Category Archives: Tech News

Apple releases iOS 7.1.2

July 1, 2014Apple, Tech Newsios 7.1.2 releasedGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Apple has released iOS 7.1.2. The update improves iBeacon connectivity and stability, other bug fixes and security updates including a data transfer bug fix, and a fixed issue with data protection class of Mail attachments.

iOS 7.1.2 is available over-the-air or through iTunes. Before you update, it is a good idea to charge you device to at least 50% and have it plugged in before carrying out update.

I must admit I haven’t updated my iPad yet. I finally have sorted the battery life and don’t want to do anything to jeopardise this. So far I have had 10 hours usage and the battery is at 46%.

Coming soon – the MiPow Playbulb review – LED light and loudspeaker

July 1, 2014Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech Newsmipow playbulbGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Clove Technology are selling the MiPow Playbulb – details here http://www.clove.co.uk/mipow-playbulb-smart-bluetooth-led-speaker-light

I am currently testing this, so before I publish my current thoughts and review, please let me know if you have any questions you would like answering.

From tomorrow international roaming rates change – details

June 30, 2014Tech Newsinternational roaming rates slashed from 1st julyGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Starting July 1, European international roaming costs will drop more than 50% based on rates from last summer. Data is getting the biggest cut by 55.5%, from 45 cents per MB to 20 cents per MB. A text message will cost 6 cents instead of 8, while for receiving a call you’ll pay 5 cents per minute instead of 7, last year. Making a call will set you back 19 cents per minute, instead of 24 previously.

For more information click here.

Google’s new L operating system finally improves the camera

June 30, 2014Android, Tech Newsandroid l camera apiGavin Fabiani-Laymond

At Google I/O, Google announced there was 5,000 new APIs.

Thankfully, one of those was the camera API. This will mean a more pure performance with better synchronization between the physical camera and the software.

New devices will be able to capture better images as well as 30 FPS videos at full resolution. The Nexus 5 on Android L, can capture at 30 FPS, 8 megapixel video, which is a big improvement over what it could do on previous versions of Android.

Not only will there be deep down software improvements, but new options, for burst mode, HDR+, and fine tuned controls ( like ISO sensitivity and exposure time) that will be added to Android’s camera interface.

With these improvements in the code, we might finally see android smartphones take on the like of the Nokia Lumia and iPhone when it comes to taking good quality photos.

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom – one month later

June 30, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech NewsSamsung Galaxy K ZoomGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Well, it’s been a month nearly with the K Zoom. It’s my vintage device and my main phone still.

I still have some of the small issues mentioned previously, but it’s unique enough that no other phone tempts me. Well, that’s not true. Every new phone is tempting 🙂 but the camera on the K Zoom keeps me on track.

Finally, I’ve given touchwiz the boot. I’ve installed Apex Launcher Pro. I own Nova Launcher too but Apex is better when it comes to theming, although the difference between the two is very close. The above screen shot is using 2 Netatmo app widgets, and the 1theLucent theme. I have 2 other screen shots. One for the camera widget and the other my calendar. What I like about Apex Launcher is with the phone on any home screen, just say “Ok Google” and Google fires up listening for your commands. This is done with needing to add the Google search widget to the home screen and makes the user experience really slick.

I have a feeling that I’m enjoying the K Zoom so much it could be my main driver for quite a while longer as there is not much to dislike if photography is your thing.

Because I’m using Apex Launcher and customised the number of row and columns the camera widget looks better as shown below.

So it’s happy days for now.

Episode 18 – Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast is live – Please RT

June 29, 2014Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Windowsepisode 18, 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 18, is now live for your listening pleasure. Time travel included.

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom – some camera samples

June 29, 2014Android, Reviews, Tech NewsCamera samples, Review, Samsung Galaxy K ZoomGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Just a few shots all snapped yesterday. All using different modes, from action shots, continuous mode, macro and HDR.

Apple kills iPhoto and Aperture

June 28, 2014Apple, Tech NewsApple kills iPhoto and ApertureGavin Fabiani-Laymond

The future of Apple and its photo apps is changing. According to the Loop –

“With the introduction of the new Photos app and iCloud Photo Library, enabling you to safely store all of your photos in iCloud and access them from anywhere, there will be no new development of Aperture,” Apple said in a statement to The Loop. “When Photos for OS X ships next year, users will be able to migrate their existing Aperture libraries to Photos for OS.”

Let’s hope the new Photos app is top notch.