The new Samsung Galaxy S4 has a newer NFC chipset that cannot read TecTiles. Do not fret as Samsung is releasing a follow up called TecTile 2 which adheres to the official format while supporting the company’s older NFC-equipped phones. The fully modernized tags will be ready shortly. Sometimes it pays not to upgrade since the cost of replacing your accessories to be compatible with your new phone can be excessive.
Category Archives: Android
What can we expect at Google I/O next month?
It won’t be long before Google I/O conference starts.
There has been a number of speculations as to what to expect, from the next iteration of android, to new hardware and a new social gaming centre.
So if Google does release the next iteration of android 5.0, how will this sit with manufacturers who are desperately trying to keep up with all the new software releases. Or will it simply be the announcement of android 4.3.3 with a new feature or two. I think this is more likely, along with the announcement of a social gaming centre. Key Lime Pie will get announced, but won’t be available probably until later on in the year. I suspect this might be as Google probably want to see what Apple does when it releases iOS 7.
I would also expect announcements to the Nexus line of smartphones and tablets. These will get the necessary spec increases from screen, memory and processor.
So apart from the gaming centre, I also envisage more media related announcements too.
It should be an exciting conference, but I do hope Google does try and focus on getting all the manufacturers to upgrade where possible all their hardware to a common level, and as soon as possible.
Google Glasses – Just How Good
So Google Glass has arrived. No ads are allowed on the hardware at present, but ask yourself what are privacy and safety implications of this innovative hardware.
Firstly, you are walking along the road, and are being distracted by your Google Glasses. Next thing you walked into a lamp post, and broken your beloved gadget.
Next, privacy. You are currently not allowed to take photos inside a shopping centre or mall, so what will make Google Glasses any different. I can see many places and companies banning them.
So where on the world could you where these?
And then, how easy will it be for somebody to run up and steal them off your head. Probably a lot easier than your hand. And what if you resist or have them secured around your neck. Your would be thief could end up breaking your neck. And not forgetting that you are advertising you can afford such an expensive gadget, meaning you are bound to have more stuff in your pockets!
Google Glasses are a great idea, I just wonder if we are ready for them yet?
Amazon’s TV Box
Amazon is getting ready to make a huge push into our living rooms. The latest rumours are that Amazon is planning to release a set-top box that will plug into TVs and give users access to Amazon’s expanding video offerings including its a la carte Video on Demand store, which features newer films and TV shows, and its Instant Video service, which is free for subscribers to the Amazon Prime two-day shipping package. In addition to promoting its own services, Amazon will branch up and offer other services from Netflix and Hulu.
This sounds similar to Apple’s TV box. And once this product becomes a reality, this will be another strong piece of Amazon’s armoury in creating an equal Eco system, similar to that of Apple.
The competition better watch out. Amazon is coming!
Samsung Galaxy S4 and the broken promises
I’m going to have a rant, so beware before you read on.
Lets step back, to the Samsung Galaxy Note, Note 2 and S3. Samsung promised all these devices at their respective launches would be available in 16/32/64gb memory configurations plus have the option for expanding the memory with a memory card. Sounds great doesn’t it. Except Samsung never made available in the UK any larger sizes other than 16gb.
Well, surely this would change with the release of the S4. Samsung clearly promoted the device would be available in 16/32/64gb. I had been asking Samsung UK prior to the launch for details on the pricing of the 32/64gb versions, as all you could pre-order was the 16gb.
Now, some of you might be wondering what the fuss is all about, as you can expand the memory with a memory card. Well, not so fast. In the latest version of android, you cannot save apps/games to the memory card, only internal memory. Some of the latest games need 2gb. Some apps run with their databases to 1gb. And a 16gb S4 only provides the user with approximately 9gb free out of the 16gb.
So prior to the launch Samsung UK told me more information would be made available when device launched. Then I asked again yesterday and this was my response from Samsung.
@gavinfabiani we haven’t had any news on this so at the moment we simply don’t know if they will or won’t.
So I investigated further and have discovered Samsung will not be making available anything other than the 16gb version.
So, once again Samsung have lied to us. They are lying to the general public who won’t be aware of the issues of apps and games not being able to be stored on the memory card.
And let’s not forget the lie about the processor. We were all promised the superb new Octa 8 core chip. Most S4’s around the world had an alternative quad core chip, not made by Samsung.
So am I being harsh on Samsung. Nope, if anything I am being gentle. You see lets take the iPhone. Apple announces different memory options, and guess what, they have always been available to purchase.
And just as a side point, Samsung was reported to the advertising watchdog by Note 2 users over its claims the Note 2 was available in 32/64gb, but no devices had been available. No action was taken by the watchdog, since they said that Samsung had now updated its website to state the Note 2 was only available in 16gb. The watchdog then said no further action would be taken now as Samsung’s website was now amended. Actually, what the Note 2 users really wanted was Samsung to make available the larger versions.
And as a last point, I had to return my Note 2 16gb as I ran out of memory for my apps and games.
So in summary, Samsung are full of broken promises. No larger memory configurations have been made available and most people have been short changed with an inferior processor.
Falcon Pro for Android gets updated
Falcon Pro has just gotten an extensive update which brings even more features Twitter users. The update brings the software version to 1.8 and brings new goodies such as:
*Starred Users* Inline Articles preview with offline access (enabled for all Starred Users that you follow)
*Starred Users* Individual notifications (disabled by default)
*Starred Users* Offline access
New translations including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Polish & Norwegian— with more to come
Of course users of the app can also expect even more buttery smooth operation and a sweet, intuitive UI to help navigate the show.
It also features –
* Double Sliding Menu UI like you’ve never seen before
* Beautiful Phone and Tablet UI
* Extra smooth scrolling
* Real Time, Expandable notifications
* Super fast internal browser with Instapaper integration
* Offline favoriting
* Tweet Drafts
* Inline preview of Photos and Videos
* TweetMarker support to use on multiple devices
* In-app preview of Play Store links
* Zoomable pics
* See your most popular tweets
* Fast access to Saved Searches and Lists
* Embedded Youtube player
* Dark & Light themes
* Inline preview for links and articles
* Offline access to your favorite users
* Individual user notifications
The problem with any third party twitter app will be concerns around its longevity. Twitter is slowly taking back control, and to be honest on my HTC One I use either the official twitter app or tweetings.
HTC One – jelly bean update 4.2.2 details
Earlier this week, HTC started releasing a major update for the HTC One with a file size of 230MB. This was firmware 1.29.401.12 . Apart from bug fixes, this update improved the camera and overall performance.
However the HTC has confirmed the HTC One will get Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. This firmware number jumps directly from 1.29.x up to 2.x.
Improvements for this firmware will include a software menu button flashing feed for theTV app, a workaround for apps that still require the Menu button. Currently, the HTC one receives at the bottom of an additional bar with a menu button. In early versions of the software you could adjust the back button as on the One that calls this through a long press on the menu. HTC had to remove this feature but unfortunately. Now this problem will be solved.
In addition, HTC Blinkfeed will have new content and additional enhancements to the TV app.
There will also be a New Quick Settings menu.
All this is good news especially after all the latest review has concluded the HTC One is superior to the Samsung Galaxy S4.
HTC One – Camera Shot of the Week
If there is one reason to buy the HTC One, it is for the camera. It is designed to make sure you never miss a moment. I was taking a photo of Kingsbridge Quay in Devon, when I saw 2 seagulls approaching. To switch from taking a photo of the Quay, to taking 20 burst photos of these seagulls I did nothing other than hold the shutter button down. All 20 photos of the seagulls were in focus capturing them mid flight. None of the photos below have been altered or edited. First up the Quay.
Now a few of the seagulls in flight.
Samsung Galaxy S4 First Impressions
So the S4 has landed. Below are my first impressions of the new phone. I’ve used it in white and black and without a doubt the black mist looked in my opinion a lot better. It also looks very professional and business like. Even though the changes between the S3 may appear minimal the end result is different. The use of plastic has been argued already. It doesn’t matter being honest, since the fit and finish is top class. However if neither offends or pleases. But it doesn’t look like cheap plastic in the black.
The screen is crisp and clear and looks lovely. Who cares whether it’s amoled or something else. It just works. The phone comes with loads of features which I have yet to explore. The camera is excellent but the different modes need to be selected before you take the shot unlike the HTC One which allows you to take the shot first and edit after. The video highlights on the HTC One are not present on the S4. This is a feature I would miss if I had the S4.
The S4 doesn’t have an fm radio despite all the other stuff it includes.
I also managed to crash the Samsung email app just trying to set it up. That wasn’t clever.
It’s early days but so far the plastic finish hasn’t offended me. The screen is superb and then there’s is the manual of features to learn.
Pantech Vega Iron Details
Pantech has launched a 5-inch 1080p 720p phone official, under the film blockbuster name of the Vega Iron. The bezels are small, just 2.4mm across on each side, which is roughly half the width on an iPhone 5. This results in a viewable-to-total area ratio of 75.5 percent, which Pantech claims is a world beater. Other specs include a quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, in-cell LCD display and Gigabit WiFi.
So here we have another decent android device, with a cracking name, but no cracking USP other than thin bezels.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 