All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

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About Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

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

Apple iPhone 6S – Hands Free Siri – Editorial with the Cookie Monster

Apple, Tech News

One of the best aspects of the iPhone is Siri. It is even better on the Apple iPhone 6S and 6S Plus and Siri became totally handsfree.

If you want to know what notifications have appeared on your iPhone, just ask Siri, “Any Notifications” or even just say “Notifications” And Siri will read off ALL your notifications across ALL your apps.

Another great use is in cooking. Apple demonstrated this neat use using the Cookie Monster.

Moving or creating appointments with Siri is a breeze. I have always found Siri more of a personal assistant and really a benefit in the car or when my hands are tied up e.g. cooking.

Anyway, below is the new advert from Apple with the Cookie Monster.

Quick Camera Tips – Samsung Galaxy S7 – Shortcuts on Wide Angled Photos

Android, Tech News,

Below are a couple of tips on using the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

1) After opening the camera app, select modes, and then tap Download. This will open another page where you can download another camera app. I would suggest downloading Surround Shot.

2) With all the camera modes on the screen, if you tap more, add a shortcut to the home screen, you can tick the modes you would like to appear on the home screen, and hit save. Camera mode shortcut icons will be added to your home screen. This will happen even if you use Nova Launcher.

3) I mentioned downloading Surround Shot mode. With this if you photograph 5-6 shots you can recreate the wide angle look similar to the LG G5. Panorama mode is also good for a super wide shot. Obviously, it is not as true wide angled as the G5 in effect, nor would it work very well with moving subjects.

So have you got any specific tips ?

The Beauty of iOS Apps – Editorial

Apple, Editorials,

Here I am about one month into my ownership of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge thinking about some of the apps on iOS that I used to use daily and trying to find alternatives on android.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is all about the camera and to get the most out of the camera you really need to use the official Samsung camera app. Camera FV-5 has just been updated to work with the newer Samsung phones from the S6 onwards. But really there aren’t any other sophisticated camera apps that work on these newer android phones. If you own an iPhone, camera apps and decent camera apps are in abundance.

And that’s the beauty of iOS. In any specific or specialised category you will find a couple of class leading apps. On the camera app front on iOS there are at least 5 decent camera apps, but my personal favourite that add some extra value are Nightcap Pro and ProCamera+ HDR which have nothing even close on android that offers the full range of functionality. Photo editing is another league on iOS.

The gaming catalogue on iOS is huge. Often android apps and games are ruined by adverts. A good example is Scrabble. On android game play is ruined totally by adverts. But not on iOS.

So apart from the photography apps, do you have any specialised favourite iOS or android apps?

Huawei P9 – My Thoughts and Highlights

Android, Tech News,

P9-Range

Huawei announced the new Huawei P9 and P9 Plus yesterday. Some of the significant aspects of this launch is the dual lens arrangement on the rear, strengthened with the Leica branding and new partnership with Huawei.

From a tech point of view the P9 comes fitted with the kitchen sink and the P9 plus adds extra features like an amoled force touch screen, bigger screen and battery, an infra red blaster, stereo speakers and more. The P9 Plus also has a 8mp from camera with Auto Focus.

The presentation felt more like it was a Leica Phone made by Huawei. The key tech behind the lenses –

Key to the P9’s superlative imaging capabilities is a dual-camera design that fully unleashes the power of Leica’s optical lenses, renowned for precision and attention to detail, and subject to the industry’s most stringent quality screening requirements. The RGB camera on the P9 specializes in capturing color, while the monochrome camera is outstanding at acquiring picture detail. The two rear cameras of the P9 work in tandem to enable users to create images of superior detail, depth and color. The P9 truly excels in low-light conditions, as the dual-camera design guarantees more light and detail can be captured.

Each picture taken by the P9 carries the unique emotional resonance and timelessness that are the hallmarks of Leica, as users may choose between three film modes: Standard, Vivid Colors and Smooth Colors, depending on their personal preferences. With meticulous calibration of the P9’s camera parameters, each film mode faithfully renders the authentic color and style of Leica. By selecting the monochrome mode, P9 users can use their devices as a true monochrome camera to capture powerful and evocative black and white images of superior quality.

Deploying Huawei’s Hybrid Focus technology, the P9 captures images with superior speed, accuracy and stability. The P9 supports camera focusing based on three methodologies – laser, depth calculation and contrast – and automatically selects the one that yields the best result in any given environment.

The wide-aperture photography feature on the P9 allows users to experiment with innovative visual effects to create unique images and content. The P9 makes it easy to adjust the camera aperture to create bokeh and other depth-of-field effects, while keeping the main object in sharp focus.

Key Specifications –

– Display- P9: 5.2-inch IPS LCD, 1920×1080, P9 Plus: 5.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1920×1080
– Processor Kirin 955 octacore, 4xA72 + 4xA53
– Storage/RAM P9: 32GB/3GB or 64GB/4GB, P9 Plus: 64GB/4GB
– OS – Android 6.0 with EMUI 4.1
– Rear cameras – Dual 12MP (monochrome + colour), 1.76-micron pixel equivalent,Leica certification
– Front camera- 8MP
– Connection USB-C,SIM/SD – single SIM with microSD (128GB) in Europe
– Battery P9: 3000 mAh , P9 Plus 3400 mAh
– Dimensions P9: 145 x 70.9 x 6.95mm, P9 Plus: 152.3 x 75.3 x 6.98 mm
– Weight P9: 144g,P9 Plus: 162g
– Security Fingerprint
– P9 Plus Extras – Infrared, stereo speakers

Huawei made quite a few bold claims and I do wonder if some of these were just marketing gloss. For example the actual specs of the lenses are f/2.2 aperture with a 27 mm focal length. Both sensors are 1.25-micron Sony IMX286 sensors but there is no OIS. The G5 has a f/1.8 and the S7 f/1.7 and both have OIS. Huawei claim that the P9 lets 90% more light in than the S7 and 270% more than the iPhone 6s. I do find these figures high personally. The real test on this camera will be in the results. Will it outperform the S7, LG G5 and HTC 10? Only time will tell and I do think it will also boil down to the type of shot required. At the moment, based on what I have seen across the internet, I am not convinced it will.

The good news is that if you want to pick one of these up, all the major UK networks will be selling the P9.

HTC 10 – The Latest of the new Flagship from HTC

Android, Tech News,

HTC is due to announce its new flagship the HTC 10. It is claimed to have world class cameras and boom sound.

Now just to make sure Huawei didn’t get all the limelight with its new Huawei P9, HTC released another video.

This claims that all aspects of the phone from camera, audio and more have been perfected. Optical image stabilisation, 4K video, boom sound and Ultra Pixels.

Sounds promising but I just wonder how it will fare up against the Samsung S7 focusing speed which really makes a difference in obtaining that magic moment.

The below shot was taken yesterday on my S7 Edge. So fast to focus. I have post processed it to add a few HDR effects.

Full Stretch #Seagull #SamsungS7Edge

The Next Kindle E-Readers – Details of new technology revealed

Amazon, Tech News,

Jeff Bezos has already gone on record to say the new Kindle E-Readers are launching next week.

Now Wall Street Journal, has added some extra information behind the reveal. The next generation of Kindle E-Reader will last even longer as they will come with a rechargeable protective case

The WSJ added that the rechargeable case will allow the device to be slimmer than its previous versions. The downside is that without the special case the new version could have a shorter battery life than the older models. One of the case options for the e-reader is a solar-powered case, reducing the need to ever plug the device in.

Now I had a Kindle E-Reader myself. Only problem is I haven’t used it for such a long time now, I simply cannot remember where I left it! I really think the new e-reader is going to be a tough sell, as if someones current e-reader works just fine, why buy another one?

LG G5 – The Best Camera Examples and First Impressions + LG G4 vs LG G5

Android, Tech News, ,

Below are a highlight of some videos created by a number of different people highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the LG G5.

What is also interesting is the “negativity” created on the internet initially tarnished peoples views of the LG G5. However, what you will witness is a different feeling after using the LG G5 for a a few days.

Below is a good example. Filming video with all 3 cameras at the same time by Tony Pazo. Just imagine using this mode for a festival like Glastonbury.

Next up is a short comparison video from Supersaf. Whilst the comparison is a bit short, it does show just how good the S7 camera is whilst using video. Personally, I preferred most (not all) of the stills from the G5.

This S7 advantage over video is helped by its super fast auto focus.

Now lastly, Pocketnow have put together a short video depicting their thoughts after 24 hours and again the more the LG G5 is used, the more pleasurable the experience became.

I have used the pre production LG G5 which is not the same as the retail version. My retail version is arriving any day so once this is in the house, I can start publishing photos and my first impressions.

The camera and Hi-Fi modules are also expected in a week or so. My plan is to review the phone as a phone and then talk about the modules and deliver my final thoughts at the end.

If you are wondering is the LG G5 any better than the LG G4, take a look at this article by GeekandCom. It’s in French, so here is the Google Translation – CLICK HERE. . Thanks to OneTwelve for the link.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Owners – Samsung Game Pack Giveaway – Full List of Games & Offers

Android, Tech News,

Samsung Game Pack Giveaway is a new promotion by Samsung to promote the Game Launcher features of its new Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

The Game Launcher features of the device include no notifications during game play, turning off the capacitive menu keys to prevent accidental presses and recording of game play.

“The Samsung Game Pack is a special package created just for your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge. Be it building empires, defeating evil or winning big games, it’s all yours for the taking. There’s a lot more on offer than what’s on this page. The question is, are you game? Only avaliable on Galaxy Apps!”

– MARVEL Contest of Champions – It’s epic versus fighting action with your favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Villains in the ultimate cosmic showdown. Get a free Starter Pack that includes a 2-Star Avengers Crystal!

– World of Tanks Blitz – This free-to-play team-based MMO action game brings you the best traits from the World of Tanks PC version. Receive a 15-day premium account and Pz B2 Tank when you begin.

– Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft – In Hearthstone, you play the hero in a fast-paced, whimsical card game of cunning strategy. Get started with an exclusive card back and 3 card packs.

– Asphalt 8: Airborne – Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts in an intense driving experience powered by a brand new physics engine. Begin with a free Class B Car Pack.

– Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes – Fight in RPG-style battles across iconic locations to become the galaxy’s most legendary hologamer. Start your journey with extra in-game credits and the character IG-86 Sentinel Droid.

– SimCity BuildIt – WELCOME MAYOR! The larger and more intricate your city gets, the more needs your citizens have, and it’s up to you to keep them happy. Get a special bonus at levels 3, 6 and 9.

– Cut the Rope 2 – Cut the Rope 2 has new characters, fresh gameplay elements, tricky missions, and of course there’s Om Nom. Enjoy an early advantage with free in-game currency.

– Brave Frontier Global – Conjure powerful demigods and majestic beasts to fight for you as you cross the land of Grand Gaia! Use promo code samsunggift16 to receive your game benefits.

– Empire: Four Kingdoms – Prove that you’ve got what it takes to be the mightiest and most honorable lord in all the land. Begin your journey with a free Resources Pack.

– Steampunk Tower -As the Imperial Army’s foot soldiers and mechanical monstrosities march into battle, fortify your epic spire. Start your defense with 8000 Tower Points free!

– Best Fiends – Slugs have captured the Best Fiends’ families The Best Fiends have to level up as they prepare for the mystery that awaits at Mount Boom. Use a free Pouch of Diamonds to help them out.

– BADLANDS – Fly through and survive the Game of the Year-winning action adventure BADLAND. Enjoy Multiplayer mode for free.

– Gods of Rome – In an age of myth and legend, souls of the most powerful gods have been summoned to battle. Use 305 Amphora of Gems to your benefit as you embark on an epic journey!

– Createrria 2 – craft your games – Become a famous game designer. Create the games you’ve always wanted to play. No tech skills required. Enjoy an exclusive Avatar and in-game currency when you begin.

– Township – Harvest crops and trade with distant islands. Open cafes. Explore the mine for resources and find ancient artifacts. Ready to build your dream? Get started with 100 Township cash.

– We R Football – It’s the next step in first person football. Build your team and and craft them into world beaters. Use the 50,000 free coins to add players to your squad and develop your stadium!

Source – Samsung Game Pack

Huawei P9 – More details

Android, Tech News

Tomorrow Huawei are announcing their new flagship phone, the Huawei P9.

1 p9

The Huawei P9 is likely to come in several different memory and ram configurations but what is for sure is this will be Huawei’s first collaboration with Leica. The P9 will also feature two cameras on the rear. The one aspect running through my mind is how will this camera compete against the iPhone 6S Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7, HTC 10 and the LG G5. This is going to be a good month for android smartphones.

The other aspect of this phone is its build quality. Made from a beautiful unibody metal design, the shots of the phone just ooze quality. The next question which we won’t know the answers to until tomorrow is just how much effort has gone into the software and hardware.

Find out more on Thursday.

Source – Android Police