Category Archives: Tech News

A warning – don’t buy any new Samsung android phone with 16gb if you have loads of apps

Android, Tech News

After experiencing a problem with my new, now returned, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 running android Jelly Bean, I did some further investigating.

At first look, most Samsung Galaxy phones offer expandable storage with a micro sd card. With older versions of software that was a blessing as apps could be easily moved from the internal memory to the micro sd card. This is not the case now.

So don’t be fooled into thinking if you run out of space with apps a micro sd card will help. It doesn’t. And remember a 16gb phone provides about 12gb actual memory.

Now Samsung at the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2 said these phones would be available in 16gb, 32gb and 64gb. Just one question – where are the larger models?

Looking at the pre order pages for the new Samsung Galaxy S4 I can only see the 16gb. It is supposed to be available in 32gb and 64gb. If you use apps and games which can be 2gb in size each, I cannot recommend the 16gb version. You will run out of memory.

So what can you use the micro sd card for then. Well, the camera can save most shots except burst mode to the card, your own music transferred across can be saved there, and your documents.

And in case you are thinking about rooting which voids the warranty and using some well known apps like app2sd, they don’t work!

What I don’t understand is how can Samsung promote different memory sizes at launch but then not offer them?

If a new iPhone is launched, there is no issues getting whatever size you want.

Nokia Lumia 620 – Review Part 1

Tech News, Windows

So hopefully by now you will have read my earlier post, whereby I picked up this phone for a £130. This is my first Windows Phone, so I did not know what to expect.

I choose black as my colour, since white did not look as cool. In the box was the phone, a quick start guide, usb cable and mains adapter. And some headphones which generally I never use as they are normally crap.

So setting up, there is a micro sim card tray that pulls out and you have to carefully insert the sim and slide it back. It is a little fiddly so take it slowly. The micro sd card insertion is also a little fiddly but again once in place it is fine. Lastly the battery and back cover are put back.

The back cover is actually replaceable with a selection of different colours. This makes the 620 a bit more fun. Also, if the back of the phone gets scratched, it does not matter, since you just change it for another. Then if you damage the headphone jack through heavy use, it again does not matter, since a new back includes the headphone socket. Rather neat, and adds to the possible longevity. Also worth noting is the fact that Nokia has introduced a grey water resistant back cover, just in case you like taking photos in the rain.

Turning on for the first time was a relatively simple affair. I entered my hotmail account, went through a number of options and then waited and waited and waited. It seemed to take for ever, so I made a cup of tea. Finally, all the Nokia apps and first installation stuff was all complete, so now it was time for some fun.

Tomorrow, I will cover some of the extensive phone options, how the built in apps link to each other and the basic flow of the handset. It really is a clever phone.

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PAC-Man goes free on Google Play

Android, Tech News

Namco Bandai has released a completely freemium version of PAC-MAN, and it’s exclusively available on Google Play. PAC-MAN + Tournaments offers a full-featured free-to-play version of the original game, plus new tournaments feature, which lets you play online against others on new stages each week. The game also has new mazes available for purchase, along with online leaderboards and achievements.

Get your copy here.

A Blast from the Past – Fujitsu Siemens Loox N560

Tech News, Windows

At the weekend I was shuffling through some old bits and bobs, and came across my old N560. This was a special device because for its time it was brilliant. It was released in December 2005. It’s 8 years old nearly, yet it features stuff that is only this year being added to flagship phones like the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.

Okay, it might run Windows Mobile 5 but after nearly 8 years it powered on first time and charged up with no problems. I played games using its 5 way home button, which is so much better than any touch screen controls. Round one to the N560.

Using the 5 way home button to play games is so much easier and more fun. I discovered I had a total of 60 games installed too. Playing 6th Gear brought back memories.

It also has a GPS chip built in and tomtom is installed. It’s out of date in terms of the maps and can’t be updated now. Plus it takes a minute to get a lock but nonetheless looks great on the crisp screen. Advantage newer phones for the GPS function.

It comes with a stylus. As it came with one before the Samsung Note 2, the N560 wins.

The HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 feature an infra red port to remote control your tv and other devices. Sorry guys, the N560 got there first. It has installed an app called Noviiremote Deluxe that is an excellent infra red app, programmable too.

Being that it is windows mobile 5 it has a windows start menu, so zero learning curve. It includes MS Office and I had installed a whole host of other software from a translator app and more.

Surely it can’t get any better. Well it can. It has USB host.

This PDA is nearly 8 years old, yet includes features that are only just appearing on smartphones this year. Of course it’s not a phone so the above isn’t a fair comparison but in its day the N560 was a master class.

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Samsung Note 2 – what happened to the promised 32gb & 64gb models

Android, Tech News

At launch Samsung claimed the Note 2 would be available in 3 memory configurations. 16, 32 and 64gb. Except it was only seen in 16gb. For a brief moment the 32gb appeared and the 64gb in Korea again very briefly.

So some members of XDA Developers reached out to Samsung and got some sub par response. So then a few members complained to the UK Advertising Standards, informing them that Samsung promotes 3 sizes on their website etc…. The Advertising Standards wrote back saying the weren’t taking any action against Samsung, as Samsung had updated their website to show that the Note 2 was only sold in the 16gb configuration.

So what’s going on? Well Samsung might have been trying to mislead people and or push people maybe at Google’s request towards using the cloud , which in turn makes more money.

I am being cynical? I doubt it. Lets hope they don’t do the same with the new Samsung S4.

Facebook starts offering free calls to UK members

Tech News

After offering free calls in North America earlier this year, Facebook is now opening up its free VOIP calling functions to the UK. It works by using Facebook Messenger application for iOS, selecting the “i” button in conversation view and pressing “Free Call.” Messenger supports backgrounding and push notifications, and you can leave voice messages when your friends are offline.

With the UK on board calls can be made with US and Canadian users too.

My iPhone 5 64gb Black unlocked mint for sale with extras

Apple, Tech News

I just changed my phone and am selling my iPhone 5 now. It was bought via the Apple store in Sept 2012 so there is still about 6 months left on the warranty.

It has always been in a case with a screen protector so in mint condition. It will come with the box and all the contents, copy of the receipt, 2 cases which you can chose from photo below, and a screen protector pre fitted.

This is for my UK friends I’m afraid. Cost including Royal Mail special delivery is £500.

If you are interested either post in the comments, I will be able to see your email address only or contact me via twitter @gavinfabiani

Payment via PayPal or if you live nearby in Devon we can arrange to collect in person with cash.

It really is a fabulous piece of kit.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Game Pad

Android, Tech News

The Samsung Game Pad is available for £90. This add on maybe the reason I get the new S4.

Features Bluetooth connectivity and NFC pairing. The Game Pad connects to your S4 wirelessly using Bluetooth. This means that you can insert your smartphone quickly and get gaming without having to fiddle about with connections. Additionally, using NFC TecTiles you can pair your Galaxy S4 with the Game Pad automatically for greater convenience.
Suitable for screen sizes between 4″ – 6.3″. Designed for the Galaxy S4, the Samsung Game Pad includes an adjustable clamp design which securely holds your phone securely within the pad so you can game on the go. Because it is suitable for 4″ – 6.3″ the Game Pad can be used with even the largest smartphones. Optimised buttons and controls for superior gaming performance
The Game Pad includes all of the controls and buttons you would expect on a console-based games controller. These include select, start, back, home and menu buttons as well as four action buttons, shoulders keys, an omni-directional d-pad and dual analog sticks. This ensures that you can play your mobile games just as you play console games with all the interactivity and gaming performance a quality gaming pad provides.

Watch out for my review of this accessory.

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