Category Archives: Reviews

AKG K845 Bluetooth Headphone review

August 12, 2014Reviews, Tech Newsakg k845bt bluetooth headphone reviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Above is a photo of the AKG K845 bluetooth headphones. These are full size over the ears. Just in the photo you can see the Philips M1BT bluetooth headphones as a size comparison. The review will be live tomorrow for these, plus on Thursday my thoughts on which one is best. To give some perspective, both of these headphones went on sale at £250 and both are What HiFi 5 star award winners.

Anyway, today is all about the AKG K845’s. so let’s cover off the specs-

-Driver 50 mm
-Frequency Response 20-20 kHz
-Maximum Input Power 50 mW
-Input Impedance 32 ohms
-Sensitivity 102 dB SPL/V
-Cable 1.20 m
-Connector 3.5mm jack
-Weight 288 g
-Colour Black
-Battery Playback – 8 hours
-Bluetooth v3.0
-Basic inline controls for volume, calls, music play or pause

The first thing you will notice when you take the K845’s out of the box, is how large they are. But they do have 50mm drivers and protein leather ear cushions which in my listeners test are very comfortable regardless as to how long you use them. Apart from Bluetooth, NFC is present to help pair them, although I never once used this feature. It was simply easier to pair the old fashioned way. The headphones do fold flat to help with portability, but they do not compact down any further. The headphones are a closed back design with an emphasis on bass. Note these are not bass heavy sounding cans, more studio like sounding with that sudden rumble when the music includes the bass. I will come back to the sound in a minute.

If you cannot work out which side is left or right AKG have you covered as shown above. A simple idea that works. The AKG K845’s can be used via bluetooth but once the battery goes flat you can connect the included 3.5mm audio cable. In the box the only other item included is a usb cable for charging. There is no pouch or protective case. If you buy the Sennheiser Momentums these come is a hard case, ideal if you travel a lot.

So lets get the key stuff out of the way first. These headphones do not have the high quality codec APT-X. For some people this will mean excluding these from any short list. Let me say this just once. DON’T. The AKG K845’s do not have APT-X yet will wipe the floor with every headphone I have listened to so far that does have the APT-X codec, at lower, same and high price points. The AKG’s wiped the floor with the Sennheiser Momentums in terms of sound quality. The Momentums are far more stylish and practical as more compact and come with a hard travel case.

In terms of bluetooth functionality, the K845’s only come with v3. That means no bluetooth battery icon on your phone’s status bar. Another disappointment is the lack of bluetooth controls. You only have volume up/down and music play/pause. There is no previous or next track options. You can obviously take a call on these headphones, and the voice aspect is satisfactory.

I mentioned at the start that the sound is gear towards a studio quality with a slight bass slant. And that is exactly how I would describe them. High quality sound, precise, non coloured with some oomph as the track requires. The bass is discreet. These don’t pump bass out but when the bass is present it is a joy. It is authoritative, precise and accurate and a joy. I have owned the K551 which are bass neutral. I so much prefer the K845 sound. And here is the stickler. Amazon had the Sennheiser Momentums Over the Ears on offer, so I bought a pair of these wired cans expecting them to white wash the AKG’s but to my surprise this did not happen. The K845’s in bluetooth or wired mode just obliterated the Sennheisers.

The K845’s can rock out at high volumes. Classical, jazz, rock, blues, pop and dance all sound amazing. For a pair of closed headphones, the soundstage is wide. The mid and treble are precise and inspiring at times.
The detail these headphones can produce is fantastic. Truly a surprise. And they have speed, so rock tracks excel.

So in summary, they are comfortable, massive (so you might look odd walking on the streets with these), lack all the whizz bang bluetooth specs but sound excellent. A studio quality sound, precise, detailed, wide soundstage and with some enhanced bass, often at the sub level, but never in your face.

If you want to check out some of my other headphone reviews click here https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/reviews-accessories/ . If you have any questions, please ask. I have used a vast number of cans.

LG G3 – review – one month later

August 11, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech Newslg g3, one month later, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Stop, wait a minute I have owned the LG G3 for more than 2 weeks. In fact it’s just over 4 weeks now which is vintage in my life span for a phone. In fact, I can see myself owning the G3 for a while longer.

So what are my reasons for liking the G3 so much. A short answer is that it is really lovely to use. Here are my key takeaways –

1) Screen – yes it’s a 2.5K screen and who cares really. What matters is that the screen takes up nearly 80% of the front. Being all screen is a huge wow factor. First comments from friends are “that’s a real beast of a phone “. Having such a decent screen is a joy to use. To browse the internet. To admire my photos and edit them easily. YouTube now plays videos at the G3 screen resolution.

2) Gaming – guess what having such an all screen phone with tiny bezels makes it even more enjoyable to immerse oneself into all games. Attached to my Moga Pro Power game controller and it is a match made in heaven.

3) Double Tap/Tap to Lock or Unlock – double tapping to turn on or off just works. It really should be mandatory on all large phones. Or phones without a physical home button. The tap lock code feature is also neat and just works.

4) Rear hardware buttons – now that I’ve been using the G3 a month, there is no way I would want a phone without buttons on the rear. It really is simple to use. Firing up the camera from the off position is as simple as pressing and holding the volume down key.

5) LG QuickRemote software – it has a DVD Eject button as standard. Sounds simple but check your DVD hardware remote. It probably won’t have an eject button. Other manufacturers infra red software that I’ve used from HTC and Samsung do not have this option. LG is the first to have as this button as standard. Useful for me as my DVD eject button no longer works.

6) QSlide apps. Again a better implementation than others as not only can these be resized but you can also adjust the transparency. I just wished there was more apps to select.

7) LG’s multi screen mode is neatly integrated too.

8) LG software and launcher – there is everything to love about what LG has implemented. Customisable if you so wish from the icons, themes and even keyboard.

9) The built in keyboard is one of the best I’ve used. Adjustable height but more importantly accurate and fast.

10) Good quality sound via headphones and acceptable clean sound via the loudspeaker.

11) Camera. As easy as abc and takes good shots in most conditions rather than good shots only is bright sunlight. It is also fast and a pleasure to use.

12) LG Accessories. LG offer a number of cases and accessories for the G3 and they are all excellent. The LG Qi wireless charging stand is simple. At night I rest my G3 on the stand and by morning it is always showing battery at 100%. It just works. If I compare this to the official Samsung S5 implementation, the S5 qi cover and charging was a total nightmare and not worth the effort. The QuickCircle case is one of the coolest cases I’ve used in a long time. It just works really well for example – if you press down the volume down key to launch the camera, the camera fires up and you look through the circle and tap to focus and take shot. Simple and just works. Then there is the Slim Guard cover. This like the a QuickCircle case replaces the rear battery cover and provides a more rugged finish with a rubber outer edge.

13) Profile – make no mistakes the G3 is big. But it feels so small in the hand. And comfortable. Rear buttons. Double tap. And more make this big phone the easiest to use out of any on the market at the moment.

And a feature that surely should be optional on all android phones

14) Customisable menu buttons. From 3, 4 or 5 menu options and in any order you prefer, from home, back, recent items, multi window , quick memo, QSlide apps and notification panel.

15) Other features from the health app, smart notice and so much more I could continue for a lot longer.

So in summary, LG wanted to create a simple device. In practice it can be that phone but also tweaked to perfection.

Any questions , please ask away.

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

August 10, 2014Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Wearables, Windowsepisode 21, gav & dave's tech podcastGavin Fabiani-Laymond

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.

LG G Watch – corrosion conclusion – review – the unanswered questions

August 9, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech News, Wearablescorrosion finale update, LG G Watch, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

5 days ago I posted an article explaining that Google support had given me a time sensitive deal which would only be valid for 24 hours to accept a replacement LG G Watch.

I challenged this with a simple request. Would the replacement be of a different design? and or would there be any reason to expect corrosion with a replacement. I really liked the G Watch. But all I wanted was some form of conclusion and confirmation by Google.

So how did this get resolved by Google. A RMA for a refund has been processed. No explanation has been provided. So it could be that the specialist support team knew nothing, knew everything but could not confirm either way or knew the watch would corrode again after the OTA update to fix the charging pins being active whilst off the cradle.

What is odd about the LG G Watch OTA update which is suppose to stop the charging pins being active when not on the cradle, is the Samsung Gear Live watch is about to receive the exact same firmware update OTA and yet it does not have the same issues.

Whatever the reason or reasons for the corrosion, these will remain unanswered for now.

Update – official internal document from LG. Shame Google support knew nothing about this –

LG G3 – 15 Part Review Summary

August 9, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech News15 part review, lg g3, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

To help find all the posts relating to the LG G3 review, I have collated them below –

Part 1 – Review Part 1 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/lg-g3-review-part-1/

Part 2 – Camera Samples – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/lg-g3-sample-photos/

Part 3 – LG G3 Premium Hard Case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-premium-hard-case-in-tan-review/

Part 4 – Review Part 2 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-review-part-2/

Part 5 – LG G3 Firmware update – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-first-firmware-update-now-coming-ota-full-change-log/

Part 6 – Review Part 3 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/lg-g3-review-part-3/

Part 7 – Review Part 4 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/24/lg-g3-review-part-4/

Part 8 – Game for the LG G3 QuickCircle case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/lg-announces-a-game-for-the-lg-g3-quickcircle-case/

Part 9 – Review Part 5 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/lg-g3-review-part-5/

Part 10 – More Photo Samples – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/26/some-more-photos-from-the-lg-g3/

Part 11 – Action Shots – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/lg-g3-high-speed-camera-action-shots/

Part 12 – LG G3 vs Sony DSLR macro shootout – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/lg-g3-vs-sony-dslr-macro-shoutout-which-photo-came-from-which-device/

Part 13 – LG G3 Health – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/lg-g3-review-lg-health/

Part 14 – LG QuickCircle case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/lg-quickcircle-cover-case-for-the-lg-g3-review/

Part 15 – LG WCD-100 – Qi Wireless Charger review – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/lg-wcd-100-review-lgs-g3-qi-wireless-charger/

And more posts to follow over the course of the following weeks.

LG G Watch – corrosion update – review

August 7, 2014Android, Reviews, Wearablescorrosion, LG G Watch, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

After a week of emails and a few conversations I have finally received an email back from Google Play support. The email gave me a 24 hour time sensitive offer to accept a free replacement LG G Watch. I wouldn’t need to pay for postage to return old phone and also I would receive the new watch before sending back the corroded one.

Sounds fair? Not really as the question I asked was whether there was any change in design or anything else that would stop this from happening with a replacement. This question was completely ignored.

So another call to Google support and with a response time of 24-48 hours indicated.

To be continued.

Update. The watch just received a firmware update to 4.4w. Build kmv78y. This is meant to be an update that stops the pins corroding somehow. Yet Google new nothing of this update and this was a specialist support person.

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

August 7, 2014Android, Apple, ReviewsMoga Pro Ace review, Moga Pro Power review, Moga Pro reviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

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.

They both come in a bright box, which includes the necessary usb leads, and tablet stand.

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.

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.

Both controllers provide console style comfort and vibrations whilst playing.

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.

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.

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.

LG QuickCircle Cover Case for the LG G3 – review

August 6, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech NewsLG g3 review, LG Quickcircle Cover case reviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

I have already reviewed the official LG Premium Hard case in Tan https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-premium-hard-case-in-tan-review/ for the LG G3, but now lets have a look at the QuickCircle case.

First be careful when you order this case. There are different versions. First make sure you get the version for the G3 D855 and not the G3 F400. The F400 is the Korean model which has different positioning for the Qi charging pins and a cutout for the TV antenna.

The version I am reviewing actually replaces the back cover and has the Qi charging pins. This is the better version as it offers the slimmest design as the G3 back cover is removed before fitting this case.

First up this case fits like a glove, is slightly larger than without a case, but is also super cool. With a range of clocks which look smashing through the circular cutout, you also get access to the notifications icons. Sliding across the clock reveals the apps chosen to be displayed. So you can take a photo which is full screen unlike the Note 3. The “circle” is activated by either pressing the rear power button or double tapping in the “circle” area. You can double tap to turn off too.

All the clock faces look classy.

The rear of the case looks nearly identical to the original back cover.

The only difference is on the top and bottom edges.

In terms of operation, it is very easy to use and offers a cool factor too. You can take a call with the cover closed and you can still see the notification led. This case works fine with the LG Qi Wireless charger. There is even a game for the QuickCircle window and other apps are arriving all the time.

So far this in my favourite case for the LG G3. I still have the Slim Guard case to review.

Nokia Lumia 930 review

August 5, 2014Reviews, WindowsNokia Lumia 930, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Jon Love from Clove Technology has written a superb review of the Nokia Lumia 930.

“The best Windows Phone right now.”

“Nokia_Lumia_930_Hands_OnbIt has been some time since I have extensively used a Windows Phone device. I tried and failed to fall in love with the OS because whilst appealing, it lacked much of what I wanted or what I had already.

I am still an avid Android user at heart, sold into the Google ecosystem, but change is good and Nokia or should I say Microsoft have made a big play of the Lumia 930 and what Windows Phone 8.1 has to offer.

Many Windows Phone users have very positive experiences and only good things to say and what can not ever be knocked is the statements that Nokia make with their hardware.

The Lumia 920 burst onto the scene quite some time ago, the 925 and many others have arrived with only the 1020 and 1520 perhaps getting the attention they deserved. The 930 looks set to make a similar impact that the 920. So what is my opinion on it? Read on to find out.”

More at http://blog.clove.co.uk/2014/08/04/nokia-lumia-930-review/ . Well worth a read.

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

August 5, 2014Android, Apple, ReviewsMoga Pro, Moga Pro Ace, Moga Pro Power, ReviewsGavin Fabiani-Laymond

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.

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