Fenix – One of the Best Android Twitter apps has reached its token limit

April 25, 2016Android, Tech Newsdetails, End of a line, Fenix, token limit reachedGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Via Fenix –

https://twitter.com/fenix_app/status/724117610275721216

It is a sad day for another brilliant twitter app, Fenix. For me this twitter app is as good as Tweetbot on iOS.

Twitter has implemented rules that prevent new Twitter apps having more than 100,000 users/tokens. Only a few older apps have a higher limit, normally 200,000. Fenix has reached the 100,000 limit meaning nobody else can download and login to Twitter via the app. Consequently, the developer of Fenix has now removed the app from the Google Play Store.

So are there any options? The developer can ask Twitter for extra tokens, although Twitter is unlikely to comply. The developer can create a new Twitter app which everyone will have to buy again. But the biggest worry now is what incentive does the developer of Fenix have to carry on updating his app.

Lets hope a solution can be found.

Source – Fenix, +Kevwright (Twitter)

LG 360 Cam – Watch my 360 VR video and photo footage

April 24, 2016Android, Internet of Things, Tech NewsLG 360 Cam, Review, VR. LG G5 FriendsGavin Fabiani-Laymond

I have been testing the LG 360 Cam which is one of the LG G5 Friends. I got my LG 360 Cam from Clove Technology who have this in stock as this post goes live.

I have been using the LG 360 Cam along with the LG 360 VR. The experience is far better than I had expected. The LG 360 Cam has many features which will be covered off in my review. For this post I will show you a 180 degree photo below.

Just for info the LG 360 Cam can be used with other Android devices and the iphone and iPad.

The real gem comes with snapping 360 photos and videos. I will be sharing the 360 degrees photos and more videos in my main review, so for today see a 360 VR 40 second video of my local village – Princetown, Dartmoor. You will need VR glasses to view this back or something similar like LG 360 VR, Samsung Gear VR or even Google Cardboard. The other option is using a compatible browser and the latest YouTube apps on iOS and Android. If you have a Windows Phone its lol unlucky.

The LG G5 allows you to split the screen during playback and have the front camera playing on the left and the rear on the other side of the screen. This looks rather neat.

And don’t forget if you’re interested in any of the LG G5 Friends or any of smartphone or accessory head over to Clove Technology.

Items in the Review Process – Plus Special Offer

April 23, 2016Android, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Security, Tech Newsclove technology, LG G5 Friends, Piper NV, reviews coming soonGavin Fabiani-Laymond

There are a number of devices/gadgets currently undergoing the review process. These include the following –

LG G5 BCK-5100 Hybrid Battery Charger & Portable Battery – Now available from Clove Technology

LG 360 VR – Now available from Clove Technology

LG 360 Cam – Now available from Clove Technology

Piper NV Smart Security System – Details and available from Amazon

Other items expected soon which will be reviewed include the remaining LG G5 Friends – LG Cam Plus, HiFi DAC, LG Rolling Bot and the LG Tone Platinum. – Full details – LG G5 Friends

Special Offer – I bought yesterday a 4 pack of USB Type C cables with different sizes. (1 x 10cm cable,2 x 100cm cable, 1 x 200cm cable) Tested and certified to USB Type-C standards and with the 56k ohm resistor. Available at Clove

None of the Clove Technology links are affiliate referral links. I just like using them and have done for many years. It is really good to see that they have stock of the latest devices and gadgets, so do have a look at all their other items 🙂

There are a few other items/phones/audio/gadgets undergoing the review process too 🙂

And don’t forget if you’re buying anything on Amazon, use the link below. Helps Gavin’s Gadgets towards the site running costs and at no extra cost to yourself!

AMAZON LINK

Whoops! Chinese Government shuts down iTunes Movies and iBook stores

April 23, 2016Apple, Tech NewsChinese government takedown Apple iMovies and iBooks storeGavin Fabiani-Laymond

In its biggest move yet to regulate Apple in China, the Chinese government has forced Apple to shut down its iBooks Store and iTunes Movies in the country — just six months after the services were first made available.

While the government initially approved the launch, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television reportedly changed its mind and demanded that Apple shutter the service.

Cultofmac.com reported the above that the Chinese Government got tough with Apple again. Selling in China is a potential goldmine for Apple but the government really want ultimate control and censorship. Maybe the Chinese people will create an uprising of protests against their government? To me this is not only about state control but the state wanting a share of the profits too!

Is Amazon forcing people to use its Prime service?

April 23, 2016Amazon, Tech Newsamazon forces Prime more and moreGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Amazon’s latest attempt to convince more people to sign up for a Prime membership might not go down too well with the gaming community. Originally discovered by VideoGamer on Friday, it appears that Amazon’s Prime-exclusive items now includes several popular video games, including Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Far Cry Primal.

Several readers wrote in to VideoGamer this morning to complain about the fact that certain versions of video games were suddenly accompanied with the message “Exclusively for Prime Members.”

BGR.com reported the above which came via VideoGamer.com. To be honest this doesn’t surprise me and it wouldn’t surprise me if eventually more and more of what Amazon sells will be a “Prime” only product. The worry is that Amazon effectively destroyed a lot of its competition as it grew year after year and now it has more of a monopoly is free to pursue tactics like this. So what do you think about this?

How to unlock the bootloader of the LG G5?

April 23, 2016Android, Tech Newsboot loader unlock details, LG G5Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

Good news if you own a LG G5 H850.

LG has official released an official bootloader unlock for the European variant of the G5

Click HERE to head over to LG’s special website to start unlocking your G5’s bootloader. Personally this is not something I see the need to do but for some this is fantastic news.

How long before Microsoft closes its Windows Mobile Phone division?

April 23, 2016Tech News, WindowsMicrosoft Lumia sales, when is microsoft closing Lumia phones downGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Microsoft reported that it sold 2.3 million Lumia handsets last quarter, compared with 8.6 million sales during the same quarter a year ago. This equates a drop in sales by 73% year-over-year, and by 49% compared with last quarter’s 4.5 million sales.

Microsoft.com reported a few days ago its quarterly earnings. The Surface range showed revenues rising by 61% to $1.1 billion. But sales of its Lumia handsets are dire. The above figures mean according to Gartner that its market share has dropped to just 1.1%. It really begs the question, how long before Microsoft throws the towel in and stops selling the Lumia phones for good? It the slide continues, probably within a year.

The only saviour might come from the Surface Phone that won’t run Windows 10 mobile but a full version of the Windows 10 software. Maybe universal apps can take off? These are all big maybes and all the time iOs and android is flying ahead.

LG G5 – Views after One Week

April 22, 2016Android, Reviews, Tech NewsLG G5, one week later, ReviewGavin Fabiani-Laymond

I have now had the LG G5 for one week. The phone is a revelation. It is so enjoyable to use I no longer have the Samsung S7 Edge.

I love the design and feel of the G5. In gold it looks good. USB Type C connector. Infra Red Blaster. Great cameras. Modules. Did I say great cameras. Very loud loudspeaker. Lovely bluetooth audio quality. The single let down is the screen brightness. It doesn’t go high enough when needed. May a software fix is required to fix this problem,

The wide angle lens makes capturing a scene previously impossible, now possible. The entire harbour in one shot captured above.

The first shot of Drake Building produces such dept.

You can step really close to the hotel to capture this shot.

Everything on the G5 works really well from hardware and software. And then there is the modules and friends which are all about to come into stock. I am really looking forward to the LG Cam Plus and B&O HiFi DAC. I like the concept that I can make my G5 better or different with these modules.

And now LG is teasing more options with these modules, including a GamePad, Printer, Projector and more. See below.

Apple iPhone SE – The Pocket Rocket of Success

April 22, 2016Apple, Tech NewsApple iPhone SE, Pocket Rocket of SuccessGavin Fabiani-Laymond

I remember walking into my local Apple store and holding the Apple iPhone SE and re-imagining what it would be like to have a phone this compact again. It doesn’t matter what operating system you prefer, there is no denying the brilliant one handed use of the iPhone SE.

It is also a powerful beast with Apple’s A9 processor and fitted with the new 12mp rear camera. Apple Pay is also included. On top of everything else it is also the cheapest route to owning an iPhone of this calibre for ages.

So why is the iPhone SE the pocket rocket of success. Firstly, it is re-using one of Apple’s iconic phone designs just with more updated components. Secondly, people are buying it as it saves them hundreds of pounds or dollars over the iPhone 6S. And lastly not everyone wants a large phone.

But its success is noticeable in China. According to Digitimes, Chinese smartphone suppliers are reducing production due to the Apple iPhone SE. Brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have all lost marketshare.

I also personally know of several people who have bought the iPhone SE and are extremely happy with their new iPhone.

Sources – Digitimes, Appleinsider.com

LG G5 – More camera shots from my trip to London Docklands with commentary

April 21, 2016Android, Reviews, Tech NewsLG G5, more camera shots of London DocklandsGavin Fabiani-Laymond

Below are a selection of photos snapped whilst I was in London Docklands the other day along with commentary for each photo.

The above shot was snapped whilst travelling in the Emirates Cable Car than runs from Royal Victoria to North Greenwich in London Docklands. I cannot remember if I used the wide lens or not for this photo.

Again snapped whilst inside the cable car, and made B&W using VSCO Cam preset B3.

The above shot is using the wide lens. Apart from the cable car glass reflection, its a superb shot. It was a really sunny day.

Wide lens again. This is the landing bay at Royal Victoria.

Above with the standard 16mp lens. Loads of detail and the colours are accurate to what my eyes were seeing too.

Again using the 16mp lens on the G5. This building is called The Crystal at Royal Victoria, London Docklands.

The wide angle lens creates the above shot. Not for everyone due to the excessive curves.

Wide angled and cropped. The G5 wide angle lens still has enough detail for crops.

Again wide lens and cropped with a filter applied. I just wanted to show the distance the cable car travelled.

Canning Town station is not attractive. So using Camera360 magic colours (red) filter, I jazzed it up.

A building site is not very attractive, but again, used Camera360 and the magic colours red filter. This is using the 16mp lens.

Again wide and not too warped. This was taken at sunrise.

Just a road in Canning Town with lots of building work. Edited in Photo Express using the Pinhole effect.

And finally Paddington Station London. Using the 16mp lens which did a great job.

All in all I was very impressed with the shots from the G5 camera.

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