Google has launched in the Play Store, Cloud Print.
With this app you can print from any compatible Android device to any Google Cloud Print connected printer
* Share a picture or a document from apps like Gallery directly to Cloud Print
* Track the status of your print jobs
Just amazing to think most Apple devices have this baked into the operating system already.
On the 15th May 2013, I copied a response from ASA the regarding my complaint around the lack of memory on the Samsung Galaxy S4 16gb version versus that being advertised. Since this article, the Samsung S4 has featured on BBC Watchdog. In addition, Samsung has released a software update that allows for apps to be moved to the micro SD card. BUT, this is a step forward, but not a perfect solution. Any apps on the SD card won’t be able to have their widget working on the homescreen. Also, moving the app or game to the micro SD card only moves the app not the game data. With large games, game data can easily be in excess of 2gb.
Anyway, following my email, and the ASA response, I had thought the matter was closed. That was until yesterday when I received a letter out of the blue.
Photo of letter below.
So what caused this letter? I wonder if the ASA has received more complaints and has had to reopen the case? It does seem odd whatever the reason? Clearly many people are not happy with their 16gb S4’s.
And Samsung, where are the promised 32gb and 64gb versions?
A few months back, Samsung released the Galaxy S4. Then it announced other derivatives of the S4, from the S4 Active, Zoom and Mini. By the time this post goes to print, there will probably be another 3 or 4 new Samsungs.
And that’s the problem.
I ask myself why didn’t Samsung forget the original S4 and just launch it in the Active format, but with 32gb internal memory and the 16gb camera. Instead it launches the Active with only 8gb internal memory. And we all know the issues around lack of internal memory. And then the Active only has a 8mp camera vs the S4 with a 16gb camera. The S4 should have been released in 32 or 64gb versions only. Then the lack of internal memory would not have been a problem. Then you have the S4 Mini. This has lower specs from the processor, screen and internal memory. Even the camera is a downgrade. Why couldn’t Samsung release the S4 Mini with the same power and specs as the full size 5 inch S4. Now I won’t talk about the new Galaxy Mega or the S4 Standard. Yes they both exist. Confused by all the models? And this is not all the new models Samsung has just released. There is also the Galaxy Ace 3 and more.
And you know, if you look at every single new phone by Samsung, they all have been compromised. Why can’t Samsung release 4 phones that cater for 4 different sizes/segments but all with proper specifications!
And in case you need to see how many devices Samsung has look at the photo below.
Samsung has announced the S4 Zoom. It is a fully featured Android 4.2.2 Galaxy phone (in reality a Galaxy S4 Mini) with a 16MP camera, a 10x optical zoom, 4.3-inch qHD display, 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD slot) and a 1.9MP front facing camera. The camera includes optical image stabilization and a Xenon flash, along with a Zoom Ring that surrounds the camera, and when twisted launches in-call photo sharing, or goes straight to other camera modes. Extra software features are also on hand to advantage of the combo device’s capabilities including Photo Suggest that shows great pics taken by others in the area, Smart Mode auto settings and more.
So what you have is a camera with a phone attached, both aspects slightly lacking top specification. The phone is nothing like the specs of the S4, and the camera also falls short of Samsung’s digital compact cameras. However, I do expect this to he the start of a new trend of camera phones.
So would you buy one?
Watching Apple’s Keynote I learned that Apple was adding hardware controller support . A slide (pictured above) indicated that the iOS 7 SDK would support MFi game controllers, a reference to Apple’s licensing program for third-party hardware add-ons. By adding support for controllers directly into the SDK, Apple is sidestepping the biggest problem that has plagued third-party controller makers up to this point: the need for game developers to write software that specifically targets their hardware. Now, in iOS 7, Apple is providing some kind of consistent interface that all developers will be able to target. Write once, run everywhere. That is, as long as the hardware conforms to Apple’s standard.
The next question is how much extra cost will this add to game controllers.
As a comparison I ordered the Moga Pro Controller for my HTC One. This was just under £40. What would be great is if companies can make controllers for the iPhone at the same price. This then leads on to the next question, that with a controller and airplay mirroring, who needs a Xbox or PS4?
Good news and pretty much on cue, if you have a HTC One unlocked and unbranded get ready for a over the air update for android 4.2.2.
Lots of new features too including improved Blinkfeed, more video highlight options and new options for the home button. The home button can be configured for menu, google now and recent apps. A number of bugs are fixed too.
The update is due to arrive from Friday onwards at the earliest.
Over a week ago I received the Pebble Watch in black. It is currently only available from Pebble directly, so if you live in the UK, custom charges will get added to the overall cost.
First some key facts about the Pebble Watch.
– Battery life is quoted at 7 days plus. I got 6 days on my first run. I suppose it depends how often you use it, but it certainly doesn’t need constant charging. A USB cable magnetically clips on to the side of the watch and then charges off a USB port.
– Watch faces are changeable and the display remains on all the time. In direct sunlight you will still be able to read the screen with ease. There are hundreds of different watch faces.
– The Pebble watch is waterproof to 5 ATM. So you can go swimming, wash dishes etc. The screen is also covered with a scratch resistant coating. The watch strap is a standard 22mm size, so is easy replaceable or changeable to something of your own choice.
– It has a backlight for night viewing. This can be activated by movement.
Setting up is a simple affair. Download the app from either the Google Play Store or Apple AppStore. Yes, it works both on android and Apple iPhones. I used the Pebble with my HTC One but it will work with the iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5 or any iPod Touch with iOS 5 or iOS 6. (iOS 5 and iPhone 3GS have restricted feature sets). Android devices running OS 2.3 and up. Works great with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)!The Pebble app interface looks as follows :
You simply turn on Bluetooth, and activate accessibility settings, pair and voila. Next you can select what type of notifications you would like to receive. With android, there is a third party app Pebble Notifier that allows you to add any app. See screenshot.
Some of the basic notifications available are –
– Incoming Caller ID
– Email (Gmail or any IMAP email account)
– SMS on both Android and iPhones
– iMessage (iOS only)
– Calendar Alerts
– Facebook Messages
– Twitter
– Weather Alerts
– Silent vibrating alarm and timer
Some of the more interesting uses is letting the Pebble watch access the phone’s GPS. This allows the watch to show your running speed, track, or show information while golfing.
So what’s the impact on your phones battery life. I would say about 5%.
So what’s it like to use? Well it’s been rather good in some ways and not so in others. The negative is the look of the watch. It is not sleek and elegant, but maybe some will like a more bulky fit. Here it is on my wrist.
The positive aspects are being able to browse at notifications on your watch and then decide which ones are worth responding too. You cannot respond from the watch, just view. In the car, or out and about being able to control my music was excellent. Pause, play, next or last track. I was surprised how useful I found this. Also in the hot sunny days, it has been a breeze reading the notifications as the Pebble screen loves sunlight. Other wow moments were playing an action game full screen, when suddenly you hear a text bleep. Instead of quitting the game, I just glanced at the watch and could then decide if that person was important enough to respond.
I have found it simple to use and I overall a fascinating experience. However, it is not something I would normally have bought, it was more curiosity that made me purchase it.
Samsung’s wireless charging kit for the S4 is one option that is now available in the US. It uses the Qi wireless charging standard, so if you already have a Qi charger, all you’ll need to do is grab the backplate for $39.99. Otherwise, you can also snag the charging pad for $49.99.
$90 for wireless charging is expensive, especially as some phones have it built in as standard and a spare plug to charge the phone is only a few dollars.
Update – its now in the UK via MobileFun for £40.
Siri will be a standard option in 2014 BMWs thanks to an update to BMW iDrive, the car maker’s integrated mobile interface.
The update will enable BMWs to interact with not only Apple’s Siri in Eyes Free mode, but also Samsung’s S-Voice Drive mode. Users will be able to press a button on the steering wheel and, once the digital assistant has activated, dictate messages, send calls, and use other voice command options. BMW’s system is also compatible with apps like Pandora, Stitcher, Rhapsody, and Glymps.
But it’s useless as it can’t iron my shirts or make my tea.
I received at the weekend the KLD Oscar II book case for my HTC One.
And it’s a great case for the HTC One. Firstly, the inside of the phone tray is lined with soft material so as to not scratch the phone. The case also allows one credit card to be held in the inside flap. The flap is not magnetic but it does close shut. It also has slits on the front flap to allow the speakers to emit their sound freely. The rear has a hole for the additional microphone as shown in the photo, as well as the camera.
The front and rear are made of a fake leather, and has a slight cushion effect. It early days, so I can’t provide any feedback on durability but I do like it.
I bought this via eBay .
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 