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

Microsoft Surface Phone – the latest

Windows,

Microsoft is secretly working on a new “Surface Phone,” with development led by the company’s new Devices head Panos Panay.

There have been rumours that Microsoft is working on such a device which would make sense, but now Panos Panay has been promoted and put in charge of all Microsoft devices including the Surface Brand.

What’s so important about Panos Panay? Go listen to him present and he will convince you plastic is gold. If anybody can make a C change in the business, Panos Panay can. In fact the new Surface Phone is nicknamed “Panos Phone”.

Now this is a phone I would like to review!

Techradar.

Review Updates

Reviews, Tech News,

I have quite a number of reviews backing up at the moment but I have decided to take more time with each device/item to write a more comprehensive piece (hopefully).

I have been deciding whether to get the Microsoft Lumia 950/950XL in for review but I just cannot find the inspiration to review this new phone from Microsoft as it does not offer android or iOS users any compelling reason to change. In addition, whilst the camera shots look good from around the internet, they are not chalk and cheese better than some of the top end android and iPhones. And finally the application / game position has not change since 2014.

If you would like to change my mind, then please persuade me in the comments below.

Apple Watch app news – Hangouts, Netatmo Comfort and British Airways 

Apple, Tech News, Wearables

As the Apple Watch gains popularity slowly but surely the apps increase in both numbers and sophistication. 

British Airways – Features easy access to travel information, view flight number, route, departure time, flight status, destination weather and a countdown to the time left before the plane takes off. Coming soon will be the ability to scan boarding passes and print luggage tags. 

Google Hangouts – replying from the Apple Watch is now possible. You need to turn notifications on and notification centre on. 

Netatmo Comfort – if you own the Netatmo Weather station this is one mega cool app. It runs on the phone along with several complications. It has now been updated to show data from the wind sensor. 

Samsung is abandoning the UK – details

Tech News,

First Samsung announced their flagship Samsung Galaxy Note 5 would not be available in the UK. This stunned many people including journalists.

Now Samsung have gone one step further to abandoning the UK market.

“We quickly adapt to market needs and demands. In the UK, we have seen a gradual and sustained decline in demand for standalone digital cameras and camcorders and related accessories. For this reason, we have taken the decision to phase out the sales and marketing of these products. This is a local decision, based on local market conditions.”

So now standalone digital cameras, camcorders and related accessories will no longer be available for sale in the UK along with the flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

Time for Huawei to step up its marketing plan!!

Source Engadget.

Light Trails on the iPhone 6S Plus

Apple, Tech News,

The Apple iPhone 6S and 6S Plus come with a rather simple but easy to use camera app. 

But what if you want to take create special effects for example, light trails. 

Well below are a few examples of what is possible using a third party app called Nightcap Pro. 

   
    
 
Nightcap Pro also have a long exposure mode which has the ability to take superb night shots. 

The photos above have been compressed down from 13mb to 1mb.

Truly simple photos to create as well. 

OnePlus selling iPhone 6/6S case with free gift 

Tech News,

  
In a unusual twist , OnePlus is launching its most profitable product (potentially ). A case for the iPhone 6/6S and charging £15.99 plus postage. 

  
Don’t worry, each case has a free invite. Woah. A free invite. Don’t all jump at once! 

If you’re lucky you might find a free phone inside. I’d love to know the odds on this coming true !

If you must order a case then click HERE.

BlackBery Priv – first major firmware update – full details

Android, BlackBerry, Tech News, ,

Software updates received in a timely manner are really important especially when they contain security patches. 

BlackBerry hasn’t disappointed with its Priv handheld and released its first update offering the following changes – 

“Here’s what the release, which brings productivity AND security improvements (and requires approx 475 MB of space), has to offer:

– An improved camera: We’ve implemented a number of tweaks that improve the speed of our camera app, and re-tuned it for better low-light image quality.
– Better performance: We’ve also tweaked the PRIV’s software to improve overall system performance

– Improved stability: The update further includes a number of adjustments designed to improve device reliability and reduce instances of crashing and freezing.

– Enhanced security: Lastly, the release includes December’s security patches – rest easy knowing your device is protected against the latest Android security threats.

Be sure to also keep an eye out for coming updates to BlackBerry’s Android apps: Blackberry Keyboard, Blackberry Hub, Blackberry Camera, and DTEK by BlackBerry. The latest version of each will be available through the Google Play Store on December 14. The improvements include:

– Camera: Now supports 16:9 photos
– Keyboard: Increased language support and emojis added to predictive typing

– Hub & Contacts: Now includes WhatsApp

– DTEK by BlackBerry: More notification options to alert you when apps use your info

When the update becomes available for your PRIV, applying it is both free and easy to do:”

Now this is a good reason to buy this phone. Hopefully BlackBerry will continue this rapid firmware deployment with security patches and bug quasi and adding new features too. 

Source – BlackBerry

How much would you pay for Prime Air 30 min delivery?

Amazon, Tech News, ,

Amazon have released a video featuring Jeremy Clarkson describing how Prime Air now works (or when or if approved).

It is worth having a look at how Amazon complete the 30 min delivery service from order to drop off as it seems they have thought of all the options, apart from Americans using their guns and shooting the drone out of the sky!

So what do you think? And how much would you pay for Prime Air 30 min delivery service? Personally if I was desperate for something, then up to £10. Would you?