What if Apple bought Pebble?

Android, Apple, Tech News

I couldn’t sleep last night as I was wondering what would happen if Apple bought Pebble.

Firstly, this move could upset a lot of Pebble owners. Would Apple want to use any of the technology used in the current Pebble watch. Maybe it would be a good move for Apple to obtain some of Pebble’s patents. Or perhaps Apple would buy Pebble and simply close it down to remove a competitor.

Which ever permutation you look at, this acquisition doesn’t look promising. And in all honestly I cannot see Apple ever wanting to make such a purchase.

The problem with all current smartwatches, apart from the LG G Watch in white/gold finish, is they all look butt ugly. Something tells me Apple will make the iWatch stunning and simple too, hence why I cannot see Apple buying Pebble other than to remove a competitor.

So do you think Apple would ever buy Pebble?

Window 8.1 Phone Owners seen running for the hills

Tech News, Windows

Window 8.1 Phone Owners have something to be happy about. In fact, probably expect to see them running for the hills, across fields and along parks and pathways.

Why? FitBit app for Microsoft’s mobile operating system has arrived after being available on other platforms for years. I’m being a bit cruel here but its factually true nonetheless.

The app allows users to wirelessly sync data with the FitBit Flex and FitBit One.

The FitBit app, already available on iOS and Android, allows users to view real time and historical activity data, while also logging their food intake from a possible 350,000 items.

Windows Phone Smartphone owners will need Windows Phone 8.1 as well as the new Lumia Cyan update to make use of the FitBit app.

LG G Watch – review update – design disaster

Android, Reviews, Tech News, Wearables, , ,

20140730-170053-61253908.jpg

The above photo is a close up of the charging pins on my LG G Watch. This has occurred within a month of use. Not only that, but I don’t have the watch tightly strapped to my wrist.

According to stories on the internet once the pins corrode there is a high chance of getting a rash on your wrist.

I’ve spoke to Google customer support for their help and will report back in due course.

I hope there is a solution, as I really like the look and simple functionality.

Three UK launches inTouch app – wifi calling over the internet – links for iOS and android

Android, Apple, Tech News,

Three UK launches wifi calling app over the internet for iOS and android users.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get a good signal when you’re indoors. So we’ve created Three inTouch, the smart new app that lets you call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi, even if there’s no mobile signal.

You can use your Three number as normal – there’s no messing about with logins or passwords – and all calls and texts come out of your existing monthly price plan or Pay As You Go credit

•Call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi, even where there’s no signal.
•Free App, just download and activate.
•No extra charges. Calls and texts come from your monthly price plan or Pay As You Go credit.
•Make and receive calls using your normal Three number to anyone on any network.

And with the recent introduction of Wi-Fi on the London Underground, you know what this means don’t you? Yep, you’ll be able to make a call whilst on an underground platform. Which is sure to draw attention from fellow commuters!

The simple-to-use Three inTouch app is offered free to all our Contract, SIM and Pay As You Go customers. It’s so easy to activate and use. Just download the Three inTouch app onto your iPhone and you’ll stay connected whenever you have Wi-Fi.

Apple App Store link – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/three-intouch/id895812887?mt=8

Google Play Store link – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hutchison3g.threeintouch

Another blow for BlackBerry

Apple, RIM, Tech News

Ford has announced that it is moving from Blackerry to the iPhone. Even worse for BlackBerry this process will be complete by the end of 2014.

3,300 Ford workers will be given iPhones by the end of 2014 with 6,000 more employees to receive iPhones over the next two years.

To be honest this is not a surprise, as many other companies have started offering the iPhone too.

Source – http://www.bloomberg.com

Updates on upcoming reviews

Android, Reviews, Tech News, Wearables, Windows

A few weeks ago I mentioned that there were several new reviews to land on Gavins Gadgets.

The LG G3 is well underway and further posts will appear shortly. In addition the LG G3 QuickCircle and Slim Guard case reviews will be up hopefully over the weekend or early next week. The Premium Hard case review is already live.

The AKG K845 Bluetooth headphone review should be live by the end of next week.

So folks, is there a handset you would like me to review next? If so, let me know in the comments.

TV and Film Streaming Services

Tech News

Currently, I subscribe to Netflix. I also have Amazon Prime membership which provides access to Amazon Instant Video. Netflix is obtained via my Apple TV box and Amazon directly via my TV internet menu option.

After paying the annual fee for Amazon Prime my plan was to ditch Netflix, but this is proving impossible for several reasons.

Firstly, the user interface with Prime on my TV is awful. I have to enter the film or TV show using the simple TV remote. This takes ages. Also, I find operating around Amazon’s Instant Video cumbersome and difficult. Amazon seem to mix the free films with the paid options.

So what does Netflix do better. Well everything in my book. If you are watching a TV series, it automatically starts playing the next episode when you reach the end of the one you are viewing. Then after watching 3 in a row, before it continues automatically, a message pops up asking if you are still watching. This way, if you fall asleep in front of the TV you won’t be watching the entire season in any nightmares. Or dreams if you’re lucky.

On top of that I find there is more to watch on Netflix.

I have tried Blinkbox and do occasionally use my iTunes UK account. I also have an iTunes US account for content not available in the UK.

So what services do you use and why?

LG G3 – Review – Summary

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

To help find all the posts relating to the LG G3 review, I have collated them below –

Part 1 – Review Part 1 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/lg-g3-review-part-1/

Part 2 – Camera Samples – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/lg-g3-sample-photos/

Part 3 – LG G3 Premium Hard Case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-premium-hard-case-in-tan-review/

Part 4 – Review Part 2 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-review-part-2/

Part 5 – LG G3 Firmware update – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/lg-g3-first-firmware-update-now-coming-ota-full-change-log/

Part 6 – Review Part 3 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/lg-g3-review-part-3/

Part 7 – Review Part 4 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/24/lg-g3-review-part-4/

Part 8 – Game for the LG G3 QuickCircle case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/lg-announces-a-game-for-the-lg-g3-quickcircle-case/

Part 9 – Review Part 5 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/lg-g3-review-part-5/

Part 10 – More Photo Samples – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/26/some-more-photos-from-the-lg-g3/

Part 11 – Action Shots – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/lg-g3-high-speed-camera-action-shots/

Part 12 – LG G3 vs Sony DSLR macro shootout – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/lg-g3-vs-sony-dslr-macro-shoutout-which-photo-came-from-which-device/

Part 13 – LG G3 Health – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/lg-g3-review-lg-health/

Part 14 – LG QuickCircle case – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/lg-quickcircle-cover-case-for-the-lg-g3-review/

Part 15 – LG WCD-100 – Qi Wireless Charger review – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/lg-wcd-100-review-lgs-g3-qi-wireless-charger/

And more posts to follow over the course of the following weeks.

Super Camera Shootout – Updated – Now with 21 Smartphones

Android, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Windows, , , , , ,

Not sure about which phone or brand takes the best photos, then have a look at this super sized collection of photos from all the best smartphones and some budget phones as a comparison.

LG G3 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157645618979801/

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644532639249/

HTC One M8 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157643265004874/

Samsung S5 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157643875623354/

Sony Xperia Z2 – https://gavinsgadgets.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/sony-xperia-z2-second-impressions-part-2/

Samsung Note 3 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644034132513/

Samsung S4 Zoom – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039495565/

LG G Flex – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644114354349/

Apple iPhone 5S – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035336913/

LG Nexus 4 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039660933/

Sony Z1 Compact Z1 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644028694521/

Sony Xperia Z1 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039246935/

Sony Z Ultra – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644083052095/

Sony QX100 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035811453/

Sony QX10 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035335185/

HTC One M7 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644039700054/

Huawei Ascend P6 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644028833151/

Nokia Lumia 1520 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035105534/

Nokia Lumia 1020 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644035516523/

Nokia Lumia 925 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157634991010769/

Nokia Lumia 620 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157644083348093/

To see the sets in one indexed page click here – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/ – note only the Sony Xperia Z2 is not shown on Flickr