Author Archive: James Richardson

Five year veteran of the site. BlackBerry specialist, but experienced in most operating systems. Enjoys flower arranging and cross stitch.

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By November 14, 2023 Read More →

What is an SD Card?

SD card. No matter what type of device you use, there are different storage options to choose from. For smaller devices, things like digital cameras or smartphones, the most reliable form of storage is a memory card.

One of the most common types of memory cards is known as an SD card. There is more to know about this type of storage than you may realize. Check out the guide below to learn all you could need to know about SD cards.

What is an SD Card?

SD cards are great for storage. Look at just about any piece of technology and storage is a must. Most devices have built-in storage, but there are external storage devices like an SD card that makes it possible to access files between devices.

Short for “Secure Digital,” this memory card was originally created by the SD Association. There are three tiers to be aware of: Standard SD, SDC (high capacity), and SDXC (extended capacity). Storage sizes can run from 2GB (SD) all the way up to 1TB (SDXC). With that kind of storage power, you can transfer nearly unlimited files from device to device with the greatest of ease.

Recommended Media

With so many options out there among SD cards, it can feel confusing knowing which one to choose. Major names like SanDisk, Lexar, and Sony are the most common. Specifications can be a qualifying factor when choosing the right SD card, but you generally can’t go wrong with one of those devices.

Speed is a critical factor when choosing the right SD card as well. The higher the transfer speed, the better the card is at moving files. Higher speeds are also great for larger file types, things like videos or applications. For general use, the Standard SD is probably fine to use.

Labelling and Specifications

The cool thing about SD cards is that you can glean a lot of information about them by just reading the front of the card. You will know whether it is SD, SDHC, or SDXC, as well as the storage capacity. You might also see other numbers and even letters on the front of the memory card.

The numbers indicate write speed. If you see 4, 6, or 10, it means that they are able to write at those speeds at the very least. If you see a U, it indicates the speed class rating. They are in increments of 10MB/s, so U3 won’t go any slower than 30MB/s. Non-UHS SD cards are going to max out at 25 MB/s, so be aware before buying.

Choosing the Right Card

At the end of the day, you don’t even need to necessarily choose the “best” SD card on the market. You are looking for the one that is the best for your needs. Unless you’re buying with long-term thinking in mind, you should be able to get away with a Standard SD that writes at least 10MB/s. If you want to go for Full HD video, then Class 10 and U1 cards are the best bet.

The key to finding the right card is to break down what your needs are. It also helps to know what devices you are going to be using. Also, make sure that you have a memory card reader because it will be far simpler to transfer between devices (and some laptops/computers don’t even come with an SD reader port). When all is said and done, you will be able to look at data storage with a greater appreciation for the ease and convenience that SD cards bring to the table.

Posted in: Editorial
By September 3, 2013 Read More →

HTC announce the Desire 601 and Desire 300 plus some sweet accessories

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HTC have unleashed a selection of new treats for us this week – both smartphone and accessories.

There’s been much speculation about a bigger and better addition to the One series but if that’s coming it isn’t right now. The two devices that have been announced are mid to lower end but HTC are offering some great specs and larger screens for this segment of the market.

I was lucky enough to go hands on with the phones last week and although not top of the range they are still quite glorious. The Desire 601 in particular resembles the HTC One X in many ways and for a mid range device its sporting a 4.5 inch qHD display which is pretty big for its target audiance. Build quality doesn’t seem to have suffered either, which should give some of the other Android manufactures something to compete with.

Prices are not yet confirmed and as usual will be carrier dependant, however, I’m pretty certain these ones will be flying off the shelves if priced competitively – which I’m sure they will be.

 

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HTC Desire 601

HTC Desire 601 Specifications:

  • SIZE: 134.5 x 66.7 x 9.88mm
  • WEIGHT: 130 grams
  • DISPLAY: 4.5" qHD
  • CPU SPEED: Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 400, dual-core, 1.4GHz
  • PLATFORM: Android with HTC Sense & HTC BlinkFeed
  • Memory – Total storage: 8GB, RAM: 1GB, Expansion card slot: Supports microSD memory card for up to 64GB additional storage (card not included)
  • Network: 2G/ 2.5G – GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G/ 3.5G – UMTS/ HSPA: EMEA: 900/1900/2100MHz with HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps, 4G – LTE: EMEA: 800/900/1800/2600 MHz
  • MicroSIM
  • SENSORS: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
  • Audio supported formats:Playback: .aac, .amr, .ogg, .m4a, .mid, .mp3,.wav, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9), Recording: .amr
  • Video supported formats:Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .wmv (Windows), Media Video 9), .avi (MP4 ASP and MP3) Recording: .mp4
  • BATTERY: Capacity: 2100 mAh, Embedded rechargeable Li-polymer battery
  • Talk time: Up to 12.8 hours for 3G
  • Standby time: Up to 440 hours for 3G
  • GPS – GPS/AGPS + GLONASS
  • CONNECTIVITY: 3.5 mm stereo audio jack, Bluetooth® 4.0 with aptXTM enabled,  Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA® for wirelessly streaming media from
    the phone to a compatible TV or computer, HTC Connect
  • SOUND ENHANCEMENT: HTC BoomSound,  Dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers, Sense Voice
  • CAMERA: 5 MP Auto Focus Camera,  BSI sensor, Pixel size 1.4 ?m, Sensor size 1/4"" ? HTC Image Chip, Continuous shooting and VideoPic,  F2.0 aperture and 28 mm lens, Smart Flash: Five levels of flash automatically set by distance to subject, 1080p video recording, Slow motion video recording with variable speed playback, VGA front camera, Front Camera: VGA Camcorder encoding, HTC Zoe with Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object Removal, Gallery with Video Highlights and HTC Share

 

HTC Desire 300 copy

HTC Desire 300

HTC Desire 300 Specifications:

  • SIZE: 131.78 x 66.23 x 10.12mm
  • WEIGHT: 120 g
  • DISPLAY: 4.3-inch WVGA
  • Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM S4, dual-core, 1GHz
  • PLATFORM: Android with HTC Sense, HTC BlinkFeed
  • MEMORY: Total storage: 4GB, RAM: 512MB, Expansion card slot: supports microSD, memory card for up to 64GB additional storage (card not included)
  • microSIM
  • SENSORS: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
  • CONNECTIVITY: 3.5 mm stereo audio jack,  Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX enabled, Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
  • CAMERA: 5 MP main camera with auto focus, F/2.8 aperture and 34 mm lens, WVGA video recording, VGA front camera
  • Audio supported formats:Playback: .aac, .amr, .ogg, .m4a, .mid, .mp3, .wav, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9) ? Recording: .amr
  • Video supported formats:Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .wmv (Windows Media Video 9), .avi (MP4 ASP and MP3), Recording: .mp4
  • BATTERY: Capacity: 1650 mAh, Removable rechargeable Li-polymer battery
  • Talk time:: Up to 11 hours for 3G
  • Standby time: Up to 625 hours for 3G

London, 3 September 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the addition of the HTC Desire 601 and HTC Desire 300, to its popular smartphone family enabling consumers to enjoy a premium experience at any price point. Changing the face of the mid-range, the HTC Desire 601 introduces LTE speeds and innovative features from the flagship One family, including HTC Zoe with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound. Setting a new standard for entry- level smartphones, the HTC Desire 300 offers a powerful, large-screen browsing experience and HTC BlinkFeed.

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In addition to extending its range of affordable Desire smartphones, HTC is also bringing new choice and performance enhancements to its acclaimed HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a Bluetooth subwoofer, combines with the One family’s HTC BoomSound to offer a fully-immersive audio experience like no other. A new ‘Vivid Blue’ HTC One and One mini also introduce a bold new option for those who want a handset that stands out from the crowd.

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The Vivid Blue HTC One

“For the last 17 years HTC has challenged the mobile industry to develop innovations that change the way in which people use their mobile phone. Now we’re not only changing the way people view the mid-range and entry-level market but setting the bar even higher when it comes to our premium devices and capabilities,” commented Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are committed to offering the most innovative portfolio of products on the market. Our Desire family has become synonymous with affordable quality. Offering some of the most advanced capabilities of any smartphone, these phones truly represent premium quality in a more affordable price bracket.”

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HTC BoomBass

The HTC Desire 601 comes complete with many of the features that have led the HTC One to be crowned the best phone in the world. HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound make this the most advanced mid-range smartphone available on the market today.
The rear-facing 5MP camera captures HTC Zoes, bringing images to life in three-second videos. The simple editing capabilities of HTC Zoe support advanced features such as Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object Removal, making it easy to achieve incredible results with minimal effort.
Video Highlights takes the camera experience to the next level by creating highlight reels displayed on the HTC Desire’s 601’s 4.5" qHD screen. Accompanied by a range of pre-set themes for a more personal memory, these stunning 30-second video montages are simple to create and instantly sharable.
Superfast streaming, sharing and browsing

The HTC Desire 601 combines a Qualcomm® Snapdragon 400, dual-core, 1.4GHz processor and LTE connectivity to enable superfast HD video and music streaming with no compromise on quality. Changing the way you experience media on the go, dual, front-facing HTC BoomSound speakers join with the large screen to create a completely immersive audiovisual experience. Delivering richer, sharper tones, the raw power of the speakers lets you take the “big screen, big sound” home entertainment experience with you, wherever you go.

The HTC Desire 300 enhances the entry-level browsing experience with HTC BlinkFeed making personal and up-to-date content and social media updates available instantly on your home screen. Its stunning 4.3″, full lamination display is perfect for reading your customised HTC BlinkFeed updates, watching videos, viewing photos and surfing the web, whilst the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM dual-core, 1GHz processor means that you’ll never be short on performance.
Boosting the bass for HTC One

In the HTC One, HTC redefined the smartphone sound experience with HTC BoomSound and has now raised the bar again with the introduction of a new accessory for the HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a compact, Bluetooth-enabled subwoofer with a dedicated amplifier, provides clearer, more powerful bass when combined with the HTC One family’s BoomSound. The subwoofer enables HTC BoomSound’s speakers to produce enhanced quality of lower range frequencies so, no matter what music you’re playing or video you’re watching, you are guaranteed immense and exceptional sound that can travel with you.

The new HTC Desire 601 will be available with mobile operators and major retailers in select markets across EMEA from September 2013. The HTC Desire 300 will be available in select markets from October 2013.

The new Vivid Blue HTC One models will be available in select markets from Q4 2013 and HTC BoomBass will be available from the HTC Accessory Store from mid October 2013.

Also recently added to HTC’s spectrum of accessories are the HTC Fetch and Mini+, both of which are pretty darn sweet.

 

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HTC Fetch

If you’re tired of losing your phone or leaving it behind, the HTC Fetch is your solution. Just press the button and the sleek, compact keychain device activates your phone’s ringtone within 15 meters*. Pair it with your phone and you’ll get a warning beep if you leave it behind. If you lose both, a convenient map location feature lets you know where your HTC Fetch and phone were last together.

 

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HTC Mini+

Multi-tasking solutions for everyone: take calls while using your phone to surf online, watch videos or play games. Instant notifications of texts, events, and emails ensure you won’t miss a thing. Hands-free remote camera control lets you take pictures from your phone at a distance. It even doubles as a TV remote control, and pairs with select HTC devices to operate multimedia streaming through your HTC Media Link HD. Built-in laser pointer and slideshow remote control capability give your presentations a professional polish. Use your HTC smartphone like never before with the HTC Mini+.

Not a bad range of goodies don’t you think? While we wait for the next flagship it’s great to see HTC not forgetting about the consumers that don’t need the biggest and the best smartphone.

 

Posted by: James

Posted in: Press Releases
By July 23, 2013 Read More →

The new Nokia Lumia 625 is coming to EE

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EE, the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, today confirmed plans to offer the Nokia Lumia 625 on its superfast 4GEE service, as well as on its Orange and T-Mobile UK brands.

Commenting on the unveiling of the Lumia 625, Nicola Shenton, Head Of Devices, EE said:

“4G is incredibly important for the future of mobile in the UK, and EE is at the forefront. With the new Lumia 625, Nokia is helping to bring even more affordable, quality 4G devices to the market which will ensure 4G experiences are available to a broader audience.”

Pricing and availability for the Lumia 625 will be announced in due course.

 

Posted by: Tarzan

Posted in: Press Releases
By July 18, 2013 Read More →

HTC announce the One mini

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HTC have today officially announced the HTC One mini – bringing a smaller brother from the HTC One to the market. I was lucky enough to go hands on with the new handset recently and what a beauty it is. Specs wise, it may be lacking in a few places compared to the flagship device, but size wise I actually prefer the One mini. It just feels the right size for me.

In terms of pricing things are not yet confirmed but imagine the HTC One on a 24 month contract and then drop two price tiers. That is where this one will sit – so I am told by HTC.

Design wise the HTC One mini mimics its big brother being made from a single piece of aluminum and has the same robust feel to it. With a 4.3 inch display the mini may well appeal to a larger market of average consumers. Powered by a dual core processor as opposed to quad core on the HTC One this thing is still a speedy little son of a gun. The camera on the One mini is the same as the One so potential buyers will have piece of mind that they can get some quality photographs and video from the device.

Some sweet accessories will also be available for the One mini – there are a selection of different coloured flip style cases as well as a rather nice windscreen mount for in the car.

You can view the full specs/press release along with some photos below:

Posted in: Press Releases
By July 14, 2013 Read More →

Unleash your inner geek with HTC

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July 13th marks international “Embrace Your Geekness Day” and the chance to celebrate that little bit of techy geekiness inside us all.  HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, has put together the top “geek” facts on its game-changing HTC One so users can learn how to take advantage of the handset’s unique design, specification and features.

HTC One top “quirky facts:

· The phone weighs 143g – the same as around three lemons or a baked potato

· You would need to lay down more than 45 million HTC Ones to match the distance between London and New York, 65 million to reach Sydney from Shanghai, and 60 million from Tokyo  to Moscow

· The HTC One is made out of one sheet of metal (aluminium) – the most abundant metallic element in the Earth’s crust

· The handset has won 37 awards to date, way more Oscars than Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson and Daniel Day-Lewis put together

 

Posted by: James

Posted in: News
By July 11, 2013 Read More →

The Television Revolution Continues

TV Wikipedia-rfSatellite television revolutionised viewing opportunities; live events beamed around the world became common place.  The Internet followed and these two factors have ensured that the revolution has continued. Everyone can get access to information and entertainment day or night.

Sport value

One of the major beneficiaries has been sport and its stars have suddenly found their incomes multiply out of all proportion because the major stars can expect earnings from business that wants to reach the consumer.
The value of sports clubs has risen dramatically as business has diverted its promotional budget towards popular sport and its stars. What better way to persuade consumers of the quality of their products, whether luxury or everyday than to get them associated with world sports stars in soccer, golf, tennis and beyond?
Marketing strategists understand that a prominent logo on clothing sends a positive message to the audience that for major competition can be spread right around the world.

Posted in: Editorial
By June 17, 2013 Read More →

Usher teams up with Samsung Smart TV’s

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Usher, eight-time Grammy winner, one of the best-selling musical artists in history and currently one of the coaches of NBC’s hit show, “The Voice,” has teamed up with Samsung Smart TV and digital agency Huge to create a digital short film inspired by the title track from his current critically acclaimed album, “LOOKING 4 MYSELF.” The film, Usher’s ‘Looking 4 Myself’ Presented by Samsung, is available via Samsung’s YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/samsungtelevisions.

“Our goal was to create a one-of-a-kind film that brought Usher, a global music icon, together with international technology leader Samsung, to create an artistic and extraordinary digital film experience that people will want to view and share,” said Ross Maupin, Creative Director of Huge.   “By seamlessly integrating the Samsung Smart TV into the film starring Usher, we are setting a new standard in viral marketing.”

Posted in: Press Releases
By June 12, 2013 Read More →

Samsung announce the Galaxy S4 Zoom

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Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, a new device that combines the stylish heritage of the Galaxy S4 smartphone with advanced photographic capabilities.

Part of the Galaxy S4 family, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is the result of Samsungs mission to create a single device that can fulfill the role of both an industry-leading smartphone, and a high-end compact camera. Combining 10x Optical Zoom, a 16 Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor, OIS and Xenon Flash with the very latest Samsung Galaxy S4 technology, the Galaxy S4 Zoom sets new standards for mobile photography.

Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland said: ‘Combining our industry leading expertise in digital imaging and smartphones, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is a converged device that delivers on all fronts and is a product we are excited to be bringing to the market.’

 

Posted in: Press Releases
By June 11, 2013 Read More →

Hands on with the BlackBerry Swivel Holster for Q10

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While belt holsters may not be everyone’s cup of tea they are the ultimate way of keeping your device secure and scratch free. Expansys sent me over the Swivel Holster for the BlackBerry Q10 recently and although I haven’t been using one with my Z10 – my Q10 has been proudly on my belt in the holster for the last week or so.

Like previous BlackBerry holsters this one is made from leather and contain the ‘special magnet’ which turns the Q10’s display off when you place it in the holster. The reverse happens when you remove the BlackBerry; the screen automatically will be on – Magic!

In terms of build quality you don’t get much better. The holster itself is crafted from genuine leather and the swivel belt clip feels solid as a rock. With the holster having the ‘swivel’ feature you can position your BlackBerry Q10 however you most find it easiest to access.

The holster is in stock at Expansys if you want some added protection and will set you back £34.99. It isn’t cheap but it is a premium accessory and money well spent if you are investing in a £500+ smartphone.

You can check out a quick hands on video of the holster below:

 

Posted in: Videos/Unboxings

Expansys offer up a free gift with the Samsung Galaxy S4

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If you are in the market for a SIM free Galaxy S4 you may want to take advantage of the new promotion that Expansys are currently having. The device itself is priced at £549.99 however each shipped order will also include a voucher that can be redeemed to get a free personalised case from SKINZ worth £24.99. Sounds a sweet deal if you ask me.

They have the Samsung Galaxy S4 available in both black and white – which will suit you?

Head on over to Expansys to snap up this offer before stock runs out.

 

Posted by: James

Posted in: News
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