Category Archives: Tech News

Samsung Galaxy S4 – is it about to get a mid life update

July 18, 2013Android, Tech NewsSamsung S4 A-LTEGavin Fabiani-Laymond

The Samsung S4 has only been released for a few months, when in Korea, Samsung released the Samsung Galaxy S4 A-LTE. This was the S4 but with the next generation of processor, the Snapdragon 800 running at 2.3 ghz and 32gb of internal memory. It also had global LTE support for all the LTE frequencies.

When this got announced this did upset many locals in Korea. Well it looks like Samsung might release this version outside of Korea to compete with the next round of phones that will come with Snapdragon 800 processors.

Here comes the HTC One Mini

July 18, 2013Android, Tech NewsHTC One MiniGavin Fabiani-Laymond

With only a few weeks to go, HTC will on the 9th August 2013 launch the smaller HTC One Mini to compete with the Samsung S4 Mini.

Featuring a 4.3 inch screen, 720p resolution and a 1.4 ghz processor, the HTC One Mini will be a scaled down version of the HTC One.

At this smaller size, this should be a success for HTC.

Update – HTC UK teased on their twitter account that this device might be announced today.

Show some love to Russia – not if your Apple

July 18, 2013Apple, Tech NewsApple, iPhone, Russian networksGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Russia’s largest mobile phone networks have called Apple’s bluff and not renewed iphone agreements. These include MTS, Vimpelcom and Megafon with a combined 300 million subscribers.

As a result, the networks have got closer to Samsung and Windows Phone.

I just wonder if this is the networks playing hard ball with Apple to get a better deal, or the end for real. Luckily Apple can sell the phones directly, however this cannot be good news.

Why iOS is the most advanced operating system?

July 18, 2013Apple, Tech NewsiosGavin Fabiani-Laymond

iOS 6 and Apple hardware is knocked regularly as looking old and tired and out of date. Android is stated as far more advanced. And yet when it comes to a basic need nothing could work as well as the iPhone or iPad.

Why?

Game of Thrones Season 3 is not available on DVD until next year. HBO for some reason stopped iTunes US from showing the third season, when it was fine for the first two. However, Blinkbox by Tesco, now has the third season available for download. Except the iOS app doesn’t work with AirPlay. Well it does , just turn on AirPlay mirroring. And voila.

Now when it came to trying to use an android phone or tablet, this basic operation was not possible. iOS to the rescue.

Use your pee to charge your phone !

July 17, 2013Tech NewsPiss and Charge PhoneGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Researchers from Bristol Robotics Laboratory, a collaboration between the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, were able to pee on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to create enough electricity to charge a Samsung phone.

It’s still early days, but just think of the application of your own body waste charging your phone.

Google Maps hits v2 – now iPad friendly

July 17, 2013Apple, Tech NewsGoogle Maps, iosGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Google Maps for ios has now been released. It improves navigation with live traffic updates and incident reports, along with indoor maps for finding your way around shopping malls and the like.

But the big news is proper iPad support. So rush over to the Apple store and get the new update.

Why is it every year a few months prior to the next iPhone release, there is a story about short supply?

July 17, 2013Apple, Tech NewsiPhoneGavin Fabiani-Laymond

So the latest story about the new iPhone is that which details issues with the fingerprint sensor and LCD yield rates affecting supplies. The problem is this supply shortage happens every year, so is it just a ploy to get you to pre order as soon as possible ?

What do you think?

Sony Honami – new render and specs leaked

July 17, 2013Android, Tech NewsSony HonamiGavin Fabiani-Laymond

EPrice has leaked a new render of the upcoming Sony Honami.

ePrice also detailed the specs, a 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, 16GB on-board storage with microSD card expansion, a 5-inch 1080p display with Sony’s Triluminos technology and a 3000mAh battery. We’re also hearing about a Sony G-Lens for the 20.7MP rear camera, and a BIONZ image processing engine. All looks like a decent phone.

Samsung S4 Group Play connects 8 phones together to play music – how about 80,000?

July 17, 2013Tech NewsSoundSynkGavin Fabiani-Laymond

A team of students from Exeter University, Edward Noel, Rob Parker, Alex Bochenski and Jonathan Neuman, have won $50,000 for developing an app that allows an infinite number of devices to play music simultaneously.

The app, SoundSynk, will get its biggest test at the end of August when it will be showcased at a performance of Basement Jaxx at the Reading Festival of up to 80,000 people. So far it has worked with just 75 devices across all platforms. It works by creating an artificial mesh network which also keeps the music in harmony.

Let’s hope this is a success for such a clever idea.

LG confirms the Optimus G Pro to be rolled out worldwide – details

July 17, 2013Android, Tech NewsLG Optimus G ProGavin Fabiani-Laymond

LG has confirmed that the true power house Optimus G Pro will be rolled out officially worldwide. Starting in the third quarter in Europe, Latin America, CIS, the Middle East, and about 40 countries thereafter.

The Optimus G Pro has a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB RAM (RAM), 5.5-inch full-HD IPS display, dual-class hardware recording (Dual Recording), VR panorama (Virtual Reality Panorama), Q Slide a variety of user experience (UX) was mounted. It also comes standard with 32gb internal memory plus a micro SD card slot.

Gavin's Gadgets & Photography

Tech Reviews & Photography