Category Archives: Apple

Breaking News – Apple and Samsung drop all patents disputes outside of the USA

Android, Apple, Tech News

Apple and Samsung have decided to drop all patent litigation in courts outside of the U.S. The decision ends cases that are open in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Netherlands, the U.K., France, and Italy.

Disputes over intellectual property related to the iPhone and Samsung phones will continue stateside, and neither party has agreed to a licensing arrangement of any kind.

“Apple and Samsung have agreed to drop all litigation between the two companies outside the United States,” the two companies said in a joint statement. “This agreement does not involve any licensing arrangements, and the companies are continuing to pursue the existing cases in U.S. courts.”

This is a huge development and hopefully will lead to better innovation. Ironically, it is now Samsung who is being sued by Microsoft for non payment of patent royalties.

Moga Game Controllers – Reviews for Pro Ace, Pro and Power Pro

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.com/2013/11/23/review-coming-soon/ – with photos

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

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

Moga Pro and Moga Pro Power (android) Game Controller Review – coming soon. If you have any questions on these please ask.

Apple Stores conned out of $309,000

Apple, Tech News,

This story is unbelievable. The con was so simple yet so effective. Well, effective until the guy got caught.

Each Apple Store got conned out of around $7200’s worth of kit using a closed debit card account. Surely that’s not possible but that’s what a 24-year-old fraudster is alleged to have done not once but 42 times – value of con being $309,768!

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the East Tampa resident Sharron Parrish used an absurdly simple method to persuade Apple Store staff to override payment terminals after his transactions were declined …

When a card transaction is declined by a bank, sales clerks have the option of phoning the bank to see whether they will authorize the transaction. If the bank agrees, they issue the clerk with an override code they can tap into the terminal to allow the transaction to go through.

The problem is: the system doesn’t check this code – only the number of digits. This crazily lax-sounding security shouldn’t normally matter, as the clerk should only ever override a declined transaction after speaking with the bank on the phone. But what Parrish did was to pretend to call his bank, then tell the clerk they’d okayed it and asked them to tap in the code – which Parrish simply made up.

Some Apple Store staff refused to do it, and Parrish left other stores without any goods when staff grew suspicious, but on 42 occasions the clerks did as asked and forced the transaction through.

I still cannot believe this was allowed to happen.

Source – 9to5mac.com

Three in Touch WiFi calling app – impressions on both iOS and Android

Android, Apple, Tech News

Yesterday, I posted about the new Three UK inTouch WiFi calling app. Details https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/three-uk-launches-intouch-app-wifi-calling-over-the-internet-links-for-ios-and-android/ with download links for both platforms.

To recap the app does the following –

– Call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi, even where there’s no signal.
– Free App, just download and activate.
– No extra charges. Calls and texts come from your monthly price plan or Pay As You Go credit.
– Make and receive calls using your normal Three number to anyone on any network.

So what is the user experience like. Well I installed the iOS version on my wife’s iPhone 5S and the android version on my LG G3. And it works as advertised. Except, the android version is so much easier to use than the iOS app. And here’s why. I called my wife and she could not work out how to answer the call. Her phone was ringing and there was a message on the lockscreen. So first attempt was a fail. It turns out you have to unlock phone using Touch ID, open the inTouch app and then tap to answer the call. So so cumbersome. So my wife called me on my G3. I just swiped the phone icon to answer. Now thats much simpler.

To make calls over wifi, you have to open the app and dial your contact. I have tried making several calls and every time the caller at the other end said the audio was fine. However, it did sound a bit metallic on my side. You can also send messages over wifi but the messages are confined to within the app and do not integrate in to the standard SMS app. A bit odd was I had a number of text messages showing in the app and I have no idea why or where the app obtained the information.

So now, I can use my phone in all the dead spots inside my home via this app and despite any flaws with the methodology it is definitely going to get a lot of use.

Update – the messages seem to have integrated just fine with the sms LG app.

What if Apple bought Pebble?

Android, Apple, Tech News

I couldn’t sleep last night as I was wondering what would happen if Apple bought Pebble.

Firstly, this move could upset a lot of Pebble owners. Would Apple want to use any of the technology used in the current Pebble watch. Maybe it would be a good move for Apple to obtain some of Pebble’s patents. Or perhaps Apple would buy Pebble and simply close it down to remove a competitor.

Which ever permutation you look at, this acquisition doesn’t look promising. And in all honestly I cannot see Apple ever wanting to make such a purchase.

The problem with all current smartwatches, apart from the LG G Watch in white/gold finish, is they all look butt ugly. Something tells me Apple will make the iWatch stunning and simple too, hence why I cannot see Apple buying Pebble other than to remove a competitor.

So do you think Apple would ever buy Pebble?

Three UK launches inTouch app – wifi calling over the internet – links for iOS and android

Android, Apple, Tech News,

Three UK launches wifi calling app over the internet for iOS and android users.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get a good signal when you’re indoors. So we’ve created Three inTouch, the smart new app that lets you call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi, even if there’s no mobile signal.

You can use your Three number as normal – there’s no messing about with logins or passwords – and all calls and texts come out of your existing monthly price plan or Pay As You Go credit

•Call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi, even where there’s no signal.
•Free App, just download and activate.
•No extra charges. Calls and texts come from your monthly price plan or Pay As You Go credit.
•Make and receive calls using your normal Three number to anyone on any network.

And with the recent introduction of Wi-Fi on the London Underground, you know what this means don’t you? Yep, you’ll be able to make a call whilst on an underground platform. Which is sure to draw attention from fellow commuters!

The simple-to-use Three inTouch app is offered free to all our Contract, SIM and Pay As You Go customers. It’s so easy to activate and use. Just download the Three inTouch app onto your iPhone and you’ll stay connected whenever you have Wi-Fi.

Apple App Store link – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/three-intouch/id895812887?mt=8

Google Play Store link – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hutchison3g.threeintouch

Another blow for BlackBerry

Apple, RIM, Tech News

Ford has announced that it is moving from Blackerry to the iPhone. Even worse for BlackBerry this process will be complete by the end of 2014.

3,300 Ford workers will be given iPhones by the end of 2014 with 6,000 more employees to receive iPhones over the next two years.

To be honest this is not a surprise, as many other companies have started offering the iPhone too.

Source – http://www.bloomberg.com

Super Camera Shootout – Updated – Now with 21 Smartphones

Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Windows, , , , , ,

Not sure about which phone or brand takes the best photos, then have a look at this super sized collection of photos from all the best smartphones and some budget phones as a comparison.

LG G3 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157645618979801/

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644532639249/

HTC One M8 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157643265004874/

Samsung S5 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157643875623354/

Sony Xperia Z2 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/sony-xperia-z2-second-impressions-part-2/

Samsung Note 3 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644034132513/

Samsung S4 Zoom – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039495565/

LG G Flex – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644114354349/

Apple iPhone 5S – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035336913/

LG Nexus 4 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039660933/

Sony Z1 Compact Z1 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644028694521/

Sony Xperia Z1 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039246935/

Sony Z Ultra – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644083052095/

Sony QX100 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035811453/

Sony QX10 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035335185/

HTC One M7 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039700054/

Huawei Ascend P6 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644028833151/

Nokia Lumia 1520 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035105534/

Nokia Lumia 1020 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035516523/

Nokia Lumia 925 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157634991010769/

Nokia Lumia 620 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644083348093/

To see the sets in one indexed page click here – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/ – note only the Sony Xperia Z2 is not shown on Flickr

Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast – Episode 20 is now live – Please RT

Android, Apple, Reviews, RIM, 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 20, is now live for your listening pleasure.

Apple’s Results simplified

Apple, Tech News

Apple announces it’s earnings for the last quarter. The key takeaways were –

Revenue: $37.43bn v $38bn expected

EPS: $1.28 v $1.23 expected

iPhone sales: 35.2m v 35.3m expected – down 18 percent from the prior quarter, but consistent with sales in the months before an anticipated refresh of Apple’s product line.

iPad sales: 13.3m 14-15m expected – Investors are also watching tablet sales, which slumped 16 percent from the prior quarter. That’s also at the low end of wall street’s estimates. In Brazil, Russia, India and China, growth was very high. However, in the US the market is weaker. Apple has now sold 225m iPads.

September quarter revenue: $37-$40bn v $40.4bn expected

September quarter gross margin: 37-38pc v 37.5pc expected

Apple also sold 4.4m Macs and 2.9m iPods in the period. iTunes accounted for $4.5bn of revenue, down from $4.6bn in the last quarter, while accessories sales were $1.2bn, down from $1.4bn.

China – 26% growth above Apple’s own forecasts

Developers have now earned over $20bn through sales of their software on the App Store. Cumulative app downloads have now topped 75bn.

iPhone 5C – Tim Cook revealed on Tuesday that year-over-year growth rates comparing the iPhone 5c to last year’s performance of the iPhone 4S show the greatest growth. That means that the share gains seen by the iPhone 5c outpaced those of the 2014 iPhone 5s vs. 2013 iPhone 5, and also bested the 2014 low-end iPhone 4s vs. 2013 iPhone 4. So the iPhone 5C is a secret slow burning success.

More than 20 million people watched the WWDC keynote in 2014
Earnings per share up 20% y/y, the highest growth rate in 7 quarters
iPhone sales up 55% y/y in Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

Apple has completed 29 acquisitions since the end of FY 2013, 5 since the end of Q2 2014

iTunes billings grew 22% year over year to reach an all-time high

Clearly, Apple’s future success depends on how great it’s upcoming product line is for the key September quarter. With fever pitch starting on the new iPhone and Apple Wearables it could be exciting times ahead.