Phones

By December 17, 2013 Read More →

Samsung announce a Gamepad

Samsung announce a GamepadSamsung today introduced the Samsung Mobile Console GamePad and application to improve so popular online gaming experience for Samsung Galaxy devices.

The  Samsung GamePad instantly transforms Galaxy smartphones or tablets into portable gaming console or even a home console. For its practical design and durable steel structure, the GamePad is attachable to mobile devices ranging from 4 inches to 6.3 inches, which allows users to play from anywhere. Users can also connect Galaxy devices to your TV through a HDMI cable.

The controller design is quite similar to the PlayStation controller analog sticks parallel with each other. But the GamePad is a bit smaller than a PlayStation 3 controller has a standard directional pad, two analog joysticks, four buttons and two triggers.

The press release leads us to believe that the Gamepad work with almost any Android device with Android 4.3 or higher system, but there are special services reserved for Galaxy devices. For example, the PLAY button allows users to quickly access the “Mobile Console” application to view the titles that can be purchased. Samsung says there are 35 games with the cd keys ready for launch dedicated specifically for the Gamepad.

At this time, we do not know the price of Gamepad. Currently available in selected markets in Europe and can branch to other regions in the coming weeks.

By December 16, 2013 Read More →

Samsung announces Galaxy Core Advance

samsung-galaxy-s-advance-official-0Samsung Electronics today introduced the Galaxy Core Advance, combining the powerful Galaxy user experience with enhanced features. The Galaxy Core Advance has a premium design, sporting a large 4.7” display as well as a soft coated back cover that makes it more durable, and giving it a soft touch, making it easier and more comfortable to grip in your hand. The Galaxy Core Advance also incorporates physical keys for frequently used features and dedicated keys for voice recorder, camera, volume, menu, home and power functions.

Together with its stylish design, Galaxy Core Advance provides a connected experience with updated Bluetooth 4.0. The Galaxy Core comes equipped with GPS with GLONASS offering improved location accuracy and NFC with S Beam so you can share information such as YouTube videos, contact details and audio files with just a tap. The Galaxy Core Advance delivers a range of smart features, including S Voice, S Translator, Sound & Shot, Group Play and Easy Mode.

To extend the Galaxy experience to more people, the Galaxy Core Advance also has convenient usability functions and enhanced accessibility features for disabled and visually impaired users. Key features include Optical Scan which automatically recognises text from an image and reads it aloud, light sensing technology that uses the camera to sense light direction and brightness, and instant voice recorder that offers simplified access to make quick voice notes. The device is also equipped with screen curtain that means you can operate commands on a black screen to ensure privacy and saves battery life, high quality TTS (text-to-speech) functionalities and voice guided camera functions so you can take pictures by reading out the number of faces detected and their standing location.

Galaxy Core Advance will be offered in Deep Blue and Pearl White. A range of dedicated accessories will also be available separately.

UK availability will be announced in due course.

samsung-galaxy-s-advance-official-0

Galaxy Core Advance Specifications

  • Network – HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz (EUR)
  • Processor – Dual Core 1.2 GHz
  • Dimensions – 133.3 x 70.5 x 9.7 mm, 145g
  • Display – 4.7” WVGA TFT
  • Memory – 1GB RAM + 8GB Internal Memory, microSD up to 64GB
  • Camera – 5MP AF + VGA
  • Battery – 2,000 mAh
  • OS – Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  • Connectivity – Wi-Fi b/g/n/, 2.4 GHz; USB 2.0 H/S; NFC; BT 4.0; GPS + GLONASS

Features & Services
Sound & Shot, Group Play, S Translator, Easy Mode, S Voice, S Beam, Instant Voice Recorder,  Voice Guidance (TTS, Voice Guided Camera, Text Reader), FM Radio

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By December 16, 2013 Read More →

Google Glass unboxing video

Google Glass unboxing videoGoogle Glass has been around for a little while now with early ‘Explorer Edition’ versions being made available to a select few testers and developers at the beginning of 2013. Over the past few months the Explorer programme has been further extended and I’ve now been lucky enough to have been invited to join and have just now received my very own Google Glass. Excited is not the word…

Google Glass has been a little controversial of late and there have been some privacy concerns, in fact some shops and restaurants going so far as to ban their use. Part of my desire to use Glass is to consider these issues myself and I’ll be talking about this more as I get to use it more.

So as is always the way with any new tech I get my hands on, I’ve recorded a short unboxing video for your viewing pleasure. You’ll notice that I’m not in my normal studio environment recording this one, I’m in a hotel having just picked the Glass up. As a result, there is some noise for the first minute and 10 seconds, so I hope that doesn’t detract from the video too much.

Google Glass Unboxing video

Google Glass Specification:

  • Dual-core 1GHz OMAP CPU*
  • 1GB RAM (682MB available to developers)*
  • OS: Android 4.0.4
  • 3 axis gyroscope
  • 3 axis accelerometer
  • 3 axis magnetometer (compass)
  • Touchpad Control
  • Bone Conductor Speaker
  • 16GB Storage/ 12GB Free
  • 1 Day Battery Life
  • Voice Control
  • WiFi 802.11b/g
  • Bluetooth
  • Titanium Headband
  • 5MP Camera
  • 720P video recording
  • 640×360 display

* Specs for the CPU and RAM are not totally clear, has been a lot of contradictory information so we’re going with the consensus.

 

Other than the touchpad, Google Glass can be controlled using “voice actions”. To activate Glass, wearers tilt their heads 30° upward (which can be altered for preference) or tap the touchpad, and say “O.K., Glass.” Once Glass is activated, wearers can say an action, such as “Take a picture”, “Record a video”, “Hangout with [person/Google+ circle]”, “Google ‘What year was Wikipedia founded?'”, “Give me directions to the Eiffel Tower”, and “Send a message to John”

By December 15, 2013 Read More →

Windows 8.1 and the Onscreen buttons of Blue

Screenshot 2013-12-14 19.18.17Renowned leakster @evleaks has shared a part of a screenshot from Windows Phone 8.1 on Twitter. The image shows on-screen touch navigation buttons. This the three-button collection of Back, Windows and Search keys very like what you might see on the more recent incarnations of Androids. @evleaks‘ tweet suggests Microsoft is going to remove the need for hardware buttons and diversify the interaction on Windows Phone devices giving OEMs the choice between hardware and virtual buttons.

Can you think of any pro’s and con’s? Hardware buttons have their limits, also they have their merits. Android devices have shown us in the past that hardware buttons can be rejigged to suit a certain hardware manufacturers’ needs and that on screen buttons can sometime be intrusive or unresponsive. However you look at it Microsoft are following suit and with luck it might be a bit of a bonus.

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By December 13, 2013 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Review

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ReviewThe Samsung Galaxy Note was a device that many figured would die at launch. It was a gamble thankfully turning out to be a good one. The device was the first of a new craze and met with great reviews and only the cynical labelled it “too large.” Here we are two years later and the second revision of that ground break device has been launched and the eyes are on it. Can the King of the Phablets play a hat trick?

I have used the Samsung Galaxy Note II for a full year and would continue to be using it now had it not been for a slight accident that resulted in a cracked screen, a home repair left the device non-replaceable under insurance and a tear forming in the corner of my eye. “Worry not” I figured “the Note III will be here soon and shall pack all kinds of awesome, I shall never look back.”

Certainly, it arrived with an almighty clap of thunder but I did not hit any plastic to keep it in my life, and here’s why.

By December 12, 2013 Read More →

LG Gx details emerge

lgLG seem to have had a pretty successful end to 2013 with two of the more popular Android smartphones on the market at the moment coming from LG; The Nexus 5 and the flagship LG G2.

Already we’re starting to see some details of what could be the LG G2’s successor and if ppomppu.co.kr are correct the device will be called the LG Gx.

Based upon a google translate of the page, the LG Gx will have a diaplay slightly larger than the Nexus 5 and G2 at 5.5-inches,  a claimed 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and LTE-A support. It has also been said that there will be a 13-megapixel rear camera and a whopping 3140 mAh battery.

Where the information seems to have been called in to question is in the chipset department where the claim is that a Qualcomm 600 rather than the ‘usual’ 800 is listed which doesn’t seem to ring true as the devices that the Gx will succeed are 800 based.

We’ll be keeping or eyes peeled for more on this one as we’re pretty big fans of the Nexus 5!

LG-Gx5

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By December 10, 2013 Read More →

The Samsung Galaxy S4 with metal body?

w640There was talk months ago about Samsung releasing a few different variants of the Samsung Galaxy S4. A tough and rugged one that could accompany you on adventure holidays or onto the building site. A larger, almost dedicated camera version. And finally a higher quality version as many have given the majority of Samsung’s flack for their all plastic construction.

The recently release of the Galaxy Gear with it’s impressive steel construction has gotten some rumours going that the S5 might be of metal construction. Instead we see that the Samsung Galaxy J is being launch in Taiwan. Additionally the phone has 4G LTE-A technology inside it.

Here are the features we could dig as it is essentially the same as and S4

Phone Features

  • Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.0 inches
  • Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
  • RAM 3 GB
  • Primary camera 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels
  • Secondary camera  2 MP,1080p@30fps
  • Works on 2G, 3G and 4G networks
  • Android OS, v4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to v4.4 KitKat
  • Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery
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By December 10, 2013 Read More →

Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 410

qualcomm-snapdragon-chip-580x326Today Qualcomm have announced a new chipset to join their existing, impressive lineup. The Snapdragon 410 will

With today’s introduction of the Snapdragon 410 processor, Qualcomm is extending its leadership in emerging regions by bringing integrated 4G LTE to sub $150 smartphones. With a multimode, multiband world mode LTE modem, users will be able to take advantage of LTE speeds as 4G LTE begins to ramp in China and other emerging regions globally. Qualcomm also announced plans to bring 4G LTE to all tiers of Snapdragon processors.

The Snapdragon 410 will also be Qualcomm’s first 64-bit capable product, ensuring OEMs customers are ready for the transition to the next-generation of mobile operating systems. Additional upgrades to the Snapdragon 410 include the Adreno 306 GPU, support for 1080p video playback and up to a 13 Megapixel camera.

By December 10, 2013 Read More →

Nexus 5 gets Android 4.4.2

Screenshot_2013-12-10-06-30-25Just a few days after the Android 4.4.1 update for the Nexus 5 another alert appeared on my phone this morning advising that there was an update available, this time Android 4.4.2 provided over the air.

This latest Android 4.4.2 update promises further camera improvements for the Nexus 5 with faster shooting, less shutter lag, less motion blur, faster and more accurate auto focus, better white balance and more accurate exposures.

Whist it’s too early for me to pass much of  a judgement, I can say that there is a marked improvement in the shutter lag but I’ll need to take more pictures to comment on the other improvements.

This OS update does state that there are ‘Other Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements’ but does not provide a list. I haven’t seen anything as yet…

UPDATE: As Steve Wilson points out, 4.4.2 is also available for the Nexus 4,7 and 10.

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By December 9, 2013 Read More →

Stare at the Oppo Find 7 with crazy eyes

Oppo-Find-5-660x479-635x460We didn’t get to see the Oppo Find 5 in the UK, however it was one we followed in the hope we would. However, rumours suggest that we will the phone’s followup. According to recent whispers, the Oppo Find 7 could launch with a mighty Snapdragon 805 CPU, Qualcomm’s latest and greatest system-on-a-chip for mobile devices.

Perhaps one of the most exiting features of the Find 7 is the claimed 5.7-inch 2,560×1,440 touchscreen that will make it one of the first 2K devices on the market.

Other rumoured specifications include 3GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, and 4G LTE support. Oppo recently posted an image to their Web page “4G LTE, I’m ready!” a pretty clear indication that we should expect this. If the Find 7 lives up to these rumours, we could be dealing with a serious phone from the daring mobile manufacturer looking to make a name for itself and standing out of all the Android options out there.

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