Category Archives: Windows

Your advice is required – name an app that creates video highlights like the HTC One

Android, Tech News, Windows,

One of the coolest features of the HTC One is video highlights.

Lets say you go to the zoo with your friends or kids. You film some video, take photos. That event now has a 30 second video highlight automatically created by the HTC One. You can remove some of the photos you don’t like, change the random order and select from a dozen different themes that change the music and effects. And it’s all instant.

If you don’t know what I mean, see below. This was created using a few photos of my dogs George and Fury.

So do any of you know of a third party app that can create something similar on android and or windows phone 8?

Nokia Lumia 1020 Leather Case – its beautiful

Tech News, Windows

Nokia-Leather-Case

WP Central showed the new Nokia designed case for the upcoming Nokia Lumia 1020 41mp camera. Its a lovely leather case, providing a cover for the lens. The only issue I can see with the case is the ability to attach the camera battery grip pack. Otherwise, it looks the business.

Do you agree?

Nokia updating its Lumia Windows Mobile devices

Tech News, Windows

Nokia is issuing a software update to its range of Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices. This will include Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy support for fitness devices like Fitbit and new Nokia accessories. Nokia is planning to update the Lumia 920, 820, 720, 620, and 520 devices.

Nokia is also updating a number of its apps.

This update has started to be rolled out, so you should receive it soon.

Nokia Lumia 1020 a 41mp smartphone – full details revealed hours before launch

Tech News, Windows

Nokia has gone live with its new upcoming Lumia 1020 41mp smartphone.

Nokia-Lumia-1020-Press-Render

It features a 4.5-inch display, a 41-megapixel PureView camera, a xenon flash and optical image stabilization, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage with no memory card slot, NFC and an optional back plate that supports wireless charging. But the specs noted below don’t reveal the true potential of this beast of a phone. There should be a 64gb version as well.

I have to say I am very keen to try this phone especially with its powerful camera. Would you want to own this, even though it runs Windows Phone 8?

Below is the full specifications –

Windows Phone 8

Networks:-
GSM: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA: 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz
LTE network bands 1, 3, 7, 20, 8
HSPA+ DL Cat 24, Dual Carrier 42.1 Mbps/UL Cat5.76 Mbps
Here Location and Mapping Service: Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+, free HERE transit available in the store

Memory:
2GB RAM, 32GB internal user memory, 7GB Skydrive cloud storage

Display:
4.5 inch AMOLED WXGA (1280 x 768) 2.5D sculpted glass Gorilla Glass 3, PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight readability, Super sensitive touch for nail and glove usage

Processor:
1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon (no word on which snapdragon processor though)

Camera:
PureView 41 MP sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Backside-illuminated image sensor, 6 lens optics, High resolution zoom 3x, Autofocus, Xenon Flash, LED for video, 1080p video at 30 fps, Includes Nokia Pro Camera mode and Nokia Smart Camera Mode.

Secondary Camera:
HD 1.2 Megapixel wide angle

Size:
130.4 x 71.4 x 10.4 mm

Weight:
158 grams

Connectivity:
USB 2.0, BT 3.0, NFC with SIM based security, WLAN a/b/g/n, A-GPS and Glonass, 3.5 mm audio connector

Battery:
2000 mAh battery, Wireless Charging supported via accessory cover

Audio:
IHF speakers, 2 microphones, HD voice compliant, 3.5mm AV connector

Key Features:
– 41 Megapixel sensor captures the sharpest images with details never though possible from a smartphone
– Nokia Pro Camera boosts creativity through simple and easy to user controls usually reserved for the expert photographer
– Nokia Rich Recording delivers distortion free stereo audio in the loudest environments
– Comes with the only fully integrated and true offline Global maps experience from the HERE location suite

Nokia original accessories:

– Nokia Camera Grip PD-95G:
Confidence to take the perfect shot
* Built-in extra battery for longer usage
* Ergonomic grip with a two-stage camera key
* Universal tripod-mount

– Nokia Wireless Charging Cover CC-3066:
Effortless Wireless charging is just a snap away
* enable wireless charging with form fitting Qi compliant snap-on cover

Colors:

Yellow, White, Black

Operating times:

* Maximum talk time (3G): 13.3 h
* Standby time: 16 Days
* Video Playback time: 6.8 hours
* Music Playback time: 63 hours

iPhone no longer being sold in Russia by largest mobile operator – Windows Phone rules

Apple, Tech News, Windows, ,

OAO Mobile TeleSystems, Russia’s largest mobile operator has supposedly dropped Apple’s iPhone in protest over the high costs involved in subsidizing the phone.

But in case you are wondering, it is able to do this as sales of Windows Phone 8 have equalled that of the iPhone.

Clearly, another sign of the iPhone’s high costs being hard to swallow in a tough economic climate. And great news for Windows Phones.

Ten minutes with the Nokia Lumia 925

Tech News, Windows

Yesterday I decided to take refuge from the heatwave in the South West of England in my local Apple store and Carphonewarehouse, as you do 🙂

In terms of air conditioning the Apple store was super cool inside, apart from any tech of course.

So my venture into the Apple store was a short affair, just buying another Apple TV remote to replace the one damage by one of our labradors. So off to CPW to check out what goodies they had in store. I was keen to see the Nokia Lumia 925. Luckily they had one in a greyish finish.

First up, it looked rather nice with a sort of uniformed rectangular look and curved sides. Holding it in the hand was comfortable due to the curved sides. The screen and overall phone size felt good to , that is not too small and not too big. I personally like the windows operating system and was able to manage when I had the Lumia 620 using the available apps. Gaming apps needed a larger selection Anyway, back to the 925. I liked the grey finish and moving between apps and menus is a typical windows phone affair. The 925 was very fluid and produced a good first impression. The reason I was interested in this phone is its camera, which is excellent.

However, I wish it had more than 16gb memory. I gather Vodafone currently has the exclusive on the 32gb model. The photos I snapped in the store looked rather good. Obviously, the 925’s low light skills working well.

Overall, I was quite pleased with the 925.

What’s makes the perfect smartphone ?

Android, Apple, RIM, Tech News, Windows

I have been known to change my phone several times a year, but they are all rumours if course. That means I get to use a wide variety of phones from different manufacturers and operating system. I really don’t favour any operating system, just prefer one over the other dependant on their current hardware.

So at one point in time I changed from a Samsung Galaxy S3 to an iPhone 5, even though on paper the S3 was more capable from a technical point of view. But compared to the feel and build of the iPhone 5 it didn’t stand a chance. And as a gamer, iOS still has the deeper catalogue of games, although android is rapidly catching up. Those that read my blog will know that I currently have the HTC One. I have had this nearly 3 months which is a record time for most of my phones. To recap my phone history, from 2012 to today’s date I have owned an iPhone 4S, then a Samsung Note, Samsung S3, iPhone 5, Note 2, Nokia Lumia 620, Samsung S4 and finally the HTC One. Tablet wise has been a lot simpler. From 2012 I have had the iPad 2, iPad Mini, several faulty Nexus 7’s and finally the Sony Xperia Z Tablet. I don’t keep my old phones, just sell them normally to my friends. In case anyone says, what about Blackberry well I have a mandatory blackberry phone supplied by work. Its crap apart from a decent battery life and able to survive multiple drops. I suppose that’s a good thing really. It also has amazing signal reception. I just don’t like it.

Using all the various devices, I start to compile a list of what would make the best phone that I could keep for a really long time. And just when I think I have mastered this list, along comes a few new must have features. So what makes the perfect smartphone for me?

1. Design – it must look good. I can’t bear the thought of holding something too bland and flimsy. The HTC One and iPhone 5 both score highly here.

2. Durability – being able to survive a drop, waterproof and dust proof. The Samsung S4 is probably better made to survive a fall, as its easier to replace the parts. In terms of being waterproof and dustproof this goes to Sony Xperia Z. Owning the Z Tablet has made me realise this is actually a really good feature. I use to have a thing about buying phone cases. Since owning the Z Tablet I now realise there is no point. I can take the tablet anywhere , take photos in the rain. The Z range is not compromised specs either.

3. Camera – the expression the best camera is the one in your pocket is so true. The HTC One camera does a lot of things brilliantly. Fast shutter speed, Zoe mode which means you edit after not choose the mode before. This makes for more shots capturing the moment. It also makes an instant 30 second video highlight of an event. The file sizes are small so are quick to share on any social network. Video in 1080p with image stabilisation. But for landscapes the 4mp camera doesn’t capture enough detail. So what I would want in my next phone is the same HTC concept but 3 times the quality.

4. Audio – after being spoilt by the boomsound speakers on the HTC One which sound loud and clear, I would want something similar. Also when I connect headphones into the phone or listen via Bluetooth I want very high quality sound. Bluetooth needs the apt-x support for high quality audio.

5. Memory – for android phones a minimum 32gb internal plus micro SD card support. Same for windows, and if iPhone 64gb minimum. Ideally 128gb but that doesn’t exist yet. This allows for all my apps and games to be installed with ease and then use the memory card for photos and music.

6. Removable battery – the phone battery will die over the years. Being able to swap the battery is the cheapest way to bring back then phone to new conditions. Also, if you are away from charging points have a spare battery in your wallet resolves this scenario. Also the phone needs a decent size battery to last at least 2 days.

7. Game controllers – built in support for game controllers. The Z tablet has support built in for the Sony PS3 dual shock controller for example.

8. Wireless charging or charging dock points – being able to charge without plugging a cable in is the way forward. No effort no fuss.

9. Infra Red – its gimmicky but I love it. On my Z Tablet the included software has an eject button for my DVD player. The standard remote for my DVD doesn’t include an eject button, and as the eject button no longer works on the DVD player, I can now continue to use it via the software on the Z tablet.

10. Notification led – have the option to have flashing LEDs to let you know there is something to check is great.

11. Capacitive buttons –  less prone to failure than hardware buttons.

12. Comfort – no more than 150g and rounded sides. Rounded sides make holding the phone a joy. The Samsung S4 is a good example of comfort.

And that’s my list. So what would you add or remove ?