Category Archives: Tech News

Amazon prepping new Kindle tablets

July 14, 2013Android, Tech NewsKindle FireGavin Fabiani-Laymond

It should come as no surprise that Amazon is looking to update it range of tablets and replace them with 3 new ones, all of which will be low cost but feature improved processor and screens, along with 3 different screen sizes.

The Kindle Fire tablet range is the single biggest competitor to the iPad, simply because the Kindle and Amazon are such a strong brand. Also, Amazon is able to offer a superb media catalogue, so it will be interesting to see what other features will be on offer when these get finally announced.

My other hope is that the launch is global, and that the UK doesn’t have to wait several months after the US launch to receive these new items.

Have you or would you buy a Kindle Fire tablet instead of an iPad?

Tablified App for Android Tablets

July 14, 2013Android, Tech NewsTablifiedGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Got an android tablet, and having trouble finding dedicated tablet apps. Tablified hopes to end your dramas.

Tablified is the largest and most organized database of Android tablet apps and games. Easily discover apps and games designed specifically for your Android tablet without having to search around the Google Play Store for yourself. We find tablet apps so you don’t have to!

Head over to the Google Play store to find out more. Click here.

Adobe Flash makes a comeback with Kindle tablets

July 13, 2013Android, Tech NewsAmazon, Flash contentGavin Fabiani-Laymond

For the past six months, Amazon has been quietly testing what it hopes will be a better way to watch Flash video content on a mobile device.

Since February, some Kindle Fire owners have been seeing an option to use an “experimental streaming viewer” when trying to watch video on sites such as NBC.com, CBS.com and Fox.com.

The process works by using the Kindle Fire web browser, Silk, that then divides work between the device and Amazon servers in the cloud.

The other issue is battery drain, so I hope Adobe and Amazon has created a solution to this problem.

Is there really a budget iPhone or has Apple got another plan up their sleeve?

July 13, 2013Apple, Tech NewsiPhoneGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Apple’s normal strategy is to sell the last 2 versions of the iPhone for less money than previous, reduce the memory and make them the budget offering. So with the iPhone 5 being sold, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 become the budget models respectively.

So leaked rumours of the new budget iPhone which comes in a variety of colours seems out of context. Unless, Apple is ditching the 4/4S completely and offering a cheaper option which is made from plastic but will come in several colours.

Of course, we should all be expecting the iPhone 5S, a phone that looks identical as the 5 but with upgraded internals that is better camera, processor etc.

But what if Apple surprised everyone and launched a plastic multicoloured lower cost budget iPhone and then jumped from the 5S straight to a new designed iPhone 6. With market pressures from other competitors it does need to maintain its competitive edge.

Google in trouble again over privacy concerns

July 13, 2013Android, Tech NewsGoogle privacyGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Google could face “enforcement action” if it does not improve its privacy policies, the UK’s data watchdog says.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) believes there are “serious questions” concerning the US search company’s compliance with the UK Data Protection Act.The ICO thinks Google does not make it sufficiently clear how user data will be used across all its products.

Other European data authorities have made similar complaints.

This seems to be an ongoing saga with no clear end in sight.

Why you should consider the new Nokia Lumia 1020 41mp smartphone – photos included as evidence

July 13, 2013Tech News, WindowsNokia Lumia 1020Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

Nokia launched the Lumia 1020 41mp camera yesterday.

Full information can be found on Nokia website here.

But if you want to get a taste of what this camera can do check out these photos taken from the phone. However, you must go check out the full resolution versions on Nokia’s press website here.

HTC UK confirms HTC One about to receive the 4.2.2 update in the UK

July 12, 2013Android, Tech News4.2.2 update, HTC OneGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Right on cue, HTC UK has now gone one step further and notified that the 4.2.2 update is about to arrive for the HTC One for UK users with an unlocked handset.

If you don’t see it today, you will next week.

Happy days.

Bing now adds the ability to search images based on licensing rights

July 12, 2013Tech NewsBing copyright imagesGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Bing has added the ability to refine image results by license. All you have to do is search and pull the appropriate license from a drop down on the top of the results page, alongside options for date, size and color. Selections include public domain and options like “free to modify, share and use,” based on the Creative Commons licensing system.

With copyright such a complicated mess, this is a useful feature.

Sainsburys to challenge Asda and Tesco with its own mobile network

July 12, 2013Tech NewsSainsburys mobile networkGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Sainsbury’s is set to launch its own mobile phone network to take on the services offered by rival supermarkets.

Mobile by Sainsbury’s will be available soon and will offer Nectar points on packages, handsets and accessories.The mobile network will be run as a joint venture between Sainsbury’s and Vodafone with official pricing and package details due to be announced later this year.

This is the latest move from the supermarket’s business strategy, which has so far seen the launch of eBooks , mp3 downloads and video on demand last year.

Sainsbury’s also announced in May it would be buying out the 50 per cent of the Sainsbury’s Bank joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group that it doesn’t already own, thereby increasing the number of Sainsbury’s Bank customers.

So how many of you already use rival supermarkets own mobile offerings?

Will Facebook become a mobile games publisher?

July 12, 2013Tech NewsFacebook, Games PublisherGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Facebook is testing what could finally bring it direct revenue from the mobile gaming ecosystem beyond advertising.

The company is working with a handful of small mobile game developers to do publishing by offering distribution through mobile ads in exchange for a cut of revenue, according to sources familiar with the program.

So do you think there is room for another big player in this sector?

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