Phones

By August 13, 2014 Read More →

Nexus 6 specs spotted?

AtutuIt looks like some specs of the Nexus 6 alongside its Motorola Shamu codename have been spotted under the benchmarking app AnTuTu. AnTuTu’s database contains the listing for a device called “Google shamu” sporting a Qualcomm  Snapdragon 805 chipset with a quad-core Krait 450 processor working at 2,65GHz, 3GB of RAM and the Adreno 420 GPU. We also see a 5.2″ QHD (1,440 x 2,560 pixel) display. The camera weighs in at 13Megapixel alongside a 2.1MP front facing camera. 

Pretty beefy specs and something worth getting excited over. However, this could just be a list of speculated specifications, or place holder details for an upcoming announcement. 

Posted in: Phones, Rumours
By August 6, 2014 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy S5 Video Comparison

S5 ArtyThe Samsung Galaxy S5 has been out for a little while now and has met with some of the more mixed feedback we have seen for a flagship smartphone. There is always a battle of the camera and in a series of videos we hope to help you make your own mind up on which device has the best video quality for your needs.

Test video quality isn’t an easy thing, there are many factors to deal with, just as still shots. I find the best test is a dashboard mount as over a few minutes the camera will have to pull focus multiple times, deal with an extreme variety of light conditions and constant movement, not to mention shakes. In addition the microphone’s performance will also be put to the test with the constant background noise, whilst balancing vocal input.

The following are the Samsung Galaxy S5’s attempt to deal with a quick journey through my home town in my 3.0 litre pick-up truck on the four different settings available.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Ultra HD setting:

Samsung Galaxy S5 Full HD setting:

Samsung Galaxy S5 HD setting:

Samsung Galaxy S5 VGA setting:

By August 5, 2014 Read More →

STK 3 In 1 Data and Charging Cable Unboxing

1Mobilefun.co.uk have very kindly provided us with a STK 3 In 1 Data and Charging Cable with 8Pin Connector allowing charging of an iPad, iPhone 5, 5S, 4 and 4S alongside older iPad, iPhone and ipod models and a microUSB for most else. Charging a couple of phone should be okay, however dumping two tablets on there might not garner the most spectacular results.

Supports use with Apple Lightning, Apple 30 pin and Micro USB devices

Designed to be the only cable that you will ever need – the STK 3 in 1 cable features Apple Lightning, Apple 30 pin and Micro USB connectors – designed to charge any device which uses any of these adapters.

With more and more devices using Micro USB charging adapters, this cable is also designed to be future proof – so you won’t need to keep purchasing new cables to match your numerous devices.

Charge and sync your devices

Quickly and easily sync / charge your mobile devices with the STK 3 in 1 Charge and Sync cable.

Provides quick and easy charging for a wide range of devices

Designed to give you complete freedom, the 3 in 1 cable allows you to manage all of your devices without having to carry around different cables with you all the time. This is the perfect solution for on-the-go lifestyles and multiple device owners.

Simultaneous charging – charge all devices at once

With this 3-in-1 Charge and Sync cable you can charge all of your devices at the same time, using just one USB cable.

You can pick one up from mobilefun.co.uk.

 

By August 4, 2014 Read More →

LG G3 Video Comparison

20140727_132358The LG G3 is one of the year’s sensations pleased most and meeting little in the way of critical feedback. In this series of posts we will be comparing the video quality between devices one their various setting. We have recently looked at the  Samsung Galaxy S5 and it’s time for the LG G3 to have a go.

Test video quality isn’t an easy thing, there are many factors to deal with, just as still shots. I find the best test is a dashboard mount as over a few minutes the camera will have to pull focus multiple times, deal with an extreme variety of light conditions and constant movement, not to mention shakes. In addition the microphone’s performance will also be put to the test with the constant background noise, whilst balancing vocal input.

The following are the LG G3’s attempt to deal with a quick journey through my home town in my 3.0 litre pick-up truck on the four different settings available.

LG G3 Ultra HD setting:

 

LG G3 Full HD setting:

 

LG G3 HD setting:

 

LG G3 120 HD Slow Motion setting:

 

Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
By August 1, 2014 Read More →

LG G3 Unboxing

LG G3 UnboxingClove.co.uk have sent over an LG G3. This latest flagship phone and successor to the tremendously popular LG G2 has arrived hot on the heels of HTC’s flagship One (M8) and Samsung’s Galaxy S5. That’s stiff competition, the critics have been hailing it as a triumph since the announcement and the press has gone bonkers for it. Not an easy phone to get your hands one, even to review, there are reports of shortages world wide however we have managed to get one albeit a little later than most other reviewers.

 

LG G3 specification:

  • 5.5 inches
  • Quad HD (2560 X 1440)
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ with 2.46 GHz Quad-Core Processor
  • 2gb / 3 gb RAM
  • 16gb / 32gb Storage
  • 13 mp rear 2.1 mp front facing
  • Micro SD (up to 128GB | 2TB capable)
  • Bluetooth 4.0 LE .
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Android 4.4 (KitKat)#
  • 3,000mAh / Replaceable / Wireless Charging

Posted in: Phones, Videos/Unboxings
By July 13, 2014 Read More →

Screen casting from Android to Chromecast

cast_screenThose lovely people at Google are currently packing in the ultimate feature for the Chromecast, screen casting. Now, anything on your Android device can appear on the TV. Google are pushing sharing features more so than gaming and apps by saying “You can share photos stored on your phone with a group of friends, or scope out the scenery for your next family vacation together on the big screen using Google Earth.”

This feature is currently in beta and will roll out on popular Android phones or tablets from Samsung, HTC, LG, and others over the next few days. Look out for the 1.7 update of the Chromecast app on Google Play store to use this new feature. 

By July 11, 2014 Read More →

Breakthrough in battery life

urlSometimes it’s the obvious things which go unnoticed for a while yet turn out be be the perfect solution to an old problem. Such is the likely the case with a new scientific breakthrough in battery tech. Researchers at University of California and the Bourns College of Engineering may have just figured out an easy and cheap way to triple the battery life of our smartphones and tablets.

One of the researchers, graduate student Zachary Favors, came up with the idea to add sand to existing battery tech. At some point it dawned on Favors that there is typically a large amount of Quartz in sand. This turned out to be the key to the team’s discovery. Here’s a quote with more of the details:

There are no reports on how quickly this breakthrough will make it to market, but the outlook is quite good. We will keep you updated as to if/when this starts hitting our favorite devices.

Posted in: Gadgets, Phones, Tablets
By July 9, 2014 Read More →

Is it going to be the iPhone Air 4.7?

a0fbd9ab-a283-404f-91ab-6e3f812cfdaaAccessories firm Spigen has listed 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 covers on Amazon, with the larger model said to include the Air branding. The images show what might be a dummy model of an “iPhone Air” alongside a caption: “There’s something in the Air.” It’s a long wait until Apple is expected to announce a device or two in September.

 

Posted in: Phones, Rumours
By July 7, 2014 Read More →

Uncharged devices no longer allowed on US bound flights to counter terrorism

iPhone4-flatAmerica is banning uncharged mobiles or laptops on US-bound flights over bomb fears. A new measure is bound to cause chaotic scenes at airports around the globe, and is part of the US Transportation Security Administration’s effort to boost surveillance amid concerns that terrorists are plotting to blow up an airliner.

Jason Fernyhough, from mobile accessories distributor Accessory Lab, comments on the news: “most people board planes with enough charge in their devices for a few hours at most as, more often than not, devices will typically be switched off during flights. However, with this new security drive, I can see charging stations appearing at airports, rather like paid for Wi-Fi hotspots. Cafes and public areas will no doubt benefit from additional revenue, but also airport retailers selling mobile device chargers will see panic buying. In the short term, airport infrastructure will take a while to set up the charging booths and the cost to charge for passengers won’t be low, so we believe that there will be a boom in portable chargers and they will become a travel essential.

“To avoid any risk of being refused boarding on all US bound flights, portable chargers and power banks will ensure travellers have the ability to power up multiple devices and charge them very quickly before they board a flight. The keys considerations for travellers will be speed of charge, charging capacity, size of charger, durability and compatibility, which is useful for multiple devices.”

Accessory Lab has a range of chargers branded Olixar that will ensure anyone travelling to, or around, America can reach their destination. Please see information below.

Accessory Lab is also offering some advice on what to look for in a charger here: http://www.accessorylab.co.uk/2014/07/07/power-banks-and-portable-chargers-buying-guide

All Olixar products are available to buy now at www.mobilefun.co.uk, with prices starting from £19.99.

Posted in: Laptops, News, Phones
By July 1, 2014 Read More →

How Social Media Shaped Cell Phone Design

shutterstock_180921581In 1984, “The Brick” started the cell phone revolution—even with its bulky size and cost. Eventually the phone evolved into a sleek design with capabilities beyond the vision of the original designers of the mobile phone. In the last 30 years, cell phones have been updated from bricks to flip phones to the iconic iPhone. But phones weren’t the only thing that was changing. We were also revolutionizing the way we communicate with each other. Innovative social media platforms available on cell phones have enabled us to connect in a different ways. Designers have to continually keep up with the trends, so who knows where we will end up 30 years from now. Here are just a few ways that cell phones have advanced:

Increased Camera Capabilities

Social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, who boast a base of 26 million and 200 million users respectively, have forced companies to release phones with enhanced camera capabilities. These phones with enhanced camera can capture different unique videos and images like Jimmy John Shark photo that can be trending on social platforms.

Selfie was without a doubt the biggest word of the year. People would take photos using their front-facing cameras and call it a selfie. Even though Sony Ericsson first introduced the front facing camera in 2003 with the Z1010, it wasn’t until Apple released the iPhone 4 that the phenomenon really took off. Now, virtually all smartphones include a front-facing camera so users can take selfies at the Grammy’s, on top of the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, or take selfies at the gym.

Sprint’s PM8920 released the first camera phone, featuring a 1.3-megapixel camera. This number is dwarfed in comparison to what we have today. The iPhone features an 8-megapixel camera, the Sony Xperia contains 13-Megapixel camera and the Nokia Lumia 1020 has an astounding 41-megapixel camera. The increase allows users to take higher quality pictures to share with their friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Phone buyers are now cognizant of the camera quality in smartphones and often account for that in their purchasing decision. Even more amazingly, these phones are a fraction of the price they were in the ’80s and they are widely available from the major service providers.

Enhanced Video Recording

Smartphones are also equipped with the latest video technology. The best smartphones have the capability to shoot at a high frame rate. The amount of frames per second (fps) is the amount of unique images created in a second, thus raising the quality of the video. The Mobile Choice Awards named the HTC One the Best Video Phone of 2013 because it shoots at a remarkable 30 fps, allowing users to create videos mimicking the quality of Hollywood films. The newest technologies also work to regulate light so your shots have the optimum brightness.

YouTube, Instagram and Vine also are responsible for the advancement in video capability for smartphones. People love to share their experiences on video through their social media networks. Whether it’s capturing a child’s first step or recording your favorite band’s set, you will want to record it to share with your followers. Beyond sharing intimate, family moments there is a growing amount of people making money from their smartphone videos. Some Youtubers and Viners are even making a living off their creative aptitude, and they will continue to push for further video capturing innovations. Some individuals also earn money by investing in the forex market through investing apps provided by the best forex brokers.

Keyboard Design

Cell phone manufacturers have had to alter device designs to keep up with all the different types of messaging and status updates. Innovative keyboard design all started with the immensely popular Sidekick, which featured a slide out keyboard that allowed users to easily text their BFFs. The BlackBerry has also been at the forefront of keyboard design because of their easy layout, which has sustained a dedicated base of users. Nowadays, touch screen keyboards are king as it allows users to quickly enter their status updates. There are even swipe keyboards that allow users to type faster than ever.

Posted in: Editorial, Phones
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