Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By March 24, 2014 Read More →

Microsoft update their Store search function

BjezPNdIAAA0So-Store fronts have been become increasingly controversial lately. From Google Play failing to differentiate between phone and tablet apps up until recently to Steam’s deluge of old titles from big studios pushing newly release indie software into oblivion software and app stores just haven’t managed to find that fine line between give what you want and being able to take a quick payment to push something you don’t really need.

One of the worst offenders was Microsoft with the Windows Phone Store. Recently Microsoft have spent some time with their mobile store and has finally updated its Windows Phone Store search algorithm. Less finding spam apps, more finding what it is you are actually looking for.

Both Google and now Microsoft are known for their search techniques, Google and Microsoft’s Bing search are at the forefront of their related operating system and the World Wide Web. It’s a bit of a shame that their cutting edge search technology cannot yield the same results in something as simple as an application store as those for the entirety of the internet.

Posted in: Apps & Games, News
By March 22, 2014 Read More →

Samsung Chromebook 2 arriving in May

Chromebook2-11-01-680x342Samsung has announced that customers in the UK will be able to buy the Chromebook 2 series from May 2014. Available in 11.6 and 13.3-inch versions, the 11.6-inch black device will be able to buy from selected retailers from 1 May, and the 11.6-inch white device and 13.6-inch devices from 12 May.

The new models offer faster performance, longer battery life and a slim, light build, all enhanced by a durable textured lid and elegant stitched design. The 13.3-inch model also features a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution screen, so whatever you are viewing, whether it be for work, teaching, learning, or entertainment, you can enjoy in crystal clear clarity.

The Samsung Chromebook 2 Series wakes up in less than one second and cold boots in less than ten. Samsung’s energy-efficient Exynos 5 Octa processors mean you can multitask and render graphics and videos quickly. Up to 8.5 hours of battery life in the 13.3-inch device means that you can enjoy the Chromebook 2 throughout a full work or school day – all on a single charge. The Google Chrome OS also regularly auto-updates, so you always have the most recent technology and security features without needing to think about updating your device.

Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland said: “Since we introduced our first Chromebook in 2011, Samsung has been committed to continually developing the design and features of the series to meet our customers’ ever-changing needs, while staying true to the core Chromebook attributes of simplicity, speed and security. The Chromebook 2 Series does just that, which is why we’re delighted to be bringing the devices to the UK market.”

Posted in: Desktop Computing, News
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By March 20, 2014 Read More →

Nexus 9 with a 2k+

The-new-Nexus-7Rumours of a Nexus 6 and a Nexus 8 have been floating around the web for months. Today we have inklings of a Nexus 9. Supposedly, Google is developing an 8.9-inch Nexus 9 tablet designed to compete directly with the iPad Air. According to this rumour, it will have a display that is better than 2K. No specifics were given regarding the specs of this display or the device itself. 

The only other thing revealed was that it will be one of the first devices to include Android 5.0, and that it would cost around $299.99. If true, it would probably be a ridiculously good bargain and fuel my theory that we will see a Nexus 10 version 2 with Android 4.5 sooner!

Posted in: News, Tablets
By March 19, 2014 Read More →

Google’s New Android Wearables Platform to Debut on LG Device

unnamedLG Electronics (LG) is working together with Google on the LG G Watch powered by Android Wear™, which extends the Android platform to wearables. The LG G Watch will be compatible with a wide range of Android™ smartphones and will present relevant information to users just when they need it or whenever they say “OK Google” to ask questions or get stuff done. As one of Google’s lead partners in this effort, LG is planning to introduce its first watch powered by Android Wear in the second quarter of 2014.

The LG G Watch powered by Android Wear will present a low barrier to entry for developers and offer the best Google experience for users. LG engineers worked closely with Google from the initial stages of development to ensure that the LG G Watch worked perfectly with Android Wear. This is LG’s fourth device developed in close collaboration with Google following the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition.

“The opportunity to work with Google on LG G Watch was the perfect chance for LG to really pull out all stops in both design and engineering,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With the LG G Watch, LG is continuing the milestones we’ve set in wearables following in the footsteps of the world’s first 3G Touch Watch Phone in 2009 and the Prada Link in 2008. We’re confident that a well-designed device has the potential to take the smart wearable market by storm.”

Additional details of the LG G Watch powered by Android Wear, including hardware specifications, will be announced in the coming months.

Posted in: Gadgets, News
By March 18, 2014 Read More →

Carphone Warehouse say new HTC One (M8) coming 25th March

htc_one_plus_front_2Ahead of HTC’s official announcement Carphone Warehouse has revealed that the new “HTC One (M8)” handset will be available from selected stores from around 4pm on Tuesday 25th March – just minutes after it is officially announced.

The new HTC flagship device will be officially unveiled by the manufacturer at special events in London and New York earlier that afternoon. Shortly after, the new HTC One (M8) handsets will be transported directly from the venue of the launch announcement to six Carphone Warehouse stores in London. Westfield Stratford, Westfield White City, Oxford Circus, Centrepoint and Tottenham Court Road stores will all be hosting special events celebrating the HTC launch with entertainment and giveaways as well as the first chance for customers to get their hands on the new device. Carphone Warehouse at Selfridges will also be stocking the handset from the same time. 

Full information including videos of the new handset will be shared on www.carphonewarehouse.com and customers will be able to order the HTC One (M8) over the phone from the same afternoon, before it is available from all 770 Carphone Warehouse stores and to order online shortly afterwards.

A Carphone Warehouse spokesperson comments, “The HTC One is an award winning handset that set the bar for design during 2013 and made many sit up and take notice – the new HTC One M8 is likely to continue that trend and will cement HTC’s future as a heavy-hitting smartphone manufacturer. We know how keen customers are to get hold of the latest tech as soon as possible and that is why we are so excited to be able to offer the new HTC One so quickly after it is unveiled.”

Customers can pre-register their interest in the new HTC One (M8) now at http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/help-support/advice-and-news/news/launchpad-rumours/htc-rumours

Posted in: News, Phones
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By March 17, 2014 Read More →

Are Google thinking about launching their own network?

2014-03-15This question recently appeared on a Google Opinion sparking the rumour that Google might be launching their own network. Perhaps as an virtual network operator on a larger network however as they have dug in the wiring for Google Fibre is does not rule out the option that they might go to the expense of erecting their own towers.

The best news here is that Google would be charging less than the other networks as you can only use a Nexus device on their network. A master stroke for all those who love a Nexus, and lets face it, there are a lot.

At any rate, this is merely a rumour now. Gauging from public reaction Google might not both. For us little folk in the UK, we would be unlikely to see a Google network for a least 1,000 years.

Posted in: News, Phones, Rumours
By March 16, 2014 Read More →

Chromecast here on Wednesday?

Chromecast-peeking-630x348Sundar Pichai recently mentioned the Chromecast would come to other markets within weeks. The Chromecast app was updated with new languages and we even had a nice leak of the Chromecast being prepared for launch here in the UK. We just needed one more detail – when?.

The latest leak comes from Android Police. It’s an internal document that states a “new Google product” will be released this Wednesday, March 19th. This document is said to come from Dixons. It’s also labeled as “one of the biggest products this year from Google.”

Now, this document doesn’t specify it’s talking about the Chromecast, but we have been seeing many rumours and news about the HDMI dongle lately. We can’t imagine this being about any other product.

Price continues to be unspecified. The only details we know came from the last rumour, which suggests the price will be £30. Regardless, we will learn all this information very soon. Circle this coming Wednesday in your calendars, guys! March 19th is looking like the day we see the Chromecast arriving!

Posted in: News, TV & Home Cinema
By March 15, 2014 Read More →

Google Drive slashes prices

google-drop-priceMany have discussed what might happen the day your 100gb of free online storage runs out after purchasing a shiny Chromebook. Thankfully there is a nice answer. It looked like the end user was going to have to clear everything out and say “bye bye” and manage with 15gb or shell out some green to keep it, learn here how to do the file migration to Google Drive.

Today Google announced some great news, lower the prices on all its paid subscriptions for Google Drive storage.

100GB of space now costs $1.99/m (down from $4.99/m); a gargantuan 1TB will now cost $9.99/m (down from $49/m) and if you’re really in need of cloud storage you can rent out 10TB+ for a monthly for starting from $99.99. The new pricing plans come into effect today. More details can be found at google.com/settings/storage. And if you already have a subscription Google say not to worry; anyone already signed up to a monthly plan will be automatically switched to the cheaper option, no input needed.

This seems like a positive outcome for Google and supporters of Google Glass, like me. However, Commissioner John Blair did state, following the ruling, that the he felt that there is sufficient scope in the code that bans the use of TV and Video to include Google Glass.

Whilst this ruling may not in itself set a legal precedent relating to the legality of Google Glass and usage while driving and this is likely to rumble on for some time to come until there is a definitive ruling and laws passed.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, News, Storage Devices
By March 14, 2014 Read More →

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast 222: Louder than before

Podcast-Logo_thumb.jpgGareth and Dan are here with another UK update on the mobile front. Dan gives his thoughts on Mobile World Congress 2014.

This week Dan tells us what it was like to be on the ground at MWC, the most leaked phone of the decade, the HTC One (M8) and several of the new devices from Archos get discussed.

Featuring Gareth, Dan and Phil

 

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Posted in: News, Podcast
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By March 12, 2014 Read More →

Google Nexus 8 rumours

Nexus7-9530We have a Google Nexus 8 Android tablet rumour to today. Apparently a new report sheds additional light on some of the hardware details of this potential device. Whilst there isn’t too much information there is enough to start dreaming and getting excited. Here are the proposed specs:

Google Nexus 8 Tablet Specification:

  • 8-Inch Display
  • Intel Atom “Moorefield” 64-bit 2.3GHz quad-core processor with enhanced performance memory
  • PowerVR G6430 GPU
  • Android 4.5

Supposedly, Google will announce the tablet later this year and it will be one of the first devices running their next iteration of Android, which will supposedly be 4.5. Using Intel hardware would be a substantial departure from the norm for Google, but we wouldn’t put it past them. The Nexus 10 is due a refresh first and with any luck we might just see version 4.5 on that and a version 5 arriving with a Nexus 8. One can only hope.

Posted in: News, Rumours, Tablets
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