Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By November 28, 2013 Read More →

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is ready to go

nokia_lumia_2520_twodevice-cropped-640x460Nokia today announced that the Nokia Lumia 2520, the company’s first Windows tablet, will be available exclusively through The John Lewis Partnership from December 4th.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 features include:

  • 4G connectivity – allowing faster downloads and connectivity
  • 10.1” full HD display – enhancing entertainment experiences on a large screen
  • Quad core chipset
  • 4 colour options – glossy finished white or red and a matt finished black or cyan
  • 11 hours of battery life
  • Exclusive apps – Nokia Video Director, a new video editing software that lets you get even more creative with different editing styles and Dragons Adventure, a unique entertainment experience built in partnership with DreamWorks Animation which transforms a family drive into a magical gaming experience
Posted in: News, Tablets
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By November 28, 2013 Read More →

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast 214: Dan and the Mustache of Doom

Podcast-Logo_thumb.jpgGareth and Dan are here with another UK update on the mobile front, this week with Phil Lain.

A massive amount of phone and tablet news to churn through this week. Most major manufacturers pull out some sort of new device, with a massive screen.

Gareth goes to Finland and doesn’t look at Angry Birds or Nokia products and young Phil drinks a glass of water.

Featuring Gareth, Dan and Phil

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Watch the video on Youtube

By November 27, 2013 Read More →

Those rumours about a touchscreen Chromebook are true

acer-C720P-29552G03aiiLooks like Acer are more in touch with the consumer than ever before. Their latest Chromebook nabs one of the features of the Chromebook, namely a touch screen, whips it into place and flogs it for almost £1,000 less than the Pixel.

Combined with the handsome features of the current Acer C720 Acer could really steal the crown of best all rounder when it comes to a Chromebook. Press release to follow:

  • Acer’s first touchscreen Chromebook – the Acer C720P – provides a natural way to enjoy all the benefits of Chrome
  • Available in selective countries early December starting at only €299.99
  • Great multi-tasking performance and up to 7.5 hours of battery life with fast Intel processor
  • Boots up in only 7 seconds with fast 32GB SSD

London, 27th November 2013 – Acer today announced the availability of its first touchscreen Chromebook, the new Acer C720P, a new model in the Acer C720 Chromebook line that was introduced last month. The new C720P provides the many benefits of touch on the device’s 11.6-inch HD LED back-lit display to take advantage of the Chrome interface.

“Our new touchscreen C720P gives customers an intuitive way to browse sites online, enjoy apps, and do more with the Chromebook,” said John Miedema, director, business product unit for Acer EMEA. “The Acer C720 Chromebook line has been praised for its performance and battery life, and this new touchscreen model allows us to address the needs of an even wider range of customers with exciting new capabilities. We’re certain many holiday shoppers will jump at the chance to get a touchscreen Chromebook for just €299.99.”

The new Acer C720P touchscreen Chromebook is being introduced after the launch of Acer’s new “A Touch More” marketing campaign that highlights the company’s growing range of innovative products with touch capabilities.

The Acer C720P’s touch capabilities are enjoyed on its vibrant 11.6-inch ComfyView™ HD display that has a 1366×768 resolution to keep websites, images and video crisp and clear. The multi-touch display allows customers to use gestures such as swipe, tap and pinch to zoom to interact in a natural way with the Chromebook so they can better enjoy educational apps, browse websites, scroll through Google Docs, play games and more.

Like the rest of the new C720 line, the new C720P touchscreen model is powered by an Intel Celeron 2955U processor based on the Intel Haswell micro-architecture, so it delivers fast performance and excellent multi-tasking such as running multiple tabs and apps. The processor also enhances battery life; it keeps customers going for up to 7.5 hours for extra productivity and fun.

The C720P gets customers working and connecting quickly with its 32GB SSD that provides a fast boot time of less than 7 seconds and quick resuming from sleep. The large SSD also provides ample storage capacity for saving video, photos and other files. In addition, the touchscreen C720P features 2GB of DDR3 memory. Plus, the Acer C720 quickly connects to hotspots and wireless networks via 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi.

Thin and Lightweight Design Includes all the Extras
The Acer C720P Chromebook measures only 2 cm and weighs only 1.3 kg pounds, making it easy to carry to meetings, classes, and anywhere life takes today’s busy consumers. The C720P’s compact chassis houses everything needed to stay productive, connected and entertained on the go. It features an integrated HD webcam for video chats as well as capturing video and photos to share online. The new Chromebook features a dual speaker design that delivers crisp and clear stereo audio during online chats as well as for enjoying music and movies. Connecting to popular consumer electronics devices such as camcorders, digital cameras and smart phones is easy and convenient with the Chromebook’s USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. Its HDMI port can be used to provide video and content to external displays and HDTVs.

Security for Multiple Users, Collaboration
Customers will appreciate that the Chrome OS is updated automatically, so it always has the latest features. Multiple layers of security features including data encryption and verified boot defend the Acer C720P Chromebook against online threats, malware and viruses. The Acer C720P Chromebook keeps data safe when the device is used by multiple users, such as for collaboration in the classroom and for projects for home, school or work. Users can have separate accounts to ensure their project, Gmail and other information is kept safe if the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or lent to a friend.

Chromebooks Are Ready to Work and Play
Acer Chromebook customers are provided several extras to make use of their new C720P touchscreen Chromebook right out of the box. They can access up to 100GB of free Google Drive storage for the first two years after purchase, so files, documents, photos and more are stored safely in the cloud.Acer Chromebooks are easy to start enjoying, as they come with popular Google products built in including Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Hangouts.

Pricing, Availability and Warranty
The Acer C720 Chromebook will be available early December in Switzerland, Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland with a starting price of €299.99.

Posted in: Laptops, News
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By November 27, 2013 Read More →

Pawn Stars attack Google Chromebook

Screenshot 2013-11-27 07.07.58Microsft’s “Scroogled” campaign has become become one of the biggest, embarrassing jokes in the industry. Again screaming nothing but desperation and unprofessional competition.

The ad shows a young actress walking into a famous “Gold and Silver Pawn Shop” in Vegas, with her Samsung Chromebook. She tries to sell it for a ticket to Hollywood but instead gets mocked and told she could probably get to Reno. The Pawn Stars crew highlights that it’s not a real laptop, doesn’t work offline and doesn’t have Office.

We won’t even mention the long list of inferior Windows computers and the company’s history. If Microsoft is really willing to pay TV show Pawn Stars a fortune to make this advert it must mean they are feeling the pressure. Chromebooks are on the rise, and that means no good for a company who is used to ruling the PC market.

You can trust in Microsoft not to be up with the times, the Chromebook is developing at a faster rate than they could ever wish their platform develop. I wonder now is Google will accept the insult like a Gentleman from an petulant child of if they might pick one the many, many flaws in Windows retaliate! And besides have Windows not road-mapped Windows 10 to be a Cloud OS?

Written on a Chromebook (offline)

Posted in: Laptops, News
By November 26, 2013 Read More →

Qualcomm Toq Smartwatch Available for Pre-Order in the US

toq_preorderToday Qualcomm announced that their Toq Smartwatch is officially available for pre-order from their Toq Store with a $350.00 price tag attached to it. Available in black and white the Toq will ship in 1-3 weeks with the charges to your Credit card only taking place after the smartwatch has shipped. Unfortunately the wearable is not available internationally and we will; just have to wait. However, we are surprised at this price point, it’s more expensive than the Galaxy Gear.  On the plus side, the Toq SmartWatch is compatible with most Android powered handsets, so you don’t have to worry about compatibly issues.

If you are interested you can head on over to the Toq Store and check out all the details.

Posted in: Gadgets, News
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By November 25, 2013 Read More →

Samsung Announces Galaxy Grand 2

Samsung-Galaxy-Grand-2Samsung have announced their latest big screen outing, this time a follow up to the Galaxy Grand, oddly titled the Galaxy Grand 2. Whilst not packing the raw horse-power of the Note 3 or the vast screen of the Mega the Grand 2 fits in between with a more reasonable price tag and eye brow raising specs.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has today announced the Galaxy Grand 2, a device that offers an optimal large-screen experience on a portable, compact smartphone. The Galaxy Grand 2 provides improved HD viewing experience, enhanced performance, and many other intuitive features.

The Galaxy Grand 2 boasts a 5.25” screen with a 16:9 HD ratio, perfect for watching movies, playing games and e-reading. Multi Window takes multitasking to the next level by maximising the benefits of the large screen as well as enabling users to run one application in two windows at the same time.

The Galaxy Grand 2 delivers superior performance with a more powerful Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and long-lasting 2,600mAh battery, providing up to 10 hours of playback and 17 hours of calls. The dual-SIM capabilities mean that users can switch seamlessly between networks.

To provide a more intuitive experience, the Galaxy Grand 2 comes equipped with several smart features that continue to set the Galaxy series apart from other smartphone devices on the market, including enhanced camera features like Best Face, Best Photo and Continuous Shot, as well as:

  • Story Album: Organise pictures by timeline, and create and print albums all from the device
  • S Translator: A translation service that provides instantaneous translations at any time
  • S Travel: Provides guides and travel information for travelling
  • Sound & Shot: Record up to nine seconds of audio with photos
  • Samsung Hub: Unique content service that provides access to music, videos, games and more
  • Group Play: To listen to music , share documents or play games together
  • Samsung Link: Connects your devices providing access to photos, music, videos and documents from multiple locations

Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 will be offered in White, and Black and Pink is available in selective regions.

Galaxy Grand 2 Product Specifications:

  • Quad Core 1.2GHz Processor
  • 5.25” HD (1280×720) TFT Display
  • 1.5GB (RAM) + 8GB (Internal Memory) + microSD (up to 64GB) Memory *User memory space may be less than the total memory space due to system files. User memory may differ by region, carrier, and supporting language, and may change after software upgrade.
  • 8MP AF + LED Flash / 1.9MP (HD) Camera
  • Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
  • WiFi a/b/g/n, BT4.0, GPS + Glonass, USB 2.0
  • Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Light, Hall Sensor
  • 146.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm, 163g
  • 2,600mAh Battery
Posted in: News, Phones
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By November 25, 2013 Read More →

Nokia introduces the Nokia Lumia 1520

Nokia-Lumia-1520-3Nokia announces the UK availability of the Nokia Lumia 1520, its first smartphone with a 6 inch high definition display.

Many of the UK carriers have already announced release dates and Carphone Warehouse is starting to take pre-orders for delivery on the 6th December.

The main features of the Nokia Lumia 1520 include:

  • Stunning 1080p HD screen – seamlessly combining both work and play
  • 20MP camera – capture amazing images, edit with Refocus and document your files using Nokia Storyteller
  • Additional 3rd live tiles column – access even more of your favourite apps from the homescreen
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor – faster downloads of your files and games
  • 7GB of SkyDrive – free and secure cloud storage to access media files anywhere
  • Micro SD support – allows for an additional 64GB of storage

The Nokia Lumia 1520 will be available to purchase on contract from approximately £38 per month from O2 retail, Vodafone on-line, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4u and independent retailers via Micro-P from Friday 6th December 2013.

Press release:

London, UK – Nokia today announced the availability of the Nokia Lumia 1520 its first smartphone with a 6” high definition display. The Lumia 1520 takes productivity to a new level by seamlessly combining both work and play. Watching videos and playing games has never been more fun as with its stunning 1080p HD screen, the Lumia 1520 brings even the most sophisticated games to life. Accessing your favourite apps is now even faster with an additional 3rd column of user defined live tiles on the home screen. When it’s time to work, the Nokia Lumia 1520 really delivers, with Microsoft Office already on board and its Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, viewing and editing documents and files on the move becomes simple, fast and intuitive. Backing up documents to SkyDrive is also simple with 7GB of free and secure cloud storage and as the Lumia 1520 also supports micro SD storage up to an additional 64GB you can be sure that every document edit is stored, even on the go.

Getting more productive

”The application and graphics performance provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor allows Nokia to continue creating new and innovative imaging experiences for consumers.” said Raj Talluri, senior vice president of product management for Qualcomm technologies, Inc. “The advanced integration level in the Snapdragon 800 processor means less individual components inside the phone translating to lower power consumption and smaller overall motherboard design, this lets Nokia to package all Windows Phone experiences into a beautifully designed product.”

Telling stories better on a large screen

With its 20MP camera and ZEISS optics, Nokia PureView remains at the forefront of the 1520 experience. The 1520 includes Nokia’s latest imaging innovations such as Nokia Camera which integrates the most popular imaging modes – ProCam, SmartCam, and video – into one seamless picture-taking experience. These features are enhanced by exciting new applications such as Nokia Storyteller and Refocus. For the first time PureView imaging meets HERE maps with the launch of Nokia Storyteller merging the two signature Lumia experiences together. Re-live memories in a new, dynamic, and interactive way that integrates pictures with HERE location information into a chronological photographic journey on a map. Zooming out of a picture reveals tagged points of interest and contact information, user reviews and even driving directions. Viewing the images on the map makes memories truly come alive with auto playback of video, animated images and sequential movement in a still picture.

Conor Pierce, VP of UK & Ireland for Nokia said, “The Nokia Lumia 1520 is a stunning device, everyone who tries it instantly falls in love with it which is why it has already received great reviews. Aside from its unrivalled camera I also see it being hugely popular in the B2B space, where productivity really matters.”

The Nokia Lumia 1520 will be on sale from O2 retail, Vodafone on-line, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4u and widely available from independent retailers via Micro-P from 6th December priced from approx. £38 per month on contract.

Nokia Lumia 1520

  • Windows Phone 8 with the latest updates
  • HERE location and mapping services
  • HERE location and mapping services: Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+;Free HERE Transit available in the Store
  • 6” full HD 1080p LCD. Great outdoor visibility with, ClearBlack technology, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight readability, Super sensitive touch for glove and nail usage protected with Gorilla glass 2
  • 3400 mAh battery with integrated wireless charging (Qi compatible)
  • 2.2GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 800 processor
  • Main camera: PureView 20 MP Auto Focus  ZEISS optics with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), 2x lossless zoom, dual LED flash, 1080p @ 30 fps video with optical image stabilisation. Front facing camera, 1.2 Skype HD 720p video
  • Rich Recording with four microphones, Wideband Voice and multi-microphone noise reduction with four microphones, Dolby(R) Headphone, Graphic equalizer, Audio levelling, FM radio
  • 2GB RAM, 32 GB internal user memory; 7 GB SkyDrive cloud storage, micro SD card support up to 64GB
By November 25, 2013 Read More →

Android gaming update 25-11-13

soul-calibur-android-gameLets take a look at the recent releases in the Android gaming world:

Namco Bandai has decided to bring Soul Calibur to Android and this is one of the more popular ones out there in the fighting genre. This release is the original Soul Calibur game and comes with the full 19 character roster to play as.

Soul Calibur Features:

  • 5 Different game modes: Arcade Battle, Time Attack, Survival, Museum and Practice
  • 19 character roster!
  • All character moves faithfully recreated!
  • A new virtual game pad that has been fine-tuned specifically for fighting games.

Get it from Google Play for £4.14

Posted in: Apps & Games
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By November 25, 2013 Read More →

Samsung calls retrial to halt

apple-samsung-logo1Yup, they are at it again. In the Apple Vs. Samsung trial that is never ending, Samsung has called the whole thing into question based on the testimony from the Patent Office which suggests that the pinch-to-zoom feature Apple has been eager to defend may not even be legitimate. The Patent Office’s statement regarding patent no. 7,844,915 doesn’t invalidate Apple’s claim; it is just that the company will need to provide more evidence to support their claims.

Samsung, in response said, “This PTO decision calls into question the entire jury verdict in this trial. During its presentation, Apple made a deliberate decision not to separate the damages between the different asserted patents. Therefore, it will be impossible to determine what allocation of damages belong to the invalid ‘915 patent versus the other patents. It would be unjust to have damages evaluated and awarded on a patent found to be invalid by the PTO.”

The retrial picked up last Tuesday to decide specifically how much Samsung owed Apple, given that a previous jury had already declared that infringement had, in fact, taken place. Regardless of how the jury is swayed this time, next year a new patent trial between the electronics manufacturers will kick off – starting the slap fight all over again. I can’t help but think the only people who will profit out of this ongoing wrangle are the Law firms attached.

Posted in: News
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By November 24, 2013 Read More →

What has Google been up to?

google-appsGoogle are busy as always tinkering with their massive array of products and we are going to have a quick look at what has been modified, moved and removed from Google’s catalogue. The Nexus 5 is out, most of us are on Android 4.4, is Google sitting back and having a rest? Nope.

Chromecast 

teaser_google_chromecast_appGoogle has recent made small alterations to their Chromecast app. It’s still the configuration app for the Chromecast HDMI stick, however, the recent update is easing navigation, improves time zone display, displays the Chromecast MAC address and fixes a crash when launching device settings screen.

Google Play

teaser_google_playWe have seen a roll-out of some previously announced changes for the Google Play store that are said to make it even easier for tablet users to discover apps and games – designed and optimized for Android tablets. However, unlike Google’s integration on Google TV, where users only see for Google TV developed apps, in this case Google is first presenting tablet optimized apps by showing tablet users a “Designed for tablets” section as the default view in top lists.

Google Play Newsstand

teaser_google_play_newsstandWe can say goodbye to Google Play Magazines and the beastly Google Play Currents Android apps. With Google Play Newsstand users can discover more of the news and magazines they care about, all in one app for Android tablet or phone. It displays breaking news and in-depth articles featuring audio, video and more. From sports, business, cooking, entertainment, fashion and more – Google Play Newsstand offers both, free and paid news plus the ability to subscribe to full HD magazines. With hundreds of premier publishers – it’s all there, easy to follow, read, and share. In addition, it allows to add own own news channels, for instance from RSS feeds or Google Play Currents.

Google Translate

teaser_google_translateGoogle has announced Google Translate is to launch a new Google Translate app for Android. The app is now featuring faster and simpler speech translations, additional language support and a sleek new look. Google Translate for Android works as before, all it needs is to open the Translate app and press the microphone icon. Google has also added gesture support now, so with a simple turn of the screen, it’s possible to switch back and forth between languages.

Google RSA migration

chrome-security-logoGoogle‘s security engineer Dan Dulay announced that the tech giant has successfully upgraded all its SSL certificates to the longer 2048-bit RSA. Google has sought to strengthen its SSL certificates by switching from 1024-bit to 2048-bit RSA keys. Doubling the key length will, hopefully, make it much harder to crack the encryption of sensitive data such as banking transactions, email, and others. The company announced in May that it has started the migration and expects to finish by the end of the year. It seems that Google has managed to finish earlier and will now start the next phase, that of issuing 2048-bit certificates for its websites and online services.

Posted in: Apps & Games, News, Phones, Tablets
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