Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

By Gareth November 26, 2013 Read More →

Qualcomm Toq Smartwatch Available for Pre-Order in the US

Today 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
Tags: Smartwatch

By Gareth November 25, 2013 Read More →

Samsung Announces Galaxy Grand 2

Samsung 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
Tags: Android, galaxy grand, Samsung

By Gareth November 25, 2013 Read More →

Nokia introduces the Nokia Lumia 1520

Nokia 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

Posted in: News, Phones
Tags: 1520, Lumia, Nokia, pureview, Windows Phone

By Gareth November 25, 2013 Read More →

Android gaming update 25-11-13

Lets 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 f or £4.14

Posted in: Apps & Games
Tags: Android, games

By Gareth November 25, 2013 Read More →

Samsung calls retrial to halt

Yup, 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
Tags: Apple, Samsung

By Gareth November 24, 2013 Read More →

What has Google been up to?

Google 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

Google 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

We 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

We 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

Google 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

Google‘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
Tags: google

By Gareth November 23, 2013 Read More →

SSD Face-off

Having a go at doing an SSD face-off with three lower priced SSDs in a typical PC setup. All three SSDs are tested on the same platform in an IDE set up. From the expensive Kingston SSDnow 100 V, to the considerably cheaper Toshiba Q Series Pro and including the OCZ Vertex Plus R2 for good measure we see that money isn’t everything when it comes to picking up an SSD.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, Laptops
Tags: Kingston, OCZ, SSD, Toshiba

By Gareth November 22, 2013 Read More →

Carriers rejecting plan to add smartphone kill switch

Back in June, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched an initiative called Secure Our Smartphones, with a coalition of consumer advocates, police, prosecutors including other officials in an effort to put pressure on smartphone makers to bring a halt to smartphone theft. One of the goals was the introduction of an industry-wide “kill switch” that would allow consumers to remotely render a stolen smartphone worthless.

Now five months later, the New York Times reports that wireless carriers State side are not keen with the idea. Gascón was reportedly working on a deal with Samsung Electronics to include anti-theft software with its phones in the United States, that would have undoubtedly rolled out worldwide soon after. Unfortunately, this software requires approval from the wireless carriers that service the phones: in this case, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint. All four rejected the idea a kill switch. Described as “unwilling“ Gascón reportedly viewed emails that took place between a Samsung executive and a software developer that revealed the four carriers’ reluctance to allow the software. The emails suggested that all four were more concerned about the profits made through insurance programs that are purchased to cover lost or stolen phones.

“Corporate profits cannot be allowed to guide decisions that have life-or-death consequences,” Gascón said. “This solution has the potential to safeguard Samsung customers, but these emails suggest the carriers rejected it so they can continue to make money hand over fist on insurance premiums.”

Instead of worrying about money the Carriers could have pointed out that there is room for abuse for such a step, say the kill switch is installed and a hacker gains control of the phone. They could disable the device and lock owners out. Or in the case of police evidence could be destroyed remotely from confiscated devices.

In the case of Apple’s Activation Lock, that’s not entirely true: the customer can disable the phone if it’s been lost, and then reactivate it with the correct username and password if found. For Android Device Manager, users can remotely lock their smartphone or tablet with a new password, or remotely reset the device to the original factory settings. The latter doesn’t stop thieves from selling the device on a secondary market, but at least the user data is mostly erased.

Gascón is reportedly evaluation what action can be taken against the carriers refusing to cooperate with the kill switch initiative.

“We have repeatedly requested that the carriers take steps to protect their customers. We are now evaluating what course of action will be necessary to force them to prioritize the safety of their customers over additional money in their pockets,” he said.

Posted in: News, Phones

By Gareth November 22, 2013 Read More →

Advent Vega Tegra Note 7 cheap goodness

If you were looking to pick up one of the best values in an Android tablet in time for Christmas, then you probably want to check out the Advent Vega Tegra Note 7 is the first (and currently only) Tegra 4 powered Android tablet available. At a price of just £179.99 over at PC World and Currys, the power and features of this little tablet might surprise you.

Here’s a recap of the Advent Vega Tegra Note 7:

NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 SoC, (This is the same ultra-fast processor and GPU combo found in the NVIDIA Shield)
7-Inch IPS 720p Display
1GB RAM
16GB of storage
MicroSD card slot
5MP rear camera
1.3MP front-facing cam
Android 4.2.2 at launch
An integrated stylus
Dual front-facing speakers
MicroHDMI port

While the amount of RAM is a bit low, and the display isn’t true HD like many of the newer tabs, the graphics prowess of the Tegra 4 could rival some desktop PCs. This tab is obviously built with gamers in mind, but at this price point it should attract more than just gamers.

Posted in: News, Tablets
Tags: Advent

By Gareth November 22, 2013 Read More →

The Toshiba Excite 7 announced

The Toshiba Excite 7 was officially announced yesterday. It boasts a quad-core processor, a microSD slot and more for only $169.99 (105). Here’s a breakdown of specs and features:

Toshiba Excite 7 specs:

7-inch 1024 x 600 Display
Quad-core processor
1GB of RAM
0.3MP front facing camera
3MP rear camera
Android 4.2.2 runs the show
Enhanced stereo speakers
12 hours of general use / 7.5 hours of video playback
microSD support

The specs are rather mediocre, although the microSD slot and Quad-Core CPU is appreciated. At this price point there are certainly better options however with the name Toshiba you know you will be getting a good quality device.

Posted in: News, Tablets
Tags: Toshiba

Author Archive: Gareth

Qualcomm Toq Smartwatch Available for Pre-Order in the US