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

Google+ new juicy update

Android, Tech News

Google has updated Google+ with some decent new features. It looks like Snapseed is being totally integrated into Google+ and I wonder how long before the app gets pulled completely.

The change log –

-Non-destructive photo editing across devices — Starting today you can start your edits on one device, and continue on another. This means you can backup full-resolution photos from your desktop, edit them in seconds on your phone, then add some finishing touches from your tablet.

-Brand new filters like Drama, HDR Scape and creative editing tools

-The new ‘All’ view displays your entire photo library — whether it’s on your current device, or backed up in the cloud.

-An easy way to browse your photos by date — In addition to search, there’s now another way to find your photos fast. Just swipe through your photos in the ‘All’ view, and look for the scroll bar on the right. Dragging the scroll bar up or down will quickly move you forwards or backwards in time.

Oppo, Nokia and HTC take aim at the Samsung Galaxy S5 – but it’s a dangerous idea

Android, Tech News, , ,

Ever since Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC, Nokia and now Oppo seem to be bashing it with claims from Oppo and HTC that in March they will announce something even better.

And they may have a better made and specced phone and it may be an opportunity to steal some thunder from Samsung but rumour has it Samsung has another phone in the works for a May release that could one up everyone else.

Time will tell but with Samsung launching the S5 in 115 countries on 11th April, I’m sure they are not going to have any issues with not achieving high sales.

Newegg to take on Amazon UK

Tech News

Finally there may be some competition for Amazon.

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Engadget reported that Newegg, one of the busiest online electronics stores in the US is about to open for business in Europe, including the UK.

Newegg expects to start trading at the end of March. The retailer, which is especially well known for its PC and component sales, claims to have 25 million registered users and 8.5 million subscribers to its regular email bulletin.

This is not going to be easy for Newegg to take on Amazon but any competition is healthy.

‘Google Glass haters’ attack San Francisco woman

Android, Tech News, Wearables

The Telegraph reported that in San Francisco a woman has been attacked and robbed for wearing Google Glass in a local bar.

Technology writer Sarah Slocum was showing off the high-tech glasses in a bar called Molotovs in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood on Friday night when two women confronted her and a man ripped the Google Glass off her face.

Google has a problem with Glass.  Legislation is one issue regarding its use in public places and whilst driving but even bigger is its perception.

Somebody wearing Glass says I’m a tech nerd and rich and I can afford to spend £1,500. Please rob me. Or people get nervous they are being recorded.  If Glass becomes totally uncool nobody will buy it.

Question is would you wear Glass? Personally I wouldn’t.

How to measure your heart rate on the Galaxy S4, S3, HTC One, LG G2 or iPhone

Android, Apple, Tech News

Android Beat has a great article about adding a heart rate monitor via an app to your smartphone. The recommended android apps are Runtastic Heart Rate (my favourite) or Instant Heart Rate.

Another reason not to buy the new Samsung Galaxy S5.

If you have an iPhone don’t panic, there are apps that do the same thing as well. A good app is Heart Rate Monitor.

Does Samsung ever learn – Galaxy S5 16gb memory

Android, Tech News

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Above is a screen shot from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.  It comes with 32gb as standard ie. there is no 16gb version. Based on my memory used I could swap to a 16gb S5 and install the same apps.  I would run out of memory.

So why is Samsung offering its new Galaxy S5 in 16gb. Reports from MWC report as much as 7-8gb memory has been used by the operating system.

Now Samsung did mention a 32gb version would be available but only if the networks and major distributors import it into the UK. Based on previous years this seems unlikely.

Really its a bit disappointing that in 2014 we are still being cheated in this manner.

Expectations on your new smartphone

Tech News

I’ve had over the last month different conversations with several people regarding their new phones.

Some have been unsure if they had a faulty camera as the low light quality seemed poor and others unsure if clicks or a certain build finish was correct.

So after some discussion I have come to the conclusion that people are impacted by information overload, too much choice and a mind field of data with which to filter out the utter crap written on the forums and the people posting accurate information.

If you were told this was the only phone for the next 2 years and their was no other choice you would shut up and enjoy it.

Episode 9 Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast is live – Please RT

Android, Apple, Tech News, Wearables, Windows

As you know, I co-host a weekly podcast with David from UKMobileTech called Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast. It is a light hearted tech podcast broadcast bi-weekly. To subscribe click here for iTunes or copy and paste this link into your favourite podcast app.

Episode 9 is now live.

If you get a moment and have enjoyed the podcast, please leave some feedback in iTunes. Thanks.