Category Archives: Tech News

Google Mail on android updated

June 5, 2013Android, Tech NewsGoogle MailGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Google is slowly updating Google Mail on android. I updated to it last night and it looks and feels totally different in a very positive way.

For a start you get the visual letter to the left of the email. This shows you the first letter of the email. If you have been in a conversation the letter icon is split in 2 showing your photo and the letter of the other person.

Next you can swipe to reveal your folder structure. You also get notifications of other Google service updates. Overall the visual and technical improvement is very welcome.

The only feature missing is HTML email signatures.

Patents – an insight into the scandalous system

June 5, 2013Tech NewsAmerican Life podcast, PatentsGavin Fabiani-Laymond

American Life latest podcast discusses the US patent system, with access to information not normally revealed.

If you never listen to a podcast, this is one you must hear. Some staggering numbers or I should say dollars involved.

After you have listened to it, come back and leave a comment.

Vine comes to android finally

June 4, 2013Android, Tech NewsVineGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Yesterday, twitter released Vine on android. It’s available now in the Google Play store.

I’ve downloaded the app, but sadly it won’t let me login with my twitter credentials on my HTC One.

So my current verdict is a fail.

What about yourself? What do you think of the app ?

Update – an update already has occurred but I had same issue. However, deleting and reinstalling app caused it too work. So far so good.

Acer Liquid S1 full information

June 4, 2013Android, Tech NewsAcer Liquid F1Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

The Acer Liquid S1 has been announced, costing €349 (around $455).

The Acer Liquid S1 features a 5.7-inch screen with 720p resolution and is powered by a Mediatek quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. There’s also 1GB of RAM as well as single and dual-SIM options (with two slots), but no LTE support. There’s 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card) and a 2,400mAh battery, in addition to a pair of back and front-facing cameras.

As they say you get a lower price but have to compromise on specs.

Buying the latest game consoles? Just how expensive will the games be?

June 4, 2013Tech News, WindowsAmazon, FIFA 14, PS4, XboxGavin Fabiani-Laymond

So are you going to be buying a new Xbox One or PS4 ? Personally I’m not as I would never have the time free to spend playing.

But let’s hope the games don’t turn out as expensive as FIFA 14 which is on pre order by Amazon at £90. Amazon do say they will only charge you the lowest price available at the time when it’s available to order.

Only one problem, Amazon have wiped out the high street and competition is considerably less online too. It won’t be long before Amazon will be the only option and will be able to charge whatever it likes.

Asus launches the FonePad – a challenger to the Samsung Note

June 4, 2013Android, Tech NewsAsus, FonePadGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Image – Engadget

Asus has just launched a monster Phablet with a 6 inch 1080p screen complete with stylus. Clearly looking to take on the Samsung Galaxy Note. It is powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 CPU, with 2GB of RAM and a 1080p iPS display. Like the HTC One and many Samsung Galaxy Tabs, the Fonepad Note has front-facing stereo speakers. It’s also packing an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2 front camera.

In terms of connectivity, it tops out out at DC-HSDPA (42Mbps) speeds. On the software side, ASUS is boasting customized pre-loaded apps that take advantage of the bundled stylus.

So what you will likely have is a cheap Note clone. Except its note a Samsung. Would you be interested in this. And is a 6 inch screen too big. As a phone it is but not as a web browser or media device.

Painful – Zynga has announced it’s laying off 18% of its staff

June 3, 2013Tech NewsZyngaGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Zynga CEO Mark Pincus just put up in his blog and also sent to the San Francisco gaming giant’s staff that is was laying off 18 percent of the company and also lowering its second-quarter guidance.

A sad day for the employees.

Just how good is the iPhone 5 camera? Good enough for a newspaper to lay off its photographers

June 3, 2013Apple, Tech NewsChicago Sun TimesGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Unbelievably, the Chicago Sun-Times, has sacked its entire photography staff of 28 people. Now its reporters will start receiving “iPhone photography basics” training to start producing their own photos and videos.

The DSLR camera is moving to the grave yard shift more and more as smartphone cameras become more powerful, smart and are able to edit and share photos with speed.

As the expression goes, the best camera is always the one in your pocket.

O2 WiFi Hotspots drop from 500,000 to 8,000

June 3, 2013Tech NewsO2, WiFi hotspotsGavin Fabiani-Laymond

The number of free Wi-Fi hotspots O2 customers can connect will fall dramatically from July 1 when the network’s four-year partnership with BT Openzone comes to an end.

Until now, those who get their smartphone service from O2 have been able to log-on to BT’s five million Wi-Fi hotspots around the UK, completely free of charge.

However, from next month O2 customers will have to make do with the 8,000 O2 Wi-Fi hotspots dotted around the nation, if they wish to save monthly data allowance while on the move.

Now, what’s the chance O2 will up people’s data limits to compensate!

HTC One update to android 4.2.2

June 3, 2013Android, Tech NewsHTC OneGavin Fabiani-Laymond

HTC are expected to release android 4.2.2 near the end of this month or July and in Q4 android 4.3. One of the biggest gripes was how the HTC One handled the menu settings, but fortunately the latest update to 4.2.2 not only has a way of resolving that but also now allows swiping up to get Google Now.

Other improvements are to Blinkfeed allowing for more options and customisation, a battery percentage and toggles in notification centre for settings, the ability to have an empty dock and Daydream. They are other standard 4.2.2 tweaks and general system improvements. The Video Highlights/Zoe have been improved. New themes include Seaview, Atlantis, Hammerville, Gotham, Boulevard, Boardwalk, Lilyton. And they rock big time. The camera has been optimised even further and so far is snapping better quality shots first time with less fuss.

If you are feeling brave, you can install a custom Android Revolutions over at XDA Developers and have 4.2.2 right now. It is important to carefully follow all the instructions and remember installing this custom rom will void your warranty.

My HTC One is now on 4.2.2 courtesy of this custom rom and its ok so far. Some screen shots below.

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