Category Archives: Windows

App Stores – how much have you spent?

Android, Tech News, Windows,

I decided to be brave and pull up my Google Play and iTunes purchase history.

iTunes purchases started from 20th June 2009. This was the time when I got an iPod Touch 2g for my birthday. It was also my first Apple device. Google Play purchases started from August 2008, although it was not called Google Play back then, and the early purchase transactions are in a mix of dollars, euros and British Pounds.I also have a US iTunes account. This is used to rent films way ahead of release in the UK and to watch some great American TV Shows. UK TV is dreadful with everything repeated so many times.

My Google Play total is £250. This includes a few music singles and albums, but no hardware is included. Purely media, music, films, apps and games.

My UK iTunes account for a year shorter period in duration, amounts to £832. But my US iTunes which is mainly TV shows and 10% films equates to a total of £1,500 approximately. It is approximate due to the conversion rate changing.

Just for the record, my Windows Phone market place apps and games total £32.

One thing I have noticed, is that the apps were generally a lot less on Google than Apple. Also, media content was easier to download and view on Apple devices. And this explains why developers seem happier to develop first on iOS, as iOS users spend more on content.

So what do you reckon you have spent on media?

Upgrade time

Android, Apple, Tech News, Windows

It’s that time of year and its time for me to decide on my next handset.

This time the choice is great and diverse. On my hit list is the Nokia Lumia 1020, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Sony Xperia Z1 and iPhone 5S.

If I get the Lumia 1020 it is being offered with an amazing bundle in the UK providing a great value proposition for camera biased fans. One app is not as feature rich on Windows Phone, that I use regularly, otherwise it is a strong possibility.

I had no intention of including the iPhone 5S but I cannot ignore the camera quality improvement. I can also use the iPhone with the Sony QX100 for extra special photography. Also iOS 7 helps it too.

The Sony Xperia Z1 is also a camera focused phone. It is also water and dust resistant. And again works even better with the Sony QX100 lens attachment. With the severe wet weather it’s ideal for Dartmoor too.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was partially on my list but nearly removed as it is just that little bit too large or so I thought but it is only slightly larger than the Z1 by 3mm. Also one of my friends is using one, and from a technology point of view is bullet proof for the next 3 years. It also does everything. But the Sony QX10 or QX100 clamp doesn’t go wide enough to fit over the Note 3.

If I got the 1020 I would have just under 32gb memory free. The iPhone 5S could have up to 60gb approx, the Z1 around 11.72gb and Note 3 25gb of free memory. The Z1 and Note 3 also have an option of using a micro SD card for media. But the Note 3 has a decent amount of internal memory, ideal for all my games.

Any of the above would be amazing but I just cannot decide. I need your help. Have I missed a device out?

Nokia Lumia 1020 available with huge accessory bundle

Tech News, Windows

Clove Technology have the Lumia 1020 available with all the accessories you might have wanted for the phone.

The bundle includes including the Wireless Charging Cover (CC-3066), Wireless Charging Pad (DT-900), Camera Grip (PD-95G) and a new Tripod (KVRM90). Separately, the whole bundle is worth about £150.

The above deal is for the Black and White SIM-free models of the Nokia Lumia 1020. Clove mentioned that these will available from September 27th at £490 + delivery & VAT.

That sure is very tempting.

The Reviews on Gavin’s Gadgets

Android, Apple, Windows

Below are the links to all the articles / reviews written on each of the devices.

Happy reading.

Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 revisited

iPhone 3GS revisited

ZTE Open – Firefox OS

Huawei Ascend P6 Review

Nokia Lumia 925 review

HTC One

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Review

Sony Xperia Z Tablet

Samsung Note 2 review

Nokia Lumia 620

Audio Technica ATH-AD900x Headphone review

Fiio E12 Headphone Amplifier

Olloclip 3 in 1 Lens review for iPhone 5

Trident iPhone 5 case review

Bluetooth iPad Mini case review

Glif+ for iPhone 5 review

USB Fridge Review

USB Rollup Drum Kit

Microsoft buys Nokia – Thoughts

Tech News, Windows

A few days ago Microsoft announced it was buying Nokia. The news and twitter feeds went crazy. Conspiracy theories even popped up regarding Elop’s placement at Nokia.

My thoughts are fairly simple in this deal. Clearly Elop was placed into Nokia with the goal of joining the two companies together. Corporate sales or mergers or deals of this nature often involve management change prior to a sale, and often after the deed has been accomplish they move on in to a different role or leave the business.

Personally, I believe once the dust settles, and providing Microsoft can keep the key people and talent, this acquisition could be what the tech industry needs. A strong third competing operating system.

Microsoft to buy Nokia

Tech News, Windows,

Here’s the link to the press release click here.

And here is the link to the open letter between Elop and Ballmer. click here.

Microsoft has agreed a deal to buy Nokia’s mobile phone business for 5.4bn euros ($7.2bn; £4.6bn).

Nokia will also license its patents and mapping services to Microsoft.

The companies said that the deal would be finalised in early 2014, when about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft.

Probably the best move Microsoft had left to compete in the mobile space. Explains Bullmer leaving to allow Elop to come back and take charge.

But what we need is quick innovative ideas and great market leading products.

And this move probably ended BlackBerry as we know the company.

Leaked dates of new smartphone releases on Three UK

Android, Apple, Tech News, Windows

With all the new phones being announced, it would be ideal if there was some idea of release dates. Three UK has had leaked its release dates by an anonymous Engadget.

Nokia Lumia 1020 – 25th September
Sony Xperia Z1 – 24th September
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – 16th September
Sony Xperia Z Ultra – 9th September

And this just leaves the iPhone 5S by the end of this month hopefully.