Category Archives: Tech News

Microsoft Office arrives on the iPad – is it too late?

Apple, Tech News, Windows

Via Re/Code – Microsoft revealed it is using the so-called “freemium” sales model with the suite of productivity apps. In the case of Office, users can download the software for free, but will need to stump $99 per year (or pay a recurring $9.99 per month fee) for a Office 365 subscription if they want to edit documents.

In a statement to Re/code, Apple confirmed it will take the usual 30 percent cut of all Office 365 subscriptions purchased from any Office for iPad app. Apple does not profit from customers who use an existing subscription, or purchase a new subscription from Microsoft’s website, to access the Office apps.

Apple’s charge to publishers for all in-app sales was thought to be one of the major roadblocks in Microsoft’s launch of Office for iPad.

Microsoft on Thursday introduced the long-awaited Office productivity suite for iPad, which includes custom-built versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Now this might be a blessing for corporate users but Apple provide their own apps for free. Or you can use Google Docs for free. In my mind it just shows how the tables have turned and that Microsoft is desperately changing is business model to try and make money.

And now the android and iPhone versions are free for personal use.

Amazon is about to launch its own set top TV box – details

Tech News

amazon

Amazon’s entry into the streaming video set top box TV market has been long rumoured and is expected to take on the might of Google and Apple and any other competitors.

Amazon has invited reporters, with the above promo image, to gather for an “update on our video business” hosted by Amazon VP Peter Larsen in New York next Wednesday 2nd April 2014.

This could get interesting and I wonder if Amazon Prime members will receive anymore benefits?

Source – Re/Code

Hello HTC One M8 – daily blog and review part 1a

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Following on from my camera samples, I thought I would not to a review or first impressions but cover off how I am getting on with the HTC One M8 every few days or so, or when something interesting happens.

First impressions. The phone looks fab. It feels great and solid in the hand. In the box is a groovy looking UK adapter and usb lead, headset, silicone case with flaps to protect the headphone and micro usb port and leaflets.

Before you setup the phone properly, go to the software update and check for an update. There is a 110mb update. This is an important update as it improves the camera and adds many features.

I am using the HTC Launcher for now and have setup Blinkfeed as my homepage. It certainly has improved since owning the original HTC One. You can add many services and search for new ones too. I have also installed 90 Apps/Games and have 4.83gb internal memory free.

I have encountered a few bugs with the camera and the refocusing feature, but I need to explore the camera more, read the manual over the weekend and then decide if it is user error or a bug. I have also noticed different file sizes on the camera photos from 1.2mb, 3mb and even as large as 7mb. I am still trying to work out what settings are providing the higher quality outputs.

I setup the TV remote last night. It was so simple vs the procedure on the Note 3. In fact, the HTC One is simpler and easier and faster at most things. Its speed is effortless. Its screen is beautiful. The TV remote app is far superior to that found on the Note 3 with a clear and more functional layout. I like the fact my favourite TV programmes will appear in my Blinkfeed as a warning to watch them nearer their start time. Also from the TV guide from within the app, sliding right to left pulls up trending info on the programme or film you are watching. Rather neat.

The motion controls are simple but effective too. Picking up the phone and double tapping unlocks the phone. With the screen off, slide your finger left to right or right to left and you launch Blinkfeed or your widgets.

Anyway, once I have got to grips with all the options I will report back. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let me know.

And if you can support Clove Technology with any of your smartphone needs even better.

HTC One M8 camera – 4mp decision theories and camera tips

Android, Tech News

Many reviews are pouring in regarding the HTC One M8 camera. It can take some stunning shots but cropping becomes difficult when there is so little pixel quantity. That is the review after a day from top sites.

My view is HTC needed a 8mp ultrapixel lens. But they didn’t. I have a few theories. Most people have a 2 year contract. Therefore, like Apple and Samsung this years flagship and small improvements as the first lot of upgrades will be next year. Therefore, the majority of people will only now be buying the HTC One flagship for the first time. So HTC took the decision there was no need for big change.

Also if they did improve the camera dramatically what would they be able to do next year at the same level of improvement. We all know smartphone innovation is levelling off.

My other theory is the cost of changing to a new lens. Both in terms of development and time. Something a company with falling profits probably doesn’t have the luxury of at the moment.

Or did HTC deliberately leave the setup as 4mp to make file sharing photo sizes at 1mb. This means quick and fast sharing. Plus with all the camera trickery some really fun outputs. And a video highlight. Perfect for sharing. So maybe this is a good solution.

Whatever you believe if you did buy the HTC One M8, here is a little tip based on my experience with the older model.

Macros – force flash on when photographing insects

Landscape or scenic shots – tap to focus on an area within the photo. Watch the light balance change and find a medium spot. Then press and hold screen to lock AE and AF. Switch HDR mode on and take the photo. This will get you a very good result.

Anyway, what happened next is revealed is today’s other article.

Hello HTC One M8 – daily blog and review part 1

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

I know I said I wasn’t going to get one but I did. I must point out I was led astray by the HTC One M8. So as a warning, do not enter a store where they can let you hold and feel this phone in your hand. It is just incredible to behold. Yes, I’m on the honeymoon period but nonetheless there is not a single phone built currently that looks so good, especially in gun metal.

Anyway, below are some quick camera samples. No staging just very quick snaps.

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When I get some time over the weekend, I will upload these to Flickr and provide the links as probably these might be a little compressed. On my PC screen these all look good.

So what do you think ?

Twitter goes more social

Android, Apple, Tech News

Twitter has just updated its iOS, Android and website.

So from now on you will be able to tag up to 10 people in the photos you upload without it counting against your 140 character count. In addition you’ll soon be able to attach up to four photos to each tweet. When you upload multiple pictures a thumbnail collage will automatically be created and you can tap on it to swipe through the images in full size. That update is hitting iOS devices first and coming soon to both Android and the website.

Looks like a good update.

Not sure about the new HTC One M8 camera – check these photos out

Android, Tech News

Colby Brown once again reviews the HTC One. He previously reviewed the M7, but now he puts the HTC One M8 to the test along with a large selection of photos.

“As for the camera, I am hard pressed to not be happy that they have improved both the camera application itself and the picture taking quality of the phone when compared to last years model. I found more details in my images, better focusing in low light and overall a more enjoyable experience. A near full manual mode was a nice touch.”

First Google slashes its storage prices – now Amazon

Tech News

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc will drop prices on most of its cloud computing services starting April 1, the largest U.S. online retailer said on Wednesday, a day after rival Google Inc outlined a major price cut of its own.

The price cuts range from 10 percent to 65 percent, Andrew Jassy, senior vice president of Amazon Web Services, told a conference for Amazon web developers in San Francisco.

Now lets see if Dropbox respond.

HTC One (M8) launched and available to buy

Android, Tech News

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HTC have launched the new HTC One. The link takes you directly to HTC’s website where you can learn all about the duo cameras, camera effects, refined metal casing, software and hardware enhancements. And it is a powerhouse of refinement.

But for me I’m not so sure I will now be adding this to my collection. I owned the old HTC One, but the new version is only available with 16gb internal memory in the UK at the moment. The inclusion of the memory card slot doesn’t solve every scenario. And then there is the rear camera. Not only does it have the same 4mp lens but due to the second lens optical image stabilisation was removed. 4mp is fine for social network sharing but as soon as you take a landscape or decided to print a shot the lack of detail at 4mp will be noticeable. And I take tons of landscape shots, 4mp is not enough for me.

Otherwise the phone looked gorgeous and had design focus on its features. Except, HTC ruined what would have been a class leading phone with too low a resolution for the rear camera!

What did you think ?