Category Archives: Tech News

Samsung Galaxy Mega 2 – specs uncovered plus a new unique feature

Android, Tech News

Galaxy Mega2 or model number SM-G750F will be equipped with a 5.99-inch HD (1280×720) Super AMOLED display, a Samsung Exynos 4 (Exynos 4415) SoC with a Quad-core Cortex-A9 CPU clocked at 1.4GHz, Mali-400MP4 GPU with a clock speed of 533MHz, 2GB of RAM, 12-megapixel main camera sensor with Full HD (1920×1080) video recording at 30FPS, and 8GB of internal memory which is user expandable via MicroSD card slot.The Mega2 doesn’t sport a fingerprint scanner neither a heart-rate sensor, but does have WiFi 802.11n support, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 LE / ANT+, GPS, GLONASS, an IR blaster and MicroUSB 2.0 port.

Software-wise, the phablet will come with Android 4.4.4 KitKat and Samsung’s latest Magazine UX, same as on the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Alpha, out of the box. Samsung has bundled many new software features, which are supposed to help the user with one-handed usability. One of these software features in Easy Side Panel, this feature enables on-screen navigation buttons on the right/left side of the display, depending on the primary hand of the user.

So who is waiting for one of these?

Source – Sammobile.com

Nintendo launching its first iOS game for the iPad soon

Android, Tech News, ,

Finally, Pokemon a company owned by Nintendo is bringing a game to iOS and the iPad. It will be a video game based on the Pokémon Trading Cards.

This is quite significant as this is the first time anything from Nintendo will be appearing on iOS and also significant because Nintendo had previously gone on record that they would never release games on iOS.

Let’s hope this is the start of new exciting beginnings.

YouTube Music Key – Google’s new Music service – details

Android, Tech News,

ytube

Via Androidpolice.com

“Google has big plans for both YouTube and Google Play Music. We’ve heard a lot about YouTube’s potential subscription music playback service, background audio, and offline playback, and there’s been much speculation about what such an arrangement would mean for Play Music All Access. YouTube is set to launch a service called YouTube Music Key, and Google is set to rebrand Google Play Music All Access to Google Play Music Key. This Is YouTube Music Key, Google’s Upcoming Subscription Service With Offline Support, Background Audio, No Ads, Free Play Music Key ”

So explaining this a bit further, YouTube Music Key would feature offline playback even when an internet connection is not present. The audio-only mode is offline playback that allows keep using YouTube Music Key when using another app or when the display is turned off. As expected, this paid music streaming service would be free of advertisements. Ads would no longer appear across a subscriber’s phone, tablet, computer, or television.

In terms of cost, it will be $9.99 like the current Play Music All Access. YouTube Music Key’s price will also include the new Play Music Key. Current subscribers of Google’s music streaming service would automatically be moved into the new services.

So does this sound better than your existing streaming service?

Has Apple redesigned the USB connector and made it reversible?

Apple, Tech News

cable

Apple leaker Sonny Dickson is claiming that Apple’s new Lightning cables could get reversible on both ends.

The next standard for USB has reversible cables in mind, but Apple’s new cables instead of having pins that take up roughly half of the connector’s mouth, the new cables appear to have a thinner layer of pins that floats in the centre of the connector. If this is true this is a rather neat modification.

Amazon Fire Phone receives firmware update bring new features

Amazon, Tech News

Amazon’s Fire Smartphone has received a new firmware which adds new features along with bug fixes. This brings the Fire OS version number to 3.5.1 (111009920). The changes are as follows –

-Quick Switch – With a double-press on the home button, Quick Switch allows you to easily alternate between or shut down running apps and tasks.

-App Grid Collections – Create folders of apps or content right on the app grid.

-Carousel Pinning – Pin your favourite apps to the front of the home carousel.

-11 Frame Lenticular Photos – Create Lenticular photos using 11 still images instead of 3.

-Enhanced Carousel E-mail – Delete e-mails directly from the home screen.

-Improved Video Sharing – Share high-resolution videos via MMS or e-mail.

-Improved Battery Life – Dozens of system updates for enhanced battery performance.

Concrete information on the Moto 360 Smartwatch – Price and Specs

Android, Tech News, Wearables, ,

Courtesy of an accidental release by Bestbuy.com, concrete information on the Moto 360 has been released.
motobestbuy

The price will be $249 with the following specs –

– Compatible with most devices with an Android 4.3 or later operating system
– Bluetooth 4.0 technology – Enables wireless syncing to select devices for hassle-free connectivity.
– Voice activated -Allows you to use spoken commands to operate the smart watch via the built-in microphone.
– Vibration alert – Discreetly notifies you of important events.
– 1.5″ backlit LCD touch screen -With 320 x 290 resolution and 205 ppi makes it easy to navigate features and provides easy-to-read visuals. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 construction offers durability, and the adjustable brightness allows custom use.
– Built-in optical heart rate monitor – Helps you achieve or stay within your ideal heart rate range.
– Built-in pedometer – Measures the number of steps taken, so you can easily monitor your fitness progress throughout the day.
– Digital watch interface – Provides crisp, clear readouts of the time and date. Built-in alarm and calendar features help you stay on schedule.
– Waterproof up to 3.3′ for up to 30 minutes – So you can safely wear the watch while swimming or engaging in other aquatic activities.
– Stainless-steel case and plastic case back
– Offer durability. The adjustable-length Horween leather band and metal buckle closure deliver a secure, comfortable fit.
– Built-in lithium-ion battery pack – Provides long-lasting operation. The battery-strength indicator lets you know when the battery needs to be powered via the included dock and charger.
-Texas Instruments processor- Helps ensure fast, efficient performance.
– WiFi Wireless N Connectivity

And there you have it. So whose interested. And what’s with the Wifi Wireless N included. This seems a little odd. Clearly there are still some more specs to be revealed!

Why I won’t buy another android phone unless it has 32gb internal storage

Android, Apple, Tech News

Google and it’s latest version of software KitKat changed how external micro sd card can be used.

What does this mean? External micro sd cards can really only be used for your music, photos, films and documents so long as the app has been updated properly. There was a lot of negative noise about this change but I believe it is for the best. Delete an app, and it also deletes all it’s contents on its dedicated folders both in internal and external storage. It also provides better security as an app can only read content from its own folders.

Anyway, I currently have the LG G3 with 32gb storage/3gb ram and with a 64gb micro sd card. That will soon be a 128gb card giving me 160gb storage.

But the key is the internal memory. This is needed for installing apps and in some cases the apps databases which might only work on the internal storage. It’s worth remembering that if you buy a phone with 16gb storage it will only have somewhere between 8-11gb free. From memory my 32gb G3 had about 25gb free. One of my previous devices was a Samsung Note 3. This had about 24gb free. And boy what a difference it makes having this amount of space free with the added expansion of the micro sd card.

So having a large amount of storage is a wonderful feeling. You’re find me dancing in the streets so happy I’ve got all the free storage. Well figuratively speaking 🙂

Yesterday, I had some spare time, so I looked at my Google Play wish list of apps, games and media. After a few hours I had downloaded several decent games and mapping software. All in all with the size of the games, apps and their respective databases I needed about 2gb. The mapping software in particular was a significant download for the offline terrain maps of Dartmoor. So I checked after installing everything and my storage stats showed I had used 16gb for apps and games with another 4gb for the caches. If I hadn’t had the extra storage provided by a 32gb device there is no way in a million years I could have the current software setup.

My LG G3 key software setup comprises gps and mapping, weather and weather station management, home automation, gaming and game controllers, camera and advanced photo editing, social networking, office and office documents, shopping services, health and fitness devices and tracking and web browsing and news gathering. There are a few other smaller functions like using the G3 as my infra red remote control for my TV etc… But with all this functionality is the need for storage.

So I have vowed never to buy an android phone unless it’s 32gb with micro sd card expansion. I actually now realise that a 64gb iPhone 6 would not allow me enough space to manage my phone requirements, hence why it’s not on my current short list. And if Apple realise a 128gb iPhone it will just be too expensive.

Adobe Photoshop Express – brilliant app but I’ve rated it 1 star

Android, Tech News,

On the Google Play store is Adobe Photoshop Express. It’s a free app with in app purchases. And the built in photo editing features and filters are excellent.

But I’ve rated it 1 star. Why? None of the premium in app features will work unless you’re connected to the internet. What a joke. Even more disgraceful is that Adobe offer no warning in the app description. 

If the app is updated to change this policy then I will rate it 5 stars.

I discovered this by accident. Last night I was in the Indian takeaway waiting for my feast and decided to edit some of my photos. But I couldn’t use any of the premium features which I needed so aborted my plans.

Not only that there is no way to easily contact Adobe support. A big fail in my book. However, I did get a useless response from @adobecare , their support account. “@AdobeCare: @gavinfabiani Hi, the app needs internet access to connect to Adobe Revel accounts & updates. Not sure when an update will be out ^SV” – Adobe completely avoided my question.

Other examples could be you’re in a dead zone in the UK or on holiday sitting by the pool. You won’t be able to apply any premium filters or features that you’ve paid big money.

And if you look at the reviews on the Play Store I’m not alone feeling aggravated by this stupid control freakery.

The app is available on iOS and Windows Phone too so I would check to see if it has the same restrictions.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – Bill Gates, Jeff Bezo and Tim Cook

Tech News, ,

ALS, or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge involves a famous person throwing a bucket of ice water over their head and nominating 3 people who have 24 hours to accept and complete the task. They then have to nominate 3 more people. If they don’t accept the challenge then you have to donate to the cause. Or do both.

Anyway, Bill Gates being Bill Gates engineered his own rig. And below are the videos with Jeff Bezo up first. Jeff had a few crazy initial suggestions for his 3 nominations. The last video is Tim Cook pouring a bucket of ice water over his head.

As crazy an idea this ice bucket is, it has raised so far over $4.4m. Incredible.