Author Archive: Matt

More than 20 years in the IT industry. Blogging with a passion and thirst for new technology since 2005.

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By November 7, 2013 Read More →

BlackBerry readying PlayBook 2?

playbook 2Earlier this year, following the official launch of BlackBerry 10, there was a lot of speculation that BlackBerry would release another version of their relatively unpopular and many news stories of the coming PlayBook 2 were in circulation. Many of these were very definite with the news and stated that Q2 2013 would see BlackBerry release their second tablet.

Obviously a lot has happened to BlackBerry since February this year including a name change from RIM, numerous possible sales, a less than smooth launch of BBM on iOS and Android, and now another interim CEO.

However, in the last 48 hours, rumours that the PlayBook 2 project has been brought back to life have started to hit the headlines again.

Following a $1bn investment agreement with Fairfax Financial, John Chen was appointed new interim CEO of BlackBerry. Chen insists that it’s not over yet for BlackBerry’s hardware division. A statement that has led many to jump to the PlayBook 2 conclusion.

At this point in time there’s really nothing at all to substantiate the rumours and until we start to see anything more concrete than a ‘maybe they will’ I for one will certainly consider this to be nothing more than vapour-ware or maybe hope-ware.

Posted in: News, Phones, Rumours, Tablets
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By November 6, 2013 Read More →

Google Nexus 5 vs HTC One: Camera

Google Nexus 5 vs HTC OneThere has been a lot of questions and discussion about the camera on the Google Nexus 5 and opinions seem to be polarised.

Questions such as “How bad can the Nexus 5 camera be?” and asking us to rate it against the HTC one have been common on our YouTube channel.

What we have here is a series of photos taken with both the HTC One and the Google Nexus 5 so that you can make up your own mind. Looking at them myself, I think there are images that are good and bad in both sets.

Just to recap, the HTC One has a 4MP Ultrapixel camera with F/2.0 Aperture and optical image stabilizer (OIS). whereas the Nexus 5 has an 8MP camera with F/2.5 Aperture and optical image stabilizer (OIS).  The HTC also has a dedicated image processing chip whereas the Nexus 5 does not.

The shots you see below are straight from the device with no manipulation or editing on either the phone or PC.

As much as possible I have taken the photos standing in exactly the same location so where you see a difference in the framing this is largely down to the field of view of each camera being different. I’ve set the scene modes to normal on both phones and used auto modes.

In the two columns below you can find the Nexus 5 on the left and the HTC One on the right. Click each for a larger version.

Posted in: News, Phones
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By November 5, 2013 Read More →

Top 3 compact cameras for outdoor adventures

When you want to capture your outdoor adventures on film, a compact action camera is ideal. Small and light enough to not be a burden in your backpack, yet robust enough to cope with the toughest conditions, these pieces of kit are a must for any photographer on the go. Here are our top three picks:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA1. Olympus TOUGH TG-820

This camera is crushproof to 100kg, waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m and freezeproof to -10 degrees C, so you can take snaps on any outdoor adventure in confidence. No matter what your environment or activity, the Olympus TOUGH TG-820 is prepared to join you.

It doesn’t sacrifice photography specifications in favour of durability, either. The 12-megapixel camera has a 5x optical zoom, can record in 1080p, and even has a 3D photo shooting mode. Trusted Reviews says: “If you’re on the lookout for a bombproof compact then the TG-820 is definitely worth putting on your shortlist.”

You can order the camera online through Jessops, which offers free next-day delivery or the option to collect from store in as little as 30 minutes. The Olympus TOUGH TG-820 comes with a two-year guarantee, and accessories including memory cards and cases are available.

xp2002. Fuji FinePix XP200

This Fuji camera is almost as robust as the Olympus compact: it is waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof, too. The body of the FinePix XP200 also boasts ribbed rubberised grips, which can be handy while on the go.

Again, the photography specifications are impressive, with the effective number of megapixels at 16.4 million and the option for full HD recording. Even the LCD screen is built for the great outdoors, with an anti-reflective coating allowing you to frame effectively even in bright light.

We also love the wireless capabilities, which enable you to view snaps on your smartphone using the FUJIFILM app, or transfer images straight to your PC over Wi-Fi. The selection of filters also mean there’s no need to go through an editing program for an artistic look.

Sony-Cybershot-DSC-TX303. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30

The smallest and lightest of the bunch, weighing in at a mere 125g and measuring just 96.4 x 59.3 x 15.4mm, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30 is great for slotting in your pocket. The Carl Zeiss lens captures 18.2 effective megapixels, and boasts a 5x optical zoom.

It’s great for those with limited photography skills, with the Intelligent Auto feature recognising scenes and adjusting settings automatically, and Superior Auto technology combatting blur, so you get the best shots without the effort. Find out more here.

Posted in: Cameras, Editorial
By November 5, 2013 Read More →

How to Make Your Website More Accessible

webIf you’re concerned about creating more traffic on your website and making it more visible to new readers or customers, you need to hire Boutique PPC agency to improve its accessibility. This means considering all the ways in which you can make your website’s design more functional, as well as considering how you can make your website available to people who use mobile devices to access the Internet. To get started on increasing your site’s accessibility, first work on your original page’s design, then consider creating and designing a mobile version of your website.

Enhancing Your Website’s Design

First, focus on the design of your current website. To make it is easily accessible, you need to reevaluate its design every few months. Things move quickly in the world of technology and web design, so you always need to have your website up to date. Evaluate your page’s content every few months, considering details such as the wording you use to write about your product or focus on your website’s home page. Just as technology advances, so does the language used to discuss it, so make sure your terms are accurate. You also need to have a website that looks current. Web design has trends, just like fashion or home décor, so keep yours moving with the times. If people view your homepage and it looks unprofessional or dated, you’re likely to lose readers or customers.

Creating a Mobile Version of Your Website

Because so many people access the Internet via smartphones and tablets, it’s important to create a mobile version of your site so that everyone can have access to it through all modes of Internet browsing. Mobile websites are specifically meant to look good on smaller screens, and are made to be easier to navigate with touch screens, so your site’s accessibility will be increased  if you create a mobile version of it. You can do this easily by accessing mobile website templates online. These templates will allow you to import the content you already have on your regular website, then make any necessary adjustments and customizations. You can use the same content as your regular site, but in a way that is easier to view and navigate on a mobile device. Once you’ve finished your mobile web design, make sure to test your new content on an actual mobile device so that you know everything looks good and works well.

Increasing accessibility to your website basically means keeping up with current trends in technology and web design. You need to keep your site’s appearance modern and professional, and you also need to make sure people can access it from any type of device, whether that means viewing your regular website on a laptop or desktop computer, or viewing your mobile website on a tablet or smartphone. If you need any extra help getting started, take a look at your favorite website. It probably changes its appearance periodically to stay current, and has a mobile version. Take note of the elements you like most about it, and incorporate them into your designs to make your website as accessible as possible.

Posted in: Editorial
By November 4, 2013 Read More →

ZTE Grand S Flex announced

grand_sZTE have again announced another new handset today. This time the ZTE Grand S Flex.

Offering a 4G/LTE connectivity and 5″ 720p display the ZTE Grand S Flex is already available in Spain, Czech Republic and Slovakia and will be launched shortly in Germany, Finland and Poland.

The full press release follows.

 

Posted in: Phones, Press Releases
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By November 3, 2013 Read More →

Android 4.4 KitKat Easter Egg video

Android 4.4 KitKat Easter EggThere has been a long tradition of including hidden messages or features in software. These hidden messages, called Easter Eggs, have featured in each version of the popular Google Android OS and with the latest release of Android 4.4 KitKat the included Easter Egg is a pretty good one.

Accessed by entering the Settings menu and clicking repeatedly on the Android Version number we’re treated to a spinning ‘K’ and then a series of tiles with logos from each of the Android versions including KitKat.

So here’s a quick video of the Android 4.4 KitKat Easter Egg in action on the Nexus 5 for a little Sunday fun.

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
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By November 2, 2013 Read More →

Nexus 5 benchmark video

Nexus 5 benchmarkIn my Nexus 5 unboxing and hands on video yesterday, I ran a quick benchmark test on the Nexus 5 using Quadrant. As I mentioned in that video, the Nexus 5 benchmark scores seem to be a bit ‘off’ and I suspect that this is largely down to Quadrant not being updated for Android 4.4 KitKat yet, giving us some false values, although the graph seemed to be about right, the numbers were wrong.

So, further to several requests that I’ve had over the past few hours, here is the Nexus 5 running an AnTuTu benchmark. You’ll be able to see for yourself how it runs and what the final score is be watching the short video below.

The Nexus 5 is now coming along with me as my everyday phone and I’ll keep you posted on my experience with it. If you have any questions please submit them below.

Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

LG Google Nexus 5 unboxing and hands-on video

LG Google Nexus 5 unboxing videoThe LG Google Nexus 5 was finally launched yesterday afternoon and went on sale here today in the UK. So far the sales have been strong and many stores have already sold out of the Nexus 5. In fact I had to try 4 different stores before I managed to find one that had stock and I got the last one they had!

So here is my Nexus 5 unboxing and hands-on video. I have to say, despite only having used it for a short time I am so far very impressed with the Nexus 5. If you follow me on Twitter you’ll know how much I love my HTC One but it may be possible that the Nexus 5 could soon see itself as my everyday phone.

In the video below I’ll show you what accessories come with the Nexus 5 and have a good look around the hardware. We’ll then have a look at what’s installed and play with a couple of applications before running that customary benchmark. There’s a strange outcome there though but you’ll have to watch the video to find out!

The LG Nexus 5 has an amazing specification for the money and in terms of sheer value beats just about everything out there at the moment.

The video is a little long so I’ve cut out a few bits to be included in another video later on.

Posted in: News, Phones, Videos/Unboxings
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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

HTC One to get Android 4.4 KitKat within 90 days

htc_oneWith the launch of the Android 4.4 touting Nexus 5 yesterday it was just a matter of time before questions would be asked of the manufacturers of other phones as to if and when their phones would see an update to KitKat.

HTC seem to have been the first to go on the record to talk about their update plans and Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America has been talking to the guys at Engadget. In an interview with Engadget, Mackenzie has confirmed that The Google Play version of the HTC One will see the 4.4 update within a staggering 15 days, followed by developer and unlocked versions getting the update in 30 days. All other remaining carrier variants will then have the KitKat update available within 90 days, possibly less.

I just the past week or so HTC have released Android 4.3 and Sense 5.5 to HTC One devices and I’m already enjoying this update. No definitive news on when the HTC One Mini and HTC One Max will receive further updates and be taken to 4.4 but it certainly seems that HTC are going to take a more aggressive stance to updates going forward and I for one find this very reassuring.

At the moment there’s nothing official from HTC as to when the Global updates will be made available, but I would expect to see these also on an accelerated time-scale.

Posted in: News, Phones
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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

How Fiber Optics are Reinventing the Internet and Communications Industry

Fiber optic cableFiber optic Internet was the biggest news on the market just a few years ago. Today, news about wireless Internet has overshadowed that of fiber optics, though people may not realize fiber technology continues to progress by leaps and bounds. What new types of technology have made fiber optics a better way to get connected? In case you wonder how to improve your connections, check the routerloginlists website.

Military-Grade Sensors

Optical fiber can transmit light over distances, but any light coming through the fiber becomes filtered by the glass surrounding it. New fiber optic designs take away this limitation by channeling light through air rather than the glass, resulting in much more sensitive projections. This type of light control has not gone unnoticed by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, who has launched a program to provide fiber optic light-intensive cables for sensors and navigational tools. Light can take three separate paths in these cables, for better bandwidth over distances, while achieving a higher speed than standard fiber cable.

Aircraft Control

The announcement that TeraXion and CMC electronics are partnering to create new fiber optic transceivers may have a major impact in the Internet industry. These two leaders in the communications business look to take fiber optic to a new level by combining high volume components for high-reliability avionics equipment. These two companies hope to shorten their development cycle and develop better performing products for civil and commercial aviation communication, helping to pilot aircraft through dangerous weather and conditions.

Cleanliness Is Next To…

One of the largest breakthroughs in the fiber optic market hasn’t involved the technology’s speed or reliability at all. Instead, a new breakthrough allows for superior cleaning of existing fibers. Linden Photonics announced a new cleaning material, Lindex, that allows for eliminating contamination like grease and dust that clogs up systems. Photonics has claimed that Lindex may be as revolutionary for cleaning electronics as the invention of the Q-Tip, capable of picking up dust 50 times better than a Q-Tip.

Oceanfront Views

Though millions of miles of cable stretch back and forth across the world’s oceans, only a few companies have developed more water-friendly fiber cables. One of them, South Bay Cable Corporation, has managed to produce fiber optic cables that can do everything in a wet environment, including surviving up to ten thousand pounds of pressure. This will allow for more efficient coast-to-coast communication, as well as on ship-to-ship broadcasts where no other signal can be found.

Developing Markets

Though the monthly fees of wireless Internet scale above that of fiber optics, the difficulty in setting up fiber optic networks comes in the cost of laying the actual infrastructure. Corning Inc. released a study suggesting it may take $50 to $100 billion in costs to bring fiber optic Internet to every American. Americans hoping to get access to faster speeds should check the FiOS availability in their region to determine which provider works best for them. Since fiber optics represent the fastest and most reliable Internet connection, anyone subscribing to standard cable or Wi-Fi will find themselves paying more for less when fiber optics are available in their market.

Posted in: Editorial
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