Category Archives: Tech News

Expectations on your new smartphone

Tech News

I’ve had over the last month different conversations with several people regarding their new phones.

Some have been unsure if they had a faulty camera as the low light quality seemed poor and others unsure if clicks or a certain build finish was correct.

So after some discussion I have come to the conclusion that people are impacted by information overload, too much choice and a mind field of data with which to filter out the utter crap written on the forums and the people posting accurate information.

If you were told this was the only phone for the next 2 years and their was no other choice you would shut up and enjoy it.

Own the Samsung Note 3 – Watch Tips and Tricks

Android, Tech News

The Samsung Note 3  is a beast of features.  I’ve found 2 YouTube videos that clearly illustrate all the features. Even after nearly 2 months ownership I picked up 2 new features both of which were handy to know.

Part 1 is below.

And finally Part 2.

Does Samsung ever learn – Galaxy S5 16gb memory

Android, Tech News

image

Above is a screen shot from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.  It comes with 32gb as standard ie. there is no 16gb version. Based on my memory used I could swap to a 16gb S5 and install the same apps.  I would run out of memory.

So why is Samsung offering its new Galaxy S5 in 16gb. Reports from MWC report as much as 7-8gb memory has been used by the operating system.

Now Samsung did mention a 32gb version would be available but only if the networks and major distributors import it into the UK. Based on previous years this seems unlikely.

Really its a bit disappointing that in 2014 we are still being cheated in this manner.

HTC at MWC 2014 – new phones Desire 816 and 610

Android, Tech News, ,

image

HTC held their press conference at MWC which ended up being a really quick affair. 2 new mid range phones and an app got discussed with a note to remember 25th March for the real news.

First of the phones annouced is the Desire 816 featuring a 5.5-inch 720p HD display, a 1.6GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 8GB of internal storage plus microSDXC support for an additional 64GB, 1.5GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video capture capability, a 2,600 mAh battery, HTC’s  “BoomSound” front-facing speakers, and HTC Sense.

Also announced on Monday but not covered during HTC’s press conference is the Desire 610.

While it falls also into the mid-range category just like the 816, the HTC Desire 610 is a cheaper phone.

The Desire 610 specs include a 4.7-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 chipset, 8GB of internal storage, microSDXC support, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, a 2,040 mAh battery and HTC’s Sense software. It also features BoomSound and BlinkFeed, just like other HTC phones.

Nothing too exciting here to be honest.

Samsung Galaxy S5 – full specs detailed

Android, Tech News

Below is the full specs of the newly announced S5 –

Network – LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)

Display – 5.1″ FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)
Processor – 2.5GHz quad-core application processor
OS – Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)

Camera – 16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front)

Video – UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilizationVideo Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM
Audio Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Audio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

Camera Features – HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More , 0.3 seconds to auto focus

Additional Features – IP67 Dust- and water-resistant
Ultra Power Saving Mode, Download Booster

S Health 3.0, Quick Connect, Private Mode, Kids Mode

Google Mobile Services Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube

Connectivity – WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2×2),
Bluetooth: 4.0 BLE / ANT+
USB 3.0
NFC
IR Remote

Sensors – Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Gesture(IR), Finger Scanner, Heart rate sensor

Memory RAM: 2GB
Internal Memory: 16/32GB
microSD slot up to 128GB

Dimensions 142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g

Battery 2800mAh

Standby time: 390 hrs / Talk time: 21 hrs