Category Archives: Apple

Are we too obsessed with smartphone cameras? And what should be the prime objective?

Android, Apple, Tech News, Windows

Below are some photos I’ve taken over the years with a number of different phones. I’ve tried to keep the subject matter similar where possible.

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The shot above was taken using the iPhone 4. Yes iPhone 4!

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So same church but this is using the crappy camera in the HTC Hero. However, still perfectly acceptable. Below is a shot from the iPhone 5.

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The above shot was using the HTC HD2. An old classic but it still took great photos.

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Now the above shot is at the same place, just in the middle of thick haunted fog. You could hardly see anything that day. But I really liked the shot from the ancient iPhone 3GS.

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So let’s take a few current phones. The above is from the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom. The S5 would have taken a similar shot to that shown below from the LG G3.

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I could continue with samples from so many different smartphone cameras but my point is this, regardless of how good or poor their camera sensors were they all captured the memory. If you want DSLR quality go and buy one so you can pixel peep to your hearts content.

If there was one prime objective when deciding on which phone to buy, make sure it’s the one that can take the shot easily and fast. A memory doesn’t exist if you did not take the photo in time. That’s why iPhones are great. Quick to open the camera app and quick to snap the shot. The HTC One M8 and LG G3 are equally as impressive. And in all honesty smartphone sensors are tiny so miracles won’t ever happen.

If you happen to expand your horizons down the DSLR or similar route you will be surprised at just what you can do with a proper camera. I recently acquired an ultra wide 10-20mm camera lens. It takes photos like I’ve never seen before! Sample shot below-
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So have a good weekend everyone. And happy shooting 🙂

Do specs matter – In particular processors?

Android, Apple, Tech News, Windows,

You looking at your 2 year old smartphone and wondering why should you buy the newer model. It claims to have a new snapdragon 801, or 800 or if you’re lucky the snapdragon 805, bigger battery, better screen and high mega pixel camera and so on.

But do these improved specs matter? Depending on what and how you use your phone, they may make no difference whatsoever. But a more powerful processor can make a world of difference depending on your smartphone usage.

Newer processor aren’t all about being more powerful unless you’re into gaming. They have many other benefits too. Battery consumption generally improves as the newer processors can handle more tasks more efficiently and also run at a lower clock speed for more mundane activities.

But another aspect of more powerful processors on board relate to improved camera prowess. Historically cameras are all about decent optics with big bulky lenses, pixel size and speed. This is still true for now, but as technology improves processors can start to remove the need for complex optics since brute computing power undertaking at lightning speeds will be able to produce similar results without the bulk. So a snapdragon 800 processor will not be able to offer the same camera trickery as the newer snapdragon 805. So it photography is your thing , then this may be worth noting. Obviously, well written camera firmware and software is another vital part.

However, if photos are merely uploaded to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or anything similar, then a cheap Moto E phone will suffice and all internal specs will be irrelevant to you.

So do you worry about the specs?

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

Android, Apple, Reviews, 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 21, is now live for your listening pleasure.

This is a much shorter but more costly production via satellite phone.

Apple to launch its iWatch next month – apparently makes the Moto 360 seem ugly

Apple, Tech News

According to journalist John Gruber –

“It looks like Motorola’s designers tried to draw as much attention as they could to the 360’s stupid flat-tire display shape. The only way this could get funnier would be if it doesn’t even ship until after Apple announces their wrist wearable thing next month.”

IF there is any truth in this statement by John Gruber, then it could be another situation where Apple launches a new product and whilst not first to market, is the first to get it right!

Be careful – Google Play Music device limits changed

Android, Apple, Tech News

If you use Google Play Music you can have up to 10 devices authorised. But the bad news is that in a 12 month period you can only de authorise 4 devices.

And a word of warning – Every time you perform a factory reset or flash a firmware that counts as another device being authorised so you can see it is easy to be requiring to de authorise more than 4 devices in a year.

Top 5 Changes Apple made in iOS 8 Beta 5 and OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 5

Apple, Tech News, ,

Apple updated both its beta programs to release 5.

iOS 8 Beta 5 top 6 changes apart from bug fixes are –

1) Health app – the Health app now collects Spirometry data. The app has gained several new icons, the ability to export Health data, and a “Show When Logged” option to display Medical ID on the lock screen. There are also privacy settings for Health in the Settings app.

2) Photos – Photos now displays a “Last Updated” notification to let users know when images were last synced to iCloud. There’s also an iCloud Photo Settings option to store full resolution photos solely in iCloud while keeping device-optimised versions available on the iPhone to save storage space.

3) SMS Relay – iOS 8 users are getting a popup that asks them to use their phone numbers for SMS Relay on their MacBooks, one of the new Continuity features between OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 and a really cool feature too.

4) WiFi calling – when this is occurring it says the name of the network plus the text Wifi Calling eg Three WiFi Calling

5) There is now an option on the keyboard to turn on predictive text

6) Wallpaper Settings – The Brightness toggle has been removed from the Wallpaper section to the Display & Brightness section of the Settings app that was added in a previous iOS 8 beta.

OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 5 top 5 changes are apart from bug fixes –

1) The redesigned calculator app is more translucent

2) Yosemite’s screen brightness and volume indicators are shown in a more iOS-like HUD interface

3) There’s an option to show the full URL of the page you’re visiting in the address bar, which is hidden in Safari by default

4) Launchpad’s dock icon now shows a little progress bar for downloading apps

5) The System Preferences toolbar got slimmed down in size a fraction

Moga Pro Ace, Pro and Pro Power Game Controllers reviews for iOS and android

Android, Apple, Reviews, ,

I’ve previously reviewed the Moga Pro Ace (iOS) game controller. I am expecting soon the Moga Pro Power (android) game controller and will review this with the original Moga Pro. I will also add the review to this page, which can also be found under the Menu, Reviews, Accessories.

Moga Pro Ace – iOS – Game Controller Review Links

Part 1 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/review-coming-soon/ – with photos

Part 2 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/moga-ace-power-game-controller-for-ios-review/

Part 3 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/moga-ace-power-ios-game-controller-review-update-plus-list-of-games/ – list of games included

Moga Pro and Moga Pro Power (android) Game Controller Review
In this review I am going to compare the android Moga Pro and Moga Pro Power Game Controllers.
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They both come in a bright box, which includes the necessary usb leads, and tablet stand.

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The main difference between the Pro and Pro Power is that the Power has a 2200maH battery which can be used to charge your phone whilst gaming. This is a good idea and will enable you to game for longer.
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You will notice that the Pro Power has an extra port for the usb to micro usb cable to connect so you can charge your phone whilst playing. The Pro Power has orange accents in places over the Pro model.

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Both controllers provide console style comfort and vibrations whilst playing.
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Both have a full set of console-style controls to ensure great gaming, dual clickable analog sticks, L1/R1 shoulder buttons, L2/R2 shoulder triggers and a D-pad.

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The Moga can hold phones up to 82mm in width with its arm or as it connects via bluetooth you can place a tablet or phablet on the supplied stand and use it that way.

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Both controllers work with android 2.3 plus devices. The takeaway from using these controllers are the comfort and positioning of having your phone locked in front of you in landscape. The connection via bluetooth is done using a special mode Moga A or in Moga B Bluetooth HID. This means many games work really well with this using one of the 2 connection options. Also, your phone does not need to be rooted. So for example I have been playing Shadowgun, Need for Speed Most Wanted and game emulators. Super Mario World never looked so good in widescreen on my LG G3.

These controllers are really comfy to use for extended periods and without a doubt I would recommend the Pro Power. I would describe the controller especially the Pro Power as a close feel and look to the Xbox game controller but with play station dual shock triggers. Being able to charge and play is brilliant. There are many variables as to the duration the Pro Power lasts and the time that it can charge another phone. In my time with the Pro Power I am getting about 2.5 hours of time charging my phone. When the Pro Power battery is at 25% it won’t charge your phone anymore. Also the Pro Power is about 60 grams heavier than the Pro at 260 grams. This is actually a blessing since now when a large phone is attached in the arm at an angle, it does not tip backwards when placed on a flat surface. Also the Pro Power arm opens out just a fraction longer than the Pro, providing a secure fitting for devices like the G3 or Note 3.

One last point is there are many moga compatible games. Moga maintain a shop detailing games they have tried. But there are many more on the Google Play Store. In Moga A mode, I found I had to disconnect my LG G Watch but in Moga B mode this had no conflict with the watch.

Out of all Moga’s offerings on android and iOS the Pro Power is the best game controller they manufacture. It transforms game play to a different level and is a must if you play games. From my research Game UK online store have the Pro Power at £33 and the Pro around £24. These seem to be the lowest pricing in the UK at the moment.

Finally, below are two photos with the Pro Power and the LG G3 in the QuickCircle case. One photo with Air Attack HD and the other SuperGnes game emulator playing Super Mario World.

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Apple – the world awaits as the date is set – 9th September 2014 – here comes the new iPhone and more

Apple, Tech News, ,

On the 9th September 2014, Apple is holding a big media event. In fact I reckon it will be fever pitch. The new iPhone or iPhones will be announced. New software too. And one more new thing at least.

In other Apple news, iOS 8 beta 5 got released with more tweaks and bug fixes. Apple’s App Store had the best month ever in July 2014.

Is Apple going to show the world how to operate and create a health app along with slick hardware and software. Perhaps fitness bands or watches. New iPads too. New software integration with macs and iPhones and iPads. It really is about to get red hot in the Apple arena.

Of course, if the products are dull, then Apple will be doomed of course 😉