My Pebble Watch arrived a few days ago and I am just getting used to it. I will provide a review shortly but I am asking first whether there is anything you would like mentioned or need to know. If you respond in the comments or via Twitter, I will endeavour to include the answers in my review.
Google is slowly updating Google Mail on android. I updated to it last night and it looks and feels totally different in a very positive way.
For a start you get the visual letter to the left of the email. This shows you the first letter of the email. If you have been in a conversation the letter icon is split in 2 showing your photo and the letter of the other person.
Next you can swipe to reveal your folder structure. You also get notifications of other Google service updates. Overall the visual and technical improvement is very welcome.
The only feature missing is HTML email signatures.
Yesterday, twitter released Vine on android. It’s available now in the Google Play store.
I’ve downloaded the app, but sadly it won’t let me login with my twitter credentials on my HTC One.
So my current verdict is a fail.
What about yourself? What do you think of the app ?
Update – an update already has occurred but I had same issue. However, deleting and reinstalling app caused it too work. So far so good.
The Acer Liquid S1 has been announced, costing €349 (around $455).
The Acer Liquid S1 features a 5.7-inch screen with 720p resolution and is powered by a Mediatek quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. There’s also 1GB of RAM as well as single and dual-SIM options (with two slots), but no LTE support. There’s 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card) and a 2,400mAh battery, in addition to a pair of back and front-facing cameras.
As they say you get a lower price but have to compromise on specs.
Image – Engadget
Asus has just launched a monster Phablet with a 6 inch 1080p screen complete with stylus. Clearly looking to take on the Samsung Galaxy Note. It is powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 CPU, with 2GB of RAM and a 1080p iPS display. Like the HTC One and many Samsung Galaxy Tabs, the Fonepad Note has front-facing stereo speakers. It’s also packing an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2 front camera.
In terms of connectivity, it tops out out at DC-HSDPA (42Mbps) speeds. On the software side, ASUS is boasting customized pre-loaded apps that take advantage of the bundled stylus.
So what you will likely have is a cheap Note clone. Except its note a Samsung. Would you be interested in this. And is a 6 inch screen too big. As a phone it is but not as a web browser or media device.
HTC are expected to release android 4.2.2 near the end of this month or July and in Q4 android 4.3. One of the biggest gripes was how the HTC One handled the menu settings, but fortunately the latest update to 4.2.2 not only has a way of resolving that but also now allows swiping up to get Google Now.
Other improvements are to Blinkfeed allowing for more options and customisation, a battery percentage and toggles in notification centre for settings, the ability to have an empty dock and Daydream. They are other standard 4.2.2 tweaks and general system improvements. The Video Highlights/Zoe have been improved. New themes include Seaview, Atlantis, Hammerville, Gotham, Boulevard, Boardwalk, Lilyton. And they rock big time. The camera has been optimised even further and so far is snapping better quality shots first time with less fuss.
If you are feeling brave, you can install a custom Android Revolutions over at XDA Developers and have 4.2.2 right now. It is important to carefully follow all the instructions and remember installing this custom rom will void your warranty.
My HTC One is now on 4.2.2 courtesy of this custom rom and its ok so far. Some screen shots below.
Sony Corporation is working with Morgan Stanley and Citigroup on the possible split of electronics and entertainment businesses, according to a report by Bloomberg. Two weeks ago, outspoken investor Daniel Loeb spoke with Sony chief executive officer Kaz Hirai about the proposal, with Sony’s board of directors starting a formal discussion on the idea around a week ago.
Sony’s stock has risen 8.2 percent since the news of Loeb’s proposal was reported. Loeb’s stake in Sony is valued at around $1.1 billion and he believes that splitting off the entertainment division will give the electronics division a chance to focus on becoming profitable.
Sony is facing stiff competition from Apple and Samsung, so maybe this split will help it survive or protect the profitable part of the business, should the electronics fail.
A few days ago I posted details of the HTC One that was going to be available as a pure Google experience. But what if you already have a HTC One?
Well HTC is looking into providing a rom to flash to the pure Google experience should you so desire. Personally, why strip away everything that made the HTC One so good and have a bare bones device.
What would you do?
HTC is riding on a wave at present. The HTC One is selling rapidly, a smaller sized version code named M4 is due soon, the HTC One Nexus has just been announced, and now HTC is planning their Phablet.
This is going to be a killer device. A 5.9 inch screen, Quad Core Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.3Ghz, boomsound with dedicated audio processor, key lime pie not jelly bean, a stylus, biometric finger print scanner and more.
This is clearly aimed at the Samsung Note. Will it be enough though ?
This is my home screen that has stayed on my HTC One this week. Using Nova Launcher with a transparent status bar, MIUI v5 icons and a simple black with wooden dock wallpaper.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 