removable and hand-washable, Compatible with all generations of Apple’s iPad

Video Review

Useful Links 

iPevo Pad Cushion latest pricing on Amazon

Amazon Prime Day – All the BEST Deals with Times & Priced Checked – UPDATED 11th July

Amazon,

Amazon Prime Specials

“”

 

Amazon is holding a special Prime Day Sale. It seems to have started although the official kick off time is 6pm tonight through to 11th July 2017.

I have listed my favourite deals that are available and also crossed checked the prices against UKCamelCamel (UCC). UCC tracks the prices on Amazon and lists the lowest ever price the item sold for. I have shown this price for as many items as possible. This way you can check if the Prime Sale offer price is a decent deal or not.

This page will be updated so keep checking back.

Amazon Prime Deals – Latest Offers –
http://amzn.to/2uIaE38

Amazon Echo will be £79.99 
http://amzn.to/2tAifSK


Amazon Echo Dot 2nd Generation – From 6pm tonight just £34.99
http://amzn.to/2t5GF2U

30% off Hive, Nest, Canary and Other Smart Home Brands Gear
http://amzn.to/2t84YNL

30% off TV’s from Sony, LG and others
http://amzn.to/2t8oJVl

30% off headphones from Sony, Sennheiser, Philips, Jaybird, Bose and more.
http://amzn.to/2u2KQkP

30% off Smart Lighting from Philips Hue, Lifx and others. Huge offers.
http://amzn.to/2t870xn


Up to 30% off Smart Watches from Samsung, Huawei, Garmin and more
http://amzn.to/2u2Nwid

Microsoft Surface 4 with Cover £476
http://amzn.to/2t7Xzy6

Up to 20% off Sony Cameras. Now’s the time to grab that camera!
http://amzn.to/2sZ1WAh

Uo to 30% off Fitbit
http://amzn.to/2t8pYUN

Sandisk 128gb micro sd card , just £27.49
http://amzn.to/2u7wTSi

Polar Unisex M600 Sorts Fitness Watch
Deal starts at 2.05am 11th July. UCC Price £202.
http://amzn.to/2sGFRSP

AUKEY USB 3.0 Hub 4 Ports Aluminum. Deal starts at 3.20am. UCC price £8.90.
http://amzn.to/2sWSFJ5

Aukey 20,000mAh Power Bank Lightning & Micro USB input, dual outputs, price will be £15.99. Deals starts at 5.40pm on 11th July.
http://amzn.to/2uHDLDs

 

Asus RT-AC3200 Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router
Deal starts at 6.10am 11th July. UCC Price £145.
http://amzn.to/2tyIF7u

TomTom Runner 3 GPS Running Watch
Deal starts 6.40am. UCC price £185.
http://amzn.to/2tz7Mak

Aukey Clip On Wide Angle & Macro Lens for iPhone, Samsung and more , recently reviewed by me, will be £12.99. Deal starts at 7am, 11th July. UCC price £15.99.
http://amzn.to/2uHFXLg

Netatmo Rain Gauge. Deals starts 7.10am. UCC price £45.
http://amzn.to/2u5oeQi

Panasonic 4K Blu-Ray Player
Deal starts at 8am. UCC price £257.
http://amzn.to/2uIfWeU

Samsung 4K Blu-Ray Player
Deal starts at 8am. UCC price £195.
http://amzn.to/2tFGrRS

Panasonic TX-32CS510B 32 inch Smart HD Ready LED TV with Freetime
Deal starts 8.05am. UCC price £218.
http://amzn.to/2v2EaA1

Sandisk 256gb micro sd card. Class 10. Deals starts 8.25am. UCC price £125.
http://amzn.to/2t5wmfa

Pentax Papilio II 8.5 x 21 Close Focus Binocular. Deals starts 8.40am. UCC price £125.
http://amzn.to/2sWLXCS

Sony XDRS40 DAB/DAB+/FM Ultra Compact Digital Radio. Deal starts 9.05am. UCC price £28.
http://amzn.to/2t69v3g

Pioneer XDP-100R High Resolution Digital Audio Player
Deal starts at 9.40am. UCC price £269.
http://amzn.to/2v2yuWw

DJI Osmo Mobile Phone Stabiliser
Deal goes live at 10.15am. UCC price £257.
http://amzn.to/2sWbqMw

Jabra Elite Sport True Bluetooth Wireless Waterproof Fitness EarBuds
Deal starts at 10.24am. UCC price £127.
http://amzn.to/2u4j4DR

Aukey Magnetic Wireless Bluetooth in Ear Headphones, just reviewed by myself, will be £14.99. Deals starts midnight 15th July.
http://amzn.to/2t4qnHO

This page will be updated so keep checking back.

 

Aukey Bluetooth Wireless Headphones – £25 budget – My Review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Aukey Bluetooth Wireless Headphones review. Just under £25 and a pair of wireless headphones. So just how good are these. Well let’s take a look at the key features.

Key Features 

– Comfortable, noise-isolating in-ear headphones with APT-X technology. 3 EQ sound settings. – Magnetically clip together for convenient and secure carry around your neck.
– Bluetooth 4.1, two devices simultaneous connections
– Built in remote for managing audio playback & calls, volume controls, multi-function button, and built-in 6th generation cVc noise-cancelling microphone
– Comfortable ear-tips (in three sizes) provide a smooth seal for your ears, isolating you from external noise
– Package Contents: AUKEY EP-B40 Magnetic Wireless Earbuds, Micro-USB Cable, Three Pairs of Ear-Tips, Three Pairs of In-Ear Ear-hooks, Carrying Pouch, User Manual, 24-Month Warranty Card
– BT 4.1, A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, aptX
– Charging Time: 1.5 hours
– Up to 8 hours playback
– Battery Type: Li-Polymer (2 x 60mAh)
– Operating Range: Up to 10m / 33ft
– Weight: 13g

Video Review 

Main Review 

£25, yes £25 for these headphones. Surely they won’t sound good. Well actually they punch above their price easily and have a reasonable bass punch, with clear mids and vocals. With the included ear clips these also become ideal for using while moving around. Personally, I was happy wearing them without ear clips.  These are really enjoyable to use. They are not the ultimate in audio quality but definitely as good as many headphones costing twice as much.

They also feature an EQ Switch gives you a choice of three sound signatures- treble, bass, and vocals. So if you want to listen to a podcast the vocal mode is ideal.

As these are bluetooth Headphones you don’t need to worry about a headphone jack. So whether you have an Echo Dot, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android Phone or Tablet, a Samsung S8, HTC U11, LG G6  or if you’re really unlucky a Windows Phone, these will work just fine.
For iOS users, these also have a Siri Wakeup option.  All you have to do is short press both volume buttons + & – while the earphone is in the standby mode, and siri is activated when a prompt tone is heard. Cool.

Conclusion 

One of the best budget Bluetooth headphones available.

Useful Links

Aukey Bluetooth headphones latest pricing on Amazon