Category Archives: Tech News

Huawei Ascend P6 – a crazy thin phone but why compromise?

Android, Tech News

Ascend P6 Image – Evleaks Twitter

Huawei has released on Facebook an image of its new Ascend P6. This android phone is 6.2mm thick. That is crazy thin. Sadly it is all downhill from there. It has only 8mb of internal free storage, which with apps and games only being allowed to be stored in this memory, this phone will only be for those who don’t install many apps or games. It will however be made of quality materials apparently, feature a quad core processor at 1.5ghz and have 2gb ram.

If only Huawei had made this a 32gb phone then this would be something to take note of. But then, it might be cheap and have its appear for those that cannot afford a Samsung S4 or HTC One.

Is Google going to try and upstage Apple’s WWDC on 10th June?

Android, Apple, Tech News,

Google just had its developer conference a few weeks ago. However, there was one thing absent and that was a mention of the next version of android or next stage release to 4.3.

I must admit I did find it odd at first, but then I thought if Google did hold back and wait until Apple’s WWDC on 10th June to make such an announcement, they could upstage Apple.

Well it looks like that is exactly what Google is planning. On 10th June 2013 Google will announce android 4.3. And lets not mince words here, they will try their best to make comparisons between android and iOS.

iOS 7 is important to Apple, as it provides Mr Ive with the power to stamp his name on the software as well as the hardware.

But will it be enough?

Samsung used it component power to prevent HTC sales

Android, Tech News

HTC’s Jack Tong went on record and recalled his company’s troubles following the launch of the HTC Desire.

Jack Tong that made a huge accusation. Tong said that the Desire initially launched with an AMOLED display supplied by Samsung. After the phone started gaining momentum and sales picked up, the executive says Samsung suddenly couldn’t supply it with panels anymore.

Tong said “We found that key component supply can be used as a competitive weapon,” This meant HTC ended up having to redesign the Desire and relaunch it without the Samsung-built AMOLED displays.

I am sure there is another side to this story, but in the ruthless big bad world, nothing would surprise me.

What are your thoughts on this?

So what did Tim Cook reveal at All Things Digital

Apple, Tech News,

A few hours ago, Tim Cook was a guest speak at All Things Digital. So what did Tim reveal?

1) Tim Cook said there are plans to allow deeper access to iOS, but such changes will only be allowed if they don’t impact the customer’s experience.

2) Apple will open up more APIs in the future, but not to the degree that we put the customer at risk of having a bad experience.

3) He re-iterated that Apple continues to be a market leader, sold 85 million iPhones and 42 million iPads last quarter, and has seen drops in stock prices before.

4) There is a Grand Vision for Apple TV. Sold 13m Apple TV since release. 6m alone were in 2012.

5) Asked about the iWatch, Tim said what. And no. He didn’t like Google Glass but wearable tech is being looked at. He didn’t think Google Glass was for the masses.

6) Apple products are used more than android products.

7) Last year Apple acquired a company every 60-75 days.Not looking to acquire a social network.When

8) When asked about Samsung, he said he still doesn’t like the copying company and won’t negotiate with them. But the may shift back manufacturing to them.

Samsung Announces Press Event 20th June 2013 – new devices

Android, Tech News

Samsung has announced a new press event at Earls Court for its Galaxy range and Ativ Windows Phone. Samsung teased with a line that other phones will look very small.

Maybe this is the new Samsung S4 Active, Mega or perhaps Samsung S4 Zoom. Whose knows might even be some new tablets. A long shot would be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. But if they could announce the Note 3, this could potentially really hurt other competitors who are prying for market share.

Samsung Event

First Early Impressions of the Sony Xperia Z Tablet

Android, Tech News

Yesterday, I got invited to an event to see the new Sony Z Tablet. It is available in black and white. Before seeing the tablet in the flesh, I had firmly in my mind that black was the best colour. Having seen the white version, which is a white back and sides only, I am not so sure. In fact I cannot decide which colour I prefer.
Sony Z

There are two things that strike you straight away with the Z tablet, its weight and profile. It is crazy thin at 6.9mm thin and weighs around 495g which is very light. And it feels light in the hand. It comes in two sizes thankfully from launch, 16 or 32gb wifi or a 3g 16gb version. The tablet also allows expansion via the micro sd slot. It comes with android 4.1.2 (why not 4.2 at launch), CMOS Exmor R 8.1mp rear camera, 2.2mp front camera, infra red blaster, NFC, Bluetooth 4 and so much more. Pricing is £399 for 16gb wifi, £449 for 32gb wifi and £499 for 16gb LTE/Wifi model.
z spec

Using the tablet, you can now browse tablet apps and games from the tablet section in the Google Play store. Sadly, it still is not a patch on the iPad apps and games, but now there is a dedicated section, this should accelerate. Sony had added their own skin and software, from the Infra Red remote software (its learning as well), TV Sideview, Playstation Mobile and more graphics.

The other selling point of this tablet is it is water resistant and dustproof. So now you can tweet in the bath or shower!

My walkaway thoughts are £399 for the starting model. In reality you would go for the 32gb at £449. It is water resistant and dustproof, fitted with a decent camera and audio, thin profile and light but is it worth this price versus the competition?

What do you think?

BT to launch its own LTE service

Tech News

BT is set to venture back into consumer mobile space by offering customers access to its own-branded 4G network. BT Group CEO Ian Livingston went on record and confirmed the company has already invited tenders from other UK operators to form a 4G partnership which should launch within the next 12 months.

Lets hope existing BT customers get a super cheap deal then!

Will Google Glass be dead on arrival?

Android, Tech News

There is no denying that Google Glass is innovative. But is it too ahead of its time?

Across America, it is looking likely that cafes, cinemas, parks and retail stores will ban them. Lap dance venues have even gone further and said they would kick the person out of their club.

The infringement of privacy is the biggest challenge Google is going to face with Google Glass, apart from its current high price.

What is your views on the issue of privacy with Google Glass?

iOS 7 rumours

Apple, Tech News

There are plenty of wild rumours floating around regarding the next version of iOS.

One rumour is that iOS 7 will integrate Flickr and Vimeo. If this happens, Flickr will become even more prime time. With Flickr’s 1 TB of free storage and deep integration into the iOS this will make it a sure winner. I’m not so sure about Vimeo, but I do believe Flickr is likely.